Gallagher's Hope: Book Two of the Montana Gallagher Series

Gallagher's Hope (Book Two of the Montana Gallagher Series)
by MK McClintock
Genre: historical romance
Locations: New Orleans & Montana Territory
Timeframe: 1883

A FAMILY LEGACY BUILT ON A WILD LAND. A STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE, LOVE AND SURVIVAL. (from the cover) The cover is perfect for this story, with the focus on the mountains and the land.

Isabelle Rousseau has tragically lost her parents. Her father chose to murder and then to commit suicide rather than to live being penniless. His act deprives Isabelle and Andrew of their parents and plunges them into scandal. The creditors are quick to seize the family home and its contents. Isabelle is determined to protect Andrew from the malicious gossip and social ostracization, so she packs up their few, remaining possessions and accepts a teaching position in Briarwood, Montana.

"Isabelle scanned the changing landscape. The last three days offered views of dense trees and farmland but nothing to excite her about what lay ahead. Before they left, she spent hours reading accounts about massive mountains so high a person could never climb them and land so vast that people lived lifetimes on it and never saw everything.
She glanced down at her brother, who rested quietly in the seat next to hers, his head against her arm. 'Is this best for him?' she wondered. Isabelle brought her gaze back to the landscape and felt a small rush of pleasure at what she saw in the distance. 'How grand and tall those mountains must truly be if I can see them from so far away.' Her heart raced as excitement overpowered the fear, and for just a short time, she allowed herself the pleasure of imagining a good life."

Gabriel Gallagher has the all the confidence that a loving and supportive family can give. He forms an instant connection to Isabelle and to Andrew the first time that he sees them. While Gabriel won't take advantage of a small boy's need, it does help him to spend more time with Isabelle. Running a large cattle ranch, along with his brother Ethan and sister Eliza, doesn't allow much time for getting to know them, but Gabriel will make it happen.

" 'He's (Andrew) tuckered out tonight.' She (Isabelle) nodded. 'He hasn't expended this much energy in a long time.' A few moments of silence passed as the first hint of stars twinkled above them. "Thank you for today, Mr. Gallagher. It meant a lot to Andrew.' She paused for just a fraction of a moment. 'And it meant a lot to me.' Gabriel's eyes met hers, and he guided the horses on instinct alone. "You're welcome, Isabelle." His whisper-soft words caressed her skin, and she pulled her cape closer to her body. She wasn't accustomed to the cold temperatures of this northern land, but she loved the cold crispness of the air as it moved around her. She would remember this as the day that Andrew found happiness again and that was a debt she could never repay."

When trouble develops for Isabelle, Gabriel is fast to come up with a solution. Isabelle is wary, but she must accept Gabriel's help and to rely on his promise. When trouble develops for Gabriel, Isabelle and Andrew are drawn into it, much to Gabriel's anger. He is determined to protect them, but Isabelle has a hard time trusting that he will be able to do that.

There is just so much to like about this novel! The story is a satisfying length and was a fast read. I actually went back and read it again, just to stay with the Gallaghers a little longer.
The background information for the main characters is there at the time you want/need it. There are few secondary characters, so that you don't get lost trying to keep up with who is who. Nothing feels forced or rushed. I really appreciated the fact that the author does not have Gabriel jumping to the wrong conclusion about Andrew, a tired romance plot! The story is peopled with decent men and women, so watching Gabriel and Isabelle develop a relationship is natural and very enjoyable.

The one thing that I didn't like was a secondary character dying...I was hoping for her story! But, it did add to the drama of this book.

occasional profanity
"discreet" bedroom scenes-NOT a bodice ripper

Generally, the second book in the trilogy is a little weaker or just not appealing as the others. This novel is the exception to the "rule". I liked the first book, but absolutely loved this one! Go read it, but start with book 1- Gallagher's Pride! I am looking forward to seeing what the Gallaghers are up to next in Gallagher's Choice. Note that this is the second in the series, but it is a stand-alone book, with no major cliffhangers!

I was not monetarily compensated for this review in any way. I won a free copy of this book by being randomly selected. All opinions are 100% my own.

I really liked this book even better then the first one. It was a page turner and full of events and surprises. The characters were very real. There wasn't alot of romance, but enough to keep it interesting. I only had a problem with the quick ending. Cliffhanger for sure, but there was to much left hanging to have to wait for book three. Too many questions left unanswered.
Can't wait for Gallagher's Challenge now. 3.5 stars due to the ending.