Roberts returns to a successful formula here - three half-sisters with three very different personalities and goals are thrown together when their father dies, leaving them equal shares in his Montana ranch. Strings? Oh yeah. To claim their inheritance the women must live on the ranch for one year - together.

Complications? Other than the fact that they really can't stand one another, an abusive ex is stalking one of the women, and someone is slaughtering and scalping people. It's gonna be a long, tense winter! Good thing there are ruggedly handsome love-interests around to keep things toasty.

Suspense, mystery, romance, tight plotting... okay, so it's formulaic - it's still a great read. ( )

Okay, I'll admit it: I picked up this book because I saw the movie on Lifetime. I blame John Corbett. Actually, though, I really enjoyed Nora Roberts' Montana Sky. It's the first of her novels I've read, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. The story line was what kept me interested: it's the story of three sisters forced to live together on a Montana ranch. They must learn to set aside their differences and work together - especially when a deranged killer begins to slaughter animals and then humans on their ranch. Naturally, they all find a new sense of family, as well as new romances. Overall I found it well-written, though there were some overly sappy parts. Also, the point of view shifts a lot, focusing on each of the characters in turn, which can be a little distracting. But if you don't mind a few "adult" scenes, occasional foul language, and a couple really gory descriptions (there is a killer in our midst, after all), I'd recommend this book.

Rendezvous Review: Wealthy, little liked Montana cattle rancher Jack Mercy dies and leaves his 20 million dollar ranch to his three daughters -- each from a different marriage and who have never met: smart-mouthed and sassy Tess, a Hollywood script writer; Lily, divorced, abused, looking for refuge; Willa, straight talking, proud, part Blackfoot Indian, the only one who had been raised on Mercy Ranch and had known their father. Forced by the terms of their father's will to live together for one year on the ranch, the sisters adapt and learn to care for each other, while facing an unknown killer who seems to have targeted the ranch as the object of his rage. Each sister meets her match in dynamic men who fulfill their needs, and the author meets the challenge of fleshing out three unique pairings involving six distinct individuals. Each couple could have had their own book, but together their stories are powerful and mirror universal life lessons. Ms. Roberts, with her considerable skill and understanding of the genre, uses the unforgiving harshness and beauty of the land, suspense, and the bond of family, blended with the passion and tenderness of romance, to bring us a compelling story of love, survival, and triumph. Sara Sweeney ( )

Fiction, Suspense

My first Nora Roberts book! Loved the story of 3 sisters and their mates - have continued to enjoy Roberts over many, many years. ( )