The Man from Stone Creek

This is the book that started the Stone Creek series. Ranger Sam O'Ballivan, Rowdy Rhodes are among the characters that that are featured in the book. It is a good introduction to the series even though it is not set in Stone Creek In fact it is only at the end of the book that Sam and Mattie arrive at the ranch. It has been awhile since I read any of the Stone Creek Novels so this was a good reminder of Linda Lael Miller's writing style. It is somewhat different in this series. The book moves much slower, all of the characters are new and have to be developed, and the setting the story in 1905 makes for some difference in how things are done.

The Man From Stone Creek is a historical western romance set in 1903 in the Arizona Territory. The main romance is filled with suspense as the hero seeks to round up cattle rustlers and train robbers. The novel achieves an emotional depth as the heroine's romance heals a past tragedy. Linda Lael Miller's romance, however, is not just a hero-heroine romance --- it is the romance of a whole town where justice is found and the downtrodden find love.

Lawman Sam O'Ballivan has come to town to replace the schoolteacher. The minute he arrives, the local schoolboy fight and the boys learn justice O'Ballivan style. The boy who teased another is himself held by his feet with his head dangling down the well. The disciplined boy's complaints to his mother brings him to the attention of postmistress Maddie Chancelor. The sparks fly. When they collide, circumstances force Maddie into the sight of the most dangerous family in town. With Sam by her side, will she conquer the past or will his secret mission place her in the thick of even more trouble?

Sam may be working undercover to capture the castle rustlers and thieves terrorizing the local area, but his efforts to blend just seem to lead him into more trouble. Just as he realizes Maddie has his heart, his intended bride comes in on the stagecoach. Can it get any worse? Of course! The question is can all this danger change hearts so that romance succeeds?

Linda Lael Miller's magnificent romance is more than just Sam and Maddie. The reader sees problems that plagued the American West: the terrorists of the day, sickness, brothels which were often the only way for a woman to survive, children left orphaned or in need, and those left behind in the huge expansion of the West. The author does not shrink from the unpleasant realities of the historical setting, but she creates a romance where hearts are healed. Orphans and lost souls (children, adults and animals) find goodness, and justice is served. When her characters dare to opens their hearts and expose their vulnerabilities, love is found, and the lost or neglected who surround them get found.

Linda Lael Miller has written a solid American Western with a wonderful hero. Strangely, much of the novel is told through her hero's eyes. And, what an interesting man he is. I can't remember a Western in which the hero is, on the one hand, a tough and seasoned Ranger, but on the other, a tender hearted teacher who constantly takes the downtrodden under his wings - whether they be poor children, women, or even animals. Miller made an interesting and unique character in Sam O'Ballivan. Her heroine is not as fleshed-out as Sam, but still likeable. One of the best aspects of the book, however, is the well-told and intriguing story in which the reader comes upon some form of crisis in almost every other chapter. It's quite a page-turner.

Sam O'Ballivan, SO'B, Ranger and Schoolmaster on the Arizona/Texas border. Interesting combination, but the book is a good read. The names Terran, Mungo and Undine seem somewhat unusual. Linda Lael Miller is becoming a favourite writer, Dime Novels or no.

The characters were well-written and three-dimensional, except for Sam's childhood sweetheart, Abigail. She is written as an afterthought; it is made clear that Sam prefers Maddie, and almost as soon as Abigail makes an appearance, she is pronounced sickly and dies due to a heart problem. What was that?! Aside from the Abigail digression, I enjoyed the overall plot and characters.

"The Man from Stone Creek" is another great novel by Linda Lael Miller. It contains very interesting characters and a great love story. I found the western setting of the story to be very appealing. There is much to like about "The Man from Stone Creek" and very little to complain about. It's a great read!

Story telling at it's best! Will definitely keep you turning the pages, read the whole thing in 2 days (Even though I work 8 hrs a day)! Characters are well developed and engaging each with their own quirks that make them human. Unexpected twists and turns. Romance scenes pretty fiery. Overall an enjoyable read.

Easy reading historical western romance. Interesting twists to the story line. Believable characters and fun dialogue.

Formatting errors.

I may re-read this book and always look forward to other works by this author.

Its not often I find a romance novel that manages to entertain my mind and make me wonder what is going to happen next. This book is worth more than one read... perhaps two or three. So get your tea or glass of wine get cozy and cuddle up with a good book tonight.

I was so surprised that no one had previously reviewed this book! The story caught me from the first page, and was very hard to put back down! This book was so well written and all the characters, especially Maddie and Mr. SOB were brought to life. Humor, drama, life and death situations, this story had it all. I have to admit that I would have liked to see it end a bit differently, but for the era that the book was written in, it was appropriate! Highly Recommended!!

This is another terrific read from Linda Lael Miller. It's a western theme, heartfelt in its writing that will tug at your heartstrings for sure. Fans of Arizona will love the setting. The characters are true to life. What a great romance.

I chose this book because I had never read anything by this author and was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it. I find I am enjoying books that take place in a western setting. I would recommend it to most of my friends.

Linda lael Miller has become one of my very favorite authors. I especially like the Creed series, the McKettrick and Springwater series.
I love stories about the era of 1800's and follow up stories of the families.

She keeps you intrigued, its nice when you have more than one book as a story and she created a family that goes on thru the years and even if you miss some of them she always gives you a little hint about the family. This is a new trilogy and am loving the characters and i highly recommend it if you are a reader and need a break from any other type of reading, I also like action adventure, some biographies, historical to a degree so this is light and a nice change.