11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Realistic heroine, April 4, 2002
This review is from: Land Of Dreams (Harlequin Historical) (Paperback)
Heroine: very tall, statuesque
Handsome ex-soldier Booker Hayes is on a desperate search for his niece: his only remaining relative since his sister and brother-in-law were taken by the Influenza. His trek leads him to the hell that is a 19th century New York city orphanage, but he comes away empty-handed when he discovers his young ward has been sent out west for adoption.
Good-natured Thea Coulson is willing to help people to the point of letting them walk all over her. The townsfolk, assuming she'll do anything for charity since she's an old maid, ask her to organize a meal for some recently-arrived orphans and their prospective new families. Thea agrees and her tender heart, which goes out to anyone in need, now aches for unwanted six year old mute and crippled Zoe Galloway. The older woman bonds with the tow-headed child and offers to take her in, hoping against hope that somehow she'll be allowed to keep her.
Thea's dreams of motherhood are dashed when Zoe's uncle arrives at her Nebraska home and takes the child away to his own piece of land nearby. Realizing he can't build a house and business while watching over Zoe at the same time, Booker offers a compromise to Thea: be his housekeeper and take care of Zoe for him. Willing to do anything to be closer to Zoe and Booker, Thea takes on the job. But tongues start wagging, and Major Hayes decides to offer his lovely housekeeper marriage in order to save her reputation from the bitter town tabbies. Though she yearns for more, Thea accepts his proposal and becomes his wife-in-name-only.
Trouble begins to brew when Booker's friend and ex-army buddy, a Native American by the name of Red Horse, joins the Hayes family in a whites-only hotel dining parlor, which leads to a shooting at their homestead and threats of jail-time (or worse) for Booker from the bigoted Marshal and townsfolk. Will Booker and Thea survive the dangers of the western frontier long enough to be able to see past their marriage of convenience and realize the love they have for each other?
What worked for me:
Thea and Booker were an enjoyable couple and easy to feel sympathetic with. In addition to having such a warm and tender romance they managed to stir up some pretty good sparks between them in some rather steamy love scenes.
Tall blonde Thea (think supermodel Emme) felt uncomfortable with her height at the beginning of the story but gradually overcame her feelings as she began to trust Booker.
What didn't work for me:
The plot was fairly predictable; you have a pretty good idea who the villain is and how (s)he will be unmasked.
Overall:
This was a very pleasant read. The story is well-written, features a large cast of interesting characters, and provides enough small details to give an authentic frontier flavor. Fans of Western Historicals should enjoy this one.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ANOTHER KEEPER BY ST. JOHN, January 14, 2002
This review is from: Land Of Dreams (Harlequin Historical) (Paperback)
This is the 4th book that I have read by C. St. John and every one is a keeper. I highly recommend that this one is added to your library.
Ex-Major Booker Hayes finds a jewel of the prairie in Thea Coulson when he is trying to locate his little niece. He is not looking for a wife but does not let opportunity pass him by.
Little Zoe needs a mama and someone to love her [and help plant her acorn] -- Thea needs some one to love her and banish her too-tall image and provide her with a family of her own.
Lucas needs both Thea and Booker to bring stability to his life and to teach him to trust adults. And of course, Booker's friend, Red Horse helps even though he remains in the back ground of their lives.
Finally a heroine who remains true to herself and waits for a husband to teach her the mysteries of love. [Real love and respect]. And does she tantilize him! [grin] - Truly a great story of basic need and love and sharing. She stands by her man.
There are not enough words to express the satisfaction and enjoyment ones gets from these truly human characters.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A sweet and sensual love story, August 4, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: Land Of Dreams (Harlequin Historical) (Paperback)
Thea Coulson has spent her life doing for others, and believes she is happy with things the way they are, when a little orphan named Zoe comes along and steals her heart. Unfortunately, Zoe's uncle shows up with other plans. Major Booker Hayes is out of the army and ready to settle down, but it turns out things aren't quite that simple. This is a wonderful story about two independent people who find that they need each other, and in the process, fall in love.
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