Customer Reviews

Hanchart Land

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Susan only married Shane because he'd blackmailed her into it. As in life, Shane's death doesn't provide relief, instead she's left with a mountain of debt because of his gambling and medical expenses. She has no choice but to sell Shane's portion of the Hanchart land. His will specifies that she couldn't sell the land to any of his family.

Luke Hanchart intends to do whatever it takes to ensure that no part of the Hanchart land falls into the hands of an outsider. He knows that costs associated with Shane's illness and death are leaving Susan no choice but to sell out. Luke's willing to pay the debts and allow her to stay in the home she'd shared with Shane for two years. She refuses. There's no way she wants anything to do with Shane or his home. That leaves only one other option - marriage.

Luke and Susan had been friends before Shane stepped in and blackmailed Susan into marriage. He'd been there for her when her parents had been killed in a car wreck. He'd even introduced her to the mares on the ranch when she desperately needed something to keep her busy. Even after marrying Shane, Susan continued working with the mares and she'd miss them horribly when she leaves for Houston. Luke catches Susan saying her goodbyes to the mares and makes his final bid at keeping the land in the family. He asks Susan to marry him, only this will be no marriage of convenience. Luke wants a real wife, children and will not consider a divorce - ever! Luke has no idea about the true circumstances behind Susan and Shane's marriage. How will he handle learning the truth?

Becky Barker's HANCHART LAND is an awesome story. Readers will delight in Susan's spirit and determination to protect those she loves, even if it does cost her more than she's willing to pay. I practically pumped my fist in the air about half way through the story when I read how she dealt with Shane at one point. Sorry, you have to read the book for yourself to find out what happened, but I guarantee it's kick butt and installs a "you go girl" attitude just reading it. Luke's a great guy who's been in love with Susan for years but doesn't understand why she married Shane or if he can even trust her now. I loved the whole idea of this story. The passionate desire between Luke and Susan has burned bright over the years despite her marriage. You just know they are perfect for each other.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Susan Hanchart is packed and the truck is loaded when she sees her
late husband's cousin riding towards her across the field. Susan
somehow knew that there was no way Luke would just let her leave so
she resigns herself to his anger. Susan has no choice but to sell the
land bequeathed to her by her dead husband in order to pay debts he
incurred. She knows that Luke won't understand and the solution he
suggests makes her heart pound.

Luke Hanchart is furious that Susan is going to leave the ranch and
sell her part of it to a neighbor. He knows one thing; there is no
way he is letting Susan go again. He had to give her up years ago
when she married his cousin; there is no way he is losing her second
time. His solution? Marriage. Now, all he has to do is convince Susan.

Susan reluctantly agrees to Luke's proposal knowing that one day he
will find out her secret, and then allow her to leave. She lives day
to day being scared but tries her best not to show her fear. Just
when Susan and Luke seem to be making strides in their relationship,
an anonymous tape shows up and Susan's world comes to a crashing halt.

Hanchart Land, in pure Becky Barker style, pulled at my heartstrings.
I found myself holding my breath each and every time that Susan and
Luke were together. I wanted their relationship to work and cheered
them on from the sidelines. Luke made my heart flutter and my pulse
rate increase. In the first chapter of Hanchart Land, Susan came
across as being a bit more timid than I usually like my heroines but I
was pleased to find that I was mistaken. Susan loved her man and she
wasn't afraid to show him how much.

Hanchart Land was a gratifying read. Ms. Barker has once again woven
a poignant love story, added a bit of suspense, and finished with a
story well told. I found it charming and like all of her novels,
placed it on my keeper shelf.

Talia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Susan Hanchart is packed and the truck is loaded when she sees her
late husband's cousin riding towards her across the field. Susan
somehow knew that there was no way Luke would just let her leave so
she resigns herself to his anger. Susan has no choice but to sell the
land bequeathed to her by her dead husband in order to pay debts he
incurred. She knows that Luke won't understand and the solution he
suggests makes her heart pound.

Luke Hanchart is furious that Susan is going to leave the ranch and
sell her part of it to a neighbor. He knows one thing; there is no
way he is letting Susan go again. He had to give her up years ago
when she married his cousin; there is no way he is losing her second
time. His solution? Marriage. Now, all he has to do is convince Susan.

Susan reluctantly agrees to Luke's proposal knowing that one day he
will find out her secret, and then allow her to leave. She lives day
to day being scared but tries her best not to show her fear. Just
when Susan and Luke seem to be making strides in their relationship,
an anonymous tape shows up and Susan's world comes to a crashing halt.

Hanchart Land, in pure Becky Barker style, pulled at my heartstrings.
I found myself holding my breath each and every time that Susan and
Luke were together. I wanted their relationship to work and cheered
them on from the sidelines. Luke made my heart flutter and my pulse
rate increase. In the first chapter of Hanchart Land, Susan came
across as being a bit more timid than I usually like my heroines but I
was pleased to find that I was mistaken. Susan loved her man and she
wasn't afraid to show him how much.

Hanchart Land was a gratifying read. Ms. Barker has once again woven
a poignant love story, added a bit of suspense, and finished with a
story well told. I found it charming and like all of her novels,
placed it on my keeper shelf.

Natalie S.

This was a good solid story, with strong characters that kept me entertained. It was offered free but I would have gladly paid $5 and under for it. I recommend it for those that like contemporary ranch/cowboy romance books. I liked that the H was a family man and wasn't perfect in looks and temperament. Happy Reading Enjoy.