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The Grayson Brothers #1
A Walk in Heaven
Joshua Grayson is not happy about his new sister-in-law’s visit and he uses the term ‘sister-in-law’ loosely as Careen Kennedy Grayson was a complete stranger. Joshua’s brother, Matthew, left the family ranch in the dead of night to run away and wed a woman he’d never met. The fact Matthew was killed moments after walking out of the church with his new bride merely adds insult to injury. Joshua struggles with resentment and trying not to blame Careen for his brother’s death. But it is difficult not to harbor ill feelings when he knows she’s keeping secrets. Despite his suspicions, Joshua slowly grows attracted to Careen and even starts to like her. Unfortunately, Joshua knows all too well the folly of loving a woman he cannot trust.
Careen Kennedy Grayson was married and widowed within minutes of the other. When her obsessive cousin, Luther, arrives minutes after Matthew’s death, she knows deep down he’s the one who killed Matthew. Luther is arrested and held for trial while Careen takes her husband’s body back to his family. Soon after arriving at the loving Grayson ranch, Careen learns of her mother-in-law’s heart condition. Unwilling to cause undue stress, Careen decides to wait until after Luther’s trial to speak the full truth of their son’s death. Soon Careen grows embedded in family and ranch life, getting closer to the Grayson’s with each passing day. She finds herself unnaturally drawn to Joshua and she knows their budding attraction will only complicate matters… Especially when the family discovers her cousin did indeed kill Matthew.
Careen Kennedy Grayson was married and widowed within minutes of the other. When her obsessive cousin, Luther, arrives minutes after Matthew’s death, she knows deep down he’s the one who killed Matthew. Luther is arrested and held for trial while Careen takes her husband’s body back to his family. Soon after arriving at the loving Grayson ranch, Careen learns of her mother-in-law’s heart condition. Unwilling to cause undue stress, Careen decides to wait until after Luther’s trial to speak the full truth of their son’s death. Soon Careen grows embedded in family and ranch life, getting closer to the Grayson’s with each passing day. She finds herself unnaturally drawn to Joshua and she knows their budding attraction will only complicate matters… Especially when the family discovers her cousin did indeed kill Matthew.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2011
About the author
Marie Higgins
240 books453 followersMarie Higgins is an award-winning, best-selling author of clean romance novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 25, 2013
A very cute and clean read. I love all the Grayson brothers, hope there is more to read about them. It got a little too drama-rama at the end for me, but of course they lived happily ever after, which is my favorite part. :o) And and the kissing was good :o) Hee Hee.
Moral Note: Mild violence
Moral Note: Mild violence
March 17, 2014
Mail Order Bride Careen Kennedy became Mrs. Matthew Grayson and Widow Grayson within minutes of leaving the church. At first it seems an accidental shooting as a result of a shootout at the saloon; but quickly a witness appears and claims he saw Careen's cousin Louis fire the fatal shot. He is arrested and jailed. Careen is troubled by Louis's having found her. He wants to marry her for her inheritance and she wants nothing to do with him.
With him safely behind bars, she continues to the Grayson Ranch to return Matthew's body and tell the family what happened. However, once they assume it was an accidental shooting, she can't bring herself to tell them about Louis. Can she stay with his family without telling them? They take her in as one of their own.
Joshua Grayson is angry. If Careen hadn't lured his brother off, he would still be alive. He is then troubled as Careen fits her life in with his family's. His twin girls adore her and he wonders what will happen when she too leaves, as he believes she will. He is also troubled over his attraction to his brother's widow.
Strange and dangerous things begin to happen around the ranch and in the vicinity of Joshua and Careen. Who is setting the traps, shooting at them, starting fires? Careen worries it is Louis. What will Joshua and his family do when they learn of his existence?
With him safely behind bars, she continues to the Grayson Ranch to return Matthew's body and tell the family what happened. However, once they assume it was an accidental shooting, she can't bring herself to tell them about Louis. Can she stay with his family without telling them? They take her in as one of their own.
Joshua Grayson is angry. If Careen hadn't lured his brother off, he would still be alive. He is then troubled as Careen fits her life in with his family's. His twin girls adore her and he wonders what will happen when she too leaves, as he believes she will. He is also troubled over his attraction to his brother's widow.
Strange and dangerous things begin to happen around the ranch and in the vicinity of Joshua and Careen. Who is setting the traps, shooting at them, starting fires? Careen worries it is Louis. What will Joshua and his family do when they learn of his existence?
March 21, 2012
Mary's Review: Marie has done it again. She has written a Christian Historical Western Romance Novel that is sooo good. I started it this morning at 8:00am and finished it at 4:30pm. Once started, I could not put it down. There is not only romance, but intrique, mystery, cold blooded murder, deceit, unconditional love, trust, family togetherness. Marie leads you from one mystery to another and just when you think you have it solved, she throws in a twist and takes you into another adventure. The characters will surprise you and you will either love them from the beginning or dislike them emensely. Come meet Joshua the handsome hunk, Gage and Peter all her new brother in-laws, Careen the beautiful southern belle and widow of Matthew, Betsy, her faithful maid and friend, William and Elizabeth her in-laws, the cutest 3 year old twins girls ever, Jessica and Francis, Laura, the mayor's daughter, Luther, the most evil man in the west and the rest of the cast. I guarantee you will enjoy this book and ask the same question as I am going to ask? Where is Book Two in the Grayson Series?
December 9, 2013
Careen decides to place an ad as a mail order bride and meets Matthew Grayson half way, but on their wedding day chaos breaks out at the saloon across from the church as they're departing, and Matthew falls pulling Careen down with him. Blood splatters on Careens wedding gown from the gunshot wound to Matthew's head. She is accosted by her devil spawn cousin who wants her inheritance from her deceased parent's estate, but someone witnesses the shooting of Matthew Grayson and points the sheriff in Luther's direction. Luckily for Careen because then she can take Matthew's body back home to his family.
When Careen meets Joshua Grayson, he is distant and irritated. He knows there are missing pieces to his brother's death. Along the way he finds out the truth. Question is can his past sufferings keep him for forgiving and forgetting Careen's deception?
There are a lot of softening hearts in this read. I liked it well enough, but not sure if I'll remember the characters into next week. I did like Careen, but being the damsel in distress was a bit overly stressed and Joshua's possessive and protective attitude is grating a bit.
When Careen meets Joshua Grayson, he is distant and irritated. He knows there are missing pieces to his brother's death. Along the way he finds out the truth. Question is can his past sufferings keep him for forgiving and forgetting Careen's deception?
There are a lot of softening hearts in this read. I liked it well enough, but not sure if I'll remember the characters into next week. I did like Careen, but being the damsel in distress was a bit overly stressed and Joshua's possessive and protective attitude is grating a bit.
January 9, 2012
A Walk In Heaven by Marie Higgins is a romantic cowboy story.
It is the story of 2 people who have been emotionally beaten up.
Joshua, who has been scarred by his late wife's choices, and Careen, scarred by life in general, by the death of her husband minutes after their marriage, and the knowledge that her cousin is responsible. It is a story of learning to trust and forgive.
Careen makes plans to take her husband's body home to be buried and to become a part of their family. Throughout the book there is an undercurrent of romance despite Joshua's anger and mistrust and Careen's insecurity about how the family will react when they find out about her cousin's involvement.
There is a lot of mystery in A Walk In Heaven, like how traps keep getting set on the ranch, who is cutting the fences and why there is very little food and firewood at the cabin in the mountains.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes clean romance.
It is the story of 2 people who have been emotionally beaten up.
Joshua, who has been scarred by his late wife's choices, and Careen, scarred by life in general, by the death of her husband minutes after their marriage, and the knowledge that her cousin is responsible. It is a story of learning to trust and forgive.
Careen makes plans to take her husband's body home to be buried and to become a part of their family. Throughout the book there is an undercurrent of romance despite Joshua's anger and mistrust and Careen's insecurity about how the family will react when they find out about her cousin's involvement.
There is a lot of mystery in A Walk In Heaven, like how traps keep getting set on the ranch, who is cutting the fences and why there is very little food and firewood at the cabin in the mountains.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes clean romance.
January 5, 2013
Careen becomes a widow on her wedding day :( She travels to Montana to deliver he husband's body to his family and to escape her evil cousin. Her in-laws take her in and accept her into the family, all except Joshua, her brother in-law. He blames her for his brothers death and he thinks she is untrustworthy like his late wife. Soon Careen begins to melt his heart, but will it freeze again when she tells him the truth about his brother's death? .... And the danger they may face from her crazed cousin? Read it and find out!
I really enjoyed this book! It was a good Christian romance. It had some mystery, danger, and some sweet and spicy moments :) Well worth it!
I really enjoyed this book! It was a good Christian romance. It had some mystery, danger, and some sweet and spicy moments :) Well worth it!
January 8, 2013
So here's the thing, this was such a good read that I felt transport to another time, I loved the characters and would have read the next book right now if it was ready. That being said, I was annoyed by the typo's, duplicate words, "the" instead of "they", you know that spell check will not find it, things of this nature frustrate me. I loved the flow of the book but was interrupted when having to re-read it to make it right in my head.
If you can ignore these interruptions, then I highly recommend this book.
If you can ignore these interruptions, then I highly recommend this book.
July 1, 2012
This was a wonderful book. It could have just as easily have been called Brothers. Ms. Higgins has written something for everyone, it doesn't matter what genre you read, this is a must read. Joshua and Careen are destined to be together, anyway they were for me. And when you read it, just an FYI have a box of tissues handy. The story is complicated with twists and turns and even satisfies my thirst for suspense, but in the end... Ms. Higgins, well done, again!
December 27, 2012
Great story. I loved the romance of it. The characters were very likeable. I think there are more books that follow this one, and I would love to read them--if I can figure out how to get my hands on them. I got this as a free book on my kindle--which sometimes means poorly written and a little dumb, but this one was great. Loved it.
March 20, 2013
Another gem!! I'm proud of myself though, of all the twists and turns and plots. I got 1 and a half right!!!!! No really of love the western cowboy stubborn men thing because they always make for the best stories, and hell-o best kissing and love ever. Sweet, loving and best of all clean book can't wait to strt the next and can't wait till the third is out. TOtally recommended.
April 20, 2012
Careen puts an add in the newspaper to be a mail-order-bride. As she and her new husband walk out of the church, ner new husband is shot and killed. Now she must get his body back to his family. This was an easy read, clean romance, and fun. I liked the characters. It wasn't GREAT, but good.
May 31, 2013
Definitely one of the best ones I've read in a while. Had a hard time putting it down. Great characters that were fleshes out nicely and I was invested in. I wished it were longer as I. wasn't ready to say goodbye to them.
February 2, 2012
A good clean Christian Western romance. I did enjoy it and am looking forward to more in the series. (This is Book 1 of the Grayson Brothers Series).
December 10, 2012
Lots of twists and turns in this historical romance. Really liked the fact that this is a good, clean read.
March 24, 2013
It was really good but i think she cold have made the epilogue somewhat longer and I think the epilogue it should have been like a year after they caught Luther.
November 7, 2013
I enjoyed the bit of suspense in this book as well as the characters in the story.
July 18, 2022
This was a fun story, although it got a bit over-dramatic towards the end and it seemed like there had to be some kind of twist involved with just about every character.
November 11, 2017
MY REVIEW: 4 Stars out of 5
REVIEW TITLE:
“A TAME YET ADVENTUROUS ROMANCE IN THE WILD WEST OF 1875 SOUTH DAKOTA”
REVIEW CONTENT:
This novel is my first read by Author Marie Higgins, and from this experience, I will be reaching for her books again. I was intrigued with the first sentence, dramatic action broke out before the end of the first page, and I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. Reading this book was very enjoyable and a "wild ride" in the Old West of 1875 South Dakota. Gunfire, brutal snowstorms, young love, tragic death, deep family ties, cattle drives, hidden secrets, and deception keep the story wheel churning.
I extend applause to Author Marie Higgins for development of her solid cast of interesting characters, graphic portrayal of the settings, and multi-layered story crafting. This western novel is a clean/sweet romance with wholesome/Christian values that can appeal to an impressively sizeable reading audience who appreciates such. However, not to be missed is the presence of adventure and suspense throughout. The climactic ending was more complicated than I had anticipated, but it held my interest and provided a very satisfying conclusion. The story flowed well except for random editing issues scattered primarily about the last fourth of the book especially during climactic moments. However, the story is very intriguing and entertaining.
CONCLUSION:
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, and I'm inclined to read more novels written by Author Marie Higgins, especially those related to continuing the saga of the Grayson brothers.
Reviewed by:
ALICE M. BATZEL
Published Playwright, Journalist, Freelance Writer
REVIEW TITLE:
“A TAME YET ADVENTUROUS ROMANCE IN THE WILD WEST OF 1875 SOUTH DAKOTA”
REVIEW CONTENT:
This novel is my first read by Author Marie Higgins, and from this experience, I will be reaching for her books again. I was intrigued with the first sentence, dramatic action broke out before the end of the first page, and I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. Reading this book was very enjoyable and a "wild ride" in the Old West of 1875 South Dakota. Gunfire, brutal snowstorms, young love, tragic death, deep family ties, cattle drives, hidden secrets, and deception keep the story wheel churning.
I extend applause to Author Marie Higgins for development of her solid cast of interesting characters, graphic portrayal of the settings, and multi-layered story crafting. This western novel is a clean/sweet romance with wholesome/Christian values that can appeal to an impressively sizeable reading audience who appreciates such. However, not to be missed is the presence of adventure and suspense throughout. The climactic ending was more complicated than I had anticipated, but it held my interest and provided a very satisfying conclusion. The story flowed well except for random editing issues scattered primarily about the last fourth of the book especially during climactic moments. However, the story is very intriguing and entertaining.
CONCLUSION:
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, and I'm inclined to read more novels written by Author Marie Higgins, especially those related to continuing the saga of the Grayson brothers.
Reviewed by:
ALICE M. BATZEL
Published Playwright, Journalist, Freelance Writer
July 26, 2017
Very suspenseful
Careen just got married and as they walk out the door from the chapel, Matthew, her Husband is killed by her cousin. Her cousin doesn't want her to marry anyone, but him. He is quickly arrested and put in jail.
Now Careen taking her's husband body to his family, but his family did not know he ran off to get married. After she sends them a telegram letting them know the Matthew was killed and she is bringing the body home, she also lets them know, that she's widow.
When she gets there, Joshua, Matthew's brother picks her up at he train station. He is angry and believes that she is at fault for Matthew being killed. Because of this, she does not tell him or his family that her cousin kill him.
Although Joshua knows she is hiding something, he starts to fall in love with Careen, and Careen starts to develop feelings for him too. Her evil cousin escape from Jail, and he is going to get her and force her to marry him.....
Love the story, very suspenseful
Careen just got married and as they walk out the door from the chapel, Matthew, her Husband is killed by her cousin. Her cousin doesn't want her to marry anyone, but him. He is quickly arrested and put in jail.
Now Careen taking her's husband body to his family, but his family did not know he ran off to get married. After she sends them a telegram letting them know the Matthew was killed and she is bringing the body home, she also lets them know, that she's widow.
When she gets there, Joshua, Matthew's brother picks her up at he train station. He is angry and believes that she is at fault for Matthew being killed. Because of this, she does not tell him or his family that her cousin kill him.
Although Joshua knows she is hiding something, he starts to fall in love with Careen, and Careen starts to develop feelings for him too. Her evil cousin escape from Jail, and he is going to get her and force her to marry him.....
Love the story, very suspenseful
January 6, 2021
Joshua and Careen
This is a sweet, loving mail order bride story written by Marie Higgins. It is filled with adventure, excitement and murder to keep you interested. Marie Higgins has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters. Careen was the bride and Matthew Grayson the groom. As soon as they said I do he was murder, shot doe with no regret. You will enjoy how she meets his family and of all things falls in love with his brother. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet, loving mail order bride story written by Marie Higgins. It is filled with adventure, excitement and murder to keep you interested. Marie Higgins has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters. Careen was the bride and Matthew Grayson the groom. As soon as they said I do he was murder, shot doe with no regret. You will enjoy how she meets his family and of all things falls in love with his brother. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
November 9, 2019
2 star for me
While I'm sure this book will rate higher for many other readers, the level of craft in the writing wasn't really satisfying for me. Also some of the complications along the way felt like side tracks from the plot and character development as opposed to integral parts of the story. Basically like the pieces didn't fit together for this story.
While I'm sure this book will rate higher for many other readers, the level of craft in the writing wasn't really satisfying for me. Also some of the complications along the way felt like side tracks from the plot and character development as opposed to integral parts of the story. Basically like the pieces didn't fit together for this story.
July 24, 2017
Ok
The book was well written and edited. The characters were fun and believable. The setting was perfect as I was raised in Montana and this story brought back many memories. Clean story worth reading.
The book was well written and edited. The characters were fun and believable. The setting was perfect as I was raised in Montana and this story brought back many memories. Clean story worth reading.
October 31, 2020
A Walk in Heaven
I loved reading this book about Careen , Matthew and Joshua. At every twist and turn there was danger, a evil cousin and love all rolled into one. A AWESOME Book !! I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I loved reading this book about Careen , Matthew and Joshua. At every twist and turn there was danger, a evil cousin and love all rolled into one. A AWESOME Book !! I can't wait to read the next in the series.
December 14, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story. It shows how when a tragedy hits, that many people can blame themselves for what happened, and the reality that it was not their fault. This story shows how people can work through the self-blame, and see how that blame can affect others.
April 15, 2022
Ms. Higgins is so talented writer. This story is masterful because there are 2 surprising mysteries at the end. It is more than I expected for an ending. An excellent job that is just what I like in a book.
January 11, 2020
Awesome
I spent a lot of time wanting to read faster. Careen has the proverbial black cloud over her. The author did well at creating suspense.
I spent a lot of time wanting to read faster. Careen has the proverbial black cloud over her. The author did well at creating suspense.
May 5, 2020
As Walk in Heaven( Christian Historical Western w)(The Grayson
As very good story about a young woman that is a mail order bride finding herself as widow minutes after marrying
As very good story about a young woman that is a mail order bride finding herself as widow minutes after marrying
March 6, 2023
I listened to this one on audio. I loved this book. I really liked the characters and how the story went. I couldn't wait to read the next one in the series.
July 24, 2015
**I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
This is my first Marie Higgins book, but definitely will not be my last. From the very start, I knew this was going to be one I couldn't take my earbuds out for! Not only was it a great western cowboy romance, but it had suspense as well! My kind of book! From the first scene with Matthew and Careen to the end with Joshua, I just had to keep listening. The characters are well developed, the relationship between Careen and Joshua was frustrating and fun, between Careen and the rest of the family was heartwarming. You couldn't help but just want to move onto the ranch and be a part of it! Their acceptance of Careen, love they showed and protectiveness from her cousin just made you fall in love with them.
This is not my first Leonor A Woodworth narration...she was amazing in Anne Patrick's "A Familiar Evil". Definitely one of my favorite narrators, brings all the characters to life, easy to tell who is speaking and makes the books so I don't want to put them down!
I am looking forward to my next listen of Marie Higgins!
This is my first Marie Higgins book, but definitely will not be my last. From the very start, I knew this was going to be one I couldn't take my earbuds out for! Not only was it a great western cowboy romance, but it had suspense as well! My kind of book! From the first scene with Matthew and Careen to the end with Joshua, I just had to keep listening. The characters are well developed, the relationship between Careen and Joshua was frustrating and fun, between Careen and the rest of the family was heartwarming. You couldn't help but just want to move onto the ranch and be a part of it! Their acceptance of Careen, love they showed and protectiveness from her cousin just made you fall in love with them.
This is not my first Leonor A Woodworth narration...she was amazing in Anne Patrick's "A Familiar Evil". Definitely one of my favorite narrators, brings all the characters to life, easy to tell who is speaking and makes the books so I don't want to put them down!
I am looking forward to my next listen of Marie Higgins!
October 7, 2015
I felt this book had potential, but the religious aspect was forced into the story and didn't belong in many parts where it appeared. I didn't appreciate the fact that our main character, Careen has had it pretty rough for the past several years but now she's willing to 'trust in God, because God protects the Graysons' It just seemed contrived to me and not a naturally occurring element in the story. It seemed hypocritical and if people were saying things like that to me over and over again, I would be irritated that God hadn't been there to protect me earlier, while this family almost seems to take it for granted. Almost.
The overall story was OK, a bit of mystery with a lot of romance. Our main character is likable enough. The secondary character, however, was far too wishy-washy. The writing itself is just not good.
The narrator did a decent job. While I won't be going out of my way to find more narrated by the same person, I won't be avoiding them, either.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
The overall story was OK, a bit of mystery with a lot of romance. Our main character is likable enough. The secondary character, however, was far too wishy-washy. The writing itself is just not good.
The narrator did a decent job. While I won't be going out of my way to find more narrated by the same person, I won't be avoiding them, either.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews