Starry Montana Sky

By: Debra Holland

Narrated by: Natalie Ross

Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's Summary

The telegram Samantha Sawyer Rodriguez holds is her key to freedom: her late uncle, Ezra, has left her his ranch in Sweetwater Springs, Montana. At last, she and her young son will have a true home, and she can finally pursue her dreams of raising her prized miniature horses and building a sanctuary for wayward orphans.

Prosperous rancher Wyatt Thompson has long coveted that river property. It’s bad enough that Ezra’s niece refuses to sell it, but worse by far that she’s stubborn, proud, and breathtakingly beautiful. The lovely widow and her adopted sons awaken memories of a shameful past he’s struggled to overcome. Yet when Samantha’s safety is threatened, he’ll risk everything to save the unexpected family he’s come to cherish.

In this follow-up to Wild Montana Sky, her acclaimed USA Today best-selling romance, Debra Holland sweeps listeners back to that majestic, historical landscape in an extraordinary story of redemption, courage, and tender, steadfast love.

©2012 Debra Holland (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A Heart Warming Story

A well written heartwarming story you don't want to miss. It's a story most people should be able to relate to. The characters are so well portrayed by Natalie Ross, they seem real.

I would definately recommend it.

A Wonderful Story

Sam and her young son leaves So. America to live on a ranch that her uncle left her. Wyatt lives on a nearby ranch had hopes of purchasing Ezra's ranch and was aghast when he found out a single woman with a young child was going to raise minature horses there. Later she takes on the town troublesome twins and let them live with her on the ranch. Of course there are problems with the twins and with some of the children at school. There are a series of accidents, with fingers pointing at the twins of course.
Give this book a read you won't regret it.

Natalie Ross is a wonderful narrator, she brings her books to life, you are able to distinguish all of her characters they are done so well.

Gritty and Violent Frontier Life

I loved the main character Samantha, who cared enough to shelter several orphan boys who the residents of Sweetwater Springs were ready to kill without remorse. I wasn't as crazy about widower Wyatt, who was auditioning potential new wives in much the same way he purchased horses or cows. Only Wyatt's devotion to his daughter kept him from being a totally selfish jerk.

Samantha was smart, hard-working and willing to protect the unwanted children with her bare hands. I enjoyed how she stood up to the bigoted, mean-spirited so-called Christians who were unfamiliar with the Golden Rule and lacked any compassion or morals. The scene in the church when adults (including parents) casually voted to exterminate the unfortunate orphans was beyond creepy; I was really hoping God would strike some of them dead.

While other reviewers have called this compelling series sweet and clean (meaning no sex scenes or cursing), I found the realistic depictions of cruelty, hatred and racism anything but sweet or clean. FYI, sex is not inherently dirty or vulgar, considering that our creator intended humans to be sexual creatures. I find it bewildering when sex is considered crude but physical and emotional cruelty are acceptable.

A Family Story with a hint of Romance!

What did you love best about Starry Montana Sky?

This is a wonderfully grand story about a family coming together. I loved the premise of Samantha being able to live out her dreams after being held captive for so long. Her naivete and kindheartedness towards the children just won you over. I found Wyatt to be a strong leading man faults and all. In addition, I just loved those fallabella horses they almost stole the show!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack was my favorite character, I found that I loved how honest and protective he was as well as how he progressed through out the book to be more and more trusting of those around him. He also had such wonderful interactions with the different animals.

Have you listened to any of Natalie Ross’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I found Natalie Ross' performance excellent. I found her to be better than in the previous book of the series. She has this wonderful way of creating voices and accents that are so appropriate for the different characters. I think her voices helped me fall in love with Jack and Daniel even more than if I had just read the book. I just loved how she pronounced the names of the horses with so much love!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The most touching moment for me in the book was when Jack saved Sarah. Though I knew something terrible was going to happened I just found that he reaction and fierce protectiveness really made my heart go out to him.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book and love all the family dynamics and interactions. I found that important the values such trust, honesty and hard work were well presented and discussed. What a joy to listen to!

An Expansive Story You'll be Glad you Stepped Into

Starry Montana Sky, the 2nd book in the series, is even more gripping than the first. But still do yourself a favor and first read or listen to Wild Montana Sky, as all of those characters are brought forward to Starry, which then includes new ones who become this story's focus. And there's lots of story to focus on, one I enjoyed even more than Wild, which says a lot. Author Debra Holland brings you into the minds of the men, women and children as they are all striving to be more than what they were yesterday. There's excitement and more than a few portions of suspenseful action. And of course, romance and camaraderie. But nothing simplistic here, Debra's descriptions and dialog flow beautifully, without being grandiose. Natalie Ross is back again as narrator, and her array of voices suits each character to a T. Once you start, you'll be hooked.

great book!

i like this book! it has miniature horses, orphans, Farmers, Old Town folks, and a love story ending!

"Miniture Horses, Sweetness On the Hoof"

What did you love best about Starry Montana Sky?

This author has the style of early Linda Howard, Lady of the West, and Diana Palmer before she got too wordy.
This is a series, but doesn't have to be in exact order. If only one, see reviews for storyline that appeals.
Author/editor should watch the religious view point, why pick a fight? Not necessary for the story line.

What did you like best about this story?

If you have seen the Amazon Prime/You tube commercial with the lonely miniature horse, this story will make you smile. Author writes passionately about what she feels strongly about, and these "little horses" steal your heart.

Have you listened to any of Natalie Ross’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

NOTE: must use new 1.25x speed to get what the author intended.

Ms Ross is one of the best readers as her male and children's voices are divine.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

any scene that references the "little horses" as they make you smile.

Any additional comments?

I started with this story, but have/will owned the rest of this series read by Ms Ross.

Are the boys really that bad?

Samantha has lived with her father-in-law since her husband's death. Her father-in-law has never liked her and treats her with contempt. He also treats her son the same way. When her uncle dies and leaves her his ranch, she is very happy to move on. Wyatt has wanted the ranch next door for a long time and is sure that the new owner will sell it to him. After all she is all by herself and she can't possibly make a go of it by herself. Then she comes to town with her little horses, takes in a set of twins that seem to be no good and adopts an Indian boy. The town has decided that the twins cannot stay and need to be sent to an orphanage. Are they the problem or is there someone else causing it all? Wyatt wants to think the boys might be good, but can he trust them around his daughter? Will he be able to raise them if he acts on his attraction to Samantha?

Wonderful is the Word!

This is a story of two people finding love, overcoming obstacles, loving troubled children with antics, and lovable small horses. The writer of this wonderful story kept me enthralling to the very last word. The narrator has the talent to keep you thinking that you are right there with the character. Superior combination.

totally enjoyed the book

What made the experience of listening to Starry Montana Sky the most enjoyable?

the story line and the voices

What was one of the most memorable moments of Starry Montana Sky?

acceptance of the twins

Have you listened to any of Natalie Ross’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

n/a

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

when is part 3 going to be available?

Excellent !

The free narrative on these books makes it so much better , a lovely story of heartache love and forgiveness . I really wanted to know a good punishment was given at the end though ;)

Love it

Lovely story ,after all the vampires n spanking.a good story told of the wild west ,love n fun n hard work .