Alexis' father has died unexpectedly, leaving her burdened with a heavily mortgaged horse ranch. Marrying one of the town's all-too-willing bachelors would offer her an easy solution, but Alex has no interest in marriage. Instead, she dons men's trousers and rides the range, determined to make the ranch a success on her own. But despite Alex's best efforts, everything seems to go wrong: ranch hands quit, horses are stolen, and her father's gold goes missing. Alex is at her wit's end when wrangler Justin Phillips arrives in Last Chance with his young son, looking for a job. But there seems to be more to Justin's story than he's willing to share. Will Alex ever be able to trust him?
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 35 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Linda Pimley (Lyle, WA), November 03, 2009
A new author on the horizon, Miralee Ferrell, brings energy, humor, mystery and romance into this historical novel set in Last Chance, CA. Her personal knowledge of horses and effort given to present historical facts when appropriate, create believable scenarios that make interesting reading. A thread of mystery winds through the story and keeps curiosity and anticipation alive. The author's spiritual personality can't help but manifest itself as the heroine struggles through difficult times. Good job, Miralee--am looking forward to your upcoming book in the Love Finds You series.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jill Williamson (Oregon), October 14, 2009
Alexia Travers’ father has unexpectedly died and left her alone with a horse ranch to run. Alexia has no desire to sell or marry away her burdens. She loves working the ranch, despite what the ladies in town think of a woman wearing trousers and doing men’s work. But the trouble has only begun. Horses are being stolen, her ranch hands are quitting, and it’s starting to look like her father’s death was more than just an accident.
Then Justin Phillips shows up and asks for a job. Justin is hardworking and able but brings with him a mystery of his own, including a small son. He claims the boy’s mother died recently, but some of the people in Last Change are suspicious of Justin. They claim he looks like a local horse thief. Alex doesn’t know what to think or who to trust. But if something doesn’t change soon, she might lose the ranch and everything she’s known her entire life.
Miralee Ferrell drew me into this western adventure with a mysterious plot and relatable characters. I love a girl who wears britches in historical stories, and Alexia is a great and capable heroine. It was exciting to watch her trust God and let go of her own control a bit. I enjoyed all the characters in this story, especially Justin’s little boy, Toby, who just wants to “wide the horsey.”
I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a sweet romance, some mystery, and a little Wild West adventure. Love Finds You in Last Chance, California has it all.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Janice Thompson (Texas), August 03, 2009
It's always so much fun to pick up a book by an author I've never read before and be blown away by both the writing and the story. Such was the case with Miralee Ferrell's wonderful book LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAST CHANCE, CALIFORNIA.
I can't tell you how much I loved this book! I particularly enjoyed the character of Alex (Alexia). What a strong, independent heroine! When Alex's father passes away, she makes it clear to all who will listen that she plans to keep the family's ranch going on her own. Of course, she faces some daunting challenges. Justin, the story's hero, (and a total stranger to Alex) arrives with his three-year-old son to offer assistance. Only one problem. . .Justin thinks "Alex" is a man! Talk about conflict! Now add intrigue, romance and plenty of action/adventure and it's clear this is one well-rounded historical!
Miralee's story is intelligently written and it's clear she did her research on both the area and the time period. She also did something else remarkably well. By tying the town's name to the predominant "issue" of the book (the need for another "chance") she has woven a lovely allegorical thread throughout. Nicely done!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by linda shekey (San Diego, CA 92120), July 19, 2009
I really enjoyed this book very much. It was well writen and the way she put in about the way christians are to live and act really help me understand a few things. It really open my eyes to some hurts I have gone through in my life. So good writting Mrs. Ferrell and will read more of you books
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by BFine (Chilliwack, BC (Canada)), July 17, 2009
It's a refreshing tale of a young lady (Alexia or Alex) who’s not afraid of hard work and believe me - she has her hands full trying to run the ranch left to her by her father who has recently died.
She faces many challenges…
Her horses are disappearing, hired hands are quitting, her father’s gold is missing and Alexia (Alex) has just learned that the ranch she loves is debt-ridden and foreclosure is looming!
Suspicions abound!
Was her father’s death by natural causes or did someone kill him?
Whose chasing off her hired help?
And matters get even more complicated when a stranger named Justin arrives (with his young son, Tobey)looking for a job. Is he really there to help or is he part of the bunch that’s stealing horses from Alexia’s ranch?
If that’s not enough…
Alex has plenty of eligible men seeking her hand in marriage but Alex isn’t keen on the men who are purposing - not even her well meaning neighbor and supposed family friend, Carter Foster who’s rich and he wants Alex to be his wife!
Alex has feelings for the new ranch hand (Justin and his young son Tobey.) But just as she’s allowing herself to care for him and his son, Alex is faced with a new problem… a woman from Justin’s past shows up claiming he was never married to Tobey’s mother and to top that off – Tobey isn’t even his son!
I recommend this book!
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christy Lockstein (Oconto Falls, WIsconsin), July 07, 2009
Love Finds You in Last Chance, California by Miralee Ferrell is the fifth book in the Love Finds You series; however, each book is a stand-alone, so don't worry about missing anything if this is the first volume you pick up. Alex Travers is used to not living up to other people's expectations . As her father's sole child, she grew up working with horses and helping him run the family ranch, so it's only natural that after his sudden death she would take over as head of the ranch. Not everything may be as it appears however. Her father sent for Justin Phillips help because of suspicions about mysterious attacks and disappearances . Justin comes out of a sense of obligation as well as relief. After the recent death of his wife, he's taking care of their son Toby on his own. I truly enjoy Ferrell's writing, and this book exceeded my expectations of a western romance. Those are not typically a genre I read, but the romance between Alex and Justin was slow-moving and entirely natural. She's an unusually strong character for the genre, and it was a neat twist for the hero to have a child to care for. While the Christian themes came on a bit thick at the end, in the rest of the book they were handled with a less heavy hand. Several of the minor characters were developed well, as was the town of Last Chance itself. I wouldn't mind returning there again!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Debby Mayne (Palm Harbor, FL), June 03, 2009
Miralee Ferrell does a beautiful job of weaving this rich setting into the story and taking readers on a journey with these well drawn characters. Alexia's strength and determination drive the story through realistic tribulations from that era. The romance between Alexia and Justin is evident but not forced. With a nice blend of history, adventure, and suspense, this delightful Christian romance will keep you turning pages.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jennifer (Panama City, FL), April 30, 2009
Boy, I really enjoyed this one. I love all the historical landmarks and references. And the characters, I just fell in love with them all. Didn't care too much for the villain of the story but that's to be exacted. :)
Another book well done by Mrs. Ferrell!! I like that she didn't rush the love story along, and took her time in divulging who the man behind the schemes were. Mrs. Ferrell does an excellent job at showing how God's love transcends all understanding and can use any circumstance in our lives for good. Great book! It's a keeper!! :)
View all 35 Reviews
Write a review of Love Finds You in Last Chance, California
Catalog Shopping
Membership
