Big Sky Country (Hqn) [Mass Market Paperback]

Linda Lael Miller (Author)

Book Description

Release date: May 29, 2012 | Series: Hqn

The "First Lady of the West," #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller is back with a new series about Parable, Montana-where love awaits. 

The illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher, Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. He was never acknowledged by his father-until now. Suddenly, Slade has inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch, one of the most prosperous in Parable, Montana. That doesn't sit well with his half brother, Hutch, who grew up with all the rights of a Carmody. Including the affections of Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen-whom Slade has never forgotten 

But Joslyn is barely holding her head up these days as she works to pay back everyone her crooked stepfather cheated. With a town to protect-plus a rebellious teenage stepdaughter-Slade has his hands full. But someone has to convince Joslyn that she's responsible only for her own actions. Such as her effect on this lawman's guarded heart.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Miller tugs at the heartstrings as few authors can." -Publishers Weekly

"Linda Lael Miller creates vibrant characters and stories I defy you to forget."-#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

"Miller excels at creating extended-family dynamics in an authentic western small-town setting and richly populating her stories with animal as well as human characters."-Booklist on A Creed in Stone Creek

"[Miller] is one of the finest American writers in the genre."-RT BookReviews

About the Author

The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is the author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels. Now living in Spokane, Washington, the \u201cFirst Lady of the West\u201d hit a career high when all three of her 2011 Creed Cowboy books debuted at #1 on the New York Times list. In 2007, the Romance Writers of America presented her their Lifetime Achievement Award. She personally funds her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women. Visit her at www.lindalaelmiller.com.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: HQN Books (May 29, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780373776436
• ISBN-13: 978-0373776436
• ASIN: 0373776438
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (94 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful first installment of Ms. Miller's next series May 29, 2012

By K. Branfield

Format:Kindle Edition

4.5 stars.

Big Sky Country is the outstanding first installment of Linda Lael Miller's newest series set in Parable, Montana. A beautifully written, complex novel that will capture your heart as love slowly grows between Sheriff Slade Barlow and Joslyn Kirk.

Slade Barlow is the classic strong silent type. Despite being from "the wrong side of the tracks", he is comfortable in his own skin and oozes self-confidence. Slade is calm and in control, rarely acting on impulse. Slade shares a strong bond with his mother, Callie and he is on friendly terms with his ex-wife and stepdaughter Shea. His unexpected inheritance complicates his already contentious and competitive relationship with his half-brother Hutch.

Growing up in Parable, Joslyn Kirk was a rich kid who had it all. Wealthy stepfather, big mansion, and fancy car until she, her mother and housekeeper/friend fled Parable following her stepfather's arrest. Feeling disconnected and on the fringes of life, Joslyn returns to the place she considers home. Her homecoming proves to be a learning experience as she discovers a few truths about herself as she renews old friendships and begins a new life. She fights her unwanted attraction to Slade with a bristly attitude that is sometimes quite frustrating. She is relatively inexperienced with men and her shyness is an unexpected delight.

The secondary cast of characters is well-developed and quite likable. Joslyn's friend Kendra Shepherd is an enigmatic character with a bit of a secret past. She and Hutch share an explosive past and the sparks continue to fly between them. Slade's stepdaughter Shea is a typical teenager and her relationship with Slade reveals just how kindhearted he is.

Slade and Joslyn's relationship slowly unfolds throughout Big Sky Country. Both characters undergo a great deal of growth as they cope with the changes occurring in their lives. Watching Slade and Hutch make inroads in their fractious relationship is quite fascinating. I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship grows in the next book of the series, Big Sky Mountain.

Big Sky Country is a captivating story that is delightfully heartwarming. Linda Lael Miller once again charms her readers with multi-faceted and engaging characters, a compelling storyline and a sweet romance. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who enjoys contemporary western romances.

Review copy obtained from publisher through NetGalley.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Good beginning, but bogs down and leaves the reader dangling June 26, 2012

By K. L. Blankenship

Format:Kindle Edition

Linda Lael Miller's writing is usually great for an enjoyable afternoon read; however, this plot drowns in minutiae. The story is cluttered with facts that do not seem to contribute to the plot at all and with random actions that have no conclusion. For instance, the heroine's bff is called to London to attend her ex's deathbed then dashes back to view a horse race. What happened in London? Just too jumbled for me. This is book one of a continuing saga, but does not inpire me to purchase the next installment.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Terrible, boring, drawn out, intro-for-the-next-book-in-the-series book June 18, 2012

By T.G.

Format:Mass Market Paperback

One star is as generous as I can be. The characters spend most of the book running into each other accidentally where two things happen: She gets flustered. He gets aroused. That's it. That's your story. Ms. Miller spends most of the book setting up the plot of the next one. Not that I'll bother with it if #1 is any indication of what I can expect.