Customer Reviews

Tenderfoot

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really enjoyed this book. The interwoven tales of the Mt. St. Helen's eruption and the start of a personal adventure by the heroine keep the reader glued to the book. The author's descriptions evoke vivid imagery, making it easy to imagine the setting and happenings. Having visited Mt. St. Helen's for the first time 10 years after the eruption, and then again a few years ago, the devastation still visible today are beyond words. The descriptions of the heroine's adventures as she learns about the cattle ranching life are educational, and round out this story of new beginnings, tragedy and personal growth.

Tenderfoot is a romantic story full of suspense about writer, Corrie Stephens and her quest to find out all she can about ranching. In the midst of her quest to start life anew, she sells her home and ventures off to start a new life in Washington, settling into a small cottage on the land of rancher, J McClure. Corrie spends her time writing, ranching and meeting new people. She is living her life to the fullest since her divorce and is trying her best to stay out of J's way. Against love after her husband cheated on her, she refuses to fall for J McClure. Corrie interacts with other townspeople trying to distract her emotions.

This story is a love story that takes place in 1980 when Mount St. Helens erupted. Corrie and her new friends, venture to camp out near the volcano thinking that an eruption won't affect them. Despite the wishes of the authorities, scientists and especially J, they settle down a few days before the volcano erupted. Despite their efforts to not fall in love, J and Corrie's feelings erupt as the volcano does.

The book was quite vivid allowing the reader to experience a range of emotions--anxiety, fear, pain, joy and excitement--as Corrie travelled throughout her new life. I must admit I was angry that Corrie would go up to the mountain and spend the night with two men that she didn't know. But I became more angered that she would spend the weekend with them on this same mountain when the volcano was getting ready to erupt. I wanted to believe she was smarter than that but found out differently. In order to spite J and love, she put her life at risk. I enjoy books the most that I can get lost in and that is exactly what happen with this book. I felt the pain from the ash and had clear images of the ash as it fell.

I couldn't put this book down finishing it in one day. I'm not into romance novels but with the story based around the eruption of Mount St. Helens, I almost forgot it was truly a love story. Ms. Trimble is a great storyteller which is easily reflected in her ability to tie a non-fiction event so closely together with fiction. Well done and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get lost in a love story filled with mystery and excitement... I promise you won't be able to put it down!

"A woman seeking to come to terms with her past and start anew, a man torn between his need for love and his responsibilities, a mountain poised to erupt. Mary Trimble kept me on the edge of my seat with this compelling story set during the spring of 1980 as Mount St. Helens trembled and shook. Tenderfoot is one explosive read!"
....Suzanne Lyon, Author of A Heart for Any Fate

This amazingly, touching novel portrays a writer, Corrie Stephens, who adventures out to research ranch life but ends up discovering more about herself as she conquers her fear of being involved with a man. The detail and description of what it's like to live on a ranch is realistic and informative. The love story combined with the romantic element of nature makes this novel a warm and tender story. The author ties into the plot the historical eruption of Mt. St. Helen's enhancing the drama and suspense. It is a wonderful story about relationships and how love can happen when you least expect it.

"Tenderfoot" finds its heroin stepping away from the familiarity of the big city and plunging into rural settings on a working ranch. Her foibles, doubts, and awkward early attempts help her move forward into a new chapter of life and find a new love. All while Mt. St. Helens gurgles in the background, preparing to make its tremendous and devastating eruption. An excellent work of historical fiction, this book is one of a kind, and is highly recommended.

What an enjoyable ride. Living in South Dakota during the Mt. St. Helen's eruption the westerly winds brought us a shower of ash, therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed how the local news bulletins were used to paint the back story at the location of the disaster. The love story was truly believable, complete with the emotions of a teenage daughter, and the reluctance to put yourself out there again to the joy of finding that one person you have been seeking. You can tell the author loves the land as well as her characters. A wonderful read.

The eruption of Mount St. Helens is a natural disaster like none other. "Tenderfoot" is a romance set in Seattle in 1980, the year of the infamous eruption. Set in a cattle ranch, as rookie rancher Corrie Stephens tries to get a grip on her new life. Learning her profession however has its own challenges as she becomes infatuated with one J. McClure, making the looming disaster ahead all the more intriguing for her. "Tenderfoot" is an exciting read that draws from reality, recommended.

Tenderfoot is the story of a young woman writer, who wishes to blend into the rhythm and routine of a ranch in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, where she rents a cabin to start a new life. Events lead up to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, affecting the many characters involved, against a backdrop of horses, livestock, ranch life, and Western culture. The story line is romantic while letting the drama unfold, evolve, and take the lead.

This is an enjoyable and engaging story, appealing to adult as well as teenage readers. Author Mary Trimble deftly draws the reader into the story until it is impossible to put the book down. The livestock ranch setting in rural Washington state near a mountain ready to explode is an especially appealing source of tension and danger. Trimble writes with the knowledge and capability of a true professional on top of her craft.

Tenderfoot, written by Mary E. Trimble, is a gripping story about the eventual explosion of Mount St. Helens and a young lady, Corrie Stephens' search for a new start in life. This captivating read will keep you turning pages, drawing you into the romantic story of Corrie and J McClure. The actual facts of Mount St. Helens' eruption give believably to the story with plenty of suspense to hold the reader's attention.

Mary Trimble knows disaster and loss personally and,in TENDERFOOT, she conveys her understanding and knowledge of how events affect nature, the geography of the land and the souls of men and women. In her heroine, Corrie Stephens, Trimble has drawn a character of depth and determination. After the wreckage of her marriage, Corrie ventures into Washington ranching country to study and practice the lifestyle. With one book successfully published, she is looking for material for another.

When her aimless driving brings her into bumper to cow-butt contact with the ranching McClures, she finds her opportunity. A new life unfolds in stages as she comes up against J, the lonely widower whose cabin she rents, his truculent daughter, upright young nephew and tough out-spoken ranch hand. Families, neighbors, horses and cows, weather and suitors mark her growth in the shadows of Mount St. Helens. She takes every opportunity to meld into the life and does it successfully. Riding, calving, round-up, branding and sorting mark her growing skills. A school lecture and a rescue win over the daughter.

Parallel to these changes, Corrie makes friends with a local columnist and photographer and joins them in trips to the mountains to investigate changes to the volcano. Her college age daughter visits and tries to plead for daddy's return; the miscreant appears, unexpected and unwanted,and is soon sent on his way. Meanwhile, Corrie and J do the dance of reluctant, anxious would-be lovers.

The story flows smoothly, even as lava-flow threatens the land. Perhaps Trimble's strongest, finest writing is to be found in the final chapters where adventure leads to tragedy and the impact of St. Helens rains down life-changes for many. This book is a fast read, compelled by strong characters, a delightful love story and the urgent threat hovering over all.