Claiming Her Legacy

This is a Western Historical Romance. This book takes place in Oklahoma during 1890. I have a love hate relationship with Historical Romance. I have learn that I need more then the romance driving the book. I hate the flowering writing that is in some historical fiction book, but this book does not having it. I do not know if it is because it takes place in the Old West in American. I love the action and the suspense in this book. The characters are so great in this book. I also love that this book shows a lot of the problems that happen in the Old West. Great Read and Very Well Written. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Trade) or author (Linda Goodnight) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. This book is schedule to be release on April 26-2022.

The only thing left for Willa and her sisters is the farm. It’s their legacy and their lives depend on making the bank payment. But a woman does not go after an outlaw for the bounty. Gideon is the one man that can help her but his past eats at him & whiskey makes it go away… The year 1890; the location is Oklahoma Territory.

This reviewer was dubious when I read the full synopsis of the book. How could the author make the reader believe that Willa would plan to hunt down the outlaw that killed her father to collect the bounty? Could the author make it believable? Linda Goodnight did exactly that.

I loved the first two sentences. Only four words that draw you into the story immediately. Willa is the oldest and she is stubborn, opinionated, filled with self-doubt but tough as she needs to be. The town banker is slimy with nary a drop of human kindness. Willa must make the next payment.

The characters are given time to develop and grow. The reader begins to know them as people. Scenes are well-developed so the reader can see it in their mind’s eye. The pacing, though, at times dragged. Especially in the beginning when Gideon is struggling with his drinking. Multiple failures are meant to show Gideon is a full-blown alcoholic. However, this reviewer felt several of them could be removed or merged.

I enjoyed this book, but it didn’t keep me as engaged as most of my five-star reads do. I also found that during the pursuit of the outlaw actions done by Gideon were not believable. Gideon and Willa did not want the outlaw to learn they were searching for him. Yet, every place they went Gideon would show the wanted poster and specifically ask if anyone had seen him. Not what you do when you don’t want word to get back.

Then, the author would deal brilliantly with another situation.

Readers will enjoy this story. And will, I believe, like the supporting characters, especially Isaac. Isaac is Gideon’s friend and lives his beliefs completely. He guides Gideon thoughtfully and without criticism. The words of the Holy Bible are used wisely. In reading, the Biblical use felt like the characters would *really* say that. Yes, I recommend Claiming Her Legacy.

I received a complimentary e-ARC* copy of Claiming Her Legacy via NetGalley and HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Stars: 4.25 stars.
Title: Claiming Her Legacy
Series: N/A
Author: Linda Goodnight
Genre: Historical Fiction, Western Romance
Publisher: HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Format: Kindle (read), Paperback, Audio CD
Pages: Unavailable
Source: NetGalley
Cover: Striking, brooding. Immediately catches the eye. Fits the storyline.

#ClaimingHerLegacy #NetGalley #LindaGoodnight

NOTE: THE LINK BELOW WILL BE ACTIVE 30 DAYS BEFORE PUBLISH DATE.

I loved that fact that we had a tomboy in a historical frontier novel. It was a fresh take. I’m of a firm belief that frontier women were not damsels in distress. They had to be able to survive so I don’t find it odd that they would able to shot as well as farm the land.

Every once in a while I long to read a good Western romance, and this one hit the spot. Willa Malone is a strong heroine, determined, and fiercely independent. She's tough yet vulnerable. Gideon is a broken man, running from his past, escaping through the whiskey bottle. He is charming and a renowned trail guide, but he has lost his way. Together, these two characters, with their realistically portrayed problems, will discover that with the right person, one can overcome even the most difficult personal trials.

This book had it all: frontier life with all its tough themes, clean romance with a touch of faith, flawed characters the reader could root for, danger and adventure, and a good storyline and plot. It was the perfect escapism for the long winter nights and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The author writes well and the characters were well developed and believable. And I just love that cover.

I am glad to have discovered this author and I would definitely read her again. If you like Western romances this one is not to be missed.

This book was so very good! I am always so happy when a book starts off well, with believable characters and plots. Linda Goodnight has a definite winner here in my book. I'm very happy that Love Inspired decided to put out a trade-length line.

Goodnight has fashioned these characters so that I felt as if I could almost see inside their hearts and feel their emotions. Her way of describing their feelings and emotions was amazing and I felt as if I had known them for years. Gideon was a really well done male character; his hurts, his anger, his addiction. I don't think he could have been done better at all. And Willa, who is convinced she is never to be loved and cherished and thinks of herself and plain and simple; it was such fun watching her be developed. This one is great, folks. Full and rich seems a paltry way to describe it, but that's exactly what it was. I kid you not.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via the Net Galley platform. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Review posted via. GoodReads. Review is live as of 3/23/2022
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4625560783
Love Love Love!
Willa and her two sisters are on their own after their father is killed. In desperate need of money, Willa takes it upon herself being the oldest sister to get the funds they need. The only option that presents itself is to hunt down the man who killed her father and turn him in for the bounty. The only issue is that Willa needs help to track down the killer. In comes Gideon, the best tracker around. But Gideon has retired and is fighting his own demons. Willa and Gideon join forces to find the killer and the bounty on his head.
I loved this book! It was well written from start to end. The characters were strong, each with their own story. I enjoyed the frequent discussion of the Bible and the faith story of every individual. I also want to add that I loved that Gedeon was fighting his battles throughout the book and his struggles were not sugarcoated like in many books I've read. I have my fingers crossed the Author will make this a series and give each of Willa's sisters their own book. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone!

Willa Malone and her sisters are left in a hard place after their father is killed by a wanted outlaw. His debts threaten to take away their land, the only thing the sisters have left. Without any other option to pay back the loan on their farm, Willa decides she must hunt her father's killer for the reward money. When she asks handsome, troubled trail guide Gideon Hartley for help, she finds there is much more to him than he shows. Battling inner turmoil, dark pasts, rough wilderness, and dangerous gunmen, the two press on in an unforgettable and life-changing adventure.

Author Linda Goodnight writes a book that immediately catches your attention. I knew this was going to be a good read after just a few pages. Willa Malone and her sisters are relatable and feel like real people. Their struggles, along with Gideon and other characters, are raw and heartfelt. I truly enjoy when I feel like I can relate with the fictional people I am reading about. The action, adventure, and suspense throughout the book was well paced and addicting. The redemption, forgiveness, and grace rooted in scripture throughout was refreshing and inspiring. A sweet, clean romance tops off a wonderfully written western Christian fiction novel.