Customer Reviews

All Or Nothing

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I don't even know how to express the way this book moved me. It is the most inspiring tale I have ever read. It sends you back in time so far that you feel like you are present and walking amongst the Bowen, Ruthanne, Dolly, Ross, Whit....oh I could just go on! I am amazed by the detail and the story of how the West was, what they went thru, how they lived....I shared small details as I read with my husband, a Tucson native, and he told me about Fort Lowell just before I read which Fort. I was shocked about the accuracy and beauty of the words. Time stood still as I read. I was amazed by the detail and how she brought me to love the desert. This book actually helps you see the beauty that we live in here in Tucson. The beauty and the awe I took for granted. This book is the perfect Memorial day read. The Soliders and their duty back then. I feel awe struck and amazed at the way God's love and direction is real as can be. Ashley Ludwig has a amazing talent and I truly look forward to her next book. Until then I will read this book over and over. It is precious and very hard to put down!

Ms. Ludwig has created a wonderful tale of mystery and suspense along with a romance that is sure to stay in the hearts of readers for a long time after they've finished reading the story. With engaging characters, vivid descriptions and tons of history, this story is a winner!

I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next!

Wendy

Ms. Ludwig's story takes place in the old west of 1876 in Arizona. Her portrayal of the developing romance between RuthAnne, a beautiful widow, and Bowen, an army captain, is tastefully done, remaining sweet. Her descriptions of the landscape, clothing, and every aspect of life in those times is so striking and vivid. You're placed right there amidst the scorching heat of the Arizona sun and desert. The dangerous bandit El Tejano and other characters are brought to life as RuthAnne and Bowen find each other, in heart and soul. This is the second story of Ms. Ludwig's I've read and like the first one; this one is a wonderful read.

back in time to experience what it was like to live in the desert, walk and ride past saguaros, listen to the coyotes and feel for yourself how the first settlers struggled to exist in the untamed West. Ludwig's expertise of the area, her well-researched and spectacular descriptions of the ecology, architecture, clothing, land and people, as well as a compelling story, make this a book you can't put down until the satisifying end.

In "All or Nothing," Ashley Ludwig has created a riveting and descriptive story that captures the era of wild west. The heroine RuthAnne is a strong, but gentle woman who is innovative, and determined to survive the blows inflicted on her and her younger sister.

By faith and sheer determination RuthAnne and Mara flee from a vicious bandit who is responsible for their stage tumbling to the bottom of a ravine. El Tejano will not rest until he sees the only two survivors from the wreckage dead. But the bandit meets his match in Captain Bowen Shepherd, who always appears in the nick of time to rescue the beautiful RuthAnne.

Life at the fort is rough, but RuthAnne endures her grueling job as a laundress, washing dirty clothes for the soldiers, to provide for her sister and to save enough money for their new start.

The chemistry between RuthAnne and Bowen grows with each encounter, though Bowen is determined not to commit. Bowen is a man you can easily fall for. Protective yet gentle. Strong without being chauvenistic.

The characters come to life in this page turner. "All or Nothing" isn't one of those books you take to bed to put you to sleep. It's one you can't put down. You have to know what will happen next! I put the book down and turned off the light several nights, only to have my curiosity piqued to the point that I flicked the lamp back on. I had to know how RuthAnne was going to get out of her current jam.

The Arizona desert was brought to life. I could feel the thorns tearing at me. I could see the glorious sunsets. Ms. Ludwig has a way of writing description that most of us can only wish for.

With "All or Nothing" there is never a dull moment. The plot gets thicker with each chapter, and you are kept guessing if the slippery El Tejano will ever be caught. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys tender romance, drama, action, suspense, and the wild west. This books contains it all.

Ashley Ludwig introduced me to a place I'd never been before in her debut historical romance, All Or Nothing. I normally don't read historicals, so I wasn't sure if this book would be something I would enjoy. But my doubts were put to rest within the first few pages. This book took me to another world!!! The grace and compassion of the heroine drew me in, as well as the quiet strength of the hero. I especially loved how the heroine took care of the soldiers who were her laundry clients. Well done Ashley! And I look forward to your next book!

All or Nothing was a quick and entertaining read. Ashley Ludwig does a wonderful job setting the scene and describing life at Fort Lowell years after the Civil War. Let's not forget her beautiful descriptions of the southern Arizona desert and mountain territory. With a little bit of romance, suspense, and a surprise twist, Ashley Rather has demonstrated her talent for story telling.

Ms. Ludwig weaves a beautiful love story full of intrigue. In this historical fiction novel she takes you straight to the Arizona desert of 1876, where RuthAnne and Bowen are tied together in the common goal of finding El Tejano and bringing him to justice. They discover love in the midst of trial. This was one of my very favorite reads!