Rustler's Moon

Rustler's Moon is #2 in the delightful series by Jodi Thomas. We continue on - meeting some newcomers and some more of the descendants of the early settlers who first started this community. There are really three prongs to this book, as it follows the lives of three groups of people, yet as it is a small community minded place, of course they all interact with each other as well.<br /><br />There is Angie who has come to take up a new job in the museum, and what a joy that must be, could feel myself wishing it was all real and I could go view the place and all those early artifacts. Angie lost her mother at an early age, and when her father was mugged and murdered she leaves town quickly, as her life could be in danger. <br /><br />Arriving in the community its not long before she meets Wilkes who runs a ranch and who has living with him his Uncle Vern. Uncle Vern is a bit of a character and he gave me a few out loud laughs. He is a bit of an old codger, thinks he would still be a catch with the women, and besides he knows what to look for in a woman. Also - no flies on him!<br /><br />Wilkes is a delight - a good homespun honest, down to earth guy. He soon sets himself up as Angie's protector and well if Uncle Vern doesn't get there first - he is rather hoping to get significant time alone with Angie.<br /><br />We also get to meet again Yancy, the guy who turned up last book - straight from a jail - and who weaved his way into the hearts of a local retirement community. His story advances with some exciting developments, my favorite moment being between him and Angie. Angie of the compassionate heart.<br /><br />As well we also track some young college people, Lauren, Reid and Tim, the three who were mixed up in the break in to the old house in the previous book. Now they are wending their way through college, along with Polly, Lauren's room mate. And as Jodi Thomas mentions there is Carter, who is seeking something, and he has never given up on it. Will he be rewarded?<br /><br />I love the depth Jodi Thomas brings to her characters, and the chance we have to see them developing over a period of time. It makes for very satisfying reading. Some relationship angst, some mystery and danger, a long time quest to be fulfilled. Great mix of a story.<br />

4/5; 4 stars; A-<br /><br />I really enjoyed this addition to the Ransom Canyon series. Thomas explores the issues facing people at different stages of life, from young adult to old geezer. I enjoyed seeing characters from the first book again as well as the romance and mystery swirling around Crossroads, Texas.

<b>Rustler's Moon</b><br />4 Stars<br /><br />Jodi Thomas continues her captivating tale revolving around the residents of Ransom Canyon. This time the focus is on Wilkes Wagner, a descendant of the first settlers, who finds himself living a life in limbo until he meets the new museum curator, Angela Harrold, whose shy persona conceals a troubling secret. There are also updates on Yancy Grey and his strange preoccupation with the haunted Gypsy House as well as Lauren Brigman whose first year at college is not living up to expectations. <br /><br />The three intertwining mysteries are a mixed bag. Yancy's connection to the Gypsy House is the most compelling of the threads and the ultimate explanation is heartbreaking and reveals both the good and evil inherent in humanity. The motive for Angie's stalker is rather obvious <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="747087c4-475f-426a-9548-74d18e5d39df" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="747087c4-475f-426a-9548-74d18e5d39df">Did Angie really not understand that her necklace was the original?</label>, but several intense and scary moments still ratchet up the tension and suspense. The investigation into the cave drawings is the weakest of the plotlines and its inclusion in the book feels like filler; nevertheless, the old-timers are very cute. <br /><br />The real highlight of the book is Angie and Wilkes' slow-burn romance. They are simply adorable as they first try to deny their attraction but ultimately come to realize they are perfect for each other. Thomas handles the situation with Wilkes' nasty ex with aplomb, and I am grateful that they are no silly or angsty misunderstandings. <br /><br />Finally, Lauren's first year at college is proving disappointing as her plans for a relationship with Lucas Reyes have fizzled. To be honest, Lucas annoyed me here no end. He wants to eat his cake but have it too, and just assumes that Lauren will be around when it suits him. The secondary storyline involving Lauren's roommate as both sad and hopeful; it will be interesting to see if something develops between Polly and Tim O'Grady. <br /><br />Overall, a charming addition to the series and Julia Gibson's excellent narration is the icing on the cake.

4.85 stars<br /><br />I can't put down the book. <br /><br />I've forgotten when was the last time I was so immersed in a book (an english book that is) since my reading slump had been getting so bad lately. But I can't put this down, even resorted to sacrifice my precious sleeping time. Ms. Thomas really is getting better with every book she wrote. Can't wait to read what happened next especially about our Lauren, Lucas and Tim.

Autry's review posted at <a href="http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews</a><br /><br />3.75 stars<br /><br />Rustler’s Moon is the second installment in Jodi Thomas’s Ransom Canyon Series. I fell in love with Jodi’s writing style many years ago and she has faithfully delivered each time since then. The romance is a little slower to start in Rustler’s Moon than in her previous novels, but it is clear to see the relationship is developing and it had a reason to be moving at a slower pace. The plot flowed smoothly throughout the novel and had a few twist to it, but nothing mind-boggling. Angie and Wilkes are surrounded by a host of friends that were introduced in the first novel, and the couple soon becomes the talk of the town. Their relationship really focused more so on Angie and her work compared to Wilkes’ ranch. I did not have a lot of emotional attachment to Angie or Wilkes, but I still wanted to see them succeed in all aspects of their life. Thomas’s has always had a villain weaved in her novels that adds a little extra suspense, however in Rustler’s Moon I felt he wasn’t up to her normal villain qualities. Each one of the characters is well developed with real-life qualities that allow the reader to relate; whether it is quirky, meddling town gossips or helping someone at a crossroad in their life. This novel did brush over some sensitive topics without diving into darker territory. I am very excited to see what she has in store for Ransom Canyon, particularly Lauren, Polly and Yancy. Each one of her novels focuses on a different couple and she provides great back story as to better understand each one; while building on relationships mentioned in previous novels. I do not feel it is super important to Angie and Wilkes story to have read the previous novels, I strongly encourage it as a fan of Jodi Thomas’s work. Rustler’s Moon is not who I was hoping it would be, however it is still a good addition to the series. <br /><br />Review copy provided for an honest review. <br />

After reading so many thrillers, it is refreshing to pick up and start a new series that is not a thriller! I always switch between thrillers and what this book is, a romance. I am going to preface this review by saying that I am not going to be spoiling any part of the story for those of you who have not yet picked up this series, but to explain more this series does not follow a story narrative from book 1 to whatever book it ends up at. This series has a different story, more or less, with each book with featuring main characters from Ransom Canyon that we have seen before. Some characters may appear in more than one book but every character has their own story. <br /><br />In this story, we follow Angela who is running away and ends up at Ransom Canyon. It is there that she meets Wilkes, a rancher at the Canyon. Angela hopes that she has managed to get away from who she is running from, but she might not be that lucky. We also follow Lauren who is the Sheriff's daughter who has to make a very hard decision. Should she help someone? <br /><br />I am really starting to feel 'at home' in Ransom Canyon. I feel like the first book was the 'introduction' to the Canyon and now we are really getting into the lives of some of the characters in it.<br /><br />Despite stories being different in each book in this series, I would strongly recommend starting from the beginning, at book 1, and reading in order. Yes, there are different main stories in each one but there may be characters that feature in book 1 but their main story is not seen until book 3. You don't have to do this, but I would recommend it.<br /><br /><br />For more reviews, please check out the link below:<br /><a href="http://debrasbookcafe.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow noopener">Debra's Book Cafe</a><br /><br />Debs :-)

Another great story in Thomas’s new series for Harlequin. She does a great job with stories with an ensemble cast. Angela Harrell is new to the series. She is the perfect match for Wilkes Wagner but of course it takes awhile for him to realize that he wants to do more than protect her from danger. Lauren Brigman and Lucas Reyes are back in the story along with another new character, Lauren’s’ college roommate. Look for a surprising development for one of the original character from book one

I love this series. The way that the lives of everyday yet out of the ordinary characters intertwine creates a story that’s well worth reading. Thomas builds her world intricately, creating a quaint small town that you can really feel a part of. The scenery is picturesque, but it was the plot (or plots) that really drew me in. Thomas can weave a tale that will leave you breathless with beauty on one page and gasping in suspense on the next. The intertwining and bisecting storylines create an entire world for readers to lose themselves in.<br /><br />And let’s not forget the down to earth characters that we get to meet here. Not only did their various ages and life stages create a complete picture of the town, but it also worked well with the story. I fell in love with each of the major players in a different way and really enjoyed getting to know them. Their individual plights drew me in, but combined it was explosive.<br /><br />This is a nice, quiet read with a few dashes of suspense and characters that will warm your heart. <br /><br />Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

Romance novel devotees will appreciate New York Times Bestselling author Jodi Thomas’ latest book Rustler’s Moon. It’s a heartwarming tale with a hint of mystery and intrigue that sizzles. Wilkes Wagner is a hard working rancher who longs for more than what’s offered at the Texas cattle farm he operates. Sultry Angela Harold slips into his world and changes everything for him. She’s running from something and Wilkes tempts her to stop and consider a life with him. The proposition unwittingly puts her in danger’s path. Wilkes and Angela’s passionate affair is compromised by a haunting secret. Lauren Brigman, another woman trying to flee her past, factors into the scenario with her own terrible truth to hide. Her heart is set on Lucas Reyes, a ranch hand’s son who rescued her from a desperate situation. Lauren, Wilkes, and Angela are forced to decide what to sacrifice to protect their own agendas and what they’re willing to give up for a chance at happiness. Rustler’s Moon is the third in Thomas’ Ransom Canyon Series. Thomas is a Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award Winner who has a strong, vivid style that warms the heart and stirs the soul. <br /><br />

<strong>A story of people living in a small town</strong><br /><br />My feelings about this book are mixed. I found it didn't hold my interest enough to want to keep reading, but I did enjoy the story and the twists and turn as each of the people learned that who they thought they were changed, or perhaps expanded, to include seeing their true selves through someone else's eyes. The story included 3 distinctly different mysteries. That was the part of the book I couldn't get interested in. I'm not sure exactly why, but I didn't care about the outcome of the main mystery - and the other question of the old falling down house or whether or not a cave could be found seemed, to me, superfluous.<br /><br />Once again, as I read this book. I am struck by how much more straightforward our lives would be if we could bring ourselves to say what we think and how we feel, instead of being ashamed or embarrassed. Perhaps that is the old lady in me, but we would be happier that way. Of course, it would make for a dull romance novel if the author wrote stories that way.