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A Fairly Western Tale #1
At the Stroke of Midnight
A meddling stepmother. Ominous secrets. And true love. Ella could really use a fairy godmother about now.
On the brink of losing her inheritance, Ella returns home to claim Diamond Hollow Ranch as her own, make amends with her stepmother, and live happily ever after. When Ella discovers her interfering stepmother has leased the ranch to the Duke family, she goes undercover and gets the job as groundskeeper for the ranch.
Stone Duke seeks refuge from the spotlight at Diamond Hollow Ranch. He is charmed when the intriguing landscape architect he hires does not recognize him from the press. This is such a refreshing change from the women who are only after his money that Stone hides his true identity from Ella, even while pursuing a relationship with her.
But when dangerous secrets from Ella’s past come knocking at the ranch, can two hearts in disguise find a real-life, fairy-tale ending?
At the Stroke of Midnight is a modern Cinderella retelling.
All Fairly Western Tales are modern retellings of fairy tales with a Western flair. Each clean and wholesome novel can be read as a stand alone book.
On the brink of losing her inheritance, Ella returns home to claim Diamond Hollow Ranch as her own, make amends with her stepmother, and live happily ever after. When Ella discovers her interfering stepmother has leased the ranch to the Duke family, she goes undercover and gets the job as groundskeeper for the ranch.
Stone Duke seeks refuge from the spotlight at Diamond Hollow Ranch. He is charmed when the intriguing landscape architect he hires does not recognize him from the press. This is such a refreshing change from the women who are only after his money that Stone hides his true identity from Ella, even while pursuing a relationship with her.
But when dangerous secrets from Ella’s past come knocking at the ranch, can two hearts in disguise find a real-life, fairy-tale ending?
At the Stroke of Midnight is a modern Cinderella retelling.
All Fairly Western Tales are modern retellings of fairy tales with a Western flair. Each clean and wholesome novel can be read as a stand alone book.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2017
About the author
Kate Palmer
18 books71 followersKate Palmer believes in wholesome entertainment. Her books explore characters undergoing tough situations without compromising standards or becoming bitter. She likes the rush of emotions romantic suspense creates and strives to keep it clean. Her love of farm and ranch life shines through her Western Hearts Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 10, 2017
Great story I love the characters and the suspense. Ella was only doing what she could to save her family home. For Stone it was work and his foundation. This beautiful clean read about family and truth and love. This twisted plot is intriguing with characters who want to hold to the good in people even when proven otherwise. As titled a sweet romance to enjoy.
October 20, 2017
Ella loves Diamond Hollow Ranch, her family's cattle ranch and plans to spend the summer there working on the last project she needs to receive her master’s degree in landscape architecture. If she has her degree by her 25th birthday the ranch she loves so much will be hers and no one, including her step-mother Lucinda, will be able to take it away from her. Ella tries to see the good in everyone, even Lucinda and her daughter Anita even though they aren't close.
Lucinda doesn't deserve to have Ella think the best of her. Not when she's trying to swindle Diamond Hollow Ranch right out from underneath her before she turns 25 years old. When Ella finds out the ranch has been leased for the summer to the Duke family she gets herself hired as a groundskeeper so she can continue to work on her project for college.
Jonas Stone Duke, Jr. will be living at Diamond Hollow Ranch for the summer, hiding from the press and planning the gala for one of his family's foundations.
I liked this retelling of Cinderella. Both main characters are trying to keep their true identities a secret from the other. After the male main character is introduced the chapters alternate the point of view between Ella and Stone. It's interesting to see what each of them thinks. I did think Ella was a little bit too naive to not suspect Lucinda (her step-mother) of evil doing sooner than she did. I was glad Stone's brother, Cliff, was there to talk some sense into him when he was upset that Ella had lied about her last name. I liked the closeness of the Duke family and how Ella seemed to fit in. This is my second Fairly Western Tale by Kate Palmer and I've enjoyed both of them.
Lucinda doesn't deserve to have Ella think the best of her. Not when she's trying to swindle Diamond Hollow Ranch right out from underneath her before she turns 25 years old. When Ella finds out the ranch has been leased for the summer to the Duke family she gets herself hired as a groundskeeper so she can continue to work on her project for college.
Jonas Stone Duke, Jr. will be living at Diamond Hollow Ranch for the summer, hiding from the press and planning the gala for one of his family's foundations.
I liked this retelling of Cinderella. Both main characters are trying to keep their true identities a secret from the other. After the male main character is introduced the chapters alternate the point of view between Ella and Stone. It's interesting to see what each of them thinks. I did think Ella was a little bit too naive to not suspect Lucinda (her step-mother) of evil doing sooner than she did. I was glad Stone's brother, Cliff, was there to talk some sense into him when he was upset that Ella had lied about her last name. I liked the closeness of the Duke family and how Ella seemed to fit in. This is my second Fairly Western Tale by Kate Palmer and I've enjoyed both of them.
August 14, 2017
What a Lovely Read!
I read this wonderful tale this afternoon, unable to put it down. A contemporary twist on Cinderella, this well thought out story introduces Ella, a naive young woman who thinks the best of others, even her stepmother (who is suspicious from the get-go). Refreshingly written, emotional, sweet and romantic, this is worth a few hours' investment for the pleasure you will receive in return. Enjoy!
I read this wonderful tale this afternoon, unable to put it down. A contemporary twist on Cinderella, this well thought out story introduces Ella, a naive young woman who thinks the best of others, even her stepmother (who is suspicious from the get-go). Refreshingly written, emotional, sweet and romantic, this is worth a few hours' investment for the pleasure you will receive in return. Enjoy!
August 28, 2017
4.5 Stars!
This was such a great book- I loved the Cinderella theme and the way the author carried out the plot. The romance was sweet and tender, although it moved a bit too fast the last quarter of the book. Still a cute read- I can't wait to read her other ones in the series!!
This was such a great book- I loved the Cinderella theme and the way the author carried out the plot. The romance was sweet and tender, although it moved a bit too fast the last quarter of the book. Still a cute read- I can't wait to read her other ones in the series!!
October 14, 2018
Possible Spoilers included:
This novel has underpinings of the Cinderella fairy tale put into a contemporary ranch setting. Ella has the requisite evil stepmother and a stepsister.
My guess is the "glass slipper" is inheriting the family ranch, something Ella can only do if she completes her master's degree. And of course, with any fairy tale, you expect a "happily ever after".
There are many things that don't make sense to me in this novel, though. If the ranch is in trust, how can Lucinda Fairfax be making all these decisions about the ranch, including offering to sell it? There does seem to be a male trustee--so is he not doing his job to protect Ella's trust? That question is never answered or addressed. Was Lucinda hoping that she'd get money for the ranch from the Dukes and then leave them to find they'd been swindled? Or was she counting on being able to thwart Ella's degree and void the terms of the will?
Also never addressed is whether Anita knew what her mother was doing. Even if she didn't, shouldn't she have suspected that all of her fathers/step-fathers died within a few months of taking out insurance policies from her with Lucinda as the beneficiary? If the intent was that Anita wasn't part of the scam, I'm not sure I buy it. Especially since Lucinda was trying to set Anita up with Jonas/Stone.
I loved the characters of Hank and Susie. I'm glad Susie was willing to speak truth to Stone about Lucinda and Ella. I'm also glad Stone's own family was willing to see Ella's side and not just condemn her for lying to him. Instead, they encouraged Stone to go talk to her.
I wasn't prepared for what Lucinda had done. I knew she didn't like Ella and was working against her inheritance, but I didn't recognize a bigger conspiracy until it was revealed to Ella.
The novel also reminded me a bit of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" in that Ella was wiling to give up the ranch to Stone and his family because she loved him and felt bad that he thought she'd misled him just to be able to inherit it, and in that Stone was willing to give up the ranch Lucinda had promised him because it belonged to the woman he loves.
But the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of more is that their relationship started with deceit on both sides of it. Neither was telling the other who they really were. Stone was somewhat honest in why he was there even though he didn't reveal his full name. Ella was only partially honest in why she was there. She lied by omission in not saying her final project for her master's was so that she could inherit the very land they were on. Now, I could excuse them not using their real names had they not been pursuing a romantic relationship with each other, but having so much deceit starting out is a bad way to start a romantic relationship that will last in my opinion.
This novel has underpinings of the Cinderella fairy tale put into a contemporary ranch setting. Ella has the requisite evil stepmother and a stepsister.
My guess is the "glass slipper" is inheriting the family ranch, something Ella can only do if she completes her master's degree. And of course, with any fairy tale, you expect a "happily ever after".
There are many things that don't make sense to me in this novel, though. If the ranch is in trust, how can Lucinda Fairfax be making all these decisions about the ranch, including offering to sell it? There does seem to be a male trustee--so is he not doing his job to protect Ella's trust? That question is never answered or addressed. Was Lucinda hoping that she'd get money for the ranch from the Dukes and then leave them to find they'd been swindled? Or was she counting on being able to thwart Ella's degree and void the terms of the will?
Also never addressed is whether Anita knew what her mother was doing. Even if she didn't, shouldn't she have suspected that all of her fathers/step-fathers died within a few months of taking out insurance policies from her with Lucinda as the beneficiary? If the intent was that Anita wasn't part of the scam, I'm not sure I buy it. Especially since Lucinda was trying to set Anita up with Jonas/Stone.
I loved the characters of Hank and Susie. I'm glad Susie was willing to speak truth to Stone about Lucinda and Ella. I'm also glad Stone's own family was willing to see Ella's side and not just condemn her for lying to him. Instead, they encouraged Stone to go talk to her.
I wasn't prepared for what Lucinda had done. I knew she didn't like Ella and was working against her inheritance, but I didn't recognize a bigger conspiracy until it was revealed to Ella.
The novel also reminded me a bit of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" in that Ella was wiling to give up the ranch to Stone and his family because she loved him and felt bad that he thought she'd misled him just to be able to inherit it, and in that Stone was willing to give up the ranch Lucinda had promised him because it belonged to the woman he loves.
But the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of more is that their relationship started with deceit on both sides of it. Neither was telling the other who they really were. Stone was somewhat honest in why he was there even though he didn't reveal his full name. Ella was only partially honest in why she was there. She lied by omission in not saying her final project for her master's was so that she could inherit the very land they were on. Now, I could excuse them not using their real names had they not been pursuing a romantic relationship with each other, but having so much deceit starting out is a bad way to start a romantic relationship that will last in my opinion.
February 9, 2018
This was such a fun story. Ella returns home a year after her father’s death to do her final landscape project for her master’s degree on her family ranch. That is her last condition to finish in order to inherit the ranch on her 25th birthday. Her step-mother wants to help, but Ella can’t let that happen. Every time her step-mother, Lucinda, steps in to help her, she wreaks havoc in her life. Trying to fix their relationship, Ella brings a gift to her step-mom, and learns that she’s leasing her ranch to the rich Duke family for a huge party for the next few months. Ella decides to stay at the ranch and work on her project without her step-mom’s knowledge. When a strange man walks into her bedroom, she is horrified, but soon learns he is the operations manager for the Duke family. The truth she doesn’t know is he is actually Stone Duke, soon to be owner when he buys this ranch from her step-mother. Neither of them knows who the other is, but they fall into an easy friendship until secrets are revealed that disrupt their happiness.
I really loved the characters in this book. Ella is the sweetest, kindest person. Naïve, but charitable. I couldn’t fault her desire to find good in everyone, even her evil step-mother. Stone is a good guy, but misunderstood. I loved seeing their romantic relationship bloom and grow. The ranch setting was awesome, and I wanted Ella to make all her dreams for it come true. This is a modern Western cowboy twist on the Cinderella story, but it’s way better than the original fairy tale. Super fun read that I couldn’t stop reading.
I really loved the characters in this book. Ella is the sweetest, kindest person. Naïve, but charitable. I couldn’t fault her desire to find good in everyone, even her evil step-mother. Stone is a good guy, but misunderstood. I loved seeing their romantic relationship bloom and grow. The ranch setting was awesome, and I wanted Ella to make all her dreams for it come true. This is a modern Western cowboy twist on the Cinderella story, but it’s way better than the original fairy tale. Super fun read that I couldn’t stop reading.
December 11, 2017
Great!
I really enjoyed this "fairytale adaptation". It was so creative! The night of the gala "ball" was not at all what I was expecting! Good twist to the story - in a way combining two fairytales into this adaptation. I like both the main characters and their personalities. I am definitely interested in reading more about the family and other books by this author.
I lived on a small 5-acre "ranch" so I love reading books about ranch life. It was fascinating to learn about a career I had never heard of. I really enjoyed learning more and more about the history of the main character.
The only question it left me with was the true intentions of the step-daughter. We didn't get the opportunity to really learn much about her.
I really enjoyed this "fairytale adaptation". It was so creative! The night of the gala "ball" was not at all what I was expecting! Good twist to the story - in a way combining two fairytales into this adaptation. I like both the main characters and their personalities. I am definitely interested in reading more about the family and other books by this author.
I lived on a small 5-acre "ranch" so I love reading books about ranch life. It was fascinating to learn about a career I had never heard of. I really enjoyed learning more and more about the history of the main character.
The only question it left me with was the true intentions of the step-daughter. We didn't get the opportunity to really learn much about her.
January 15, 2018
I love fairy tale retellings! This is a great twist on Cinderella, with a contemporary western setting. So fun! I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline.
Stone and Ella are a great match! Both have such giving hearts. They had their secrets, but at the same time were open and honest with each other. Sounds like a contradiction, I know.
Ella always sees the good in others. Always! Which is a very good trait, but it drove me crazy when it came to Lucinda. I was on Hank’s side there.
It was fun to meet Stone’s brother and sister, who have their own books in the series. I can’t wait to read them now!
Stone and Ella are a great match! Both have such giving hearts. They had their secrets, but at the same time were open and honest with each other. Sounds like a contradiction, I know.
Ella always sees the good in others. Always! Which is a very good trait, but it drove me crazy when it came to Lucinda. I was on Hank’s side there.
It was fun to meet Stone’s brother and sister, who have their own books in the series. I can’t wait to read them now!
July 30, 2019
Okay this book was really good! I loved how both Stone and Ella kept their identies a secret from each other, it added a twist to the classic cinderella story. The two of them were able to fall in love without the titles of everyday life. In the ending when ellas step mother took advantage of their love and poisened ella it was really tragic. The author made the reader really engaged in the story. I liked how Palmer portrayed her getting poisoned and stones reaction was perfect. It made it super clear that he loved her with all his heart. I loved that this was a clean novel with romance and a life or death situation!😍 😘
April 7, 2022
A nice read as typical as Cinderella but I enjoyed it. What I DIDNT enjoy was the constant errors in editing. Are just del books ever truly professionally edited?? I’m so sick of editing and reporting content errors. If you come across any PLEASE REPORT THEM!!! By reporting them it’s the only way we can have better reading in the future! A nice read, but only 4 stars due to the amount of editing and content error I had to report which interrupts a good read.
September 13, 2017
Was a cute concept for a modern day Cinderella but failed in the execution on several things. There were several plot holes like how did Ella get contact information for her stepmother's former families? Ella was super naive to the point of unbelievably and that got old fast. Also the ending was super rushed and there was very little communication and suddenly they were over their issues.
February 9, 2018
Wonderful twist on an old fairy tale
This story lives up to its name, a, sweet romance. Built with characters you can relate to and feel good about reading. I love the way she blended virtues into Ella and Stone nature and showed how serving and helping others creates a natural relationship. A clean romance to leave you feeling good. Highly recommend it.
This story lives up to its name, a, sweet romance. Built with characters you can relate to and feel good about reading. I love the way she blended virtues into Ella and Stone nature and showed how serving and helping others creates a natural relationship. A clean romance to leave you feeling good. Highly recommend it.
August 28, 2018
Great read!
Spoilers: I won this book free from the author. It started out good then I saw how evil the step mother truly was and I almost stopped reading. I hate people taking advantage of others, and I didn’t want to read a whole Book of that. However just then Stone entered the picture and I couldn’t put it down. Great read!
Spoilers: I won this book free from the author. It started out good then I saw how evil the step mother truly was and I almost stopped reading. I hate people taking advantage of others, and I didn’t want to read a whole Book of that. However just then Stone entered the picture and I couldn’t put it down. Great read!
December 31, 2018
Re-written fairy tale...great stuff
if you love the old standard Cinderella, you should enjoy this book, complete with the evil step mother. I absolutely loved the factthat this is a CLEAN romance with some mystery involved. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense novels.
if you love the old standard Cinderella, you should enjoy this book, complete with the evil step mother. I absolutely loved the factthat this is a CLEAN romance with some mystery involved. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense novels.
May 18, 2022
Cinderella?
This fairytale was an interesting twist on Cinderella. Ella was over the top naive with her rose colored glasses in regards to her stepmother. (She was wicked.)
The prince (Mr. Duke) was incognito for his own reasons. And her glass slippers morphed . . . .I'm not telling.
It's a fun, modern, Western retelling.
This fairytale was an interesting twist on Cinderella. Ella was over the top naive with her rose colored glasses in regards to her stepmother. (She was wicked.)
The prince (Mr. Duke) was incognito for his own reasons. And her glass slippers morphed . . . .I'm not telling.
It's a fun, modern, Western retelling.
July 20, 2023
nice
I don’t know why the cover has a fair headed fellow on it and the main character has black hair! I thought the characters were superficial, apart from the main womens characters, everyone else’s characters were superficial. So it was just a nice read, though it is clean, I’ll give it that.
I don’t know why the cover has a fair headed fellow on it and the main character has black hair! I thought the characters were superficial, apart from the main womens characters, everyone else’s characters were superficial. So it was just a nice read, though it is clean, I’ll give it that.
February 6, 2017
I loved this story! It was a clean romance with lots of great characters. There was murder, mystery and a wonderful ranch. The two main characters had great chemistry. I can't wait for the next in this series.
July 9, 2017
Fun modern twist on Cinderella, complete with a purely evil stepmother, naively sweet "Ella" and charming prince with a mystery of his own. With the setting an a ranch and a great flow of the story line and delightful characters, this was a hit. My only complaint--the quirky changing of POV, from first person to third and occasionally blending mistakenly.
August 5, 2017
Interesting version of Cinderella!
I quite enjoyed it. It was pretty short, so of course I wish there could've been a little more character development, but it was pretty good.
4 stars.
I quite enjoyed it. It was pretty short, so of course I wish there could've been a little more character development, but it was pretty good.
4 stars.
January 2, 2018
An interesting read
What a good clean western is all about. I love to read a book that doesn't make me blush but keeps me reading on and on. Going to be looking for more by Ms Palmer.
What a good clean western is all about. I love to read a book that doesn't make me blush but keeps me reading on and on. Going to be looking for more by Ms Palmer.
October 17, 2017
What fun!
Clean wholesome fairy tale. Western twist brings a fun flair to the whole story. I wonder about Anita. The pure heart is a little too naive for reality though. Fortunately, fairy tales done have to be reality.
Clean wholesome fairy tale. Western twist brings a fun flair to the whole story. I wonder about Anita. The pure heart is a little too naive for reality though. Fortunately, fairy tales done have to be reality.
February 3, 2019
Mystique
What a great book! Ella has such a pure innocent spirit. She looks for good in everyone and every situation. Stone and Ella's working relationship developed so slowly and they fell in love under such mysterious events. Great read!
What a great book! Ella has such a pure innocent spirit. She looks for good in everyone and every situation. Stone and Ella's working relationship developed so slowly and they fell in love under such mysterious events. Great read!
November 3, 2020
Loved the book. It was fast paced and so interesting that I couldn't put it down!
It was great to not have the four lettered words in a beautiful story. Thank you for a " clean" story.
It was great to not have the four lettered words in a beautiful story. Thank you for a " clean" story.
August 7, 2017
Interesting twists on the story. Very well done.
August 7, 2017
Fun
It's fun to read a modern-day telling of an old favorite. This is enjoyable and clean and cleverly done. :)
It's fun to read a modern-day telling of an old favorite. This is enjoyable and clean and cleverly done. :)
August 7, 2017
Predictable but a fun, light read. Perfect for end of summer reading.
August 14, 2017
Great book. Loved reading this book. Highly recommend it
August 15, 2017
Great book
I loved this book. It had a bit of mystery and a great story written with good language and thought.
I loved this book. It had a bit of mystery and a great story written with good language and thought.
July 17, 2018
Deception
An excellent book with romance and suspense. I enjoyed this book from beginning to the end. It was all focused on the story.
An excellent book with romance and suspense. I enjoyed this book from beginning to the end. It was all focused on the story.
July 22, 2019
Clean read
A good book with love, hate, family, murder and money. All the elements a good book needs without the foul language and solicitous sex scenes.
A good book with love, hate, family, murder and money. All the elements a good book needs without the foul language and solicitous sex scenes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews