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Whispering Mountain #3
Tall, Dark, and Texan
Teagen McMurray would ride to hell and back to protect his land. He'd certainly never felt that way about a woman. At least not until Jessie Barton showed up with her three little girls, desperate for a place to stay. Suddenly he finds himself proposing marriage, telling himself it is only to protect her and her children ...
Jessie had no place to go except Whispering Mountain --- and to Teagen, the one person who couldn't deny her, thanks to the correspondence he shared with her dead husband. But what will happen once the man she's loved through his letters discovers her tangle of lies?
Jessie had no place to go except Whispering Mountain --- and to Teagen, the one person who couldn't deny her, thanks to the correspondence he shared with her dead husband. But what will happen once the man she's loved through his letters discovers her tangle of lies?
293 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Jodi Thomas
102 books2,256 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
September 11, 2019
My favorite book of the series thus far! If you're a fan of historical western romance, you don't want to miss this awesome series. The books are authentic and highly addictive! Romance, adventure, humorous banter, adorable kids, and sizzling chemistry between a hero & heroine who usually have at least a dozen good reasons why it'll never work. Thomas has quickly become one of my favorite western romance writers. This is a fantastic read!
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
November 13, 2020
My favorite of the series thus far.
March 6, 2009
A little too tame for my liking.
When Jessie’s husband dies, she’s certain of two things: the bookstore will not be hers even after her husband’s promise before his death, and that her husband’s mother will stop at nothing to get her hands on the one living connection she has to her son - his children. Jessie refuses to allow that to happen, and fleas Chicago with her three daughters, Emily, Rose, and Bethie. She has only one hope - that once she reaches Texas, she’ll be able to hide behind her lies and that Teagen McMurray will take them in.
When Teagen goes into town for supplies, a mother and her three young daughters are waiting for him. A letter from Eli Barton, Jessie’s now dead husband, asking him to take them in. Believing the letter is from the only friend he has, he takes them home.
Both feel an attraction, but neither wants to acknowledge it. For Teagen, his land and ranch should come first. He distanced himself way from civilized nature that he wouldn’t believe Jessie could ever feel something for him. Jessie’s unsure of her feelings; the only man she’s ever known physically was her husband, and after her parents death, her life wasn’t all that great.
However, Teagen soon learns of Jessie’s lies when a judge, a lawyer and the sheriff arrive with the legal right to take her children back to their grandmother; with no family or means to support herself and the girls, the judge has no choice but to grant the petition. Jessie doesn’t have any relatives from California coming to get them. However, if Jessie was to be remarried…
Teagen marries her, if only to protect Jessie and the girls. But it would be in name only. He’s determined that nothing will ever happen between them, and he’ll find a house for them closer to town. And Jessie learns she’s pregnant once again. But she’s still holding more lies from Teagen. How will Teagen react when he finds out?
**There’s a reason I don’t read straight romance anymore. I need more “oomph” in my story, more substance, and this one lacked what I usually look for in a good book. If you’re a pure romantic at heart, this is a book for you. Otherwise…
When Teagen first brings Jessie home, it’s uncomfortable, but the more they talk, the more a friendship begins to form. That friendship is torn apart when one of her lies is revealed, and even though strained, later the relationship starts to rebuild.
Teagen is a strong rancher, devoted to his horses and the McMurray land. He’s so far removed in a civilized manner, I can understand why he acts the way he does, but that’s about it.
Jessie is stronger than she believes herself to be. And she really does love Teagen, even if he refuses to believe it. It’s just that - I didn’t feel it. Yes, I felt a physical attraction, a spark between them, but that’s about it.
What I liked was Teagen’s interaction with Jessie’s girls. He had a difficult time getting through to the oldest, Emily, and we learn the reasons, and I truly fell in love with him for that alone.
But that’s it. There was a plot, there is supposed to be an attack, but it wasn’t that great an attack - over just as fast as it begins, and meanwhile, Teagen learns that all that correspondence with his friend Eli wasn’t Eli at all, but with Jessie. When Teagen leaves to deal with the man who wants his land and horses, he’s gone for months, and yet, not a word from him. It brought back the disconnection that you feel in the beginning and even when he returns, the contact between them was too brief for you to really feel anything between them but words.
Not a bad novel, but I won’t be reading it again.
When Jessie’s husband dies, she’s certain of two things: the bookstore will not be hers even after her husband’s promise before his death, and that her husband’s mother will stop at nothing to get her hands on the one living connection she has to her son - his children. Jessie refuses to allow that to happen, and fleas Chicago with her three daughters, Emily, Rose, and Bethie. She has only one hope - that once she reaches Texas, she’ll be able to hide behind her lies and that Teagen McMurray will take them in.
When Teagen goes into town for supplies, a mother and her three young daughters are waiting for him. A letter from Eli Barton, Jessie’s now dead husband, asking him to take them in. Believing the letter is from the only friend he has, he takes them home.
Both feel an attraction, but neither wants to acknowledge it. For Teagen, his land and ranch should come first. He distanced himself way from civilized nature that he wouldn’t believe Jessie could ever feel something for him. Jessie’s unsure of her feelings; the only man she’s ever known physically was her husband, and after her parents death, her life wasn’t all that great.
However, Teagen soon learns of Jessie’s lies when a judge, a lawyer and the sheriff arrive with the legal right to take her children back to their grandmother; with no family or means to support herself and the girls, the judge has no choice but to grant the petition. Jessie doesn’t have any relatives from California coming to get them. However, if Jessie was to be remarried…
Teagen marries her, if only to protect Jessie and the girls. But it would be in name only. He’s determined that nothing will ever happen between them, and he’ll find a house for them closer to town. And Jessie learns she’s pregnant once again. But she’s still holding more lies from Teagen. How will Teagen react when he finds out?
**There’s a reason I don’t read straight romance anymore. I need more “oomph” in my story, more substance, and this one lacked what I usually look for in a good book. If you’re a pure romantic at heart, this is a book for you. Otherwise…
When Teagen first brings Jessie home, it’s uncomfortable, but the more they talk, the more a friendship begins to form. That friendship is torn apart when one of her lies is revealed, and even though strained, later the relationship starts to rebuild.
Teagen is a strong rancher, devoted to his horses and the McMurray land. He’s so far removed in a civilized manner, I can understand why he acts the way he does, but that’s about it.
Jessie is stronger than she believes herself to be. And she really does love Teagen, even if he refuses to believe it. It’s just that - I didn’t feel it. Yes, I felt a physical attraction, a spark between them, but that’s about it.
What I liked was Teagen’s interaction with Jessie’s girls. He had a difficult time getting through to the oldest, Emily, and we learn the reasons, and I truly fell in love with him for that alone.
But that’s it. There was a plot, there is supposed to be an attack, but it wasn’t that great an attack - over just as fast as it begins, and meanwhile, Teagen learns that all that correspondence with his friend Eli wasn’t Eli at all, but with Jessie. When Teagen leaves to deal with the man who wants his land and horses, he’s gone for months, and yet, not a word from him. It brought back the disconnection that you feel in the beginning and even when he returns, the contact between them was too brief for you to really feel anything between them but words.
Not a bad novel, but I won’t be reading it again.
July 26, 2017
I could not put this book down! I loved almost every single character!! The little girls were a great addition, especially up against the somewhat stern hero. The heroine had had a hard life, but she was still very sweet, determined, and loving. The hero was constantly being referred to as being rough, fearsome, intimidating, people in town would cross to the other side of the street to avoid being close to him, etc. ... but when I was reading of his actions and his comments, it really didn't strike me as being gruff and fearsome. I have read much grumpier heroes in other stories... but regardless, grumpy or not, this hero was perfect just how he was written. This is actually the third book in the series, I would say it could be a stand alone, although maybe in the first two books it describes how this hero is so fearsome and that's why I didn't get it.
Side note: The one character I did not enjoy was the hero's sister, she was extremely immature and rude to the teenage boy who had a crush on her and was constantly helping her family battle the bad raider guys. (They will be featured in book 4, I will definitely skip that one).
Side note: The one character I did not enjoy was the hero's sister, she was extremely immature and rude to the teenage boy who had a crush on her and was constantly helping her family battle the bad raider guys. (They will be featured in book 4, I will definitely skip that one).
August 12, 2016
Excellent story. 4.5 stars. Book 3 in the series. Abused wife/bookstore clerk in Chicago becomes pen pals with a lonely Texan mail-order customer, in her husband's name. For several years they (Jessie and Teagan) discuss ranch life and books in seasonal letters. Treagan thinks she's a man.
She turns to her "tall, dark Texan" when her husband dies and his wealthy family plots to take her 3 daughters. Teague takes Jessie into his home under false premises, and falls in love with her, taking joy in little Emily, Rose, and Bethie.
Some of the best parts of the book include scenes with the girls, especially when they first cuddled on the porch "with our papa to watch the storm roll in."
But the porch isn't safe. Murderous out-laws and arrogant in-laws loom in the shadows.
It was very good. Quite captivating. Jodi Thomas is a strong writer, handling dialogue smoothly.
Quibble: Somehow, Thomas didn't quite -- not quite -- deliver that final KO emotional punch. A good plot, decent character development, interesting secondary characters, but something is missing, some last emotional bond in the relationship is not secured, not for me. Hence, 4.5 stars.
She turns to her "tall, dark Texan" when her husband dies and his wealthy family plots to take her 3 daughters. Teague takes Jessie into his home under false premises, and falls in love with her, taking joy in little Emily, Rose, and Bethie.
Some of the best parts of the book include scenes with the girls, especially when they first cuddled on the porch "with our papa to watch the storm roll in."
But the porch isn't safe. Murderous out-laws and arrogant in-laws loom in the shadows.
It was very good. Quite captivating. Jodi Thomas is a strong writer, handling dialogue smoothly.
Quibble: Somehow, Thomas didn't quite -- not quite -- deliver that final KO emotional punch. A good plot, decent character development, interesting secondary characters, but something is missing, some last emotional bond in the relationship is not secured, not for me. Hence, 4.5 stars.
September 17, 2016
Lovely story from early Texas, just after it became a state, I believe. The hero is the last of the McMurray brothers and the heroine is a widow with three daughters who runs from her late husband's family after his death to keep her girls. She's been writing letters to the hero with his books and signing her husband's name to them, so the hero thinks the dead guy is his best friend. He agrees to shelter the young family and they fit his life far better than he thought any woman could, much less little girls. There are a few mixups between the two of them, and a bad guy wanting to steal the whole ranch but he mostly stays off stage. It felt very much true to Texas with characters true to themselves and their times. And it's a darn good Jodi Thomas read. Go, Jodi! (Yeah, I'm behind on reading all the books she's written, but I'm catching up best I can. )
March 4, 2018
This is a great western with a tough and taciturn Hero and a sweet and strong heroine with 3 adorable daughters. There are some secrets between them and I can't blame Jessie for her choices. She's a woman trying to survive and putting her daughters first. Teagan is amazing! And the best part of their romance is how they just "get" each other. There is a secondary plot involving some outlaws out to steal their property that adds some excitement to the plot. I really enjoyed this book.
January 15, 2012
Wish I could say I liked this book more but the best part of the story was the girls, Emily, Rose and Bethie. Jessie got on my nerves a bit and I found myself skimming thru the last few chapters rather than reading. I didn't feel a connection or "chemistry" if you will, between Teagen and Jessie like I am hoped would be there.
July 17, 2016
This historical romance was alright. I liked the grit of the heroine and her daughters were so cute but the romance was rather juvenile and unbelievable in light of the circumstances. High in angst and low in action. Newly widowed Jessie runs from Chicago with her kids to pen pal Teagan, a rancher in Texas.
January 4, 2023
Really sweet story..
I wouldnt call the book extraordinary but I think it was a pleasurable read and surprisingly didnt follow the format of other books by Jodi Thomas (no spoilers here!).
The whole concept of two people who knew each other for years through letters is romantic on it's own. Add to that the typical tough west backdrop, 3 little girls and attraction and there you have it.
I wouldnt call the book extraordinary but I think it was a pleasurable read and surprisingly didnt follow the format of other books by Jodi Thomas (no spoilers here!).
The whole concept of two people who knew each other for years through letters is romantic on it's own. Add to that the typical tough west backdrop, 3 little girls and attraction and there you have it.
August 14, 2014
The third book in Jodi Thomas' Whispering Mountain series. Another delightful and entertaining western romance by Ms. Thomas.
January 27, 2019
Great book love all of Jodi Thomas books I can't wait to read more books by this author
February 13, 2009
There are a few things that were inconsistent for me in this book.
* Communication
* Letter frequency
* Drummond Roak
* Jessie's fear of the Bartons
Communication: Teagen McMurray and Jessie Barton have established a friendly relationship via multiple years of letters. They were very good at writing their feelings. When the two of them get together they have a difficult time expressing anything other than how uncouth Jessie finds Teagen and how much Teagen loves the ranch.
Letter frequency: At the end of the novel Teagen is gone for months during a time that should have been used to establish the foundation for his and Jessie's future. Teagen and "Eli" wrote for years, but now that he's married, lust, protection, and anger must have caused him to forget how to use a writing instrument. His brother Travis manages to write to his wife twice, but there is nothing from Teagan.
Drummond Roak: Can you say distraction? I know this book is part of a series, and Drummond Roak's interaction with the McMurrays was described in a previous book. Without reading the earlier book, I just did not understand why he acted the way he did, slinking up behind everyone, acting like he's capable of helping like an older man. He's what - 16/17? I just don't get how he could be taken seriously in the pursuit of Sage or by the adult men. He seems to be a key player, but he didn't seem to fit into the flow of the story.
The Bartons: If Eli's mother really was so ferocious, wouldn't she have come to Texas all on her own and not just sent an attorney? I really expected the preacher and his mother to be Mrs. Barton and someone else in disguise. When the attorney gave up so easily, it made Mrs. Barton seem too much of a push over.
The author did a great job showing the growth of both the hero and the heroine. I loved watching Teagan with the girls, Jessie, Sage, Roak, his brothers, and Martha. I'm not completely sold on the McMurrays, but I am willing to read another of their stories to see if that improves. I'd like to see what happens with Martha and Sims and Sage and Drummond. I'm also hoping that Sage's story with her dead ranger is included in one of the earlier books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2009
"A Sweet Romance in the Heart of Texas"
Jessica Barton flees her Chicago home after her husband's death. She fears her husband's family will take her three children away since she is now left penniless. She goes to Whispering Ranch hoping to find sanctuary. She finds more than she bargained for—a chance for love, but she has a secret that may ruin it all.
Teagan McMurry runs the Whispering Mountain Ranch. His brothers are now married and have made a life of their own. His sister, Sage is away at school. He enjoys his solitude, but he's also lonely. He isn't one to make friends easily. His only friend is Eli Barton, a man he's never met, but has written to for years. When Eli's widow and three children arrive with a letter, stating his last dying wishes, Teagan can't send them away. He will honor his friend by taking his family in until they can make other arrangements? He's faced dangerous outlaws and difficult situations. How much trouble could they be?
This is the first Jodi Thomas book I've read and it won't be the last. I loved how the relationship of Teagan and Jessie progressed—friendship first before they fall in love with each other. The way Teagan handles the invasion of three young children into his once quiet home is heartwarming. Teagan may try to be a grumbling grizzly bear, but inside he was truly a huggable teddy bear. I also liked the relationship of the secondary characters: Sage (Teagan's sister, who came to visit) and Drummond Roak (a young man who has lived among outlaws and the McMurry's have befriended.) This tale is the third book in Whispering Mountain series, but the story stands alone. The references to the other two brothers and their guest appearance only made me want to read their stories as well. I do hope the author plans on writing Sage and Drummond's story, too. They're two headstrong individuals. It would be interesting to see who will tame whom.
Review for PNR Paranormal Reviews
Jessica Barton flees her Chicago home after her husband's death. She fears her husband's family will take her three children away since she is now left penniless. She goes to Whispering Ranch hoping to find sanctuary. She finds more than she bargained for—a chance for love, but she has a secret that may ruin it all.
Teagan McMurry runs the Whispering Mountain Ranch. His brothers are now married and have made a life of their own. His sister, Sage is away at school. He enjoys his solitude, but he's also lonely. He isn't one to make friends easily. His only friend is Eli Barton, a man he's never met, but has written to for years. When Eli's widow and three children arrive with a letter, stating his last dying wishes, Teagan can't send them away. He will honor his friend by taking his family in until they can make other arrangements? He's faced dangerous outlaws and difficult situations. How much trouble could they be?
This is the first Jodi Thomas book I've read and it won't be the last. I loved how the relationship of Teagan and Jessie progressed—friendship first before they fall in love with each other. The way Teagan handles the invasion of three young children into his once quiet home is heartwarming. Teagan may try to be a grumbling grizzly bear, but inside he was truly a huggable teddy bear. I also liked the relationship of the secondary characters: Sage (Teagan's sister, who came to visit) and Drummond Roak (a young man who has lived among outlaws and the McMurry's have befriended.) This tale is the third book in Whispering Mountain series, but the story stands alone. The references to the other two brothers and their guest appearance only made me want to read their stories as well. I do hope the author plans on writing Sage and Drummond's story, too. They're two headstrong individuals. It would be interesting to see who will tame whom.
Review for PNR Paranormal Reviews
November 12, 2008
LOVED IT! Fantastic historical western romance. I wish they were all this good...
March 9, 2020
So... I didn't love this, but damn it I wanted to! I mean... I did like it..
Ugh I hate 3 star books.
So, this is book 3 in the Whispering Mountain series, a historical western romance book set in Texas. I never read series out of order, but I didn't feel like I missed out on much and you are filled in on what happened in previous books. I may have missed out on the build up for Teagan's book though...
This series as a whole follows this family who lost their parents very young, and they've been on their own and fighting to protect their ranch for a long time.
This book follows a VERY grumpy hero and quiet widow/mother of three who are brought together when her husband dies and asks his pen pal friend, Teagan the hero, to take care of his family. Lies are involved and chaos erupts on the ranch.
This was really good! The grumpy, grumpy hero melting for the girls was so sweet to read. But, the downfall here was the romance. Now, it was good at first... then it was just a lot of boob grabbing, and you know, you can only read that so many times. I was also hoping that the penpal thing would come back into play later on. Teagan is a man of few words verbally, but he could express himself in letters. But he never wrote his wife letters when he was off saving the ranch!!! And my god was this a SLOW BURN. Not to be spoilery or anything, but they didn't get together until the last. page. AND it was fade to black. So that mixed with how he acted when away, then when he returned during the last 15% of the book, just left me a little bitter.
TW: miscarriage
Ugh I hate 3 star books.
So, this is book 3 in the Whispering Mountain series, a historical western romance book set in Texas. I never read series out of order, but I didn't feel like I missed out on much and you are filled in on what happened in previous books. I may have missed out on the build up for Teagan's book though...
This series as a whole follows this family who lost their parents very young, and they've been on their own and fighting to protect their ranch for a long time.
This book follows a VERY grumpy hero and quiet widow/mother of three who are brought together when her husband dies and asks his pen pal friend, Teagan the hero, to take care of his family. Lies are involved and chaos erupts on the ranch.
This was really good! The grumpy, grumpy hero melting for the girls was so sweet to read. But, the downfall here was the romance. Now, it was good at first... then it was just a lot of boob grabbing, and you know, you can only read that so many times. I was also hoping that the penpal thing would come back into play later on. Teagan is a man of few words verbally, but he could express himself in letters. But he never wrote his wife letters when he was off saving the ranch!!! And my god was this a SLOW BURN. Not to be spoilery or anything, but they didn't get together until the last. page. AND it was fade to black. So that mixed with how he acted when away, then when he returned during the last 15% of the book, just left me a little bitter.
TW: miscarriage
February 25, 2018
We met the McMurray Brothers of Whispering Mountain in book one--Texas Rain: Teagan, Travis, and Tobin and their little sister Sage. I’ve skipped to book three and in the meantime the younger brothers have gotten married, left the ranch and moved into law and Washington, DC. In book three it’s Teagan’s turn to concentrate a little less on his brood mares and little more on his own love life. The widow who drops into his world has three girls under 7 and another child on the way. Fortunately his persnickety housekeeper Martha is charmed out of her tree. The book titles seem to have no significance beyond identifying the texts.
We take modern civilization for granted but in the time period and location where this book is set law and order were a sometime event and what you could hold onto depended on your ability to protect it and other’s assessment of whether what you owned was worth the effort to steal.
There are two wild cards here:
the non-verbal five-year-old Duck imprinted on his rescuer Travis and
Teen-aged Drummond Doak who appears out of thin air undetected by man or beast and seems to disappear in the blink of an eye declaring his undying, unrequited love for Sage.
We take modern civilization for granted but in the time period and location where this book is set law and order were a sometime event and what you could hold onto depended on your ability to protect it and other’s assessment of whether what you owned was worth the effort to steal.
There are two wild cards here:
the non-verbal five-year-old Duck imprinted on his rescuer Travis and
Teen-aged Drummond Doak who appears out of thin air undetected by man or beast and seems to disappear in the blink of an eye declaring his undying, unrequited love for Sage.
October 10, 2015
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
The Girls were great and fun!
When Jessie’s husband dies, she’s certain of two things: the bookstore will not be hers even after her husband’s promise before his death, and that her husband’s mother will stop at nothing to get her hands on the one living connection she has to her son - his children. Jessie refuses to allow that to happen, and fleas Chicago with her three daughters, Emily, Rose, and Bethie. She has only one hope - that once she reaches Texas, she’ll be able to hide behind her lies and that Teagen McMurray will take them in.
When Teagen goes into town for supplies, a mother and her three young daughters are waiting for him. A letter from Eli Barton, Jessie’s now dead husband, asking him to take them in. Believing the letter is from the only friend he has, he takes them home.
Both feel an attraction, but neither wants to acknowledge it. For Teagen, his land and ranch should come first. He distanced himself way from civilized nature that he wouldn’t believe Jessie could ever feel something for him. Jessie’s unsure of her feelings; the only man she’s ever known physically was her husband, and after her parents death, her life wasn’t all that great.
However, Teagen soon learns of Jessie’s lies when a judge, a lawyer and the sheriff arrive with the legal right to take her children back to their grandmother; with no family or means to support herself and the girls, the judge has no choice but to grant the petition. Jessie doesn’t have any relatives from California coming to get them. However, if Jessie was to be remarried…
Teagen marries her, if only to protect Jessie and the girls. But it would be in name only. He’s determined that nothing will ever happen between them, and he’ll find a house for them closer to town. And Jessie learns she’s pregnant once again. But she’s still holding more lies from Teagen. How will Teagen react when he finds out?
**There’s a reason I don’t read straight romance anymore. I need more “oomph” in my story, more substance, and this one lacked what I usually look for in a good book. If you’re a pure romantic at heart, this is a book for you. Otherwise…
When Teagen first brings Jessie home, it’s uncomfortable, but the more they talk, the more a friendship begins to form. That friendship is torn apart when one of her lies is revealed, and even though strained, later the relationship starts to rebuild.
Teagen is a strong rancher, devoted to his horses and the McMurray land. He’s so far removed in a civilized manner, I can understand why he acts the way he does, but that’s about it.
Jessie is stronger than she believes herself to be. And she really does love Teagen, even if he refuses to believe it. It’s just that - I didn’t feel it. Yes, I felt a physical attraction, a spark between them, but that’s about it.
What I liked was Teagen’s interaction with Jessie’s girls. He had a difficult time getting through to the oldest, Emily, and we learn the reasons, and I truly fell in love with him for that alone.
But that’s it. There was a plot, there is supposed to be an attack, but it wasn’t that great an attack - over just as fast as it begins, and meanwhile, Teagen learns that all that correspondence with his friend Eli wasn’t Eli at all, but with Jessie. When Teagen leaves to deal with the man who wants his land and horses, he’s gone for months, and yet, not a word from him. It brought back the disconnection that you feel in the beginning and even when he returns, the contact between them was too brief for you to really feel anything between them but words.
**************
The Girls were great and fun!
When Jessie’s husband dies, she’s certain of two things: the bookstore will not be hers even after her husband’s promise before his death, and that her husband’s mother will stop at nothing to get her hands on the one living connection she has to her son - his children. Jessie refuses to allow that to happen, and fleas Chicago with her three daughters, Emily, Rose, and Bethie. She has only one hope - that once she reaches Texas, she’ll be able to hide behind her lies and that Teagen McMurray will take them in.
When Teagen goes into town for supplies, a mother and her three young daughters are waiting for him. A letter from Eli Barton, Jessie’s now dead husband, asking him to take them in. Believing the letter is from the only friend he has, he takes them home.
Both feel an attraction, but neither wants to acknowledge it. For Teagen, his land and ranch should come first. He distanced himself way from civilized nature that he wouldn’t believe Jessie could ever feel something for him. Jessie’s unsure of her feelings; the only man she’s ever known physically was her husband, and after her parents death, her life wasn’t all that great.
However, Teagen soon learns of Jessie’s lies when a judge, a lawyer and the sheriff arrive with the legal right to take her children back to their grandmother; with no family or means to support herself and the girls, the judge has no choice but to grant the petition. Jessie doesn’t have any relatives from California coming to get them. However, if Jessie was to be remarried…
Teagen marries her, if only to protect Jessie and the girls. But it would be in name only. He’s determined that nothing will ever happen between them, and he’ll find a house for them closer to town. And Jessie learns she’s pregnant once again. But she’s still holding more lies from Teagen. How will Teagen react when he finds out?
**There’s a reason I don’t read straight romance anymore. I need more “oomph” in my story, more substance, and this one lacked what I usually look for in a good book. If you’re a pure romantic at heart, this is a book for you. Otherwise…
When Teagen first brings Jessie home, it’s uncomfortable, but the more they talk, the more a friendship begins to form. That friendship is torn apart when one of her lies is revealed, and even though strained, later the relationship starts to rebuild.
Teagen is a strong rancher, devoted to his horses and the McMurray land. He’s so far removed in a civilized manner, I can understand why he acts the way he does, but that’s about it.
Jessie is stronger than she believes herself to be. And she really does love Teagen, even if he refuses to believe it. It’s just that - I didn’t feel it. Yes, I felt a physical attraction, a spark between them, but that’s about it.
What I liked was Teagen’s interaction with Jessie’s girls. He had a difficult time getting through to the oldest, Emily, and we learn the reasons, and I truly fell in love with him for that alone.
But that’s it. There was a plot, there is supposed to be an attack, but it wasn’t that great an attack - over just as fast as it begins, and meanwhile, Teagen learns that all that correspondence with his friend Eli wasn’t Eli at all, but with Jessie. When Teagen leaves to deal with the man who wants his land and horses, he’s gone for months, and yet, not a word from him. It brought back the disconnection that you feel in the beginning and even when he returns, the contact between them was too brief for you to really feel anything between them but words.
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October 30, 2019
When Jessie’s husband dies, two things happen: the bookstore will not be hers even after her husband’s promise before his death, and that her husband’s mother will stop at nothing to get her hands on his children. Jessie refuses to allow that to happen, and fled Chicago with her three daughters, Emily, Rose, and Bethie. She has only one hope that Teagen McMurray will take them in.
When Teagen goes into town for supplies, a mother and her three young daughters are waiting for him. A letter from Eli Barton, Jessie’s now dead husband, asking him to take them in. Believing the letter is from the only friend he has, he takes them home.
Both feel an attraction, but neither wants to acknowledge it. For Teagen, his land and ranch should come first. He distanced himself way from civilized nature that he wouldn’t believe Jessie could ever feel something for him. Jessie’s unsure of her feelings; the only man she’s ever known physically was her husband, and after her parents death, her life wasn’t all that great.
Lies never work out and a web of lies will come to roost.
When Teagen goes into town for supplies, a mother and her three young daughters are waiting for him. A letter from Eli Barton, Jessie’s now dead husband, asking him to take them in. Believing the letter is from the only friend he has, he takes them home.
Both feel an attraction, but neither wants to acknowledge it. For Teagen, his land and ranch should come first. He distanced himself way from civilized nature that he wouldn’t believe Jessie could ever feel something for him. Jessie’s unsure of her feelings; the only man she’s ever known physically was her husband, and after her parents death, her life wasn’t all that great.
Lies never work out and a web of lies will come to roost.
March 10, 2022
Another great historical western in the Whispering Mountain series. Teagan is the oldest McMurray, the responsible one who has held onto the ranch all these years. When the widow of his pen pal shows up with three daughters, Teagan takes them in. He's fascinated by Jessie and her daughters, despite Jessie not being completely honest with him.
Each of these stories is just enough different to make them all interesting though they revolve around maintaining a horse ranch in Texas in the 1850s. It's still pretty wild country, and the McMurrays have a lot of responsibility, especially Teagan. He's a kind man but stubborn, so he doesn't like Jessie's white lies but I get there needs to be some conflict in their romance. Jessie has a lot of adjustments, coming from the city of Chicago, but it was fun to see how her girls adjusted to country living. Another good book in a good series.
Each of these stories is just enough different to make them all interesting though they revolve around maintaining a horse ranch in Texas in the 1850s. It's still pretty wild country, and the McMurrays have a lot of responsibility, especially Teagan. He's a kind man but stubborn, so he doesn't like Jessie's white lies but I get there needs to be some conflict in their romance. Jessie has a lot of adjustments, coming from the city of Chicago, but it was fun to see how her girls adjusted to country living. Another good book in a good series.
August 16, 2022
good book but an abrupt ending
I really enjoyed this book and this series. I didn’t like the end though, it was very abrupt. Could’ve definitely used a epilogue. It’s a good thing I already have the next in the series, Sage’s book. Love this series and this author. Love how she writes western historical romance. Love that it has actual sex scenes that are good but not overly done with pages and pages. I hate that the series comes to an end. Would love to see how things come when I finish with any male McMurrys. I feel bad I have only 4 books left!!! After Sage’s book, comes Em’s and Rose’s books then Bethies. So that’s nice. I have already read Bethie’s book 2 or 3 times since May! Have read Jodi Thomas’s other historical Western Romance series also. I’m always bummed when they end though. They are so enjoyable!!!!
I really enjoyed this book and this series. I didn’t like the end though, it was very abrupt. Could’ve definitely used a epilogue. It’s a good thing I already have the next in the series, Sage’s book. Love this series and this author. Love how she writes western historical romance. Love that it has actual sex scenes that are good but not overly done with pages and pages. I hate that the series comes to an end. Would love to see how things come when I finish with any male McMurrys. I feel bad I have only 4 books left!!! After Sage’s book, comes Em’s and Rose’s books then Bethies. So that’s nice. I have already read Bethie’s book 2 or 3 times since May! Have read Jodi Thomas’s other historical Western Romance series also. I’m always bummed when they end though. They are so enjoyable!!!!
December 29, 2020
Trust a Tall, dark and honest Texan
Jodi Thomas is a master story teller. Once again in this on going series Whispering Mountains she has developed heart warming characters who you can feel soul deep. Her story line is unique and interesting. The books are hard to put down and draw you into the well written story within. I nave read this book many times for the shear enjoyment it brings and highly recommend it.
Jodi Thomas is a master story teller. Once again in this on going series Whispering Mountains she has developed heart warming characters who you can feel soul deep. Her story line is unique and interesting. The books are hard to put down and draw you into the well written story within. I nave read this book many times for the shear enjoyment it brings and highly recommend it.
September 30, 2022
This was so beautiful. I loved watching Teagan and Jessie form an unlikely friendship. Teagan’s relationship with Jessie’s daughters was adorable. There were so many funny moments with Rose. The only thing that bothered me was a big tragedy happens and it felt a little glossed over, when I thought there was an opportunity to show Jessie process through it. But overall, this was an amazing and heartwarming read.
June 4, 2018
3.75 I’ve been enjoying this series. Sometimes it drags a little, but I like the characters. I really enjoyed getting to know Teagen, and I thought Jessie was a good match for him. I’m anxious to read about Drum and Sage. I really hope their story lives up to my expectations.
March 8, 2019
I wasn’t sure I would like this book. Was a very slow start for me. But it grew on me and became a slow burn. Liked it. Didn’t love it but listened to the whole thing. Will even consider more in this series.
May 16, 2020
Good.
Early Jodi Thomas books were different than her later series but they had always been good. One reason I love her books is the fact that even though her guys are a lot on the macho side they don't need to pepper their language with curse words.
Early Jodi Thomas books were different than her later series but they had always been good. One reason I love her books is the fact that even though her guys are a lot on the macho side they don't need to pepper their language with curse words.
June 6, 2022
Reading the series in order and this is my favorite so far. It has all the feels you want with a tough as nails cowboy with a heart of gold that he's kept hidden his entire life. Until the woman who can unlock his heart comes along with her three little girls.
February 7, 2023
An interesting story. I enjoyed it while reading it, but now that the drama is over, I feel the reader was somehow slighted. These books are populated with many characters, yet by book’s the reader wonders about characters who rarely populate another book.
August 22, 2024
3.5 stars. I would have rated this higher because I did really enjoy the story, but the convoluted avoidance of actual sex started to irritate me towards the end of the book. I felt like I had accidentally picked up a Christian romance novel with how much sex was being postponed.
August 30, 2018
I enjoyed this one much better than the second book. So glad that I continued with the series. This was a really good story and less graphic scenes.
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