eARC Book review: Country Strong (Painted Pony Creek #1) by Linda Lael Miller

Available January 28, 2019
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Look for COUNTRY STRONG, the first book in a brand new western romance trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller!

For the men of Painted Pony Creek, it’s never too late for a second chance…

Cord Hollister is a true cowboy at heart. As a man who has devoted his life to training horses under the big skies of Montana, he thrives on the stability of ranch life. But when a girl arrives in Painted Pony Creek with a shocking secret, Cord’s orderly life is upended. She’s the spitting image of the first woman who broke his heart—a woman he hasn’t seen in years—and he’ll do whatever he can to help her. He just can’t do it alone…

Shallie Fletcher left heartbreak where it belongs—in the past. And she’s done everything she can to reinvent herself and move on. But when an opportunity arises to partner with a therapeutic riding program for kids, Shallie can’t resist seeking out Cord for lessons. Back in school, he was the crush she couldn’t forget, even though he only had eyes for her best friend. Seeing him now floods her with memories…and fills her with hope. Could the one who got away be the one who stays?

Shallie Fletcher had a crush on Cord Hollister years ago in high school but he only had eyes for her best friend Reba. Reba had her eyes not only on Cord but on his two best friends Eli and JP as well. When it all came to light she skipped town. Now years later Shallie is back in town at Cord's ranch to learn about training horses.  Cord gets a surprise when someone who looks just like Reba but much younger shows up in town too. I have not read a Linda Lael Miller book in a long time. I was excited to try this new series out. Unfortunately it didn't work well for me. This story just did not hold my interest. It felt like someone was just relaying a story to me. There was no connection to the characters. I admit i skimmed a lot of unnecessary dialogue. There were several conflicts that come up in this book and everyone is handles as if it's no big deal so really no conflict at all. I finished the book but only to find out who Carly's dad was. . This is more than likely my last new Linda Lael Miller book.

Find out more about this series and Linda Lael Miller here www.lindalaelmiller.com