The Miner's Daughter: The Dream Maker [Paperback]

Duncan Alice (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 347 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821768808
• ISBN-13: 978-0821768808
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,461,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In an effort to avoid what I knew I should be doing with my life (writing'it sounded so hard), for several years I expressed my creative side by dancing and singing. I belonged to two professional international folk-dance groups. Dancing made for a lousy living, but it was certainly fun. I also sang in a Balkan women's choir. I got to sing the tenor drone, for the most part. My first book, ONE BRIGHT MORNING, was published by HarperMonogram in 1995. What's more, it won the HOLT Medallion for Best First Novel. It was a good start, but my career has been . . . rocky, is the best word for it, I guess. Publishing's a brutal business, but I've got more persistence than brains so the publishing gods haven't killed me yet, although they seem to be trying awfully darned hard, curse them. In September of 1996 my herd of wild dachshunds and I moved from Pasadena, CA, to Roswell, NM, where my mother's family settled fifty years before the aliens crashed. We love it here. No smog, no crowds, no money, but I had no money in California, either, and you don't need so much of it here.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun with an era not often written about, September 25, 2001

By 

Carol Carter "Carol C in GA" (Thomaston, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Miner's Daughter: The Dream Maker (Paperback)

Once more we return to a period in history not often written about - the era of silent movies - as we visit with the cast of Peerless Studios in the making of a new movie titled LUCKY STRIKE. To film this one, we are taken to the Mojave Desert to what Martin Tafft believes to be an abandoned mine. However, when a dog the size of a small horse and its owner attacks him and his male lead, they soon find out there's a little lady they will have to deal with - the owner and worker of the Marigold Mine.

Mari Pottersby doesn't have an easy life. Her mother died when she was an infant, and her dreamer of a father cared more about his mine than anything else in the world. She's really not living, but surviving, in a one-room shack she calls home, and works in the mine trying to fulfill her father's dream of finding a vein of silver. No wonder she takes an instant dislike to the spoiled, rich son of a major investor in the film. Anthony Ewing is rich in his own right, and is a real snob in the beginning of this tale. One innocent, wide-eyed little woman is going to open his eyes and his mind before this story is finished.

Alice Duncan doesn't fail fans who enjoy her blend of humor and snappy dialog. Mari and Tony fire remarks at each other, neither of them understanding the senses that come alive when they're around each other. Ms. Duncan presents an historical of an era not often visited, and makes the history of the movie industry educational as well as entertaining. She introduces Tiny, a great Dane who scares the living daylights out of strangers when he charges, but he's a puppy at heart and the only way he would hurt anyone would be by licking them to death. Tiny has his own personality and is as important to the story as any of the other minor characters as he adds fun to the tale.

I've enjoyed the previous titles in the 'Dream Maker' series: COWBOY FOR HIRE and BEAUTY AND THE BRAIN, and Ms. Duncan's latest title, THE MINER'S DAUGHTER, is just as enjoyable, if not even more so. I'm anxious to read the next one in the series that will be released in November, HER LEADING MAN. Alice Duncan is a pioneer in this era as she brings the film industry to life, giving readers hours of pleasure in the process.

Carol Carter, Reviewer as written for Romance Reviews Today.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful read, August 21, 2001

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Miner's Daughter: The Dream Maker (Paperback)

In 1910 Mojave Wells, California Martin Tafft finds his latest film in trouble when he learns the silver mine critical for his move is not abandoned. Instead Marigold Pottersby refuses to lease her property. His stomach hurts making him wonder if the stress is causing an ulcer especially since relocating at this late date would cost a fortune.

Since his father has invested a sizable amount of cash in Peerless Studios latest project Anthony Ewing goes west to persuade Marigold to let the film company use her mine. Tony and Mari are immediately attracted to one another although he cannot understand her loyalty to her thoughtless father and she cannot comprehend why he puts up with his avaricious father. Still the show must go on and soon an agreement is reached, but now sabotage threatens the movie and Mari's life. Tony risks his own life to try to keep his stubborn beloved safe.

The third Peerless Studio historical romance is an engaging tale that like its predecessors (see COWBOY FOR HIRE and BEAUTY AND THE BRAIN) highlights the action of the early film industry. The story line beguiles the reader because the cast, including Tiny the Great Dane, seems real and enhances the early twentieth century era depicted in the book. Still the lead couple, who appears perfect as independent, obstinate, yet intelligent individuals, seems out of synch with one another because they remain under the thumbs of their respective fathers in spite of their love for one another. Alice Duncan continues to provide historical and romance readers with an insightful and entertaining series with another wonderful story.

Harriet Klausner

5.0 out of 5 stars Dreams do come true -- Very highly recommended, August 30, 2001

By 

C. Penn "WordWeaving" (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Miner's Daughter: The Dream Maker (Paperback)

Under the unforgiving sun of the Mojave Desert, Mari Pottersby has learned the art of survival. Mari has lived alone for the last months, since her father died, trying to continue her father's dream of striking it rich with Marigold Mine, her namesake. A woman accustomed to harsh living and hard work, Peerless Studio's offer to use her mine for the price of $5,000 seems too good to be true. And the invitation to become the leading lady for the same pay likewise seems unbelievable.

Tony Ewing's father is an investor with Peerless Studios and Tony's been sent along to protect that investment. The last thing he expected was a hot hellion that captures his imagination, rubs him the wrong way, and refuses to back down to anyone. Further, Mari's illogical loyalty to her father's dream, her lack of respect for Tony and his money, and her smart mouth at once fascinate and appall him. As she gains polish, Tony finds that his fascination becomes quite dangerous to his heart.

Once again author Alice Duncan masterfully creates a fiercely independent, slightly offbeat heroine the reader can't help but love. What Mari lacks in propriety she makes up with her bodacious attitude. Mari sharply contrasts with the very wealthy, polished hero, resulting in memorable characterizations that demonstrate Duncan's style at her best. When combined with the unique background of the early days of motion pictures, the result is as hot as the Mojave Desert used for the setting. THE MINER'S DAUGHTER comes very highly recommended.