Pieces of Sky (Blood Rose) [Paperback]

Kaki Warner (Author)

Book Description

Release date: January 5, 2010 | Series: Blood Rose

2011 RITA Winner for Best First Book

Fall in love with the first book in the Blood Rose trilogy-a romance of the Old West by a phenomenal new talent

On a stagecoach traveling through New Mexico Territory, Jessica Thornton is a long way from the cool mists and lush gardens of her native England. An authoress and milliner, she carries the weight of a scandalous secret-a horrible shame that has brought her to the West on a desperate search for the only family she can trust: her brother.

No one prepared Jessica for the heat and the hardships. And no one prepared her for a man like Brady Wilkins. For, despite the rancher's rough-hewn appearance and her own misgivings, Jessica must put her life in his hands after their stagecoach crashes. And she begins to see the man behind the callused hands and caustic wit. A man strong enough to carve out a home in the wilderness, brave enough to fight for his own, and passionate enough to restore her faith in herself-and in her heart.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her auspicious debut, Warner kicks off the Blood Rose trilogy by introducing the Wilkins brothers—Brady, Andrew Jack Jackson, and Patrick Hank Henry—of RosaRoja in 1869's New Mexico Territory. On a stagecoach ride destined for disaster, eldest brother Brady encounters prim, proper, and very pregnant Jessica Abigail Rebecca Thornton, a flame-haired authoress, milliner, and British heiress. On the run from her violent, controlling brother-in-law, John Crawford, and searching for her brother, George Adrian, Jessica is in danger of losing her Northumberland estate and determined to find a way to hold onto it. Brady offers refuge, and Warner develops their romance with well-paced finesse and great character work. Along with greedy, domineering John, vengeful ex-con Sancho Ramirez (whose father was RosaRoja's former owner) and his murderous half-brother also threaten the couple's happiness. While following her protagonists overcoming enemies within and without, Warner makes great use of the vivid Old West setting. (Jan.)
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Review

2011 RITA Winner for Best First Book

"English milliner and etiquette authoress Jessica Thornton had come to New Mexico in search of a fresh start in life, but Jessica's plans take an unexpected turn after the stagecoach in which she is traveling is attacked and crashes. Forced by circumstances to stay with rough-around-the-edges rancher Brady Wilkins, Jessica not only finds herself slowly falling for Brady, but also reevaluating everything she once thought was important in life. Readers may need a big box of Kleenex while reading this emotionally compelling, subtly nuanced tale of revenge, redemption, and romance, but this flawlessly written book is worth every tear."
-Chicago Tribune

"From the first page, it's clear why debut author Warner has won several awards. Her western romance is a striking portrait of the territory in all its reality, harshness and beauty. Like Francine Rivers, Warner creates a novel of the human spirit's ability to conquer emotional and physical obstacles. She conveys her characters perfectly, giving them lives of their own. Readers will be waiting breathlessly for the next book in the Blood Rose trilogy."
-Romantic Times TOP PICK 4 1/2 STARS

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (January 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780425232149
• ISBN-13: 978-0425232149
• ASIN: 042523214X
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.9 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #690,735 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kaki Warner is an award-winning author and long time resident of the Pacific Northwest. Although she now lives on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, Kaki actually grew up in the Southwest and is a proud graduate of the University of Texas. Her years spent riding horses and enjoying the expansive views of Texas became the inspiration for the backdrop of her novels - the wide-open spaces of historic New Mexico Territory.

Several years ago after their two children had left for college, Kaki and her husband, Joe, moved from the city to their hilltop cabin overlooking the scenic Methow Valley. Kaki now spends her time gardening, hiking, reading, writing, and soaking in the view from the deck with her husband and floppy-eared hound dog.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars finally a good story January 17, 2010

By avid reader

Format:Paperback

after reading same all same all stories for the past month (some from well known authors!) - finally to read a story that was not done 20 thousand times before - it really was a wonderful and sweet love story - My only complaint - not long enough! her description of life and hardships and the landscaping, and the build-up of the relationship were very good - I cannot wait for the next story.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars page turner with great characters January 23, 2010

By R. Bortner

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Pieces of Sky is a page turner set in the old west. Ms. Warner has well developed characters and an involved story that touches many characters, not just the main ones. She weaves a story where you feel like you know each character and personality. I believe anyone - not just romance readers - would enjoy the storytelling of this old west adventure. It's one of those books where you end up thinking about the characters days after you have finished reading. Can't wait for the next installment!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Blood shot eyes from reading No. 1 of the Blood Rose Trilogy January 24, 2010

By Cabin Fever

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Oh my gosh, I've got housework to do, supper to make, and really need to catch up on sleep. But instead I stay up until all hours to find out how the story comes out. Kaki Warner's book, Pieces of Sky, is a great escape into another world! It's a fast-flowing read with wonderfully developed characters, some you love to hate, and others (namely Brady, of course) you'd love to love.

Take it to bed with you tonite, and call in sick in the morning!