🐎🏡💕 “Wyoming Promise” (The Blackwells of Eagle Springs #1) (2022) 💕🏡🐎 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: The Blackwells of Eagle Springs (Book #1)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (July 26, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584587
ISBN-13: 978-1335584588
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“A reunion with a twist…
May save the day!
After a near-fatal day on the job, firefighter Ryder Talbot's finally back in Eagle Springs, Wyoming, and ready for a new start with his daughter. Seeing Corliss Blackwell again stirs up old feelings he tried to leave behind. Now that Corliss needs his help to close a deal on a loan that will save her gran’s ranch, can he finally prove they’re worth taking a chance on?”
Thank you in advance to the author, Anna J. Stewart, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Here we are – another edition to the ever-growing Blackwell family. This offshoot of the family is set in Wyoming.
The Blackwell family was introduced to Heartwarming readers with the August 2018 release of Carol Ross’ The Rancher’s Twins in the The Return of the Blackwell Brothers series set in Montana. This author, Anna J. Stewart ended that series with The Rancher’s Homecoming in December. The other books in that series were written by Cari Lynn Webb, Melinda Curtis, and Amy Vastine as well.
The five ladies teamed up again two (2) years later in 2020 [has it been THAT long] for the release of The Blackwell Sisters, again set in Falcon Creek, Montana. That series begins with Vastine’s story and ends with Webb’s story. Stewart’s book, Montana Dreams, is the third one.
I joined in on the Blackwell adventures with Montana Match by Ross, and Montana Wedding by Webb. I do have the first three books in the series in my ever-growing TBR stack. I had bought them, but got another set from Amy Vastine – thank you so much for the HUGE book mail package! My extras went to my mom.
Even reading two of the books, I was shocked that different writers could manage a series and connect it so well that readers wouldn’t know there were multiple authors.
That said …
The five authors have teamed up yet again for another series in the Blackwell Family saga.
In The Blackwells of Eagle Springs series, it is Stewart who starts us off with Wyoming Promise. This time it is the family of Denny (Delaney) Blackwell – Big E’s little sister. Big E being Elias Blackwell.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author, and I have to say it was an interesting and entertaining introduction. Wow! This was definitely more than I expected.
If that sweet and simple “barnyard romantic” cover doesn’t grab you – the story will.
Do the two previous series HAVE to be read to read this one? Yes and no.
Yes – if readers want to get the entire family dynamic and background on the characters, I VERY HIGHLY suggest it. I say this because one couple from The Return of the Blackwell Brothers returns for a prominent role in this book – Tyler and Hadley from The Rancher’s Fake Fiancée (Amy Vastine). There are also other characters from the two series. And, readers can understand who Big E is and how he “works”.
No – if readers are fine with “acting like they know the entire dynamic”, there is no need to read the previous series. I don’t say that in a mean way. Let’s face it – sometimes going into a book, I at least, have to “act” like I know what happened before.
In this book, Stewart introduces readers to Big E’s “little” sister who is about 80, and really feisty. Unlike her brother, Denny is suffering financially after an illness wiped out some of their horses. In addition, Corliss’s dad – Denny’s son – wanted his inheritance in cash and retires with his wife to Arizona.
This leaves the Flying Spur in financial straits. Worse – a new investor in the local bank has called in a loan on the ranch despite Denny’s being nearly a founding member.
In addition to Denny and Corliss, Stewart introduces readers to:
🥘 Mason – Corliss’ 13/14-yar old son
🚒 Ryder – former oil rig firefighter, married to Corliss; working ranch
🐎 Olivia – Ryder’s 8-year-old daughter
👨🏻🦳 Whitlock – Ryder's father-in-law, current custodian of Olivia
🤠 Wyatt – youngest Blackwell sibling
🤠 Levi – Blackwell sibling, former rodeo star, injured
👒 Adele – widowed, mother of twin girls, Blackwell sibling
🚓 Sheriff Grady McMillan – Arrests Denny for assaulting Brock, and arrests Adele as well
🤠 Nash – Blackwell sibling, divorced, has a son
💵 Brock Bedford – banker that Denny “attacks” over the loan being called in
Stewart also does a terrific job of setting up Adele and Grady’s potential romance. Their story will be book #4 of this series (Her Favorite Wyoming Sheriff, October 2022).
The beginning with Denny being released and reference to the 4th of July holiday (Independence Day) is hysterical.
As a result of the financial issues, Corliss sees no other plan of action – she has to go to Elias and get a loan. Though her grandmother forbids her to go. In fact, Denny would rather lose it than beg Elias. Then again, Denny has always told Corliss – “Blackwells take care of each other”. She isn’t wrong though. Readers family with the other two series know that.
Within the first chapter, we’re introduced to Corliss’ other siblings and their own personalities.
At the same time, former oil rig firefighter Ryder is looking to return to the ranch that was his home growing up. He has his own issues though. While he’d been married for 10 years, he spent a lot of that at his job which caused his marriage to crumble. In addition, he was injured in a severe fire that killed two of his friends – and he has the physical and mental scars as well.
Ryder’s entry into the story adds a third element to the story. He needs to find a stable home for himself and his daughter Olivia, though his father-in-law seems to want to dictate his life and isn’t going to turn over Olivia without a fight – or so it seems. Ryder feels working on the ranch will provide the stability his daughter needs, but the fire chief is also retiring which opens another door for him.
Ryder arrives in the middle of the Denny/Corliss standoff. Thankfully he’s gotten a heads up from Corliss’ brothers Nash and Levi. Though he doesn’t want to take sides, he understands that there is no other option for the survival of the ranch.
Ryder also ends up going to Montana with Corliss. Though there is one catch she hasn’t told him – she is going there using her mother’s maiden name and under the ruse of being there scoping out the wedding venue.
Ryder has no problem pretending to be Corliss’ fiancé. They’ve been friends since childhood and “get” each other.
They arrive and meet with Tyler and Hadley for the “wedding”.
As he usually does, Big E steps into the picture not long after. He already knows who Corliss is, she looks a lot like her grandmother. Corliss learns the truth about the relationship between her grandmother and Big E.
As Denny said – “Blackwells take care of each other”. And, that is what Big E wants to do. He already makes it clear – Corliss is family and welcome there in Montana anytime.
Given the proposal and why Corliss is there, Big E is interested in what is going on back in Wyoming and that reunites him with Denny in a somewhat less dramatic “showdown”, which is still entertaining.
Of course, during all this, Ryder and Corliss each wonder if the other isn’t the one they’ve been “looking for”, especially given their long-time friendship.
As usual, there are complications that try to stand in the way of the couple, but I loved how the author didn’t “break up” the couple to have them get back together. Nor did the author shy away from Ryder’s nightmares from the fire.
I absolutely loved the ending, which is a bit of a cliffhanger. And, that obviously means the next book has to be read. That one will be by Amy Vastine and I am reading it now – and, it will definitely need to be read after this one. And, this HAS to be read before that one.
This was definitely a “can’t put it down for too long” type of read. But, it didn’t start that way. It was a calm, cozy type of read until after page 158. It wasn’t long until I was reading past my bedtime.
I’m also looking forward to the next books in the series to see if Corliss and Ryder “add” more kids to their family. I have to admit – that was a first for me – reading where a blended family wants to add more to the family, especially when one is a teen. And, I have to give a shoutout to Mason who stepped up as a big brother and he loves to cook too.
Stewart doesn’t let this lag in any one place. She definitely moves it on its way, though it never feels rushed. And, despite some things – the humor is off the charts. I never laughed so much at times.
As with some books – there are some things that I tend to wince on. The term orderly is a HUGE one with me. I guess it is because of my mom’s 25-year tenure at the county hospital, which was also a teaching hospital. Needless to say – they didn’t have orderlies. Those employees were either CNAs or “transporters”.
There is also some legal stuff with Ryder and his in-laws that was a bit frustrating. It was regarding his custody of his daughter. As he and his late wife were married when she died – there is no question who would get custody of Olivia. Even being named in his wife’s will also guarantees him custody, so I was hoping that someone would get a lawyer to help this guy.
Note: there is a resolution.
Lesson: always read through to the end to make sure questions and concerns are addressed (even if you have to skip ahead).
These issues weren’t anything serious that really detracted from the overall enjoyment and story though.
I am very glad I have the other books of The Blackwell Sisters so I can reference them as this series progresses. I am now in the process of procuring The Return of the Blackwell Brothers as well. I just have to wait for eBay sellers to ship them. Fans of the Blackwell family won’t want to miss this book or the new series.
Heartwarming books are always a clean read – no intimate scenes, language is family friendly. There are no Christian or faith themes overtly present.
As of note – I have to disagree about jalapenos on a pizza.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
UPCOMING BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (August 23, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584625
ISBN-13: 978-1335584625
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Can a secret Vegas wedding…
Survive in Wyoming?
Social media influencer Harper Hayes never wanted to marry. So how did drop-dead gorgeous cowboy Wyatt Blackwell end up as her husband in Vegas? Now Harper’s in Wyoming, trying to convince her gun-shy groom to stay married for at least a month so she can save face. But marrying a Wyoming Blackwell comes with a whole lot of complications. Especially when Harper falls for her handsome new husband…for real.”
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (October 27, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584668
ISBN-13: 978-1335584663
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“Will a Wyoming cowboy…
Rescue her heart?
Famous equestrian Summer Davies travels to Wyoming to escape a scandal…and rescue Levi Blackwell’s rodeo. When she arrives early, the only place to stay is with the ornery—and gorgeous—cowboy. Their commitment to making the rodeo a success, and Summer’s affection for his young daughter, draws them together. When he learns about her past, will he still want her help? Or will he end up chasing her away?”
Series: The Blackwells of Eagle Springs (Book #4)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (October 25, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584706
ISBN-13: 978-1335584700
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“She keeps finding trouble…
He keeps finding her
Adele Blackwell Kane can’t seem to not get arrested. In fact, the pretty widowed mom of twin girls might be Sheriff Grady McMillan’s favorite not-quite-a-criminal. But keeping Adele out of trouble is hard work—especially when Grady wants out of Wyoming for good. When Adele decides to rescue the town from developers, Grady wonders if his quirky felon might be stealing his heart, too…”
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (November 29, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584749
ISBN-13: 978-1335584748
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“A love that never died…
Could be rekindled this Christmas
Helen Blackwell never stopped loving horse trainer Nash…even when she divorced him. When the stoic cowboy bets the ranch on her winning a cutting horse competition—and she’s terrified to ride—she wonders if there’s any hope for them. Renewing the love between them may take more than a moment under the mistletoe. But working together could heal past hurts and give their five-year-old son his Christmas wish!”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anna J. Stewart writes sweet to spicy romance for Harlequin’s Heartwarming and Romantic Suspense lines. When she’s not writing, she thrives on watching a certain British baking show, dreaming of her next trip to Disneyland and futilely psychoanalyzing her two cats, Rose and Sherlock.
She can also be found on the following social media networks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnnaJStewart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annajstewart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajstewartwriter
Website: www.authorannastewart.com
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