A Tale for... Thursday? Jack

This should have been up on Tuesday, but one thing led to another and, well, it wasn't. By the way, does anyone know how to schedule posts on blogger? I've tried to schedule posts three times and each time it's gone rather badly. :P So any and all help would be appreciated!

Anyhow, today I have a review of Jack, a new release by Chautona Havig! :D

Description:

A lot of hullabaloo on the prairie.

Jack Clausen has led a hard, lonely life, but he’s content with a good job as a cowboy, a faithful horse, and the Lord. But when a near tragedy flings him into the path of a lovely young lady, Jack’s resolve to stay single and alone wavers.

Hazel Meissner has everything a young man could hope for–kindness, gentleness, and just enough playfulness to keep things interesting, but when accusations tear at their relationship, Hazel’s true strength emerges.

Without forgiveness, many lives will be irrevocably changed.

Jack is the first book in the Ballads from the Hearth series. This book was inspired by the old ballad, “Cowboy Jack” and Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing.

Buy it on Amazon here!

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My Review: 

Wow! I think this might be one of my favorites of Chautona's books so far! :D

I'm having a hard time figuring out what I loved so much about this book. I loved Deborah and Dirk's verbal sparring. I loved Jack and Hazel's relationship. I loved Jack. I loved that there was more to the story than just romance. I loved the setting (I have a thing about cowboys and ranches ;). I loved the daily life humor that Chautona mixed in. Hm. I'm not sure I can nail down just what made this book so great!

Plot: As I mentioned above, this isn't just a romance! *cue cheering* I mean, I love romance just as much as the next girl, but... when a book is all romance... I don't know, it feels a little repetitive sometimes. :P Thankfully this was not the case with Jack! Yes, the romance was important, but there was also an antagonist with cronies and plotting and... I shall stop before I say anymore. ;)

Characters: Jack and Hazel were just... they were perfect for each other. :) I loved watching their relationship grow and develop. And Jack. Oh Jack... *hugs him* He was such a great character, despite his shortcomings. He wins a place in my list of favorite characters ever :) The secondary characters were fleshed out, as was the antagonist. And the matchmaking scheme had me grinning in places. :D

Writing: I love how realistic the scenes felt! Interactions between characters, even those "You had to be there" moments that leave you giggling (with people giving you odd looks) were captured masterfully!

Five full sheriff's badge stars, and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes westerns, cowboys, clean romance, and historical fiction! :D

Disclaimer: I recieved a free copy of Jack from the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.