One Plus One Equals Trouble

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About the Book

Humiliated after her broken engagement, Claire Montgomery flees her comfortable life in San Francisco for a teaching position in Pine Creek, Washington, a dot of a town nestled in the rugged Cascade Mountains. She’s determined to succeed—for once in her life—only to discover, upon her arrival, that success will have to be won. Thanks to a school board error, two teachers have been hired.

When scandal forces professor Barrett Clarke from his position, he returns to Pine Creek where his uncle, chairman of the school board, sets forth an irresistible offer: teach one year in return for ranchland. For this would-be rancher, nothing is more tempting than resurrecting his childhood dream, and nothing can deter him from earning that land.

Except perhaps Claire Montgomery. Losing the battle for the classroom means losing the ranchland, but winning may mean losing Claire’s heart.

About the Author

A native of Washington State, Sondra Kraak grew up playing in the rain, hammering out Chopin at the piano, and running up and down the basketball court. Now settled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, blogging about spiritual truths, and writing historical romance set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She delights in sharing stories that not only entertain, but nourish the soul. Her debut novel, One Plus One Equals Trouble, was an ACFW Genesis semi-finalist (2015) and the winner of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Unpublished Women’s Fiction Award (2015).

Blog Stops

May 10: cherylbbookblog

May 11: Singing Librarian Books

May 12: Cassandra M’s Place

May 12: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

May 13: Inklings and Notions

May 14: Christian Bookaholic

May 14: Bigreadersite

May 15: The Power of Words

May 16: Through the Open Window

May 17: Melissa’s Musings – Reviews

May 18: Simple Harvest Reads

May 19: Texas Bookaholic

May 20: Bukwurmzzz

May 21: Reading Is My SuperPower

May 22: Raining Butterfly Kisses

May 23: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sondra is doing a special giveaway! Click the link to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/98ca


My thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I thought I would give it a go. I'm so glad I did! The characters, especially Claire and Barrett, were so much fun to get to know! Their relationship was so much fun to follow, since they are an evenly matched pair when it comes to wit and knowledge. I loved learning more about the time and what it must of been like to try to figure out how to make a way for yourself, especially as a woman when you options where limited. This one is a gem! And, I love that we are introduced to some of the characters who will be featured in the next story.;)
I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.

A Sweet Misfortune

Rachel Matthews isn't one to rely on others to take care of her. Destitute and alone, she still wants to make her own way and her own money--even if she's forced into the life of a dance hall girl. Horrified by her circumstances, Rachel's brother sends a friend--the widely admired cattle baron John McIntyre--to rescue her, then sets off to earn enough money to buy back the family ranch. But when months pass without her brother's return, Rachel isn't sure she can take one more day in John McIntyre's home--especially once she discovers that he's the one who holds the deed to her family's ranch.

Sparks fly between this spunky, independent heroine and the ruggedly handsome hero as they navigate the snarled terrain of pride, greed, faith, and love in Maggie Brendan's delightful series set in the Old West.

My thoughts: While I felt like the characters could of been developed a bit more at the beginning, this sweet story eventually won me over. It was interesting to read about the opportunities that were available for a single woman in the untamed West back in the 1800's. I like how the story had a fair bit going on and, as I mentioned it part, the historical aspects of the story.
A fun, historical read!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Fire and Ice

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in
the process?

My thoughts: I enjoyed getting to know Bailey and Gage in this fun story filled with spunk and adventure! Their relationship is an interesting one as they form an uneasy friendship to band together against trouble in the wild west. While I didn't read the first and second book in the series, I felt like it didn't hinder me too much, since this book was about Bailey. I will have to go back and read her sisters stories though, since I think they will be every bit as enjoyable.;)
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.