The Barefoot Bride: A Novel

DECENT - no premarital sex [PMS] As has been said, Patch stole the show. She sure was determined to defend her father, Seth Kendrick, against anyone who considered him a coward. Seth soon realized that his daughter needs the influence of a woman to help tame her down. The mystery behind Ethan Hawk, who had shown up about 6 months ago, his friendship with Seth, and the advent of the Masked Marauder teased Patch. Was Hawk the Masked Marauder? Where did he disappear to at times in the night? Where did he keep the big Black Stallion. And when Seth found out Patch's knowledge of his visits to Dora at the Medicine Bow Saloon "to satisfy his manly lusts" that was too much, he knew she needed to be taken in hand. Molly Gallagher has a son, Whit and a daughter, Nessie that she fails to tell Seth about. Of course Seth failed to tell Molly about Patch. She needed a home for herself and her children - but what a hoot! Patch, 12 and Whit, 10 were bound and determined to hate each other and their parents marrying. There was trouble in the offing. And boots in the river. Pike Hardesty was mean as a rattlesnake on a hot skillet and the reason that there was no law in Fort Benton. [hey, I could find that place on an old map] Learned a bit more about the Missouri River - didn't know it ended up in Montana. Pike had it in for Seth and his daughter. He was also the hired killer for Drake Bassett, the man that was selling rotgut to the Indians. The Masked Marauder was working at putting Bassett out of business. Pike's job was to kill the Marauder. This is a great plot all the way around - plenty of action - plenty of passion - loving or otherwise - keeps you in thralled with the characters - We need more authors with this quality. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED with no reservations -

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. (read it in just in evening!!!) I can't wait to read the Outlaw's Bride.

Although, the story is a good romance and has good character layout, I think Seth's daughter, Patch stole the center stage! I was more interested in learning about Patch and Ethan - The Outlaw, then the main characters. I think I'll pick up The Outlaw's Bride and find out what happens between the two...wink.Michelle Harris, Author of Moonlight Midnight Glory, ISBN: 0595000355

This is one of my favorite of Joan's books, and i have read many. I'm definately in love with her Hawk's Way series and can't wait for more. This was the first historical of hers that i read and i absolutely loved it. I am a big fan of historical novels and but this one was one of the best. I love the western themes and i thought the family situation in this novel was great i laughed so much i was in tears. Patch was definately a favorite character and i loved the novel about her also. I wish i could give such high recomendations about some of joan's other historicals but i can't stand the ones about Earls and Dukes, i guess they're just not my thing. But this book is great for anyone who loves historicals, the old west,or joan johnston, or all of the above, Happy reading

This was my first western by Joan Johnston. It was good reading. The characters were so real. You could not help but feel Patches pain at the new family. She was a great charcter I can not wait for pay day so I can buy her story. Joan is now one of my top five authors.