Santa Fe Sunrise [Hardcover]

Kathleen Fuller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 2004

Luke Jackson, a volunteer soldier based in Santa Fe, is eager to return home to San Antonio, Texas. Weary from the war and healing from a serious injury, he is given one last assignment before his discharge--to escort the daughter of a wealthy businessman to Las Vegas in the New Mexico Territory. Luke is stunned to discover that not only does he have to escort the woman and her chaperone, but four young orphans as well.

Melanie Faraday has always been an obedient daughter, but she is dismayed to learn her widowed father has brought her to Santa Fe to marry the son of one of his business partners. Unprepared for marriage to a stranger, but unwilling to go against her father, she feels her future is doomed until she meets four abandoned Mexican children shortly after her arrival in Santa Fe. She vows to find them a home and, in a desperate attempt to avoid her impending marriage, she uses her father's connections to secure an escort for her to take the children to an orphanage in Las Vegas, unbeknownst to her father.

During the journey the group is hampered with thunderstorms, which delays their travels but gives Luke and Melanie much time to not only fall in love with each other, but to fall in love with the children as well.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kathleen Fuller is the author of two novellas, several short stories, and numerous non-fiction articles. She lives in Geneva, Ohio, with her husband James and their three children.

Santa Fe Sunrise is Kathleen's first novel for AVALON.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Avalon (December 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803496877
• ISBN-13: 978-0803496873
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,726,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, lived in Geneva, Ohio for 16 years and now make my home in lovely Cabot, Arkansas. I've been married to James for 17 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) We have three terrific children and four dogs. e have also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Historical Romance, August 27, 2005

By 

MsT (Mass) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Santa Fe Sunrise (Hardcover)

This Avalon historical romance involves a volunteer soldier from the Mexican War, Luke Jackson, who has been selected to escort Melanie Faraday up to Las Vegas. Little does Luke know that three feisty little boys and a wailing baby will accompany Melanie on this potentially dangerous journey. Her powerful father has promised Melanie's hand in marriage to another but will Luke and Melanie give into their growing affections? Undoubtedly, but it's a charming trip worth taking for the fans of historical romances.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful, Engaging Love Story, January 26, 2005

By 

Jill E. Smith "Writer - Visit me at www.jille... (Southeastern Lower, MI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Santa Fe Sunrise (Hardcover)

Imagine a trek along the Santa Fe Trail in 1849 with four kids, a nanny and a beautiful, spirited young woman that is anything but predictable and you see what Luke Jackson is up against. All he wanted to do after the war was to go home to Texas, but his commanding officer has one last assignment for him. Escort Miss Melanie Faraday to Las Vegas and keep her safe in the process. An easy enough task. Or is it? In Santa Fe Sunrise, author Kathleen Fuller answers that question in a delightful, engaging love story, sure to leave you wanting more, with characters that walk off the pages right into your heart. A delightful, quick read you don't want to miss.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sure Pleaser in Santa Fe Sunrise, January 7, 2005

By 

Maureen Schmidgall - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Santa Fe Sunrise (Hardcover)

Luke Jackson is the kind of hero we want our daughters to meet - a gentleman to the core (underneath trail dust and his rugged good looks, of course!) He may not know the first thing about kids when you meet him, but like anyone with a big heart, he's a quick learner in matters pertaining to people. And Melanie Faraday? She sets out on a mission that would make any parent proud - once you get over the shock at her willingness to put herself in danger! One line says it all about Melanie: "Beneath the prim and proper surface of Melanie Faraday lay something magnetic and untamed. It drew him (Luke) to her, an attraction so heady it was diffcult for him to breathe..."
This book is well-researched and flows so smoothly you won't put it down. The characters are motivated and well drawn, and the children will steal your heart. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Kathleen Fuller!