Looking Back at Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

  Every time my dad travels out of the country, I ask him for one souvenir: I want a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone, if you're American) in whatever language that country speaks. After about three trips or so, and very generous friends sending me copies of the book from their home country, I now own about thirty copies of the first Harry Potter book.
  Of course I'll never read them. They're way too precious to me. In fact, the copies I read, and the copies my mom read to me when I was five years old are too precious as well. They're first edition hard covers--there is no way I could even think about bringing those out in public and risk losing them, dropping Tandoori Chicken on them, or getting caught in a thunderstorm. (I would then have to stick them under my shirt and run frantically to my car).
  I need a set of the series to bend, crease, stroke when I read nerve-wracking scenes, get tears on when my favorite characters die all over again, get tears on when I read a happy scene, get tears on when something remotely emotional happens, and to love and abuse.
  I need paperbacks.
  When I knew I was going to reread my favorite series in the entire world every October starting this year, I knew I would need a set I could read annually and only take out when the leaves started to change color and Halloween decorations were put out on Walmart's shelves.
  I found a set that suited my reread perfectly (that my dad still doesn't realize is missing from his bedroom), and I set them up on my bookshelves, in order, and awaited October 1st.
  I was ready.
  Well, I was ready up until October 1st. On September 30th, like a bride with cold feet the night before her wedding, I became extremely nervous. Was I prepared to get back into Harry's story? Was I okay with rereading my favorite characters' death scenes AGAIN, even after I'd suffered so much already? Was I fully ready to commit myself to this kind of relationship again? Was I ready to laugh, cry, bang my fists against a table, sob into a pillow, scream out in rage, and be completely and entirely overwhelmed with the happiness of being back home?
  Of course I was.
  Just like that bride with cold feet the night before her wedding, I knew it would be worth it.
  On October 1st, I picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and was welcomed home.
  For only about a paragraph or two. Before I could fully be sucked into the story again, I started crying. Hard. All of the emotions from the book releases, movie releases, final book and movie releases, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening, the music, and the previous reads of the story came rushing back to me like a giant tidal wave sucking me under.
  The second try was a bit more successful. I think I read about two more paragraphs that time. Then the tears came back again, and I had to take a break.
  Thankfully my third try was the most successful because as I type this, I am on book four, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I've only cried six times throughout the four books, so this is progress!
  It's difficult to explain the importance of Harry Potter. I guess when you grow up with Harry, like I did, you can't imagine your life without him. Harry taught me love, friendship, loyalty, strength, and that good conquers evil, always. But what magic does Harry hold over adults who come across him later in life and fall in love? It just goes to show that the Harry Potter series is not just a children's series. The books are not just for children. They teach people of all ages the importance of life.
  You don't need to be a witch or a wizard to fall in love with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, because the Harry Potter series proves that magic is found everywhere, and can be cast by anyone.
  Reading is pure magic, and so is Harry Potter. Put them together, and you'll have the most epic reading experience of your life.
  I've come to a lot (A LOT) or realizations during my reread. Over the past few years, I've only been able to watch and rewatch the Harry Potter movies over and over and over again. I've become so used to Dan, Emma, and Rupert's Harry, Hermione, and Ron, the music, the filmography, insignificant details (or details I thought were insignificant), and Harrypottadidyouputyournameinthegobletoffiya?! I've forgotten everything that made me fall in love with Harry Potter in the first place.
  I've fallen in love with Quidditch again. I've fallen in love with Dumbledore again. I sympathize with Hermione. I despise Draco all over again. I want to grab Snape by his greasy head and shout in his face, "WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SUCH A JERK FACE, BUT I KIND OF UNDERSTAND YOUR PAIN!" I want to knock Peeves out of the air with a Quidditch club every time he tattles on Harry. I want to press my mouth against my book's pages and scream a warning to the characters every time I know something bad is going to happen. I do a double take every time something bad happens that I don't remember happening. I grit my teeth in anger when Volde-...You-Know-Who- does something disgustingly menacing. And most of all, I live Harry's pain.
  The one thing I've realized the most during my reread is how strong Harry truly is. The pain he goes through (emotionally, mentally, and physically) is excruciating, and J.K. Rowling ensures that you feel just as sad and hurt as Harry does. Believe me, she is really good at making her readers feel emotions.
  This reread is bringing out so many new feelings in me. The one that trumps all is euphoria. The extreme happiness and giddiness of being back with Harry. Of being back home.
  I never reread books. Ever. I yearn to read new stories and develop new opinions on authors and books. Rereading the Harry Potter series isn't just a reread, though. It's returning back to Hogwarts on September 1st (or in my case, one month later in October). It's visiting old friends. Returning to Harry is returning home.
  So! I look forward to what new revelations the rest of my reread brings. This first annual reread has done me good, so I know my experiment was a success. Sorry everyone, from now on, my Octobers will be booked with Harry.

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The Cuckoo's Calling and The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith

  Who doesn't love a good murder mystery?
  Deep down, we all do, but no one loves a good mystery like Cormoran Strike, private investigator. Cormoran is a little down in the dumps after his fiance, the love of his life, cheated on him. He is left to pack his things and live in his office (which is possibly the most inconvenient place to live), but Cormoran's business is about to turn around when a super model's brother walks into his office and presents a case.
  His sister's suicide may in fact have been a murder.
  Cormoran figures he might as well take this case because a) he is incredibly intrigued by it, and b) he needs the money. With the help of his new secretary, Robin, Cormoran is quite unstoppable.
  He will find this young super model's murderer.
  Of course I loved this book. Of course I spent many a night flipping through The Cuckoo's Calling's pages as I anxiously awaited the answer to who killed this poor girl. Or was it only a suicide? Or was she coerced into falling to her death?
  That's what I wanted to find out!
  Of course I put the book down with a mixed reaction of "How did I not know?" "I kind of knew" and "I TOTALLY didn't see that coming!"
  That's what good books do to you, and my friends, this was a good book.
  If you're anything like me, you will absolutely fall head over heels in love with Cormoran and Robin. Their partnership is unbeatable, their chemistry is unlike any other, and together they form one of the most incredible partnerships in literary history.
  When I plan my fictional dinner party, these two are DEFINITELY invited. (Along with Lisbeth Salander, Mikael Blomkvist, Atticus Finch, Jane Eyre, Mr Rochester, Severus Snape, Professor Dumbledore, Augustus Waters, and more.)
  Which reminds me, The Cuckoo's Calling has a very Girl with the Dragon Tattoo feel to it. Irresistible intrigue, mystery, violence, action, and adventure that will leave you salivating for more.
  And that's where The Silkworm comes in.
  I won't spoil that plot for you, just in case you pick up The Cuckoo's Calling shortly after you finish reading this book review (which I implore you--please do), so I'll just skip to my thoughts on the book...
  The Silkworm is, in my opinion, just as amazing as The Cuckoo's Calling, if not better.
  These books are irresistible, but if there's one thing I regret, it is not reading them slower.
  When am I going to get book three??

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An Interview with Harlequin Romance Author, Leigh Duncan

Before having the absolute pleasure of becoming acquainted with Ms Duncan, I am ashamed to say I had never picked up a Harlequin Romance novel. After all of the various of genres I have picked up in my time as a bookworm, I had yet to explore this new universe of literature.

  

I was missing out.

Ms Duncan approached me about reading her Glades County Cowboy books in exchange for honest reviews, and I was immediately smitten with her, and her work. Leigh Duncan and her books are truly spectacular.

Not only did I want to share the wealth and spread the joy of these books, I wanted to give an insight into the world of Harlequin Romances as well, so that any stereotypes could be debunked, and more eager readers may find the magic in these books. What better way to do that than to ask for help from an author?

In addition, I went back to Ms Duncan and asked if I may interview her to ask her a few questions about herself, her books, Harlequin, and her latest book, His Favorite Cowgirl. She agreed.

So without further ado, an interview with Harlequin Romance author, Leigh Duncan!

The Literary Connoisseur: Hello, Leigh! Welcome to The Literary Connoisseur, and thank you so much for agreeing to do an interview! If you're ready, let's begin. Tell us a bit about yourself, your career as an author, and how you became an author. At what age did you start to write? 

Leigh Duncan: Rebecca, I’m soooo glad to be here! And congratulations on success of The Literary Connoisseur! I love the fresh insight your blog brings to today’s romantic fiction! 

As for myself, whew! When did I start to write? Almost as soon as I could hold a pencil. Seriously, I wrote my first romance in the second grade, and I’ve been an on-again/off-again writer ever since. In college, I studied Creative Writing. When my children were small, I focused on writing Children’s Literature. As they grew, I wrote a tongue-in-cheek column for a workout journal, sold a few pieces to the folks at Chicken Soup but, when I hit 40, I knew it was time to “get serious” if I was ever going to write a novel. My first attempts weren’t very good—they still hide under the bed with the dust bunnies. But I kept at it and sold to Harlequin American Romance in 2009. I’ve been writing for them ever since. 

The Literary Connoisseur: How does one become a Harlequin Romance author? 

Leigh Duncan: Each author for Harlequin has their own unique story. Mine started when a couple of published authors suggested I set aside the heavy, dark women’s fiction I’d been focusing on and try my hand at something a bit more light-hearted. As it turned out, I had an idea I’d been kicking around—about a young woman who transfers to Cocoa Beach just as a hurricane turns toward the East Coast...and the hunky police officer who forces one reluctant heroine to evacuate. I started to work on it. Once the manuscript was complete, I submitted it to Harlequin. We went through several revisions before they bought the book, but it was published in 2010 as The Officer’s Girl.Anyone who wants to write for Harlequin should check out the submission guidelines posted on the Harlequin website (www.Harlequin.com). Or enter Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write (SYTYCW) contest, which runs throughout October of each year. The grand prize includes a publishing contract. 

The Literary Connoisseur: Are there any stereotypes you would like to clear up about Harlequin Romances? 

Leigh Duncan: At book signings and author appearances, I often hear people say they don’t read Harlequin books because they’re “too spicy.” I tell them that, maybe, they haven’t found the right kind of Harlequin book. A lot of people don’t realize that there are many different “lines,” and each has a different focus. From vampires to exotic locales to historical romances—Harlequin offers a line of books to meet every readers’ preferences. For instance, I write for American Romance. Our books are heartwarming, family- and community-focused, emotional stories with lots and lots of cowboys. A reader who enjoys stories with a Christian theme should pick up one of the Love Inspired books. A reader who wants something with a little heat might want to give Blaze’s “fun, flirty and always steamy” books a try. 

The Literary Connoisseur: Which book (or books) of yours has been your favorite to write so far?

Leigh Duncan: I fall in love with the heroes and heroines in all of my books. That makes the book I’m working on right now my favorite. 

The Literary Connoisseur: What would you say is your favorite part about being a Harlequin Romance writer? 

Leigh Duncan: I don’t think I’ll ever get over the thrill of walking into a book store and seeing my name on the spine of a book. It’s the best feeling!

The Literary Connoisseur: Do you have a favorite place to sit and write? Outside? In a comfy sitting room, perhaps? 

Leigh Duncan: A couple of years ago, the ruckus caused by having college-aged kids at home seriously threatened some tight deadlines for NY Times best-selling author Roxanne St. Claire, Award-Winning Urban Fantasy author Kristen Painter, top-selling Erotic Romance author Lara Santiago and me. We had to find a quiet place to write! So, we started meeting at the library. There, we’d snag one of the tiny study rooms, turn off our cell phones, plug in our laptops. We set goals—everyone had to write 1,000 words before we took a lunch break. Another, longer session followed in the afternoon. The result—seriously improved word counts and a better chance of meeting our deadlines. But the room was t-i-n-y, windowless, and often, airless. So, after three months, we re-located. Now, we host Writers Camp at one another’s dining room tables several times a week. The accountability and the camaraderie of Writers Camp—wherever we meet—makes it my favorite place to work. 

The Literary Connoisseur: Please tell us about your latest release, His Favorite Cowgirl. 

Leigh Duncan: HIS FAVORITE COWGIRL is the second book in the Glades County Cowboys series. These stories focus on the five hunky Judd brothers who come home to manage the ranch their family has worked for four generations. In HIS FAVORITE COWGIRL, Hank Judd seizes a last chance to reconnect with the daughter he barely knows during his stint as manager of the Circle P Ranch. To forge a relationship with her, Hank turns to the one person he’s sworn to keep his distance from...his high school sweetheart and the girl who broke his heart, Kelly Tompkins. Kelly needs Hank’s help, too, but spending time with the man who let her down twelve years ago risks unearthing a heartache that never truly healed.

The Literary Connoisseur: The Glades County Cowboys books take place in sunny, warm, and gator-infested Florida. Why choose Florida? 

Leigh Duncan: I grew up in Florida. I can’t think of a place I’d rather live. And I love sharing its natural beauty and unique setting with readers.

The Literary Connoisseur: Are you currently working on any new projects? Are there any more stories coming out featuring the Glades County Cowboys? 

Leigh Duncan: Look for older brother Garrett’s story in The Rancher’s Lullaby next May. There are two younger Judd brothers—Randy and Royce—who may have a story to tell. Reluctant cowpoke and favorite birdwatcher Josh might find love on the Circle P Ranch. Time will tell. 


The Literary Connoisseur: Leigh, thank you again so much for stopping by! I cannot wait to read more of your work.

My review for His Favorite Cowgirl by Leigh Duncan

  As a newly found fan of Leigh Duncan and the Glades County Cowboys books, I was absolutely thrilled to dive right in to His Favorite Cowgirl. Before I started Leigh Duncan's latest release, I was introduced to her writing with Rancher's Son and The Bull Rider's Family, and I immediately fell in love.
  Ms Duncan's books are positively precious! Every time I finish one, I just feel so good inside. With a combination of lovable characters, intriguing plots, a twist that will make you come close to tears, and an ending that will warm your heart, these books have all the right ingredients to make a wonderful novel.
  Especially His Favorite Cowgirl.
  Hank Judd masters the art of riding horses, helping to run the Circle P ranch, and cattle herding...but after ten years of being a dad, he just hasn't been able to connect with his daughter, Noelle.
  In fact, there's another female who occupies his mind, almost on a regular basis, even though they didn't leave on the best of terms...ever since they broke each other's hearts.
  Kelly Tompkins.
  Kelly Tompkins hasn't been back to her grandfather's ranch (which happens to be the Circle P's ranch rival) since the day he kicked her out. She's become extremely successful working for the number one most popular cowboy boot company in the south, but still, she feels as if something is missing from her life...
  But what she doesn't know, is that you really can go back home.
  I am hopelessly addicted to Leigh Duncan's books. Positively, hopelessly, and undoubtedly addicted to her books. They are AMAZING! There is enough romance in His Favorite Cowgirl to melt your heart and make you swoon, but Ms Duncan keeps it classy (which I appreciate VERY much).
  I loved His Favorite Cowgirl. I loved Hank (very, very much), and I loved Kelly, which is impressive, because you all know how easily female characters can irritate me. After her character grew, I fell in love with Noelle as well, but most of all...I love the Circle P ranchers.
  I will, without a doubt, read more Leigh Duncan because I feel almost as if my life is incomplete without the Circle P ranch.

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About Leigh Duncan

Award-winning author Leigh Duncan and her family moved fourteen times before the children graduated from high school. All that packing and unpacking led to Leigh’s long-standing philosophy that when dirt builds up in the corners, it’s time to call the movers. It also taught her that solid relationships are the foundation for true happiness. Married to the love of her life and mother of two wonderful young adults, Leigh worked as a secretary, a teacher and a government contractor before leaving those jobs behind to pursue writing, her life-long passion. Once the moving vans made their final stop in central Florida, Leigh settled in to write the kind of books she loves to read, ones where home, family and community are keys to the happy endings we all deserve.

When she isn’t busy working on her next book or checking the corners for dust bunnies, Leigh loves nothing better than to curl up in her favorite chair with a cup of hot coffee and a great book. She invites readers to contact her at PO Box 410787, Melbourne, FL 32941 or you can e-mail her.

Leigh's Books

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For more on Leigh Duncan, Check out her website here!

An Interview with Fierce Reads Author, Lindsay Smith

After my amazing experience at the spring Fierce Reads Tour at the Vero Beach Book Center back in May, I knew I had to learn more about the incredible authors that were featured at the event. I recently got in touch with Lindsay Smith, author of Sekret, and asked if she would honor my blog with an interview since she was such a pleasure to speak with in person.

She said yes.

So, my fans, enjoy this little conversation between the amazing Lindsay Smith and myself, where she talks about her life as an author, her book Sekret, her upcoming work, and her future as an author.

Enjoy, and Happy Reading!

An Interview with Fierce Reads author, Lindsay Smith

The Literary Connoisseur: Hello, Lindsay! Welcome to The Literary Connoisseur, and thank you for answering a few questions about yourself and your life as an author. If you're ready, let's begin. Tell us a bit about yourself first. How did you become an author? Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer? 

Lindsay Smith: I’ve always loved writing, but becoming an author always seemed like a title someone else bestowed on you. I toiled away on all kinds of silly stories with no hopes or plans for publication. The internet writing community changed all that—not only did I come across people who had been through the process and were willing to discuss it, I found others who were in my position, whose works I’d critique and they’d critique mine—it was incredible! Taking ownership of my writing and of my publication pursuit is what led me to “published author” status—recognizing that ultimately, only I had control over the quality of the story I was trying to tell and the path I sought for publication with it.

The Literary Connoisseur: Tell us a bit about your book, Sekret. 

Lindsay Smith: Sekret is about a group of psychic teenagers in 1960s Soviet Russia who are being forced to use their powers to spy for the KGB. It’s got lots of Cold War-flavored espionage, the space race, and more, but the main character, Yulia, struggles with personal issues as well—her family and her identity, romance, and loyalty. It’s hard to know who and what to trust when everyone around you can read your mind!

The Literary Connoisseur: The plot of Sekret has intrigued readers young and old. How did you come up with it? 

Lindsay Smith: I’m a huge Russian history and literature buff, and I’ve always wanted to write a YA story set during the communist period. The psychic element came to me when I was thinking about the intense levels of paranoia and distrust the average Russian citizen lived with daily—they didn’t know who they could speak freely around or where, and their thoughts were the only guaranteed safe place to dissent. Then I thought—what if I took that away, as well?

The Literary Connoisseur: You, Anna Banks, Marie Rutkoski, and Katie Finn (also known as Morgan Matson) all traveled around the east coast of the United States for your spring Fierce Reads Tour. Tell us a bit about your involvement with Fierce Reads. 

Lindsay Smith: The spring Fierce Reads tour was so fantastic! Macmillan has been such an incredible publishing house to work with, and the Fierce Reads program is awesome—social media, street teams, and of course the in-person tour! I loved getting to meet Anna, Marie, and Morgan and talk all about the writing life with them. I was the debut author of the group, but they were so welcoming and helpful, and it was such an honor to meet so many readers!

The Literary Connoisseur: What has been your favorite thing about being an author so far?

Lindsay Smith: Aside from seeing my goofy made-up stories turned into a real physical thing? ;) I’ve loved hearing from people who connected with the book, whether it was just a character touching them or learning something new about history.

The Literary Connoisseur: What made you choose Soviet Russia as your story setting? 

Lindsay Smith: The unending struggles in Russia’s history have always fascinated me—Russians have endured so much tragedy and strife, which is always ripe for dramatic tension. I also think it’s a period largely unexplored in historical fiction, especially YA, yet I think it’s so important a time period to study.

The Literary Connoisseur: Which of your characters was most fun to write? Yulia? Valya, perhaps?

Lindsay Smith: I love Yulia, but she can be challenging at times! She’s very strong-willed, and it gets her in trouble quite a bit. Valya was really fun to write—his creativity and passion for music contrasts with how buttoned-up he tries to be the rest of the time, with his personality and his powers both.

The Literary Connoisseur: Is Sekret going to be a series? 

Lindsay Smith: A direct sequel to Sekret, Skandal, will be out in April 2015! I’m also working on an ebook-only novella prequel of sorts that should release a few months before Skandal—that one’s set at the end of World War II. And I have a short story with Larissa set during the Cuban missile crisis that’ll be in the Fierce Reads anthology next year.

The Literary Connoisseur: Are you currently working on any new projects? 

Lindsay Smith: Right now, I’m editing my Fall 2015 release, Dreamstrider, a YA high fantasy that’s sort of like Graceling meets Inception. It’s about a girl who can use dream magic to take control of people’s bodies while they’re asleep, but then the nightmares start leaking out . . .

The Literary Connoisseur: Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

Lindsay Smith: As long as I’m still writing and publishing, I’ll be thrilled! 2014 has been an incredible year for me—debut novel, finishing grad school, marrying my sweetheart/best friend—that it’ll be tough to top, but I look forward to trying.

My review for Sekret by Lindsay Smith:

  Sekret by Lindsay Smith has to have one of the most intriguing plots I have ever read.
  It's during the Cold War in Soviet Russia, and things couldn't be any more tense. It doesn't help that our main character Yulia is a ward of the state and is constantly on the run in fear for her life. But that's not the only secret (or Sekret) Yulia is hiding. When she picks up items, she can find out details and secrets about their owner...details and secrets the KGB wants and needs from Yulia.
  Yulia is now being held against her will with other young adults with mind powers, learning ways to benefit the KGB and take over Soviet Russia.
  This book is unlike any other. Throughout, I kept thinking to myself, "Is this like (insert book title here)? No, it's like (insert other book title here). Wait, no it's not!"
  It is so different, so unique, and so unlike many YA books out there, it's quite extraordinary.
  This book was very addicting. I couldn't put it down for fear of something bad happening to the characters if I left them alone for more than five minutes.
  At the last stop of the Spring Fierce Reads Tour at the Vero Beach Book Center, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms Smith and I have to say, she was absolutely extraordinary! She was sweet, intelligent, and just amazing. I could easily see where the brilliance of Sekret came from.
  I actually returned to the Vero Beach Book Center a few days later, and on the way home, read as much as I could of Sekret before I got home. I could not put it down!
  The beginning will captivate you, the middle with entrance you, and the end will have you holding your breath. It's fun, exciting, and scary as heck!

Lindsay's Books

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(To be released: April 2015)

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About Lindsay Smith

I’m Lindsay, author of the forthcoming YA historical thriller, SEKRET (Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan Children’s, Winter 2014). I’m an ex-Oklahoman and an unapologetic Washingtonian. I have an unhealthy fascination with foreign affairs. When I’m not reading or writing, I can be found nerding out over food, board games, modern history, the Science channel, and all things cheesetacular.

I write historicals and fantasies, sometimes in the same book.

For more on Lindsay Smith, check out her website here!

The Bull Rider's Family by Leigh Duncan

  By the time I started The Bull Rider's Family by Leigh Duncan, I was positively certain that I would love every single one of her books. Each one has touched my heart so, and Ms Duncan should know that her books, and the Glades County Cowboys, will always hold a special place in my heart.
  I loved The Bull Rider's Family just as much as His Favorite Cowgirl, and I LOVED His Favorite Cowgirl. Although I didn't love it as much as I loved Rancher's Son, though, because that one was definitely my favorite. Possibly because it introduced me into the world of the Glades County Cowboys, but whatever it was, it stuck.
  That being said, The Bull Rider's Family has to be the most entertaining and the most whimsical.
  After a tragic loss that leaves the Circle P ranch shocked and in mourning, everyone is lost. But of course, the Parkers and the Judds are the strongest ranchers there are, and they must continue on.
  Colt Judd has just returned to his family's ranch after his incredibly successful career run as a bull rider, but he receives quite the unusual welcome as soon as he walks through his former house's doors...
  ...where he meets Emma Shane.
  Emma is a single mother, who has just about reached the end of her rope. But before she calls it quits at her old job as a line cook in New York, she receives the opportunity of working as a personal chef for a ranch, all the way down in Florida...the Circle P ranch.
  After a few catastrophes, a soaking wet and ruined cookbook, and a run-in with a few gators, The Bull Rider's Family was on its way to its happily ever after.
  Once again, Leigh Duncan has written another winner. Although, I do have to say I had a harder time adjusting to Emma's daughter and liking her, but when it came to the end, I was almost brought to tears with the book's sentimentality.
  I am positively in love with Leigh Duncan's work.

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Rancher's Son by Leigh Duncan

  I am ashamed to say that before I dove into Leigh Duncan's Glades County Cowboys books, I had yet to read a Harlequin Romance. I am not entirely sure how I've lived my life so far without reading one, but I finally did, and it was well worth the wait.
  Rancher's Son was the first ever Harlequin Romance I read, not only by Leigh Duncan, but altogether, and it was amazing! As soon as I started the book I was interested, and I would only fall more in love as I read on.
  Sarah Magarity doesn't know if she was fully prepared to work for the Department of Children and Family Services when she accepted the job. She never knew how truly hard it would be to work, case after case, for children whose parents have abandoned them, and/or have come from broken homes. Little did she know that soon enough, one child would walk through her door who would change her life forever.
  And then there's James Tyrone Parker, or Ty, as his friends and family call him, who's escaped to the Circle P ranch for horse riding, cattle herding, and Floridian fresh air. After a tiresome and emotionally exhausting relationship Ty had years ago, he's sworn off relationships, and things that can only complicate his life.
  Little does he know.
  The thing is, Ty's previous relationship ended five years ago...at the same age as the little boy who just walked through Sarah's door.
  I don't have to tell you how excited I was to read this book after I read the plot. It was so good! I loved every single one of the characters in Rancher's Son, especially Jimmy (the five year-old), and I normally have a rough time adjusting to the way children in books are written. Leigh Duncan most certainly deserves an A+!
  If you're looking for an incredibly sweet story that will warm your heart, bring tears to your eyes, and renew your faith in the world, this is your book.

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His Favorite Cowgirl by Leigh Duncan

  As a newly found fan of Leigh Duncan and the Glades County Cowboys books, I was absolutely thrilled to dive right in to His Favorite Cowgirl. Before I started Leigh Duncan's latest release, I was introduced to her writing with Rancher's Son and The Bull Rider's Family, and I immediately fell in love.
  Ms Duncan's books are positively precious! Every time I finish one, I just feel so good inside. With a combination of lovable characters, intriguing plots, a twist that will make you come close to tears, and an ending that will warm your heart, these books have all the right ingredients to make a wonderful novel.
  Especially His Favorite Cowgirl.
  Hank Judd masters the art of riding horses, helping to run the Circle P ranch, and cattle herding...but after ten years of being a dad, he just hasn't been able to connect with his daughter, Noelle.
  In fact, there's another female who occupies his mind, almost on a regular basis, even though they didn't leave on the best of terms...ever since they broke each other's hearts.
  Kelly Tompkins.
  Kelly Tompkins hasn't been back to her grandfather's ranch (which happens to be the Circle P's ranch rival) since the day he kicked her out. She's become extremely successful working for the number one most popular cowboy boot company in the south, but still, she feels as if something is missing from her life...
  But what she doesn't know, is that you really can go back home.
  I am hopelessly addicted to Leigh Duncan's books. Positively, hopelessly, and undoubtedly addicted to her books. They are AMAZING! There is enough romance in His Favorite Cowgirl to melt your heart and make you swoon, but Ms Duncan keeps it classy (which I appreciate VERY much).
  I loved His Favorite Cowgirl. I loved Hank (very, very much), and I loved Kelly, which is impressive, because you all know how easily female characters can irritate me. After her character grew, I fell in love with Noelle as well, but most of all...I love the Circle P ranchers.
  I will, without a doubt, read more Leigh Duncan because I feel almost as if my life is incomplete without the Circle P ranch.

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