Customer Reviews

West of Heaven (Historical Romance)

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Setting - New Mexico, 1885 --- Married one week, now a widow and kneeling over the body of her dead husband Hank, Jayne Dawson was perturbed and didn't need the despicable looks she was getting from Ethan Trent. Too bad, that her husband had chosen Ethan's barn to die in, but a little bit of compassion would have been a nice thing, unfortunately, it was not forthcoming from the unkempt and furious looking man who'd found Hank's body in his precious barn. The last thing he wanted was to help her, but he's not so heartless to turn her away when he discovers that she's pregnant, and pursued by a vicious killer.Be that as it may, the fates intervened, with a blizzard that forces them to endure one another's company.

Jayne Dawson, a dressmaker by trade, has never seen such an unkempt and miserable human being with such bad manners yet would soon discover that underneath was a man, who if given a chance, had a remarkable ability to love. It was providence that brought them together to lean on one another and deal with the dangers of the present, and the tragedy of Ethan's past as both are given a second chance at love, if only -- they would both take a chance.

This story of second chances is the second book I have had the pleasure of reading by this very inspirational author. Her characters are real people that are given emotional depth, and believability. With subtle inspiration, she shows that with real tragedy that there is always hope and states it with the reverend's words of "Hope is a rope. Tie a knot and hang on!" With a deft hand she creates the moods of tension, danger, and makes you feel good with the final and long awaited embrace. This is an author who writes with heart, and articulates well a clear understanding of human feelings and frailties that readers should totally enjoy. --- Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ----

I won't detail the story since that has been very well done by another reader. I first read Bylin's book "of men and angels" and loved that. With a mental note to find any books she wrote I found West of Heaven. This author has a special talent. She gets into her characters souls and displays their emotions with enormous depth. You, the reader, feel the gut wrenching hurt and the joy as the story evolves. And it is a wonderful story. With very little swearing and no porn or really explicit sex, her story is still a page turner. And you hate to see it end. I, too hope there is a sequel with the rev.john leaf. This book just makes you feel good and reminds everyone of the need to cope with grief and the hope that life always holds even when we can't see it. Absolutely masterful. Congrats to VB!

I love this book! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book that will make them laugh and cry and shout "Hooray!" for the hero and heroine at the end. Plenty of emotion with realistic characters and lots of action with an intriguing plotline. I'll never forget the scene with the squirrels! Ms. Bylin has also written Of Men and Angels. I'm so looking forward to her next book!

When I think of Harlequin romances I think of simplistic storylines. West of Heaven has depth to the romance. Both characters had me cheering them on towards their second chances in life. I would be curious to know if Ms. Bylin would be interested in writing Reverend John Leaf's life. I am Very interested in his story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick tale of love lost, love found and pulling oneself up by the boot straps. The solid plot was full of meaning that kept you engrossed from start to finish. The Characters are strong and well described as having grace, grit and substance. This book is definitely first-rate!

West of Heaven by Victoria Bylin
Midas, New Mexico Series Book 1
Another fantastic read by Victoria. If you are prone to tears, keep the Kleenex nearby. Jayne Elizabeth McKinney Dawson was married for barely a week before she became a widow. On top of that she finds out he was not who he said he was and their was a good chance his murderer would not come after her as well. The surly rancher who found Hank's body did not appreciate that she wanted to wait until after he was buried before leaving his ranch, especially with a storm coming up, but she was a strong willed woman. A woman who indeed did get stranded on Ethan Trent's ranch.

Ethan was one of the walking dead. He no longer took care of himself or his ranch. He lost everything that meant something. When the stubborn woman returns to see her husband buried, he ends up stuck with her. And after awhile he don't mind. Something about Jayne brings life back to Ethan and when he learns of the danger she's in he wants to protect her as well. He just don't have room in his heart to love again. Can these two people find a future even while holding on to their pasts?

Along with the danger and suspense of the story there is also humor. We meet Reverend John Leaf who is unlike any Pastor and his story is in book 2.

**Sexual situations within marriage.