Heart of Texas: The Series (2024)

Title: Heart Of Texas: The Series
Author: K. L. Hemley
Published: K.L.H.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Heart of Texas: The Series by K.L. Hemley was a good well written romantic series in the 'Wild West' in Texas for Ms. Mabel Milton. After the death of her parents, Mabel was found running her ranch single handed owning 'one of the most successful ranches in the area.' Thing change somewhat for Mabel when she meets Jesse Lockwood and finds his 'constant jokes were tiring' but he did know
what he was taking about when it came to cattle. After meeting Jesse they both agree to drive her cattle to Kansas. While in Dodge City problems arrive for Jesse's men, however, they are able to make it back to the ranch. After arriving back on the ranch from the cattle drive as winter came on and it was one of the 'harshest winters on record.' Would Mabel be able to survive on her ranch in the harsh winter weather without the help of Jesse? Would Mabel and Jesse be able to 'co-operate together?' Well it seems like things were going well for Mabel until a new arrival neighbor by the name of Max Harper arrives in town. Now, what will Max bring into this picture? What will Mabel over hear from Max that will change her life as she thought it would have been? Now, who will get the girl? This is where I say you must pick up this read to get all of these questions answered and see how this author will bring it all out to the reader.
I also like how this author was able to bring out the importance of the cattle drives during this time in history and the opening of the 'Guest or dude' ranches that allowed people to be able to "visit and experience the cowboy life for a short vacation without exposing themselves to the kind of dangers cattle farming could bring." This
was all very interesting to me.

I also enjoyed the read that included 'The Series.' There are five books from the series: Life, Love and Longhorns, For Love or Not at All, Love Comes Later, To the Max and Lies and Laughter. If you are in for a sweet romantic read you have come to the right place for "The Heart of Texas: The Series would be recommended to you.

Mabel is a born and bred, bona fide cowgirl who assumes the running of the ranch when her parents pass away. She’s one of the best in the whole region & has no interest in romance or getting into a relationship, valuing her independence above all.
When a handsome newcomer Jesse Lockwood moves in to be her neighbour, things start to get complicated for Mabel. In makes sense for them to pool their resources for the benefit of both their ranches but Mabel finds herself constantly aggravated by his teasing and behaviour. When a rich city slicker, Max Harper, buys over a floundering ranch in the area, Mabel finds herself in yet another relationship.

I found it obvious that Jesse cared a lot for Mabel & his actions thru out the story showed it. Mabel doesn’t seem to have a clue when it comes to relationships with men. When Max shows up, she seems too ready to believe everything (bad) Max says about Jesse while not trusting anything Jesse says.

While the story is supposed to be an Historical Western Romance, it’s very light on romance but provides quite an interesting story of what life in the west, & cattle ranching was like & what the ranchers faced when the industry went downhill.

Mabel Milton is rancher born and bred. Mabel only wants to marry for love or not at all. Mabel's friend Nora can't seem to understand what that means and continues to play matchmaker. Mabel is gearing up for cattle drive doesn't have time to wonder what to do next. As the days of cattle drive approaches Mabel's neighbor Jesse Lockwood ask if he can partner up with Mabel. Mabel agrees as long as Jesse's crew does their fair share of the work. Will Mabel admit she's attracted to Jesse? Will Mabel marry for love? Your answers await you in Heart of Texas:The Series.

I really enjoyed this book. This new to me author showcased writing ability interspersed with interesting tidbits. The characters were honest, flawed, intriguing, compelling, real, and raw. The story hits on the spirit of wild west and incredibly complex as well.

I really enjoyed this book & would reread it. It's been a while since I've read a book that made me gasp with surprise or smile so widely. It's a sweet romance and felt real; not a silly or improbable romance or erotica. I would've liked to read about the actual wedding, but it was still a good ending.

About the actual writing...
The author does great at not over-descibing or explaining. That was really appreciated. The story flowed so well. However, sometimes words were out of place and there were a few fragmented & run-on sentences. Sometimes "she" & "he" were mixed up in the sentence such as: "Mabel wished Jesse would put her arms around him and comfort him." Anyway, nothing really detracted from the story; just need to work on editing better.