An August Bride by Debra Clopton

Overview: As far as Kelsey Wilcox is concerned, her last cowboy was the last cowboy.

Kelsey Wilcox has had enough of cowboys. After the last one broke her heart, Kelsey traded in her boots for flip-flops, and the open range for a bistro on the beach. Her life on Corpus Christi’s gorgeous beach might be a little lonely, but at least it’s heartbreak-free. At least until her cousin’s beachside wedding bucks Kelsey right back into the rodeo.

When unlucky-in-love Brent Corbin packed his groomsman’s tux for his friend’s wedding, he brought his boots and belt buckle with him. Brent isn’t exactly looking for love, but when he sees what appears to be a mermaid in distress, he jumps right in to rescue her.

So Kelsey finds herself plucked from the sea—and certain-drowning—by a gorgeous groomsman...in soaked cowboy boots. She’s quick to say thanks, but no thanks.

Brent dedicates the weekend to pursuing Kelsey—and Kelsey spends the weekend trying to deny an obvious match. She’s as stubborn as a wild horse, but Brent’s determination may tame her yet.

ISBN-13: 9781491521229 | Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: 07/22/2014 | Series: A Year of Weddings Novella Series, #8

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I loved this story. From the very first page, to the very end, I absolutely devoured it. Kelsey Wilcox is a fantastic woman. Her faith and ideals are strong, she is stubborn, and has a strength I envy. Brent Corbin is just what I would hope for in a cowboy: strong, stubborn, handsome, and relentless in his pursuit of Kelsey. The matchmaker trio provided the perfect amount of fun. The sparring between the characters was it's own thing. I really, really enjoyed this story. It might be one of my favorites in the series.

About the author: Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Find Debra online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Debra Clopton’s New Book and Love at the Reins Giveaway | Counting On a Cowboy

A new tale of romance, family, and taking risks—don't miss Debra Clopton's Counting on a Cowboy! After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

My Review: Unfortunately, this was not one of my favorite books. It felt like it was lacking....something. I can't put my finger on it. The characters and the story line were just ok, to me. The redeeming quality in the book, in my opinion, was the character developement, especially in Abby. I guess her struggle to put the past behind her and move on is one I can definitely relate to, having lost everything I've held dear once, too. The author's focus on putting the past behind you and moving forward was well written into the story. Both characters had a lot to overcome. Overall, while this wasn't one of my favorite books, someone else might enjoy it. It just wasn't for me.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Litfuse blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dclopton

Saddle up with Debra and her new book and enter to win her Love at the Reins prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Counting on a Cowboy
• A $25 gift card to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Starbucks
• A western-inspired bracelet
• A horseshoe heart

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on Debra's blog.

About the book: 
Counting on a Cowboy (Thomas Nelson, August 2015)

After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.

Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she's brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.

Bo Monahan isn't interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become---or the women who might be looking at him like he's their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn't looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.

This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can't help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1fniSV6

About the author:

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Find Debra online: website, Facebook, Twitter