Review: Big Sky Summer (Parable, Montana #4) by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Summer (Parable Montana #4)
Author: Linda Lael Miller
Source: FirstReads
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 2

With his father's rodeo legacy to continue and a prosperous spread to run, Walker teenage consequences!
Parrish has no time to dwell on wrecked relationships. But country-western sweetheart Casey Elder is out of the spotlight and back in Parable, Montana. And Walker can't ignore that his "act now, think later" passion for Casey has had consequences. Two

Keeping her children's paternity under wraps has always been part of Casey's plan to give them normal, uncomplicated lives. Now the best way to hold her family together seems to be to let Walker be a part of it-as her husband of convenience. Or will some secrets-like Casey's desire to be the rancher's wife in every way-unravel, with unforeseen results?

This part of the Parable, Montana series didn't feel quite as flowing as the previous ones.  I still very much enjoyed Casey and Walker's story, but parts were a bit too much or just not quite enough.  Casey is a famous singer and she has settled down in Parable to enjoy life and take it easy after many, many years on tour.  The thing is, she has just happened to settle down in the same small town that the father of her two teenage children lives in (and she knows it).  To make it more complicated, Walker knows he's the father, has tried to be the loving "uncle" to them as they grew up, but the kids have no idea that he is their father.  This is were the story started to get a little questionable.  Walker really isn't the type to let someone convince him his kids were better off not knowing he was their father.

On the other hand, the reaction of both kids was perfect.  It was an incredibly well written scene and the ones that followed as they came to grips with the fact they had been lied to, were just as good.  Both kids were great and I loved them.

Have you noticed anything I've said concerning a romance yet?  No?  Well, this was the big downfall.  The romance didn't quite seem to be the primary focus in this one.  It was more about the kids - and I loved their story, but I wish I had seen more of Casey and Walker falling in love with each other all over again.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Other posts for Linda Lael Miller

Review: Big Sky Country (Parable, Montana #1)

Review: Big Sky Mountain (Parable, Montana #2)

Review: Big Sky River (Parable, Montana #3)

Review: Big Sky Mountain (Parable, Montana #2) by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Mountain (Parable, Montana #2)
Author: Linda Lael Miller
Source: Self Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still
the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he’s done some growing up; making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can’t buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcee Kendra Shepherd.

Kendra’s quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most; a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can’t get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.

Parable, Montana Series Review:
Book One: Big Sky Country 

I'm really loving the characters and stories from Parable, Montana.  Book two is just as laid back and casual as book one, but throwing in a four year old girl adds a bit of craziness in a good way.  I loved Madison - the daughter Kendra adopted sometime between the two books.  There's a short story all on its own there that is revealed as you read through the book, so I'll let you read the details yourself.  I always love the antics of young children in these fun light-hearted romances, and Madison definitely fit the bill to liven things up a bit.

The opening of this story was not handled well though.  I understand that Miller was probably looking for some shock factor, but starting with your leading man (Hutch) at his wedding to someone other than Kendra was very confusing.  There was also a lot of things that happened in between books and I felt like I had missed an entire story.  Too much happened "off pages" to have it flow well right off the bat.

Now once I figured out all the things that were going on, I really enjoyed the story.  Kendra and Hutch have been crushing on each other for years, but never really acted on it.  Kendra doesn't think Hutch is mature enough to be a father to her new little girl, and Hutch just seems to hold a grudge against Kendra for their last break up.  Everyone around them begins to conspire against them though, and eventually they cave and decide to give it a go.

There is still a lot of doubt on both their parts though, and this continues Miller's theme of over-coming your past to move on with your future so you can be happy.

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Big Sky Country (Parable, Montana#1) by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Country (Parable, Montana #1)
Author: Linda Lael Miller
Source: Self-Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: May 29, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

The "First Lady of the West," #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller is
back with a new series about Parable, Montana-where love awaits.

The illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher, Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. He was never acknowledged by his father-until now. Suddenly, Slade has inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch, one of the most prosperous in Parable, Montana. That doesn't sit well with his half brother, Hutch, who grew up with all the rights of a Carmody. Including the affections of Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen-whom Slade has never forgotten but Joslyn is barely holding her head up these days as she works to pay back everyone her crooked stepfather cheated. With a town to protect-plus a rebellious teenage stepdaughter-Slade has his hands full. But someone has to convince Joslyn that she's responsible only for her own actions.

Such as her effect on this lawman's guarded heart.

The beginning of this book almost had me putting it down.  It took me forever to be able to tell the two half-brothers, Slade and Hutch, apart.  It wasn't until I started seeing their families around them that their names really started to stick for me - which made some things a tad confusing at first.

Now once I got that little piece of information down, the story was quite good.  It was told in a slow, easy pace that seemed to reflect the life in Parable, Montana - a small town where everyone seems to know everyone and things take a long time to change.  What I learned of the town was amazing, makes me want to visit to get away from the city and find a little peace and fresh air - and stare at all the cowboys.

The romance between Slade and Joslyn was very slow to build up.  But that is what real life is like - it takes time to get to know someone all over again and make the decision to open your heart.  Joslyn took a huge risk returning to Parable after her step-father did a lot of damage to a lot of people.  She wants to fix what he did - but things aren't always as easy as they seem and she knows that.

Slade is dealing with his own family drama - the kind this small town will be talking about for ages.  But he doesn't really seem to care about what the town thinks or talks about.  He's going to sit and thing about things before making any decisions.  That's just the type of guy he is.  So when he sees Joslyn for the first time in years, he's taken aback.  Especially by his body's reaction to her.

Theirs was a sweet and slow romance that you really just fell into to.  It was a lazy afternoon of lounging in the sun just to enjoy it.  I look forward to visiting Parable again to see what everyone is up to and find out who is next to fall in love.

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