Outlaw's Bride

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 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.

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!!

I order Christian Fiction for the library that I work at; and I ordered this book because it was Lori Copeland. When I received it did not look like a Christian Fiction book. So I thought that I better read it before I recommend it to my CF readers. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED! It was very good. It does not push Christianity on you at all. It was very delightful. Do not judge this book by it's cover!