First an admission. I am a huge fan of Brenda Novak. When Lightning Strikes won this talented author a special place in my heart. Following that meant scooping up anything by this awesome writer. Brenda Novak truly has no equal in the character creating category. And once you start THE TALK OF COYOTE CANYON you will totally understand.
So we have a dysfunctional family, actually it seems like we have two. One that broke up leaving some fragments behind that were impossible to glue back together. I’m describing Ellen and her mother. Ellen took on the role of provider when it became apparent that her mother could just not cope with her life. Ellen didn’t come to Coyote Canyon to necessarily cause a problem, but her arrival there certainly affected lots of people.
Ellen’s father Stuart, his wife Lynn and her son Leo and nephew Hendrix lived in Coyote Canyon. Stuart owned a company that drilled wells for water. Hendrix was his right-hand man. Ellen had a similar company and now that she too was in Coyote Canyon needless to say the competition was not welcome.
But the business issue didn’t seem to be the most crucial element. The anger and feelings of being practically dismissed as a daughter is what fueled Ellen. The feelings of hatred for this young woman have been carefully fostered by Stuart’s new wife. There had been no emotional or financial support coming from Stuart all these years. And Ellen bears the scars.
Somehow along the way Coyote Canyon is bringing some peace to Ellen. It is a very caring and inclusive community. Being apart from her mother gives her the space she definitely needed although the need for support is still alive and well. Ellen has been the source of support for her mother in almost every way. Now she has the freedom of space to make new friends. And it would seem surprised many of those with preconceived notions about this young woman.
Leo immediately embraces Ellen whose acceptance and care impress the heck out of Leo’s brother Hendrix. Just didn’t fit the person he had been brought up to disregard as impossible.
In THE TALK OF COYOTE CANYON we watch many lives change and blossom with the acceptance of misguided opinions. The characters actually grow right before our eyes as we witness relationships evolve. Magical. Awesome. Very Brenda Novak. Chalk up THE TALK OF COYOTE CANYON as another must read by this very prolific author.

I thought this was another good book in this series.
There’s a lot going on in this book. I did think it started a bit slow but slowly picked up steam. It’s an enjoyable book!

This book deserves more than five stars because it is so many different genres neatly packaged into one unputdownable book. It includes romance, mystery, a few thrills, suspense and romance. I know…romance is twice because it is the prevalent genre for the book. Ellen Truesdale is a rebel with a heart for finding trouble and avoiding relationships. Wounded deeply as a child by her absentee father and his new wife, she has chosen to get her revenge by establishing her own well-digging business to rival his, in the same small town that Stuart Fetterman is located. In her quest for justice for past wrongs, Ellen ends up finding more trouble than she bargained for, with a disloyal employee, vandalism of a new well that she put in and an online date that didn’t turn out well for her. In other words, Ellen is bringing a lot of unhappiness all along her way in Coyote Canyon. I really enjoyed getting to know Ellen and was sad when the book ended. She is a quirky character who is multi-dimensional, vulnerable and determined, strong and dependent all rolled up into one small delightful package. When Hendrix Durant, a man she has sworn to hate forever, turns up to help her in her difficulties, she is wary and learns how to appreciate his honestly and his abilities. The love story is original and compelling as the two of them are not exactly a match made in heaven. I appreciated the complicated plot, the relatable characters and the way the story gave me all of the high and low feels of an emotion-filled book. But what I liked best were the lessons that the book taught about acceptance, forgiveness and trust as well as disappointment and rolling with the punches even when they are coming too fast to keep up. The book has lots of action and plenty of wit in the dialogue, so it is a winner in every category possible!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This book offers interesting twists because of the relationship portion the main character has with her estranged father and stepmother. In fact, this is almost like a forbidden romance of sorts, once you Figure out who her crush and love interest will be.

Because of her relationship with her estranged father, the story can actually make you feel sad and definitely explains a lot of her shortness and anger issues. Novak did a great job developing the female character with her tough exterior but mushy interior.

The story has a lot of complexity because of the relationships and inner connection with the main characters. There’s a lot of tiptoeing going around and the story also includes a little bit of mystery for a multi-dimensional read.

The Talk of Coyote Canyon is definitely a slow-burn romance and it takes a while to break down walls. The main male character’s love interest is wonderfully depicted, and I really enjoyed his sweet and kind character.

One thing that did disappoint me, however, was the ending. I felt a great opportunity was missed to bring this to a five-star review with an in-depth closure for these characters. The ending left me wanting so much more, especially the bombshell in the last paragraph.

The Talk of Coyote Canyon is a great collection of romance, relationship development, and family dynamics. It is a wonderful read with a slowly blossoming romance that will get you fired up along with them.

I was eager to read Ellen’s story in this series. She’s a strong, independent young woman who has been hurt in the past by her family, especially her estranged father. The small town has not been exactly welcoming to her as she has come to be a competitor in her father’s business. The two main characters had great chemistry though they are at odds with each other. Hendrix is a just what she needs in her life if he can break down her defenses. There’s so much that I love in this story - romance, friendship, revenge, healing, and a bit of a mystery. Wonderful read!

Brenda Novak delivers the second romance in the Coyote Canyon series, in which unconventional Ellen has come to the small town in Montana to wreak revenge on the father that abandoned her. Her well-drilling company is small but proves a rival to her father's well-established business. Hendrix, her father's partner, helps her with a job, and despite a seemingly conflict of interest, the two find themselves becoming friends. How Ellen is able to reconcile her past in order to have a future with Hendrix is a story definitely recommended.
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Ellen has moved to town after her grandmother's death. She has history here and is determined to make herself known. She sets up a drilling business in direct competition to her father's and once she has put him out of business she will be on her way. Little does she know that her plans will g change once she gets involved with Hendrix, her father's right hand man. He becomes sympathetic towards Ellen when her work is sabotaged that points to his company. When secrets are revealed will she be able to forgive and find a life of happiness? Great second book in the series.

Ellen Truesdale is in Coyote Canyon to get a little revenge, her father left her behind years ago and never looked back. Now she is on a mission to put him out of business and destroy the thing he cares about most, hoping then that he'll know what it truly feels like to lose something that means a lot to him. But then she meets Hendrix Durrant wanders into her world and turns it upside down...

This second installment in the Coyote Canyon was just as enjoyable as the first, the moment I cracked the cover on it, I found it almost impossible to put down. It's well penned words grabbed ahold of me and just wouldn't let go.

Ellen has carried the pain her father inflicted on her for years now and turned it into motivation to get even with him. It seems like the perfect plan at first, but she never planned on meeting a man quite like Hendrix, once he comes into her life her little plan hits a snag. In all her planning she never thought her time in Coyote Canyon would bring love into her life or help her to see what she has been missing out on all along. I truly enjoyed watching her find her happy, her story was an emotional one, but also very heartwarming too. Seeing her heal and let go of her hurtful past was also quite uplifting too, it was an all around perfect read, one that I highly recommend you take a chance on.

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

Brenda Novak brings us the story of Ellen, a woman whose hatred for the father who abandoned her. She takes this hatred and turns it on to anyone associated with him and that includes Hendrix whose aunt married her father. When she moves to the same town as her father, she devotes her life to destroying his by becoming his competitor in business. Needing help with her business makes her confront her past which has colored her present and determined her path in life. What happens when she learns a few truths? Will it change how she feels toward those around her, or will she be too stubborn to see the potential surrounding her? Can she let go of the anger and hurt enough to be able to forge a future filled with love and family?

Brenda Novak brings us the story of Ellen whose anger and hurt has shaped her life and the decisions she has made leading up to her ending up in the same town as her father and his family. We see how life's experiences can change a person and that there are many sides to a story. Ellen is angry and stubborn for about half of the story before she starts to let others in and perhaps be changed by the what she learns about her family. But will it be enough or is it too late in the game to change?

Another great book by Brenda Novak in the Coyote Canyon series. This story delves into jealousy and heartbreak which should never have happened and you find yourself cheering for the main character to find happiness. There is also an evil stepmother that you love to hate as she is very cruel and self centred. That being said I absolutely loved the character Leo. He was so heartwarming and innocent. This was a great read from start to finish.

This is a story about Ellen who has come to Coyote Canyon to compete for business with the Father who wasn’t there for her growing up. Ellen has a lot of resentment against her Father and the new family he has formed. There are a few characters in this book who aren’t very likable. I liked the story but it seemed like the resolution of the conflicts in the story was very abrupt. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy

Brenda Novak absolutely never fails me! I have been excited to get my hands on the second book in the Coyote Canyon series, and I am thrilled to say that The Talk of Coyote Canyon lived up to my high expectations! This small town romance novel is perfectly paced—I love that there are some mystery/suspense aspects throughout and it kept my undivided attention the entire way through! The obstacles the characters found themselves facing are extremely relatable, which for me is the reason I was so invested in their journey! The Talk of Coyote Canyon is a 5 star novel that ALL romance fans will devour! I highly recommend you start from the beginning with this series because I adored the first book (Talulah’s Back in Town), but The Talk of the Canyon can totally be read as a standalone.

Brenda Novak has brought another winning combination of love, hate, suspense, revenge and family intrigue to Coyote Canyon. There’s tension in town, local gossip is rampant and it’s all directed at Ellen as she builds her drilling business in the same town as her estranged father and his wife. There’s obvious unfinished history in the family and, it’s literally complicated by Hendrix, who is right in the middle of everything. I loved how the story sorted itself out. Great read!

Another winner for Brenda Novak! I loved Ellen's story. She caught my interest in the first Coyote Canyon book so I was glad to see more about her in this one. She's a strong intelligent woman with her own business and definitely doesn't need a man to survive. Finding out she has a vulnerable side, and why, is probably my favorite part of this book. Following along as her relationship blossoms with someone she started out hating, makes this such a wonderful story. Brenda always writes her characters in such a way that you can't wait to find out what happens next. I'm curious to see which character, or characters, from this book will end up in the next one. You keep writing Brenda, and I will keep reading!

I love all of Brenda Novak’s books and this one certainly didn’t disappoint!!!! I loved it and there was just enough mystery to it as well!!! Another best-seller in the making! Now I need to read Talulah’s Back in Town!

I always recommend Brenda Novak and this series is no exception. A good story with great characters.

Brenda Novak brings us the story of Ellen, a woman whose hatred for the father who abandoned her. She takes this hatred and turns it on to anyone associated with him and that includes Hendrix whose aunt married her father. When she moves to the same town as her father, she devotes her life to destroying his by becoming his competitor in business. Needing help with her business makes her confront her past which has colored her present and determined her path in life. What happens when she learns a few truths? Will it change how she feels toward those around her, or will she be too stubborn to see the potential surrounding her? Can she let go of the anger and hurt enough to be able to forge a future filled with love and family?

Brenda Novak brings us the story of Ellen whose anger and hurt has shaped her life and the decisions she has made leading up to her ending up in the same town as her father and his family. We see how life's experiences can change a person and that there are many sides to a story. Ellen is angry and stubborn for about half of the story before she starts to let others in and perhaps be changed by the what she learns about her family. But will it be enough or is it too late in the game to change?

I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA for this privilege.

The talk of coyote creek by Brenda Novak Ellen must show her father that she does care that he never picked her. But why does she care what the man , that was one of the choices he picked over her cares

Ellen moved to Coyote Canyon to drill wells. It was a tough road for her with so many people in town against her, it made her a tough but strong person
She worked hard to make her company a success and maybe change people’s opinion of her
The book kept me engaged from start to finish

Second in the Coyote Canyon series is Small town romance with amazing characters and a fun read. Impressed by Leo, he was adorable and realistically protrayed. Ellen and Hendrix are an interesting and unique couple. Anticipating visiting Coyote Canyon again in the next book of the series.

Thank you to the author - Brenda Novak, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.