the setup…
Ellen Truesdale is a well driller, a very much male-dominated field but she’s got eyes for only one competitor, Fetterman Well Services…owned by her father. She’s returned to Coyote Canyon after having left at age ten with her mother when Scott Fetterman divorced both her and her mother, beginning a new family. His new wife forbade him to have anything to do with her and now her nephew Hendrix Durant is the beneficiary of Scott’s time and attention. It should be Ellen and she’s determined to beat him professionally and cold-shoulder Hendrix. That, however, becomes rather hard to do when Hendrix gives her a helping hand when she needed one most.
the heart of the story…
Given how Ellen’s father completely abandoned her, I understood her passion around proving her worth. I kept hoping to find a backbone where he was concerned but that proved elusive. There’s a lot to like and admire about Ellen and Hendrix had the sense to recognize it. Their developing relationship grew gradually, quietly and surreptitiously given the repercussions. The side story involving the online dating suitor just added another interesting element.
the narration…
McFadden’s style is perfect for this type of storytelling. She managed to provide character distinctions for a wide array of personalities that fit them nicely. Loved everything about her performance.
the bottom line…
This is true small town dynamics where everyone may look out for each other but there can be a downside. Ellen’s stepmother created a narrative about her that people generally accepted until she showed up otherwise. I liked the romance, both Ellen and Hendrix, and his bravery. The portrayal of the aftermath of a divorce and subsequent blended family was honest and realistic. I wasn’t crazy about the ending but perhaps we will see more in the next book? Otherwise, I was hooked from beginning to end.
Book Info
- Release Date: November 28, 2023
- Series: Coyote Canyon #2
- Narrator: Amy McFadden
- Audio Length: 12 hours, 9 minutes
- Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
Fab review Jo, glad you’re enjoying the series!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 I’m loving the series, which is no surprise as I’m a big fan of the author.
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I enjoy this author but haven’t started this series yet.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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I think you’ll like it.
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Fab review! I’ve been curious about this title, so I’m glad you enjoyed it! xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 It’s an interesting series, turning the tables on our trend to see small towns as idyllic.
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This does sound like authentic small town which definitely has its downside. McFadden sounds like a wonderful narrator. Excellent review!
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Thanks, Tessa💜 McFadden just hit the right pitch in the storytelling. She made the characters feel multidimensional. Definitely enhanced my enjoyment.
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This is another author I keep meaning to try. Great review, Jo. 💕📚
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Thank you, Sandy💜 She has an extraordinary backlist and I’ve followed her for years.
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I haven’t read any books by this author yet and I’m not sure why. Wonderful review Jonetta!
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Thank you, Jodie💜 You would absolutely love this series and Novak’s backlist! Highly recommend the Whiskey Creek series and her recent standalones. Just search the author on my site or on my Goodreads profile for the reviews.
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I loved this series, and the next one is also wonderful, Jo. Great review. Funny thing, I started to listen to Tourist Season, Novak’s newest book and Amy McFadden was narrating it. I couldn’t wrap my head around it, as I kept picturing this series and the characters, so I ended up reading it. That’s the first time that’s happened.
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Thank you, Carla💜 I’ll remember this about the narration. Perhaps putting some distance between them will help. Appreciate the heads up.
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That’s probably the case, because I love her narration.
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