Come the Spring (Clayborne Brothers)

asked by stonefox on November 16, 2006 6:19 PM

Cole Clayborne has been tricked into accepting a badge and the title of U.S. Marshal by Sheriff Marshall Ryan. He would refuse the badge if he could, but the Blackwater Gang is up to no good and Cole feels compelled to help. Sheriff Ryan has been chasing the gang for two years--ever since they murdered his wife and daughter during a bank robbery--and he needs Cole to help him solve the case. When the Rockford Falls bank is robbed, only one witness is left alive. Terrified by the ordeal, the lone survivor won't come forward to testify; Cole and Daniels's only clue to her identity is a list that includes the names of three women who conducted business at the bank that afternoon. Is the eyewitness the beautiful, aristocratic Rebecca James or the exquisitely lovely Grace Winthrop? Could it be the seductive Jessica Summers? Somehow, Cole and Daniel have to keep the three women safe while solving the bank robberies and tracking down the killers. But the biggest danger of all may be the threat of losing their hearts to one of the beautiful women.

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Reviews

I have enjoyed many of Julie Garwood's novels, including "For the Roses", the beginning of the Clayborne series. While I have to admit that I skipped "One Red, One White Rose", etc. about the other brothers; this one interested me because it was about Cole. He was my favorite brother in the original book. Unfortunately, "Come the Spring" is very drawn-out and predictable. The title doesn't even apply to anything, except a quick statement made in the last chapter (an after-thought?) Maybe it was just the narration by Richard Ferrone that turned me off, but I found my mind wandering. It was clear to me who the female villain was from early on. While Cole and Daniel were compelling in their parts as lawmen, the romance part of the book is disappointing. After all the passion in "For the Roses", this book was just lukewarm in that category. Maybe it was because there were too many characters. Oh well, Julie is still one of my favorite authors, but this one is not up to par with her others.

reviewed by perfectjen on November 20, 2006 10:23 PM

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Let me tell you up front, if you are looking for more of the Claybourne's in this book, you will not get it. The focus of "COMES THE SPRING" is capturing the Blackwater Gang. We start off with the bank robbery scene, and the identity of the witness is a mystery. Julie does a very good job in hiding who the witness is, until it is revealed.

We finally get the story of Cole Claybourne, the most "rough" of the Claybourne brothers. Cole is made into a U.S. Marshal by Marshal Daniel Ryan, who supposedly stole his compass from Mama Rose. Little is known about the compass that causes Cole to search for Ryan, and this plot does not follow in the book.

I thought Jessica and Grace were very good heroines. Jessica was really the perfect match for Cole, loving and in need of his care. The baby, Caleb, was also very adorable throughout the book. Grace was the exact opposite of Daniel Ryan's first wife, which proved to be a challenge to the Marshall to figure her out. While I enjoyed the chemistry with Grace and Daniel, I was a little disappointed that Cole did not have a story all to his own. I thought his character deserved more.

Overall "COMES THE SPRING" is a good end to the series. I would recommend it to anyone who has followed the Claybournes since "FOR THE ROSES." Mama Rose's speech at the end did not bother me, as it did some reviewers, because we really don't hear a lot from her, but we know she has been behind the meddling. Definitely read this book, it's worth the time.

reviewed by success06 on November 25, 2006 10:51 AM

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I really enjoyed the character of Cole from the first books. I am glad I have my own copy of Come the Spring in hardcover. It is just so enjoyable. I am pleased. The only reason I do not give it a five is there are a couple of predictable moments, but they are enjoyable.

reviewed by vegaswinner on November 29, 2006 4:46 PM

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I absolutely loved the Clayborne series. I just finished Come the Spring, and as always, Garwood kept me intrigued from start to finish. I never want to put her books down and find myself sneaking at work to catch a quick chapter at my desk!! Come the Spring had excellent twists and I loved the chemistry between Cole and Jessica/Grace and Daniel. The scenes with Cole and Caleb were especially endearing to me, being a single mother. Garwood appeals to the romantic in me every time! This was no exception. This is a must read, especially if you have read the four other Calyborne novels. It brings everything full circle!

reviewed by janmueller on November 29, 2006 5:39 PM

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