Painted Montana Sky

By: Debra Holland

Narrated by: Lara Asmundson

In Painted Montana Sky, a novella from the acclaimed Montana Sky series, NY Times and USA Today best-selling author Debra Holland brings together two people who have turned their backs on love and relationships. In 1894, Lily Maxwell, aspiring painter, travels to Sweetwater Springs, Montana, with her precious cocker spaniel to work on an artistic project that could launch her career. For years, Lily has denied herself happiness because of an equestrian accident that left her with a damaged hip, a limp, and a sense of unworthiness. Her inability to bear children has kept her from giving her heart to anyone. After rancher Tyler Dunn's wife abandoned him and their son, he wants nothing to do with women. But this new girl in town, with her lovely violet eyes and her wonderful talent, stirs feelings in Tyler. After Tyler rescues Lily's dog from being swept away by the river, Lily develops a friendship with him, the people on his ranch, and his young son, Oliver. Yet the two of them dare not give in to their feelings for each other. Can these lonely souls find their hearts' desires under the majestic Montana Sky?

©2015 Debra Holland (P)2015 Debra Holland

A love story that will touch your heart!

Would you consider the audio edition of Painted Montana Sky to be better than the print version?

Yes, I do. PAINTED MONTANA SKY is excellently narrated by Lara Asmundson. She has been the narrator for a few other of the Mail Order Brides of the West Books and I always enjoy her performances. Her voice is pleasing, crystal clear and well-paced to the tale. She inserts pauses and emotion at the appropriate times. When Lara narrates, the story takes precedence as she perfectly delivers the tale. It allows me to sink into the story and not think about reading. I look forward to hearing her again.

What other book might you compare Painted Montana Sky to and why?

Any of Debra Holland's or Caroline Fyffe's other western romances are very similar. I've loved each one. A side benefit is that enjoyment of any of their series would be enhanced the more you partake of it, as the characters of Sweetwater Springs will evolve to become your friends and neighbors as you read their stories.

Which scene was your favorite?

I had quite a few but I'll mention the one at the social after Caleb Livingston had escorted Lily outside and Tyler rescued her. Here's the scene after Caleb had left: "I think Livingston was going to steal a kiss in the moonlight."
Lily wrinkled her nose. "Well, I certainly wouldn't have given him one. He made me too uncomfortable, and I just met him!"
Tyler cupped her face with his hands, leaning closer. "What about me?" he said, his voice low. "Will you give one to me?"
"I shouldn't." The lonely years stretched ahead of her. Her earlier vow to make memories rose and suddenly she was desperate for some kisses of Tyler's to remember. In answer to his question, she tilted her mouth to his.

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

Yes! I found myself adding in more workout time which equates to more listening time.

Any additional comments?

PAINTED MONTANA SKY is a love story that will touch your heart. Debra is one of my favorite authors. I know when I pick up one of her clean, western romances, that I'll be transported back in time with wonderful, solid characters that will fondly remain with me long after I've finished the story. I've fallen in love with the characters of Sweetwater Springs, Montana and look forward to more of Debra's stories set there. I highly recommend PAINTED MONTANA SKY to anyone who enjoys sweet western romance.

Lily painted the beauty of Montana....

Would you consider the audio edition of Painted Montana Sky to be better than the print version?

The audio version brought to life the book itself. The descriptions of the sky and flowers seemed to become alive with audio. Also, the people in the story seem more real when listening to the book.

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

The brush with drowning for the little dog was gripping. However, when Tyler borrowed a cart with a small horse for Lily to use, it made me love Tyler.

Which scene was your favorite?

The soak in the hot springs after the water mishap was so descriptive that I could actually see the area in my mind and feel the hot water.

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

Absolutely! I didn't want to take a break for even five minutes.

Any additional comments?

The little boy, Oliver, was such a caring child. Oliver added a lot to the storyline.

Another wonderful addition to the series!

Would you listen to Painted Montana Sky again? Why?

Yes I would. I have read these stories out of order so I'd like to go back and read them in order.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lily was such an inspiration because she didn't let her accident and subsequent disability stop her from traveling to another State and doing what she loved to do. She tried very hard not to bemoan the fact that she couldn't ever have a husband and family but carried on with her life in a way that she could make herself happy. When she had the opportunity to see if this circumstance could change she took the chance to see what could happen.

What does Lara Asmundson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is very good at distinguishing different voices for each character which makes each one a very real character in the story while listening.

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

I did listen to it in one sitting. It was very hard to put down.

Any additional comments?

As always I love Debra Holland's stories and can't wait for the next one.

Painted Montana Sky by Debra Holland

If you could sum up Painted Montana Sky in three words, what would they be?

Sweet, contentment, comforting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Oliver because of the book he created and his bravery.

What about Lara Asmundson’s performance did you like?

Lara's performance was compelling. Her different voices for characters are a bit amusing but well done.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Everyone is welcome in Sweetwater.

Painted Montana Sky You Can Picture Anywhere

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would. Debra Holland is a wonderful author and this audible can be listened to anywhere.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the whole story. I liked that I was listening to this story on my kindle while crocheting on my backporch during a nice fall day and was so relaxed. I could felt like I was part of the story. Lara did a wonderful job narrating the story. Beautiful story.

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

No this is the first one I have listened to and I look forward to hearing more.

What a wonderful story and narrated perfectly.

What did you love best about Painted Montana Sky?

I loved how Tyler started getting feelings from being around Lily that he hadn't thought of or felt in a very long time and you knew a love story was going to come out this for sure.
Actually there were many things.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the sweetness of Tyler with Lily and carrying her and really being careful with her since she was injured.

What about Lara Asmundson’s performance did you like?

Lara did an amazing job with all the different characters man or woman or child. She was very good in this story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I wanted to cry when Lily's dog was in the rushing water of the river scared and not being able to get out and Lily in a panic and going into the water trying so hard to get her.
I also wanted to cry when Lily rode the horse into the river to get to Tyler and he couldn't believe it but then he really couldn't believe she was saying yes to him to marry him.

Any additional comments?

I had already read this story but hearing it again just put more emotion into it and it just made it even better and it was already a great story. Loved it, all of it. Or and Tyler getting the Fallabella horse and carriage for Lily to drive to go out and paint. Loved that also.

Love Found

This is a story set in beautiful Montana. A painter with physical issues and a rancher who was damaged by an unfaithful wife that ran off with a painter . Despite all the problems they both carry they fall in love, although neither wants to believe it . Chance meeting for Lily of the pregnant doctors wife, gives Lily hope that Tyler will love her. A wedding for them sets them to new lives.

Painted Montana Sky

Painted Montana Sky is a wonderful love story that will touch your heart.
I fell in love with Tyler because he saved Dove not once but twice. A man who could understand Lily's love for Dove is definitely a keeper.

The entire Montana Sky series is worth reading. You'll fall in love with this town and these characters....

I look forward to more stories in the future.

Fun story!

Another great story! Enjoying this series. Good, clean stories that make you feel really good.

Another fantastic story...

Another great hit in the Old Western world by Debra Holland. I absolutely love her Old West books. I feel love, trust, suspense, romance, and many other emotions when I read her books and most importantly I feel like I am seeing an old friend as her books are based in Sweetwater, Montana and the characters return from book to book. It's like going home! Very comforting. In this book, I found even more thrills and love the neighbor type of happenings that only happened way back when. Sometimes I wish humanity could still be that way, but with today's technology.

The author, Debra Holland does yet another fantastic job at putting her words to paper. Picking up her books is like saying hello to an old friend once again. She gives us hope, danger, encouragement, and love with her words. The narrator, Lara Asmundson does another all star performance with her multiple voices and accents. She is easy on the ears and her voices are soothing to listen to and believable for the time era! Great job ladies!

*** I received this audio book as a gift in exchange for a honest and unbiased review of my thoughts on it. ***