Episode 189: Wild West Romance Meets Unlikely Marriage: LiteraryScape Reviews The Convenient Risk

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Wild West Romance Meets Unlikely Marriage: LiteraryScape Reviews The Convenient Risk

What happens when a widow is forced into a marriage of convenience just weeks after losing her husband?

That’s the premise of The Convenient Risk — book one in Sara R. Turnquist’s beloved seven-book series.

On Episode 189 of the LiteraryScape podcast, we dive deep into this clean historical romance set in the rugged American West. Buckle up, because this one surprised us in the best possible ways.

Listen now: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/189

What Is The Convenient Risk Series?

The Convenient Risk Series is a seven-book Christian historical romance series by Sara R. Turnquist.

Each book follows connected characters navigating life, loss, faith, and love in the Wild West era.

The series balances romance, suspense, and spiritual growth — all wrapped in a clean, wholesome package.

Explore the full series here: https://saraturnquist.com/convenient-risk-series/

Book 1 Synopsis: Forced Together, Slowly Falling

Amanda Haines is newly widowed. She has a young son, a struggling ranch, and very few options.

Enter Brandon Miller. He wants her cattle. She needs financial security.

The result? A marriage of convenience that is strictly business — at least at first.

But as their lives become entangled with Billy the Kid and his gang, everything gets complicated.

Our First Impressions: Did We Like Brandon Miller?

Honestly? Not at first.

Brandon comes across as cold and transactional. He’s after the cattle. He sets strict household rules. He keeps Amanda at arm’s length.

But as the story unfolds, his character deepens considerably.

His faith journey plays a big role. He constantly returns to God — asking for help, seeking forgiveness, trying to do right. That consistency won us over.

Amanda’s Arc: Grief, Motherhood, and Coming Back to Faith

Amanda’s journey is quieter but equally powerful.

She’s grieving her first husband. She’s worried about her son. And she’s walked away from her faith.

Watching her slowly find her way back — to God, to trust, to love — is the emotional core of the book.

Her son adds another layer. The question of how quickly Brandon steps into a father role (or doesn’t) creates real tension throughout the story.

The Billy the Kid Twist — We Did Not See That Coming

The back cover of the book mentions Billy the Kid’s gang. But it doesn’t tell you why.

And when the reveal comes? It’s a genuine surprise.

There’s a scene where Brandon is spotted in an alley with gang members. We were suspicious. Frustrated, even.

But Sara Turnquist handles the payoff with skill. The twist reframes everything and makes the story richer.

(We’re not going to spoil it — you’ll have to read it for yourself!)

The Supporting Cast: Uncle Owen, Cook, and the Ranch Hands

One of the real delights of this book is the supporting cast.

Uncle Owen and Cook — the wise older couple living in a little cabin down from the main house — are immediate fan favorites.

They’re warm, steady, and quietly hilarious.

The ranch hands also hint at bigger stories to come. Knowing each character gets their own book later in the series makes every scene feel like setup.

How Clean Is the Romance? Our Coffee Scale Rating

We rate books on our Coffee Scale — from espresso (a little) to latte (a lot).

Here’s how The Convenient Risk scored:

• Mystery: Espresso — just a dash. Enough to keep you guessing, not enough to overwhelm.
• Suspense: Espresso/Mocha — think the alley scene, the bull pen, and the ranch attack.
• Drama: Latte — lots of internal questioning, bickering over ranch decisions, and emotional tension.
• Romance: Mocha — it’s sweet and well-earned. The story cuts away at the right moments.
• Inspirational: Mocha to Latte — faith is woven in naturally, never preachy.

Bottom line: This is a clean, wholesome romance. Perfect for readers who love heart without heat.

Overall Lasso Rating: 3 Out of 3

We both gave The Convenient Risk a full 3-lasso rating.

It took a chapter or two to warm up to Brandon. But once the story found its footing, we were hooked.

The seven-book series isn’t long — Book 1 comes in at around 263 pages. But it sets the tone beautifully for everything to come.

Should You Read The Convenient Risk Series?

If you love clean historical romance, this series is for you.

If you enjoy character-driven stories with faith elements woven in naturally, this series is for you.

And if you like the idea of a Wild West setting with real historical figures? Absolutely read this series.

Start with Book 1 and try not to immediately download Book 2. We dare you.

Explore the full Convenient Risk Series: saraturnquist.com/convenient-risk-series