The Man from Stone Creek Mass Market Paperback – February 26, 2013

This is one of those books I have read over and over, along with, along with The Wanted Man and The Rustler, the other two books in the Stone Creek series. The author shows the hardships women went through in the wild, Wild West, especially if they didn’t have or lost a spouse. The love story was realistic, the children endearing and the sex swoon worthy. A thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys historical romance.

Several years ago, I “met” this author in a used book store here in our town. That was BK (before Kindle) and we went every couple weeks to turn books in and buy a few more. I went through the McKettricks, the Creeds and other historical western families and loved every one of them. This book is based in 1903, the name O’Ballivan is in the story-line; railroads run across the United States both north and south; and, cattle are still raised and horses ridden in the hills and plains in Arizona in this story. The town of Haven is the center of most action and it is near the Mexico border. Maddie runs the Mercantile, cattle are rustled, trains are robbed and there is still the local saloon with the upstairs action. I loved getting back into the stories of this author and hope she keeps writing as the story-lines are excellent and this book will make you smile, laugh and keep reading up until The End. Thanks Ms. Miller for a wonderful day of reading.

As you can see I have given this book the full five stars. I loved it! Part of the "Stone Creek" series , like the others this book can stand alone., And what a cracker it is.. The author proclaims that the hero Sam O'Ballivan is her favourite and I can quite see why. Sam is the quintessential hero, upstanding, forthright, uncompromising, erudite and good looking. His heroine Maddie is a good foil for him - honest, independent and battling great odds to survive in the small frontier town out West. The book is laced with humour, leavened by compassion and sorrow. When Sam, the new schoolt teacher, locks horns with Maddie over her young brother's behaviour, the sparks fly and don't stop flying from then on in. Both characters are not exactly what they seem on the outside and this only adds to the intrigue. The tale of life in those early days of Frontier life is skillfully wound round the central theme of the unlikely romance between these two and gives a good picture of the daily struggles pioneers faced. But the story never flags and if you are like me, you will find it hard to put down. Full marks to Linda Lael Miller, she surely delivers a grand story that all can enjoy without compromising the background reality of pioneer times. I guarantee you will enjoy this book, and can also recommend you get your hands on the other titles in this series. They are all good, but this is the cream of the crop.

There's something about summer that entices me back to reading romances set in the "old" West, or at least the west stereotyped in old (now considered classic) TV shows. One element of Miller's books set in the very early 20th century is her accuracy with clothing, likely attitudes between men and women, and the setting of her stories.In this case, Sam O'Ballivan is an Arizona lawman who goes undercover to identify and go after a crew of plunderers on sides of the river separating Arizona and Mexico, pretending to be a schoolteacher and thus showing his softer side when he deals with children. One of the first kids he encounters is the brother of spunky Maddie Chancelor, the postmistress who also runs the local mercantile in Haven, Arizona.How they endure a gunfight and learn of their respective backgrounds and secrets makes their ultimate declaration of love for the other that much sweeter, and means I am now compelled to read another title in this series.

I checked this book out from my local library and liked it so much I purchased it for my kindle. Excellent book. Sam O'Ballivan is not your usual teacher; he's an Arizona Ranger masquerading as a teacher to get some outlaws. He's really good with the children when needed and strong with them when required. Maddie is a strong woman in her own right and when the two meet, sparks fly. This was a quick easy read that kept me thoroughly entertained . I did not want to put the book down it was so good and at times made me laugh. I love Linda Lael Miller's books and this is another winner.

I love reading Linda Lael Miller's books. As in this case, the story makes for a fun read. A lawman in the role of teacher allows this author to write in some hilarious scenes. I suspect holding a young student by his feet over a well is not standard procedure. Despite the humor and romance entwined throughout the story, there is a very, very nasty gang to be dealt with. The book has its surprises, especially as relates to a couple of the female characters. They may not be what they seem.

A great story; well-written...good from the first page to the last word! Sam, Maddie, Terran, Ben, Neptune and little Violet were captivating characters. The romance was teasing and fulfilling sprinkled with just the right amount of Abigail and the major. Justice and love 💘 prevail.

Another exciting book by this favorite author. Almost every page is filled with well thought up characters doing unexpected things. We have passion, gun fights, murder, scheming, love, each exciting event followed by another.

I am a great fan of this authoress though I find she appears to be more obsessed with oral sex than with conventional sex and that runs through most of her novels.

Great read.

.......I have to ask, as this book is nothing like her past historicals. And the author says in the foreword that this book has a special place in her heart??!! How did her editor pass it? I waited till it was out in paperback as the hardback was just unaffordable, and boy, do I regret even paying £0.57 for it used. This book goes almost until the last chapter before the characters kiss, and immed they do, without any real prior interaction, they declare their love. And in that one conversation, he susses that she is a single mom raising her son as her brother. There was none of the passion associated with books such as the McKettricks, Angel Fire, Lily And The Major, Desire And Destiny, and I feel really cheated. Can't even sell the book on as word must have spread and no-one's interested. I am really disappointed and if I can save even one fan further disappointment, then I won't regret the £0.57 (+£2.75P&P) that I spent!

Love Linda's books. I adore her Prose. There are very few other authors that can come up with lines like her! Wish she would write more Historical Westerns!

very good like the auther