YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. And although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale is an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.

Chapter 4
(view spoiler)[That was a frightful scene. I was glad that Asher rescued Clint, even though it put his escape in jeopardy. I kind of like the reverse Cinderella shoe part. Curious to see how this continues. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[I had a feeling it was Samantha's mother's doing, sending her east for school and stopping her riding with her father, but I'm glad the truth is out now. I don't think she intended hurt, but her ideas of a lady were different than what Samantha wanted to become. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 30
(view spoiler)[That was a shock! I wasn't expecting her mother to have done that...no wonder Clint's birthmark bothered her. I'm curious who the man was. I'm thinking Duke, he's older and been with the family a long time, but is he so heartless to try and murder Samantha? Because I think the man who fathered Clint is behind the attempts on her life. (hide spoiler)]

Finished
(view spoiler)[I had a thought that Victoria might have been murdered, but to have it confirmed - so sad! The ending was fun. I loved how the use of the boots happened. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3

(view spoiler)[This is so cute! Love how the brother wanted her to hide the boot. (hide spoiler)]

Megan wrote: "Chapter 4
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I like the reverse Cinderella shoe aspect too.

Megan wrote: "Chapter 10
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(view spoiler)[
I thought it was her mother too. (hide spoiler)]

Megan wrote: "Chapter 30
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(view spoiler)[
I had guessed it shortly before she read the journal entry. Also speculated that he had killed her mother. And i thought it was Duke based on the scene when he was teaching Clint how to swim. (hide spoiler)]

Megan wrote: "Finished
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It was a good ending!

Melanie wrote: "Chapter 3

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I loved that too!