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Jezebel's Sister

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Miss Cassidy Rose McAllister is thoroughly tired of being painted with the same brush as her sister. After all, just because Lila is a madam in the town's whorehouse doesn't mean Cass is a woman of loose morals. So when, after a fracas, Lila is given the choice of a jail cell or exile, Cass formulates a plan that will help them start a new life. The plan is a sound one in her mind, but she never counted on the sparks that would fly when they joined up with a group of straight-laced church-goers on a wagon train headed West. She also never counted on feeling the stirrings of desire for the preacher with angelic good looks and mischievous eyes either. Did she have more in common with her sister and the crew of soiled doves thatn she thought? Or could this be true love?

Nathan Stone was a big believer in second chances. Why else would fate have saved him from a hangman's noose and into the assumed identity of the preacher who was supposed to be leading this groups of religious folks across the country? Determined to make good on his new life, Nathan gets into the role of spiritual leader with zeal. But then the beautiful Cassidy McAllister and her troup of "ladies" join the train, and Nathan is tempted by the lovely woman's seeming innocence and seductive charm. Why couldn't he believe Cass, obviously a lady of questionable virtue, have the same second chance he himself sought? Furthermore, why couldn't they start a new life together?

But soon Nathan's past threatens to rear it's ugly head. How can their tender love survive the web of lies and misunderstandings?

I was intrigued by the concept of this book. This leans more toward an "ensemble cast" type story, as the lovely secondary characters, who are well-drawn, totally overshadow the story between Cass and Nathan. The time the hero and heroine do spend together is mostly spent fighting. I wanted to see more actually happening with them, by themselves. Ms. Carmichael has a quick wit and capacity to catch a reader's interest with great personalities. The story, while still a worthwhile read, would be stronger if more time was spent on Nathan and Cass working together to solve their conflict.

Take a man on the run from the law, a wagon filled with `ladies of the night,' several more filled with a small-town congregation set on journeying to Oregon, mix it all with the author's highly entertaining storytelling and one has the makings of a fun and entertaining spell of reading.

Nathan Stone, a man wanted for a crime he didn't commit, cheats fate and the noose and goes on the run, appropriating the identity of a preacher who'd had the misfortune of being attacked by Indians. Nathan becomes Rev. Homer Pernell, takes on the responsibility of guiding the god-fearing folk to Oregon, and figures life is good. Until Lila McAllister and her `girls' join the wagon train as part of a deal cut with the sheriff of Webster, Kansas, whose advances Lila had previously rebuffed. He won't press trumped-up charges against Lila if she and her band of brothel beauties clear out for good. In with the group is Cass, Lila's younger sister and an innocent despite her `home life.'

On the trail to Oregon, `Rev.Pernell' begins to have some devilish thoughts about the young Ms. McAllister, which she reciprocates after time. But just when things were looking up for the Rev. and Cass, Fate steps in again. Only this time the results aren't nearly as fortunate. What ensues is a series of events that forces the young couple to do some serious soul-searching as they come to grips with circumstances, learning what's really important in life and, for Cass, learning the art of forgiveness.

I loved this book. I laughed, a lump formed in my throat a couple of times and I seriously contemplated taking a vacation day so I could finish the book. Like Ms. Carmichael's previous releases (FINDING MR. RIGHT and A GHOST FOR MAGGIE), JEZEBEL'S SISTER is an entertaining, satisfying romance that I highly recommend.

I'm usually the first person to suggest that romance heroines carry a grudge, and the last to say that it is time to let one go, but this girl was the exception. Her petty, childish temper tantrum got real old, real fast, and turned what was otherwise a delightful, funny book into a whine-fest. His infraction was small, and her revenge was better suited to a seven-year-old child than a functioning adult. Nathan was interesting, but the roamnce peaked too soon, and the whining went on for too long for this book to be a keeper. Pass this one by.

The name of the book was the first idea that something really different was about to come out of the pages of this book. I surly was not let down, it is a page turner that you don't want to put down. Emily Charmichael never lets your attention get away.
RIVERFARM GAL

In 1866 in Silas, Kansas, the local sheriff captures Nathan Stone and his cohorts during a store robbery. Instead of jail, the townsfolk begin hanging the quintet one at a time. Miraculously, Nathan manages to escape. In the wilderness, he finds a dead body containing a letter inviting Reverend Homer Pernell to lead a flock of followers whom never met him to a new home in Oregon. Nathan decides to switch identities with the deceased preacher.

Due to a bloody incident, the Marshal in Webster, Kansas decides to shut down the McAlister whorehouse and threatens to arrest Madame Lila who runs it. Lila's innocent younger sister Cass persuades her sibling and some of the ladies to join a wagon train heading to Oregon. Though feeling good about escaping the brothel, Cass finds herself very attracted to the devilish preacher heading the trek. "Homer" worries that his desire for Cass will lead to his ruin. However, love still blossoms on the Great Plains.

JEZEBEL'S SISTER is a humorous western romance that showcases the intelligent writing of talented humorist Emily Carmichael. The story line is fast-paced and vividly colorful from the start. However, the plot truly belongs to Cass' insightful diary that allows the audience to better understand several of the characters and their troubles. No one combines amusing situations, resplendent descriptions, and fascinating characters in a cleverly designed Americana romance better than the unparalleled Ms. Carmichael does.

Harriet Klausner