Review/Giveaway For Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie


I am finishing up Stacy Henrie's debut Lady Outlaw! The first things that drew me to this story were the cover and the premise. Stacy created a heroine who steals from thieves in order to make her ranch payments. But then along comes this handsome stranger in need of a job (read our Hero) and the heroine begins reconsidering how she supplements her living, especially when she finds out about the Hero's past. His gentle ways and faith in God affect her too.

So far I'm enjoying the story. The premise is unique and I love that the heroine is so completely imperfect. I find internal sins a lot in Christian books (attitude, pride, etc) but rarely do I see such blatant external wrongdoing. It's a nice change and makes for a strong character arc. Stacy is a good writer and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books! Hopefully the covers will be as awesome too!

Today Stacy is graciously offering a signed copy of her book. Leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway!

Question: What hooks you hardest, first page or premise?

Comments

The Talley's said…
I'd love her book. I have one ordered but haven't recieved it yet. My Mom can't wait to get her hands on it. :)
September 19, 2012 at 9:58 AM
Loree Huebner said…
Sometimes it's the first page, sometimes it's the premise...

I've picked up and read both ways.

Have her book on my TBR list. Looking forward to reading it.!
September 19, 2012 at 10:27 AM
M. R. Buttars said…
I'm usually drawn to a book first by premise and then I check if the first few pages are interesting. The cover doesn't always sell it for me, since I have read some great books with surprisingly simple covers.
September 19, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Stacy Henrie said…
Jessica - Thanks for your review! And I love your question. :) For me, it's probably the premise of a book that makes me read it. After that it would be first page or cover.

The Talleys - Can't wait to hear what you and your mom think! :)

Loree - I love when it's got a good premise and the first couple pages pull you in! A win-win. :)

M. R. Buttars - I think a good cover will make me look twice, but if I'm so-so about the premise, I might not read it.
September 19, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Na said…
The heroine sounds independent and brave which is what I think makes an interesting outlaw. Thank you for the chance to read this. I like stories set in the Wild West.

Usually the premise is what hooks me because I'll want to keep reading to see the story unfold.

Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
September 19, 2012 at 12:08 PM
Anita Grace Howard said…
Oh, I LOVE that premise! You know how much I like flawed characters *drools*. And that cover really does rock! It perfectly captures a strong and independant heroine.

Great post, Jessie! And congrats Stacy for your success! :)

P.S. No need to enter me in the drawing. I have a very teetery TBR tower as is. HA!
September 19, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Cathy said…
Hi, I hate to say it but cover plays a big role. I've noticed that Love Inspireds often have a terribly school-marmish look to them, compared to other romances on the shelves. I personally don't have *much* of a problem with it, but I think it shouts, "Old lady readers, these are your books." But this book has a very energetic looking heroine on the cover. The premise and everything--that it's so action oriented and so on, shows that LI is trying, at least, to entice younger readers. I don't need to win a copy of the book--I already bought one for my Kindle and then I also bought a hard copy at Walmart. I am enjoying it very much. Good luck, Stacey!
September 19, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Stacy Henrie said…
Na - I think stories of the Wild West are fascinating too!

Anita - This book really taught me the importance of having flawed characters. In earlier versions, the hero was a little too perfect. Once I gave him struggles and a more difficult past, I loved him so much more. :)

Cathy - I love that they did a close up of Jennie for the cover! It's way better than any of my cover ideas. :) So glad to hear you're enjoying the book!



September 19, 2012 at 4:27 PM
Kate S (4readin) said…
I have to go with the premise, I think. I am more likely to keep reading if I know it is going to get better.

I like realistic characters. Ones that are not perfect but have realistic fears and insecurities.

Thanks for the giveaway!
September 19, 2012 at 5:24 PM
Stacy Henrie said…
4readin - I love how you put that - realistic fears and insecurities. I like when characters have struggles we can relate to, plus maybe an irrational fear or odd quirk thrown in the mix. :)
September 19, 2012 at 11:42 PM
Andrew said…
First page.

I've read a lot of books with premises to which I'd never have been drawn, because the writing drew me in immediately. I saw characters with whom I wanted to spend time, and situations that compelled me to see them to their conclusion. Unlikely friends.

Conversely, I've tried to read a lot of books with great premises, which turned me off after a page, or a paragraph. If I have to finish them I will, but it's like a high school reading assignment.

(Is the plural of premise 'premises', or 'premi'? It's 0119 here, and I won't be able to sleep until I find out!)
September 20, 2012 at 3:21 AM
Jessica Nelson said…
The Talley's (sorry, I don't know what your first name is, lol), So glad you ordered the book! I'll still enter you so maybe you can win an autographed copy. ;-)

Loree, same for me. :-)
September 20, 2012 at 8:45 AM
Jessica Nelson said…
Hi Na, me too!

Hey Anita,
I love her cover. ;-)

LOL Cathy...well, older readers have been the bulk of their readership but I do believe it's expanding now, which is great.
September 20, 2012 at 8:48 AM
Jessica Nelson said…
You're welcome, 4-readin'.

Well said, Andrew!
September 20, 2012 at 8:50 AM
Karen Lange said…
Sounds like another winner! Thanks for the info. I will have to check this book out. I won recently here (and it was super fabulous!) so I should pass on this one.

BTW - I just started reading your book. I like it! :)

Have a great weekend,
Karen
September 20, 2012 at 9:47 AM
Traci Kenworth said…
Sounds like a winner!! I love the idea of a heroine gone bad and the hero setting her straight. Usually it's the other way around. Lol.
September 20, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Kristia said…
I always buy my books based on the premise. Of course I love it when they have pretty covers, but a pretty cover doesn't mean a good book. I have Lady Outlaw in my TBR list, it sounds amazing!
If the giveaway is open internationally I would like to enter, if not then it's the next book I'm going to buy :)
September 20, 2012 at 12:42 PM
pol said…
Hi stopping over from goodreads to say hello and join your blog, like this author -have read some of her work. good review
thanks Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
September 22, 2012 at 9:13 AM
Susan J. Reinhardt said…
Thanks for the review, Jess. Interesting premise.
September 22, 2012 at 9:26 PM
Mrs. S said…
Wow! This book sounds amazing! I love Love Inspired books. I found your blog by accident, and it is so nice to 'meet' one of the authors!
September 23, 2012 at 10:04 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
LOL Tracy, that's true!!

Hi Karen!! I hope you had a fab weekend. :-)

Kristian, I'd be happy to enter you. :-) Thank you for commenting!
September 24, 2012 at 6:17 AM
Jessica Nelson said…
Hi Paula, nice to meet you!

Hey Mrs. S, that's too cool how you came over! I appreciate your comment and it's great to "meet" a reader. :-)
September 24, 2012 at 6:18 AM
Shallee said…
Premise usually hooks me first, though a good first page can, too! Thanks for the review, I'm looking forward to this one.
September 25, 2012 at 7:21 PM
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