Broken—irreparably broken. The violent deaths of her father and the young man she’d been engaged to marry, had irrevocably broken Cedar Dale’s heart. Her mother’s heart had been broken, as well—shattered by the loss of her own true love. Thus, pain and anguish—fear and despair—found Cedar Dale, and her mother Flora, returned to the small western town where life had once been happy and filled with hope. Perhaps there, Cedar and her mother would find some resemblance of truly living life—instead of merely existing. And then, a chance meeting with a dream from her past—caused a flicker of wonder to ignite in her bosom.
As a child, Cedar Dale had adored the handsome rancher’s son, Tom Evans. And when chance brought her face-to-face with the object of her childhood fascination once more, Cedar Dale began to believe that perhaps her fragmented heart could be healed.
Yet, could Cedar truly hope to win the regard of such a man above men as was Tom Evans? A man kept occupied with hard work and ambition—a man so desperately sought after by seemingly every woman?
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
have NO idea where to start other than to say that Marcia McClure should be declared a LETHAL weapon to the hearts of women. Honestly, her books need to have a warning label on them because I can't read one without being reduced to a puddle of mess when I'm finished. This book was no different and to say that I LOVED this book would be a HUGE understatement. But as I sit here trying desperately to write this review, I'm stuck because what do I gush over first because believe me, all I want to do is gush. This book has EVERYTHING a lover of romance is looking for and pulls you so deeply into the lives of the characters that you feel everything alongside them. To me that's a sign of a great writer, when I'm worn out after reading because I've experienced a wide range of emotions. So where to begin?
First off, I need to finally admit that thanks to Marcia, I'm starting to have a thing for cowboys. My gosh, I knew I was going to like Tom because he featured in his brother Slater's book Weathered Too Young but nothing prepared me for just how MUCH I would love him. What truly did it for me wasn't the image of a ruggedly handsome cowboy with a mischievious smile but of a memory Cedar had of him from when she was a young girl. How can you possibly resist a man who patiently sits with a crying girl and talks with her as he works to untangle her hair from the knots she put in it? I know I can't and I can pretty much mark that as the moment I melted and from then on, it was ALL a downhill slide to the puddle I ended up in. Tom is truly a sigh worthy character and I'm afraid anything I say about him wouldn't near do him justice.
I LOVED the way he flirted with Cedar (who by the way I also loved and what an amazing name right?) from when he boldly asked her whether she thought he would be a good lover to where he dared her to back up into the doorway so he could show her how scandalous he could be. He is an INCREDIBLY easy character to fall in love with and that's not even mentioning the man's kisses. MY GOSH!!! I could sit here forever and gush over the kisses in this book. This is something you can guarantee when you read one of Marcia's books - she will ALWAYS give you at least one kiss that will absolutely have you gasping for air. Tom and Cedar's first date waltzing in the moonlight (did I mention Tom was also EXTREMELY romantic) leads up to a hot kiss that rivals other Marcia kiss favorites of mine - Lochlan in The Highwayman of Tanglewood, Swaggart in Kissing Cousins and Mason in Shackles of Honor. MY GOSH I think the sigh I let out reading those pages were loud enough that my parents in Australia heard it. Add on top of that, Tom giving Cedar one of my personal types of kissing favorites - an up against the wall (well in this case up against the school door) and I was in kiss HEAVEN.
Cedar was a worthy love interest for Tom and I felt a real connection with her. She had lost her father and fiance in a brutal act of violence and she struggled with balancing the love she had for her fiance and the renewed love she was feeling for Tom. I understood her worry that she hadn't grieved enough and of the guilt she felt that it was too soon for her to feel hope again. She was a great character to read and I LOVED watching her open up to Tom and regain some of the spunk she had lost. Tom was so considerate in his courting her, torn between loosing control and as he said "mauling" her in his growing desire and being "careful" with her because she had been so hurt. It was great being able to her reach out and take what she wanted despite her fear of losing again. GREAT GREAT storyline.
Add all that together and the story was amazing by itself but Marcia couldn't just leave my heart be. Nope, she had to go and add a SECOND love storyline into the book, one that would have reduced me to a puddle by itself. I'll let you discover that on your own when you read the book (it would be crazy for you not to) but as a little teaser let me add - when the woman shared with the man that he hardly knew her, his sigh inducing reply was "My soul knows yers. That's enough for now" and it sealed the deal that this was my new Marcia favorite. There are so many beautiful, funny and heart melting places in this book. I went into the book knowing I'd enjoy it and was left feeling like I'd been given much much more. As with all her books, this is a MUST read and one that will be still sitting on my shelves, lovingly and thoroughly read when I'm old and grey... well older and greyer. Happy reading :D
Although Marcia's books can sometimes be a little too syrupy, even for me, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Yes, Tom is too perfect to be believed, yes, Cedar is totally annoying at times while doing nothing but gaping at his perfection. It was the secondary storyline that really caught my attention. Not only do we see Cedar fall in love but we are treated to a romance involving her Mother!
How often does a book actually include, not only the story of a beautiful YOUNG woman falling in love but also the middle aged widowed MOTHER having her heart flutter and fall again? That was delightful! For any reader over the age of 35 (that would include more than HALF the romance reader population, by the way), it is a breath of long awaited fresh air! Ms. McClure shows that a woman can feel like a girl again, that the heart knows no age and love knows no bounds. For that, this book gets an enthusiastic bravo!
11/1/14 - Just a great the second time around...that Ameila though...no bueno.
8/17/12-I'm soo glad I got to read Tom Evan's story. After finishing "Weathered Too Young" I couldn't wait to get this one. I love Tom's character and I love how Cedar wasn't always the blushing gal and initiated a couple of the kisses. I wanted to reach through the book and rip Ameila's hair out, but of course, always happy endings with McClure books. Loved it.
Moral Note: A couple of hecks & dangs, passionate kisses, innuendos.
It's that time of the year again to devour the deliciousness of Marcia Mcclure's journeys to destiny books. Okay, I'm a month early starting but who cares!
11/24/23 This is the brother, Tommy, of Slater from weathered too young. I love this love story because of the hope of love young and experienced.
8/20/22 I love this story, it is a great follow-up to Weathered to young. I will also add I think this story is the best two love stories. I know there is the Ipswich double love story (who am I kidding, I love them all), however, there is something about this one that, well I just love it. Forgiveness and enduring love are perfect. The dancing in the field was endearing. *sigh* I love these books.
Other years A perfect follow-up to weathered too young. Deep and loving love it!
I never realized this was Tom's story, Slayder's brother. I loved it again. Will again. I loved the starry-eyed Cedar. I love the name and the wood. My dad made me a cedar chest, which I still have to this day. Although it's not strong any more if I put my face inside for a moment I can still smell the cedar, my dad, and the memories associated with it.
09/2013: I enjoyed this book so much. I laughed out loud. I giggled like a silly school girl. It was just a FUN book to read. Well done Marcia Lynn McClure. Well done.
Reread 10/2014: Yep, I remember why I liked this book so much. Flora and Cedar are so cute, so giddy... I loved it. I love how they realize it's ok to love again. It's not negating the love they had with Jim and Logan. I also just love Tom's personality. He was awesome in Weathered Too Young. I like how he's just happy. Reno was wonderful too and I'm glad he finally found someone. A sweet, happy book with hot cowboys... ;) I seriously laughed out loud several times!! One of my favorites!
I enjoyed this one more this time around, maybe because I just finished Weathered Too Young and was able to jump right into Tom's story. I really loved Tom in the first book and he was just as charming in this one. Cedar was also a likable character and it was fun that they had a bit of a history together. I liked the overall story and thought things moved along well if a bit fast. I wouldn't have minded if things had been stretched out over a longer time period. This is a fun series and fun to binge and read together, love those Evan brothers.
Content Rated PG Romance: Kissing Language: Mild Violence: Very mild
I've read a handful of Marcia McClure's books, some are hits and others are misses. Then some are just in the middle. But I have to say, this book was fantastic! I loved the mother-daughter relationship. I loved how it dealt with real emotions and reactions to events. While there wasn't too much action going on there was just enough and it was interesting enough. Some of the interactions made me sad while others made me laugh. Especially the interactions between Tom and Reno. Definitely a keeper.
I had to celebrate Marcia's birthday by reading her latest, although it felt much more like happy birthday to me! :) Two for one is what this story felt like, major bonus! :) Yet another excellent read, I was thrilled to get to hear Tom's story, as he was near and dear to my heart in Weathered Too Young. Then again I have to wonder which awesome character of Marcia's ISN'T near and dear... :) Mmmmm....
Cedar, Cedar, Cedar. You lucky gal! Oh how I want to go back in time and live out on the prairie with a man like Tommy. He is yummy beyond words :) I loved the way he wooed Cedar and helped her overcome her broken heart. What an irresistible flirt! I really loved the other storyline involving her broken hearted mother. Her romance was as great as Cedars! Perfect romance with just the right amount of kissing...*sigh* Thanks again Marcia- I'm pretty sure I love you:)
I liked this book very much. It was a very sweet and heart warming story with struggles in between. I liked that it was a book that you could relate to and I just love Tom he is so sweet always laughing and I don't know he just makes me smile. Loved the dancing in the moon light and the star gazing. Made my heart melt. Wonderful book :)
I finished Weathered Too Young in one sitting and immediately opened up The Windswept Flame because I had to know Tom's happy ending. I love his charm, wit, and humor. While I love Marcia's tortured, brooding heroes, too, it was nice to have such a sunny outlook from a Marcia leading man. I am crazy for Marcia's westerns!
I'm so excited to get to read this. It was really good. But then again aren't all of her books? I like that I was able to read more about Tom. I was glad that he wasn't left out, after reading Weathered Too Young.
I loved the romances in this book! Cedar is such a great character and I loved that Flora got to find her love too!! The men in this book were fabulous too....of course!! Thank you Marcia for this fabulous book with double the romance! Double the pleasure, double the fun!!! ;)
A sequel to Weathered Too Young and just as enjoyable. I love Tom's character and it's so fun to see his story. I really like the humor in this one. I've read it more than once and it still makes me laugh. :)
McClure Book's are guaranted sweet, silly and clean romance books. This was a sequel to Weathered to Young but you can read this one first and not be lost. This was very sappy and sweet and I appreciate how clean her books are. This is not one of my favorites,but I love the western feel.
Tommy Evans is adorable. Cedar Dale is wonderful. This book is probably my favorite book right now. I wish that my library owned it so that everyone else could read it!
Jan. 2013 I needed a Marcia fix....LOVED IT AGAIN!!! It is so crazy that I can pick up a Marcia book when I need to lose myself in a fun romance over and over and never tire of them.
Another MLM favorite. Tom was definitely my favorite character in “Weathered Too Young” so I love that his story was continued and that he didn’t just marry Katherine and raise her children. In my mind he deserved a better ending then that and he got that with Cedar. I love that they knew each other as kids and that life brought them back together older, wiser, and in need of each other. Can I just say that their date dancing under the stars is perfection? And kissing by the school house is totally swoon-worthy. This book is full of sweetness and romance and healing. I didn’t love Cedar’s Mom’s story so much but I do appreciate breaking from the norm and finding love and happiness being middle-age as well. This is now one of my all-time favorites and someday in another life I’m going to go find me a Tom Evans cowboy ❤️🤠 .
Girlish smile throughout *almost the entire book. Seriously. Like people giving you weird looks as you grin dreamily at your phone for a half hour straight - smiling.
*The only exceptions being those moments when the storyline was purposefully distressful. Smiling at those moments would just be creepy. Creepier than smiling at your phone, creepy.
Tommy Evans is a dream.
Reading Marcia Lynn McClure books is like: "This one is my favorite... Okay wait, now this one is my favorite...oops - this one too."
Yet, I can say with absolute certainty that this one is my favorite... Because I have not yet started another.
Until then - favorite.
And will always remain on 'favorites' list.
Read it now and be happy. Go forth. Stop reading reviews and read the book. It's better.
Amazing read! Although small things tripped me up about this book; repetition of phrases, words that I nor google understood and a lack of “setting the scene” (although I didn’t realise this was a sequel), I fell madly in love with this sweet, simple read.
My favourite part, was that the Author kind of put a song to the story: “Run for the Roses”. That made the entire book a hit for me and I wish I’d see that kinda thing more often. It was beautiful touch and gave me all the feels.
I love this book. I’ll need to acquire a copy for myself one day and read it every now and then, just to make my heart happy.
This book also connects to Weathered Too Young but can be read individually without you feeling lost. However if you want to go in chronological order this would be second.
I LOVE this book! It is so sweet and romantic. Definitely able to get you twitterpated. Not only that but there are some really good descriptions or phrases that stand out. Best of all I really like the bromance of the men in this story. It's just so funny the way they get along together.
I’ve read the majority of Marcia’s books and I’ve loved every single one of them for their own unique stories.
This one I loved in a very unique way, there was no brooding hero, or a shy lady! I really loved that she delved deeper into the heartbreak of losing a loved one but that it doesn’t prevent one from finding a life full of happiness. This book makes me feel elated for the Evan’s family and for Reno and Flora. I was so happy for them it made me tear up a bit 🥺
Wonderful book and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.