9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Writing!!, May 9, 2005
This review is from: Abbie's Outlaw (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)
The Reverend John Leaf, was a reformed gun-slinger, had vowed celibacy and never, ever wanted to marry, but when he saw the red-headed woman stepping off the train thought - here was trouble -nothing but trouble. The last time he'd seen Abbie was 15 years ago, naked holding a sheet against her as they were discovered together by her brother. John had left that same day, half-heartedly offering to take Abbie with him, but relieved she didn't agree as he was pretty young himself back then. Now, he was learning that he'd left behind a bit more than just a part of himself.
Abigail Windsor, was widowed after enduring fourteen years of misery married to an abusive husband. Even as he lay dying, the man had one last blow to inflict upon Abigail when he called their daughter Susannah to his bedside and told her that he was not her father, and gave her the file he'd kept on the outlaw Johnny Leaf. That last act of revenge caused Susannah to run from home in an attempt to locate the man who'd fathered her. In the process she would lead John's bitterest enemy to his door.
Knowing she had to find Johnny again, Abigail didn't know what she'd feel for the man who'd left her, and had never known she was pregnant. After years of marital abuse her thoughts on intimacy with any man were totally repugnant to her. Now after seeing Johnny again she discovered they both had own demons to fight, John with his past, and Abigail's disastrous marriage to a depraved and abusive man. Waiting for their daughter to arrive their passion for one another grew, and John and Abigail would learn of God's greatest gifts of love, healing and forgiveness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written story that comes straight from the heart with depth, compassion, beautiful sensuality and a whole lot of soul! It will engage all your emotions and ultimately leave you- perhaps, with a tear or two in your eye - but totally satisfied. John was a complex character, horribly abused by his father, becoming a gunslinger for hire, bank robber, and killer who with the help of a guardian angel, called Silas, turned his life around and discovered God. Never expecting more than peace, denying himself for years of any hope of love, Abbie re-entering his life proved to be his biggest torment and God's greatest gift. Writen with incredible compassion containing tasteful sensuality, subtle humor, and a deep message of faith this author is definitely one that should be watched and read! Give yourself a treat and look up her other two titles as well - OF MEN AND ANGELS, and WEST OF HEAVEN - You won't be sorry! --- Marilyn, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another keeper!, April 7, 2005
This review is from: Abbie's Outlaw (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)
Seeing the 3 starred review "Missed Potential," I had to write to give my 5 star rating of this wonderful book. Bylin's phrasing is often almost poetical, but her strong suit, I believe, is making her characters memorable ones. I agree with "Missed" about the excellent storyline, but I think the flashbacks and dream sequences were well-done and necessary to round out the characters and to explain why they feel the way they do. There wasn't a chance for a "heart to heart" talk between father and daughter before the climax crisis occurs. We know how remorseful John Leaf feels about his murdering of the boys, and that he's willing to give his life as penance, so I don't think we need to read his letter to the boys' father. In fact, I liked the author giving the reader credit for filling in the blanks with our imagination--we don't need everything spelled out. Rev. John Leaf is a complex and lovable guy--and I loved the way he referred to a certain part of his body as "Judas-down-there" when lustful urges hit. I'm adding this Bylin to my keeper shelf, and I think you'll want to do the same.
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Missed potential, April 6, 2005
This review is from: Abbie's Outlaw (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)
The rev John Leaf is first introduced in Bylin's "west of heaven"which was outstanding. I was thrilled to have this sequel and expected awesome reading but was terribly disappointed. John Leaf is an ex-con having murdered 3 teenagers. Living with the guilt consumes him and in his hell, he finds religion. His childhood was horrible and he believes that he has 'bad' genetic blood so doesn't want children. He ministers in 'midas' and the finds friends and respect in this small town. Living a repentant life is complicated when he gets a telegram from his 'daughter' (whom he didn't know existed) who wants to meet her murderer father. And when her mother arrives in Midas looking for the runaway dtr, susanna, things become quite embroiling. The storyline is excellent. There is plenty of angst to go around. John is a hunk, (a tormented hunk). Abigail was forced into an abusive marriage to keep her out of wedlock baby and is now a widow trying to keep custody of her children. She has scars, physically and emotionally as bad as John's. Abbie is a battered woman in the truest sense and you hurt for both of these characters. There were a lot of flashback scenes and dream sequences and I always find that distracting. And of course a lot of personal lamenting, which was fairly repetitve with both characters. And there is never the 'heart to heart' that one waits for between father and daughter susanna. There's much talk about a letter john wrote to the dead boys father....but he never mailed it......and we never get to read it. One assumes it is filled with tears from his heart. Rev. Leaf is at his best in the bedroom as he tries to help abigail overcome her panic attacks and fear of intimate contact. He is alo incredibly perceptive when dealing with the children. I am so conflicted. I wanted this book to be a 5....and I love the characters....but something was missing. It just didn't live up to its potential.In spite of everything I still recommend it. Perhaps you will see this in a different light. It deserves a look-see.
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