Customer Reviews

Outlaw's Bride (The Western Sky Series)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Lori Copeland is such a fun writer. Her books are always so enjoyable. This book falls right in line with her previous stories.

Ragan works hard to support her family. Her father, suffering from dementia of sorts, and sisters rely on her and she has lovingly sacrificed her future to help care for them. As a housekeeper for the retired Judge McMann, she is also tasked with tolerating prisoners who have been given a 2nd chance-- a chance to change and become productive citizens-- and writing a book with the Judge on this unprecedented experiment.

Johnny McCallister might be a drifter with vengeance in his heart, but he is innocent of the crime for which he has been accused. But since evidence points to the contrary, he is convicted of bank robbery. Fortunately, the presiding judge sees worth in him and, rather than the more common hanging, sentences him to 2 yrs in Barren Flatts (formally Paradise... but plagued by gangs has changed its name) at the home of Judge McMann... and Ragan.

Johnny and Ragan, of course, feel first contempt and then attraction (I don't feel this spoils it because of the nature of this gengre.. isn't it to be expected?). But Johnny is not free to love someone as pure and sweet as Ragan when he seeks blood as revenge. Can Ragan convince him to leave vengeance to the Lord? Can his love for her conquer his hate for his enemy?

Copeland makes this story fun with efforts to rid the town of its gang-- I really laughed out loud several times causing some raised eyebrows from strangers sitting nearby at the pool. Wonderfully witty dialogue dominates this book as in usual in her tales. This is a great start to a new series. I can't wait to read the next installment!!

This was one of my favorite Lori Copeland books. Ragan and Johnny are great characters. It's hard on to cheer their love along.

I won't rehash the plot as it was very well covered by other reviewers but wanted to just say that I very much enjoyed it despite never having read a christian romance. I'm not happy with the publisher's price of ebooks but this book was worth the price.

Outlaw's Bride is a delightful story of love and laughter. When Ragan and her employer, Judge McMann, decide to take on the responsibility of rehabilitating outlaws, she doesn't realize that one certain outlaw is going to touch her heart. There is something about Johnny that doesn't quite make sense and she becomes more and more curious about his past. Why won't he talk about himself? Why is he so quiet? Is he really guilty of robbing a bank or is he innocent? Whatever the answers are to these questions, she knows without a doubt that there's an underlying interest between one another. She can feel it and so can he.

Lori writes:
He couldn't get involved with her, tempting as the idea might be, but she didn't make it easy. With every passing hour it was harder to ignore her.
"Can't we just be friends?" asked Ragan.
His tone gentled. If things were different - "I'm not in any position to be a friend or anything else to you. I'm a prisoner, Ragan. I'm here to serve a sentence."
"Fine. You have my permission to kiss me."
"Kiss you!" He groaned when she lifted her mouth to his. "This is exactly what I'm talking about. We cannot be friends or personally involved."
"I didn't ask for lifetime commitment. I asked for a gentleman's kiss."
"I am not a gentleman."
"Stop talking and kiss me."

Well, did Johnny give in and kiss her? You'll have to read the book and see. Lori Copeland has the most witty and unusual ways of making you laugh. Just by adding a playful kitty to the story helps to bring about a lot of humor to this story. And of course, she adds some "nutty" characters, just for a bit of laughter.

Reviewed by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the historical romance series, A Family Saga in Bear lake, Idaho.

I enjoyed this book a great deal more than the second book in the Western Sky series, A Kiss for Cade. Both Johnny and Ragan are multi-dimensional characters that the reader gets to know and feels compassion for. Copeland also puts an interesting historical plot to mix with the romance story. During the 1800s, western towns had to deal with outlaws, vigilantes and gunfights quite a bit. It could be common for a town to be have to deal with this. The way that the town tries to figure out how to combat their problem is humorous, creative and very much of the times.

I really liked Ragan's character. She cares a great deal for the judge and even though she is the housekeeper, he treats her like a daughter and is very much grateful for her being there for him. She doesn't let Johnny get the best of her and holds her own against him. She never breaks down and lets him take charge of her. I despise females in romances that do this so it was extremely refreshing to have Ragan act in this way. Johnny himself, while stubborn at times, makes it clear to the reader why he acts the way he does. He is not cocky or thinks he knows better than anyone else. While he may not like the situation he's in, he understands why he must stay put even though his goal is to defend his family. I felt the chemistry between Ragan and Johnny to be realistic and that it moved the plot very well.

All in all this is a very sweet western romance. It doesn't break any new ground with it's writing nor does it raise pondering questions to dwell on afterward. Instead it gives a comfort read with an likable strong heroine and a story that keeps you on your seat. A great read for a weekend when you want to escape and go back in time to the wild west.

This is not the first book by Lori Copeland that I have read and it won't be the last! This is book one in her Western Sky Series, and it is truly excellent. It is history mixed with Christian elements and humor. I truly enjoyed reading this and it has found a permenant home on one of my many bookshelfs!

In Outlaw's Bride, Lori blends the characters wonderfully with the promises of God shining through them. It's a story of hope, promise and love. I really could relate to Ragan in alot of places. She was my favorite character! But what I found interesting with this story is the fact that it was originally published as a main stream romance. Lori went back and added God into the mix in a way that I won't soon forget!

I was captured from the beginning and held til the very last page. I laughed, I smiled and I prayed for these amazing new friends! I loved how Lori wrote about history and the west. I love a good cowboy story and Lori turned one out in this beautifully written christian book. This is a book that I give highest recommendation to, for being a wonderful, inspirational read, as well as an easy, fast read! Five stars to Lori and book 1 in the Western Sky Series!

*This book was sent to me by a dear friend, for my personal collection*

This was a sweet western-style romance that I really enjoyed. All of the characters were very engaging, likable people, although Johnny could be a little stubborn and mule-headed at times. The romance developed between Johnny and Ragan very naturally, and there were a few mildly steamy moments that made me blush a little. :o)

This book was originally written as a mainstream romance that was rewritten as Christian fiction, and I thought Lori did a great job revising it. The Christian elements did not seem to be written in as an afterthought, but instead, blended very well into the whole story.

Overall, this was a very good book with a good message, some humor, and a nice dose of romance. I'm very eager to read the next book in the series which I know Lori rewrote for the Christian fiction market as well.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's an easy read and grabs you from the start. My only criticism is that a couple of parts of the story line were a little hard to believe. But overall, truly enjoyable.

Lori Copeland, known for her romantic westerns, does not disappoint with OUTLAW'S BRIDE. Originally entitled The Bride for Johnny McAllister when released in 1999, OUTLAW'S BRIDE is an enjoyable read with characters that are warm and truly likable.
When wrongly accused of bank robbery, Johnny McAllister is spared hanging and instead sentenced to a rehabilitation program at the home of Judge McMann. Johnny is more than willing to work off his sentence so that he can accomplish his goal - kill Dirk Bledso, the man who murdered his family.
Ragan Ramsey, the judge's housekeeper is both intrigued and frustrated by Johnny's arrival. His sullen, closed-off attitude is bothersome, as well as the attraction she feels towards him. She knows she has no business feeling the way she does for Johnny. He's a criminal after all . . . or is he?
Johnny has only known hate and revenge for sixteen years, but will he be able to put it aside and allow himself to find love and acceptance with Ragan and the people of Barren Flats?
An easy read, OUTLAW'S BRIDE is sure to please those of you who enjoy the open west, the adventure that comes with it and a romance that makes you smile and sigh with satisfaction.

This is the first book by Lori Copeland that I've read. I really enjoyed it. The romance was delightful and even a bit yummy in some places, though there was one spot where I was like, "Huh? She did not just do that!" But overall I'd recommend it because honestly it held my attention better than most historical westerns do, and it did ring true for the most part. The characters were engaging and very well developed. The spiritual lessons learned made this a worthwhile read, too. I grew very fond of the hero and heroine by book's end. Outlaw's Bride made me chuckle and smile. But most importantly I felt that satisfied "ahhh..." at the end, which for me is essential for a romance to be considered truly romantic.