Book description:
One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .
Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars' ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.
Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.
When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.
My review:
This is the second book in this Old West retelling of popular fairy tales. The first was Sleeping Beauty, and the author took Cinderella on in this book. I have been looking forward to reading it, and it did not disappoint.
To make it even more interesting, she did a reverse on the story. It isn't the girl who leaves a shoe behind, but the guy does. Well, actually a boot.
Awesome is the perfect word for this story.
First, there are the characters. The author came up with such great and likable characters, that it seems like she is quietly demanding you to to fall in love with these characters she created. I am not exaggerating when I say she pulled out all the stops on these people she created with her pen. Or computer. :)
There is Asher and Samantha, the two main characters. He makes the perfect hero of the story, and she the perfect heroine, or fair maiden.
I love stories about family, and this book has that in spades. There is a stepmother in it - a very nice one - and she is Asher's step-mother. Instead of two evil step-sisters, he has two younger half brothers who are the opposite of evil. Samantha has a younger brother, and a father she considers unfeeling, but things can change.
There aren't as many parallels with the fairy tale as with the first - at least that I noticed - but it still is a clever and great version of it.
The book is not marketed as suspense, but there is quite a bit of it in the book. Someone is out to off Samantha, and there is definitely a bad guy. (Who I figured out a little before the author revealed it).
Plot: very well done. And the ending....very nice, and humorous. No spoilers, but it involves a boot, potatoes, and two mischievous younger brothers.
This series can definitely be read in any order, as each one is a stand alone with totally different characters and story.
With this second book in her Texas Ever After Series, Witemeyer further cements herself as one of the best Christian fiction authors to come along in recent years.
Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
About the author:
Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.
Book #1: Fairest of Heart (Sleeping Beauty)
1 comments:
Great review! I have not started this series yet, but I am excited for it!
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