Sunday, January 10, 2010

Book Review: Outlaw's Bride by Lori Copeland

About the book:
Bestselling author Lori Copeland weaves together elements of a wonderful, classic Western romance with themes of forgiveness and grace.

Falsely convicted of bank robbery, drifter Johnny McAllister is sent to a rehabilitation program in the home of a California judge. When he goes to Judge McMann’s home, his aim is to be a model prisoner, hoping to be released early and return to his life's mission: to kill the man who wiped out his family 15 years before. He’s planned for everything…except his encounter with Ragan, the beautiful and kind housekeeper, and with the generous folks of Barren Flats. But can Johnny let go of his anger and embrace a new life? One that would include Ragan as his bride?

This tender story reveals how even the hard law of the land doesn’t stand a chance when God’s mercy and true love come to reside in a heart.

Formerly titled The Bride of Johnny McAllister, rewritten for the inspirational market.

My thoughts:

This was a sweet western-style romance that I really enjoyed. All of the characters were very engaging, likable people, although Johnny could be a little stubborn and mule-headed at times. The romance developed between Johnny and Ragan very naturally, and there were a few mildly steamy moments that made me blush a little. :o)

This book was originally written as a mainstream romance that was rewritten as Christian fiction, and I thought Lori did a great job revising it. The Christian elements did not seem to be written in as an afterthought, but instead, blended very well into the whole story.

Overall, this was a very good book with a good message, some humor, and a nice dose of romance. I'm very eager to read the next book in the series which I know Lori rewrote for the Christian fiction market as well.

4 Stars

6 comments:

  1. I have this on my TBR pile but who knows when I will have time to read it LOL! I'm glad to hear that it's worthwhile.

    xoxo~ Renee

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  2. Sounds good. I don't think I've read a book that has been rewritten to fit the CBA before.

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  3. Christian elements as an afterthought? Maybe you would like better what I have done in my new release, Angela 1: Starting Over, the first of a series of three set in a coastal Texas high school. It is imbued with Christian values but it is never preachy and the plot is seamless. To learn more about the book, just click on my name and follow the link to my website. Thanks.

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  4. I love the sound and look of this book, I am a follower of your blog
    I have your button on my blog.

    http://edna-myfavoritethings.blogspot.com/



    mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

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  5. Ooookay. I don't think I've ever read a book rewritten for the CBA either. I wonder if Tamera Leigh and Terri Blackstone will consider doing the same.

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  6. Lee and CeeCee ~

    I know that Robin Lee Hatcher has rewritten several of her older mainstream titles to fit in the CBA. Loving Libby was one, her entire Coming to America series (I think....don't quote me on that), and at least 1, maybe 2 titles published by Steeple Hill (Another Chance to Love You is one).

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I love your comments!! They make me happier than cold sweet tea on a hot summer day! :o)