A gung ho PR person in charge of getting a reclusive country
western singer to perform live at a small function is responsible for him
possibly losing his ranch for children. Tyler Davidson would rather deal with a
large concert hall audience than come face to face with a few people. Such
thoughts are beyond Abie Halloway’s thinking, but as she learns to understand
what the ranch means to Tyler and comes to care for him in this sweet romance /
inspirational, she realizes she does not want to be the one to cause his
downfall.
I relished the idea of reading this book. Not only do I
enjoy country music and ranch living, (both ingredients of the story) but
brooding heroes with secrets are a must. Taking Chances was a weekend read for
me. I started reading on Saturday and finished it off on a lazy Sunday morning.
It was an enjoyable way to spend my time and was exactly what I was looking
for. If you’re looking for a sweet and gentle, Inspirational story, then you’ll
enjoy this book also.
Abie and Tyler’s story is tender and touching; set against
the backdrop of a ranch for disadvantaged children and the cut throat world of
business. Tyler is a man with secrets and will do anything to keep them. But
Abie’s strong and determined personality is just the thing to make him let go
of his past and open his heart to new possibilities.
There are no real surprises with this book, but it is
sensitively written and a pleasurable read. Smiles all round from this
reviewer.
Excerpt:
“You really think I can’t do it?” Abie was incredulous. How
could Matt even think her incapable? The tone of her voice echoed through the
near empty conference room, sounding sharp even to her. She wouldn’t back down
though.
Matt sat forward his palms splayed flat on the faux wood
table. “Come on, Abie! Tyler never, absolutely never, does these kinds of
performances. I tried to get him before, remember?”
Unable to resist the challenge in Matt’s voice, Abie cocked
her brow and sat forward.“I can get him – signed and delivered.”
Mitchell’s Promotions was in the top five slot for event
planning corporations in the state, if not the country. Abie’s meteoric rise
through the ranks proved she was one of its rising stars. She intended to keep
pushing that spectacular rise to the top. Right now, she would settle for the
vice presidency.
“There are other musicians out there that would love the
exposure,” Natalie interrupted. She shrugged and sat back in her chair. “If
this guy doesn’t want to do it, pick someone else.”
Matt and Abie both turned to stare at her. Matt cleared his
throat. “I realize that you are new to the area, but Tyler is hardly just a
local name.” At Natalie’s blank look, Matt ran a hand through his hair,
ruffling it and then leaned forward in the plush swivel chair, his arms
supported by the conference table. “Okay, you’re not a country music fan, I
take it.”
“Not even close. I’m a Metal Head.”
Abie watched Natalie play with the row of silver studs and
loops on her left ear, an action Matt seemed oblivious to. Abie swiveled back
and forth in her chair studying the latest addition to the team. Natalie wore a
long sleeved black and white polka dot tee shirt, red flared pants and black
and white men’s oxfords; conservative dress for her. She had a single silver
loop hanging from her right eyebrow which was in harmony with the plethora of
assorted loops and studs in her ears. Matt had insisted she would appeal to the
younger clientele; she would be the stereotypical Metal fan. Abie bit back a
grin. While Matt knew he was right on one level, it hadn’t registered with him that
Natalie’s appearance, or her singular taste in music, would also have
drawbacks. “Tyler is one of the biggest names in the music industry.” She kept
her voice even, stating a fact.
Natalie stopped chewing her gum for a moment.” Yeah? How
many records has he made?”
“Fifty charted singles and a dozen platinum albums on the
Country, Rock and Christian charts. There are Tyler wannabes throughout the
country.”
“With all of the cross over, why doesn’t he perform?”
“He does perform, just not at small gatherings,” Abie
corrected her, “because he says it will take him away from what he really wants
to do – his real life’s work.” Abie tilted her head to one side and leaned back
in her chair. “I believe that’s what the article said.”
Matt turned his chair to grin at her. “You believe? If you
read it once you know that you have the article memorized, Abie.”
She returned his grin. “True. So, I’m the one to approach
him.” Abie straightened her spine. This was her assignment. Already the few
facts she knew about Tyler Davidson assembled in her brain. As soon as Matt
said okay, she would gather the rest of the information.
