Member Reviews
A Cowgirl on His Doorstep is all kinds of fun, y’all! I love Anna J. Stewart’s writing style and her always-on-point talent with dialogue and characters, and this one may just be my favorite example to date. I could particularly hear Shane’s voice in my head (swoon!) and adored the banter and conversations between him and Iris, as well as with the kids and his dad Butch. Basically I just had a big ol’ smile on my face from the first page to the last and definitely plan to keep a copy on my shelves so I can re-read it when I need a pick-me-up.
Like her other 4 sisters, Iris Blackwell is estranged from her mother, Flora. And, honestly, if I had a mother like Flora I’d probably want as much distance between us as possible too! Stewart does a great job of depicting Flora as a character who drives you crazy (but you also can’t help but begrudgingly love her) and makes you sad since it’s clear she hasn’t figured out who she is outside of the glory days of her showmanship past. As a result, not only has her oblivious single-mindedness pushed her daughters away (hence the necessity of her ‘apology tour with Big E and Denny), it’s made them all the more determined to do what she can’t – define themselves without the ‘Blackwell Belles’ label. And boy has Iris done that! I loved her unique career (refurbishing/restoring RVs and trailers) as well as watching her excel at it. But most of all? I loved her sense of humor and her big heart. Iris is exactly the kind of person I’d want to be friends with in real life, and I would be first in line to shove her toward taking a chance at ‘forever’ with Shane and his family.
Because oh sweet mercy. From swoony cowboy uncle Shane to his adorable nephews Miles and Eric, his precious niece Ruby Rose, and his crotchety-but-loving dad Butch, the Holloways completely stole my heart. Shane had the ability to make me laugh AND melt at the same time (usually when he got a little exasperated at how easily Iris was taking over his heart… if you haven’t noticed it before the Sundance scene, you will for sure then). I also confess to shedding a few tears. You see, the Holloways are grieving, and here again Stewart fabulously captures the nuances of their emotions and the different layers to how it affects their dynamics. Iris is a breath of joy-filled air for them, yes, but they provide the same respite for her heart too. Needless to say, Shane and Iris easily became one of my favorite couples in recent memory, and it’s in large part to the family he brings with him to the relationship.
Bottom Line: If you’re in need of a warm, heartfelt story with plenty of fun humor, complex family dynamics, and swoony romantic chemistry, then A Cowgirl on His Doorstep by Anna J. Stewart should be your next read! While this is part of a continuing, multi-author series (that builds off other Blackwell series by the same authors), you can still enjoy it as a standalone title if needed. But I highly recommend bingeing on the Blackwells if you’ve got time over the holidays because they’re all delightful. Iris and Shane – and his family – are delightful too, and they moved right on in to my heart as though that’s where Iris was working instead of Butch’s old RV. Stewart’s pitch-perfect & witty writing voice always sweeps me into the story and keeps me immersed in every word until the end, and A Cowgirl on His Doorstep was no exception. Looking forward to meeting the next Blackwell sister soon!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Adorable and heartfelt! I loved every minute of Iris and Shane's unputdownable story! I'm a big fan of the Blackwells, so getting to enjoy a new one is always a treat. Iris pulled at my heartstrings even stronger than the rest of her sisters have so far. The characters were well developed, the angst was gentle yet meaningful and the warmth of the family she lucked into joining was really sweet. I loved them!
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series and the Blackwells that came prior too to anyone that enjoys a sweet romance filled with sass and a really buttinsky but loving family.
This was my first experience with the Blackwell Belles. Loved it. Of course, now I want to read the previous ones and any to follow. Many misty-eyed, sweet moments. Interesting family issues. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
This story centers around Iris Blackwell, a former trick rider from the Blackwell Belle troupe, who is now an independent renovator. While working on an RV for Butch Holloway, she meets Shane, his niece, and two nephews. Despite her growing connection with them, Iris struggles with trust issues and prefers handling things on her own. As she learns about the family's hardships, it deeply affects her, but she remains reluctant to accept any help. Meanwhile, Shane is doing his best to support his father and care for the children, with both characters navigating their emotional challenges throughout the story.
I loved getting to know Iris, Shane and the rest of the Holloway gang. This was a fun and cute little story. I must say I missed the meddling of Big E and Denny, the story was almost done before they popped up... but then again I suppose we wouldn't have gotten to see all of the sides of Iris if they had shown up earlier.
Hero is a likable and decent character who has his hands full raising his brother’s kids and managing the family ranch. Heroine has family and trust issues. The back & forth pull got tiresome to be honest but it is still a sweet read.
When Iris Blackwell, a trick-rider-turned-renovator, arrives at Shane Holloway's ranch to refurbish his father's old RV, Shane finds himself immediately drawn to her. Shane is busy raising his brother's three orphaned children and managing the family ranch. Iris, who is estranged from her mother and sisters, prefers it that way. Although Iris feels an attraction to Shane and the children, she avoids relationships. As their mutual interest grows, Shane also becomes adept at caring for the children.
When Iris's mother, grandmother and great uncle show up she is totally blindsided. She knows her mother is wanting something from her.
First let me say that this is the third book in the Blackwell Belles series. A new series that Anna J. Stewart, Melinda Curtis, Carol Ross, Cari Lynn Webb, and Amy Vastine have written together. I for one am so happy for this series. They have written three others before this. It’s a must read.
So let’s get started about this book. I absolutely loved it.. I laughed, I cried. Ms. Stewart always seems to make me laugh one minute, and then cry the next. She has a way when she writes children in her books which always warms my heart. In this book it’s also heartbreaking. You will learn why when you read the book which I highly recommend.
The book is about family about forgiveness and so much more.
You will see that Iris and Shane have some things in common in the forgiveness department. It is that which makes them open up which heals there heart.
Iris Blackwell has stepped away from her trick riding days with her sisters. She has stepped out on her own, and is happy about restoring things. When she gets a job at the Holloway Ranch she doesn’t expect Shane, and three sweet children. Then there’s Butch who hired her to work on his beloved RV.
Shane is not sure about Iris. He hopes she’s not going to take advantage of his father. He watches her carefully. At the same time He has a lot on his plate...helping his father with the ranch and taking care of his niece, and nephews. There is something about Iris that pulls him in.