Stolen Horses, Stolen Hearts

By Cindy A Christiansen

Someone stole her horses. He's the best tracker but carrying baggage. Can she get him back in the saddle and rope his heart?

 

Former rodeo queen Harlee Jo must fix Oak's broken spirit if she's ever going to get him to help rescue her stolen horses. The only trouble is, even Oak's dog and horse can't stand to be around him. What will it take to get him back in the saddle?

 

Oak can't get his life back on track after a death in the family. When Harlee Jo comes riding in with her hopes, dreams and stolen horses, he just wants her to leave him alone.

 

Will he overcome his slump and find the horse thieves? Will she ever be able to rope his heart?

     
This novella is a contemporary, clean and wholesome, cowboy, action/adventure romance! If you love action, adventure and romance, you'll enjoy this book!

          

Saddle up and buy this good book today!  

     

"...a fun, sweet, cute read suitable for romantics of all ages!" - InDTale Magazine
     
"This was a great book! Amazing Author. The story kept me so captivated, I couldn't put it down. Very well written. Definitely worth reading! I look forward to the author's future stories." - 5 out of 5 Stars, Tammy, Amazon Reviewer
     
"Great characters. Great story. Fast moving. A combo too few authors achieve. Loved every word." - 5 out of 5 Stars, J Alyn Ahrens, Amazon Reviewer
     
"I like a good western romance and a clean one is even better! Thanks for the ride Cindy. Fast read." - 5 out of 5 Stars, Mary Lombard, Amazon Reviewer
     
"A fun quick read with some of my favorite elements: a Western setting, a cowboy, his dog, horses and a damsel in distress." - 5 out of 5 Stars, Debbie S., Reviewer  

          

Saddle up and buy this good book today!  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dragonfly Spirit Books
• Release date: Oct 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386555056

Cindy A Christiansen

Bestselling author, Cindy A Christiansen, has combined her love of dogs with her joy of writing to create an award-winning combination. Her novels always include canine characters both in the pages and on the cover, an extension of the credit she gives to her extraordinary rescue dogs for their part in helping her overcome numerous challenges. In a reciprocal gesture for their love and devotion, a portion of the proceeds from her books are donated to assist abandoned and abused dogs. She lives in Utah with her loving husband, two creative children with autism, and a pack of rambunctious dogs. Here's what her books give you: A clean read with no bedroom scenes or offensive language; a tantalizing, fast-paced plot; a story without a lot of boring description; down-to-earth heroes and heroines with everyday jobs; a rollercoaster ride of emotions you face right along with the characters; a special dog to steal your heart; a few added facts, a good message, and that important happily-ever-after ending.

Book preview

Copyright Page

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer.

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All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

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Trademarks: The author acknowledges the trademark status and the following trademark owners mentioned in this work of fiction: Jeep, Dodge, Apple Jacks, Cap 'n Crunch, Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops, Crispy Critters, Corn Flakes, Double Dip Crunch, Froot Loops, Frosty O’s, Quaker Oats

Dragonfly Spirit Books

Stolen Horses, Stolen Hearts

Copyright © 2013 Cindy A. Christiansen

First E-book Publication: January, 2013

Cover design by Dragonfly Spirit Books and 123rf.com

Edited by K Greenleaf and D. Stevenson

Proofread by W Remley

All cover art and logo copyright © 2015 by Dragonfly Spirit Books

Dedication

To my cousin, Amber, who suggested the idea for this book and loves horses, dogs and life as much as I do.

To Curt and Lorraine, who helped with the technical equine and location aspects of this book and have been such wonderful friends and support throughout the years.

To Heather Horrocks, author and friend, who inspired me to turn in new directions with my writing.

And to Blue, my brother’s Blue Heeler. Happy trails to you, my friend.

Prologue

MIDNIGHT. JUST OUTSIDE Eagle Mountain, Utah...

Clint pulled his handkerchief up over his nose, not to conceal his face but to keep the dust from billowing into his lungs. The moonless night kept his face well hid as he and the other bandits slipped inside Harlee Jo Holiday’s fenced corral and rounded up two of her trail horses.

If he had things his way, he’d steal the whole lot and move to the next county. Ranger didn’t see it his way, and he happened to be the boss. Clint fell so low on the totem pole, not even the dogs listened to him.

He stole a look toward Harlee Jo’s Pony Express Trail Rides office with the upstairs living area she occupied across the field. He’d sure like to get a look at that pretty little rodeo queen sleeping in her bed. Too bad they had to rustle her horses, but orders were orders. Ranger’s plans had worked so far—only one or two horses from each ranch, adding to their herd, shipping to Mexico to an illegal slaughterhouse for top dollar from countries like Japan and France. Ranger had quite the operation. Clint wished he could be so smart. Horse meat was in great demand and the profits good. Nice thing about Ranger, he shared with his men. But, you’d just better not cross him. Clint wanted a chance to prove himself and move up the chain of command.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a light turning on at the house. Harlee Jo must have heard them. He let out a shrill whistle to signal the others. The men panicked, fighting with a sorrel at the gate. For trail riding stock, the horse fought like a wild bucking bronco. They managed to get her and a paint mare herded into the waiting trailer.

Tziiiiing! A bullet hit the dirt only a few feet from where Clint stood. He took off on a run toward the already moving truck. Good thing Harlee Jo couldn’t shoot worth a darn.

Chapter One

DON’T TELL ME TO BE patient, Sheriff Raynes. You know and I know that every minute counts. Harlee Jo Holiday threw herself down onto her wooden kitchen chair.

The sheriff stepped away to answer his cell phone. Harlee Jo groaned.

It had been two hours since the horse thieves had stolen Calico and Tango. Her hands still trembled and her stomach remained clenched. The only thing the sheriff seemed concerned about was the permit for her rifle, how many shots she’d fired, and the fact that she’d fired