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rgyger's review
3.0
The Express Rider's Lady started off well. The premise was not one I had heard of before and, while it did seem a little far fetched, it was fun and interesting. I liked Delsie's determination to make things right with her sister and her willingness to do most anything to make it happen.
The middle started to lag for me. Within the story, Myles seemed to change his opinion of Delsie fairly early on and then just decided that he was not the right kind of man for her. *SPOILER* While there was some tension in the idea that Delsie would not marry against her father's wishes, it frustrated me that she was willing to defy her father in order to travel across country on horse back to see her sister for a day, yet she was not willing to do the same for the man she loved. *END SPOILER* There were also some interactions with Indians in which I was able to predict the entire interaction because it was the same as I have seen many other times before.
Near the end, after Delsie has returned home, the story picked back up. Here, Delsie showed more of the same spirit she started off the journey with and Myles has learned to be content with life. I liked how the story ended and if the middle had played out similarly, I would have enjoyed the story far more.
I received this book through Prism Tours in exchange for an honest review.
The middle started to lag for me. Within the story, Myles seemed to change his opinion of Delsie fairly early on and then just decided that he was not the right kind of man for her. *SPOILER* While there was some tension in the idea that Delsie would not marry against her father's wishes, it frustrated me that she was willing to defy her father in order to travel across country on horse back to see her sister for a day, yet she was not willing to do the same for the man she loved. *END SPOILER* There were also some interactions with Indians in which I was able to predict the entire interaction because it was the same as I have seen many other times before.
Near the end, after Delsie has returned home, the story picked back up. Here, Delsie showed more of the same spirit she started off the journey with and Myles has learned to be content with life. I liked how the story ended and if the middle had played out similarly, I would have enjoyed the story far more.
I received this book through Prism Tours in exchange for an honest review.
meezcarrie's review
4.0
This was such an enjoyable read! The history, the romance, the friendships, the writing, the setting – all of it together put me right in the heart of the story as I journeyed with these characters.
Let me just go ahead and talk about the romance first (because we all know that’s my favorite part of any book). Myles is one of those heroes who … should I happen to actually come face-to-face with him … would turn me into a blushing, giggling schoolgirl of a mess. He’s rugged and protective. Tender when he needs to be. Scruffy. Watching his transformation – the thawing of his heart & his faith – over the course of the story was deliciously swoon-worthy.
And Delsie? Well, watching her transformation from society girl to skilled trail rider was a highlight of the book for me. Mainly because – if I were in her boots – I would have turned around after about an hour and called it a good attempt. Certainly after the first day’s worth of … uh …saddle chafing. And most certainly after someone tried to teach me how to skin and gut a critter. At that point, I’m not sure if I would have laughed or cried on my way outta Dodge – possibly both. I for sure wouldn’t have lasted long enough to face the risk of Indian attacks. But Delsie? Wow. You just have to read The Express Rider’s Lady to get a new appreciation for the grit and determination that ladies had to possess during the Westward Expansion period in our nation’s history.
I adore Amos – he is perhaps my favorite character in this latest book by Stacy Henrie. His separate friendships with both Myles and Delsie bring a new level of tenderness and depth to the story. The three of them together make a priceless team.
Without revealing anything spoilery, I absolutely have to mention that the last chapter is perhaps the best. Sometimes – especially in these shorter novels – the ending suffers from “hurry up and squeeze it all in” syndrome. Not so with The Express Rider’s Lady. Though I needed copious tissues for part of this final chapter, Stacy Henrie ends the book on such a marvelous note, especially the last few pages (which I’m not ashamed to admit nearly made me swoon with romantical delight!).
Bottom Line: The Express Rider’s Lady by Stacy Henrie not only provides a sweet romance but also gives readers a compelling glimpse into the perilous conditions once common to cross terrain we now take for granted. Smooth writing, vivid settings, and heartstopping action bring the characters and the history to life. A quick read, as typical to the Love Inspired line, but very entertaining!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Let me just go ahead and talk about the romance first (because we all know that’s my favorite part of any book). Myles is one of those heroes who … should I happen to actually come face-to-face with him … would turn me into a blushing, giggling schoolgirl of a mess. He’s rugged and protective. Tender when he needs to be. Scruffy. Watching his transformation – the thawing of his heart & his faith – over the course of the story was deliciously swoon-worthy.
And Delsie? Well, watching her transformation from society girl to skilled trail rider was a highlight of the book for me. Mainly because – if I were in her boots – I would have turned around after about an hour and called it a good attempt. Certainly after the first day’s worth of … uh …saddle chafing. And most certainly after someone tried to teach me how to skin and gut a critter. At that point, I’m not sure if I would have laughed or cried on my way outta Dodge – possibly both. I for sure wouldn’t have lasted long enough to face the risk of Indian attacks. But Delsie? Wow. You just have to read The Express Rider’s Lady to get a new appreciation for the grit and determination that ladies had to possess during the Westward Expansion period in our nation’s history.
I adore Amos – he is perhaps my favorite character in this latest book by Stacy Henrie. His separate friendships with both Myles and Delsie bring a new level of tenderness and depth to the story. The three of them together make a priceless team.
Without revealing anything spoilery, I absolutely have to mention that the last chapter is perhaps the best. Sometimes – especially in these shorter novels – the ending suffers from “hurry up and squeeze it all in” syndrome. Not so with The Express Rider’s Lady. Though I needed copious tissues for part of this final chapter, Stacy Henrie ends the book on such a marvelous note, especially the last few pages (which I’m not ashamed to admit nearly made me swoon with romantical delight!).
Bottom Line: The Express Rider’s Lady by Stacy Henrie not only provides a sweet romance but also gives readers a compelling glimpse into the perilous conditions once common to cross terrain we now take for granted. Smooth writing, vivid settings, and heartstopping action bring the characters and the history to life. A quick read, as typical to the Love Inspired line, but very entertaining!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
momwithareadingproblem's review
4.0
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
The Express Rider’s Lady by Stacy Henrie is such an endearing, heart-warming romance with adventure and the lure of the wild west! Delsie Radford is on a mission: make it to California in time for her estranged sister’s wedding. The problem: she has just over 2 weeks to do it. That adds up to roughly 100 miles a day on horseback. She needs help, and she finds it in the form of a Pony Express rider named Myles Patton.
I like Delsie. In fact, she’s a woman to look up to. At just 19, she comes up with this grand scheme to reach her sister before she marries and moves again, leaving no way for Delsie to find her. She’s determined, full of faith, and she’s got this spark of adventure. She has faith that she will make it thanks to the express rider she finds and their guide. This girl who has grown up basically with a silver spoon in her mouth, never worked a day in her life, is now going to cross the western part of the country to reach her sister. Like I said, I admire her!
Myles Patton is the express rider that somehow accepts the crazy idea. I felt for Myles. He’s nursing a broken heart after his girlfriend of 6 years refused to marry him. He has no living family left. So naturally he’s bitter, disenchanted, and lost faith in God. When Delsie shows up though, something about her faith, her determination, gets him. He decides to help her, plus the money she’s offering will go towards the horse ranch he wants to open someday. He’s aware of the dangers they will face, and with a healthy dose of fear and confidence that he can — and more importantly, wants to — protect Delsie, they set off.
Possibly my favorite character in the whole book though is their guide and Myles’s friend, Amos. Amos is middle-aged widower with no children of his own. He’s kind, has a strong faith, and loves Myles as a son. His contribution to the book, though small, leaves a big impact!
The plot follows the trio as they cross west to get to California. There is plenty of adventure to be had: storms, highwaymen, Indians, and the desert itself. It’s an intense read, full of suspense, relying on faith, and friendship. Stacy Henrie beautifully portrays the friendship that blossoms between Myles and Delsie as they cross the plains. The reliance and trust that is built within just a few days is remarkable, but most importantly I believe is that it is realistic. Think about it a second. If you were crossing unfamiliar land with two men you didn’t know and you spent from before sun up to sun down with them, wouldn’t you learn to trust them and rely on them? They are keeping you safe after all. And this is what Delsie does!
Also the alternating POV is a technique I’ve come to expect from this author. She does it so well! Myles and Delsie tell the story through their eyes: a Pony Express Rider who grew up in the area and a rich girl from back East looking at everything with new eyes. It adds a beauty to the desert, the formations and even the dangers they face.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was easy for me to get lost in their adventure. I honestly didn’t want to stop reading! If you enjoy inspirational romance, than I highly recommend you get a copy of this book.
The Express Rider’s Lady by Stacy Henrie is such an endearing, heart-warming romance with adventure and the lure of the wild west! Delsie Radford is on a mission: make it to California in time for her estranged sister’s wedding. The problem: she has just over 2 weeks to do it. That adds up to roughly 100 miles a day on horseback. She needs help, and she finds it in the form of a Pony Express rider named Myles Patton.
I like Delsie. In fact, she’s a woman to look up to. At just 19, she comes up with this grand scheme to reach her sister before she marries and moves again, leaving no way for Delsie to find her. She’s determined, full of faith, and she’s got this spark of adventure. She has faith that she will make it thanks to the express rider she finds and their guide. This girl who has grown up basically with a silver spoon in her mouth, never worked a day in her life, is now going to cross the western part of the country to reach her sister. Like I said, I admire her!
Myles Patton is the express rider that somehow accepts the crazy idea. I felt for Myles. He’s nursing a broken heart after his girlfriend of 6 years refused to marry him. He has no living family left. So naturally he’s bitter, disenchanted, and lost faith in God. When Delsie shows up though, something about her faith, her determination, gets him. He decides to help her, plus the money she’s offering will go towards the horse ranch he wants to open someday. He’s aware of the dangers they will face, and with a healthy dose of fear and confidence that he can — and more importantly, wants to — protect Delsie, they set off.
Possibly my favorite character in the whole book though is their guide and Myles’s friend, Amos. Amos is middle-aged widower with no children of his own. He’s kind, has a strong faith, and loves Myles as a son. His contribution to the book, though small, leaves a big impact!
The plot follows the trio as they cross west to get to California. There is plenty of adventure to be had: storms, highwaymen, Indians, and the desert itself. It’s an intense read, full of suspense, relying on faith, and friendship. Stacy Henrie beautifully portrays the friendship that blossoms between Myles and Delsie as they cross the plains. The reliance and trust that is built within just a few days is remarkable, but most importantly I believe is that it is realistic. Think about it a second. If you were crossing unfamiliar land with two men you didn’t know and you spent from before sun up to sun down with them, wouldn’t you learn to trust them and rely on them? They are keeping you safe after all. And this is what Delsie does!
Also the alternating POV is a technique I’ve come to expect from this author. She does it so well! Myles and Delsie tell the story through their eyes: a Pony Express Rider who grew up in the area and a rich girl from back East looking at everything with new eyes. It adds a beauty to the desert, the formations and even the dangers they face.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was easy for me to get lost in their adventure. I honestly didn’t want to stop reading! If you enjoy inspirational romance, than I highly recommend you get a copy of this book.
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