Tumbleweed Fever [Paperback]

L. J. Maas (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2000

In the Oklahoma Territory of the old west, Devlin Brown is trying to redeem herself for a past as an outlaw. Working as a rider on a cattle ranch, she meets Sarah Tolliver, a widow with two children and a successful ranch, but no way to protect it from the ruthless men who would rather see her fail. Sparks fly when the former outlaw teams up with the beautiful, yet headstrong, young Tolliver.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

LJ Maas is the author of Tumbleweed Fever, None So Blind, Meridio's Daughter, Prairie Fire, and coming in 2003, Rebecca's Cove. Her novels are published by Renaissance Alliance Publishing, Inc.Originally from Chicago, LJ now resides in Oklahoma with her partner of almost 6 years. They have an eight-year-old daughter (a blonde, lab/retriever mix who simply doesn't believe she's a dog). Along with writing full time, LJ teaches computer graphics and a variety of writing classes at a local college.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Yellow Rose Books (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193092805X
• ISBN-13: 978-1930928053
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,004,981 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars And looking forward to the sequel!, February 15, 2002

By 

M. J. Lowe "www.mjlowe.info" (Denver, Colorado United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tumbleweed Fever (Paperback)

It's the late 1800s and cowhands in the Oklahoma territory have been finding notes tied to blowing tumbleweed. The notes, apparently written by a woman, ring with a romantic longing and loneliness. Trying to figure out who is the author of these missives, has become a popular passtime at the local saloons and ranch hands who are enamored with the mystery are said to suffer from, "Tumbleweed Fever." One of those ranch hands, or "riders," who has fallen under the spell of these notes is Devlin Brown. Tall, dark and deadly, Devlin is a reformed outlaw who is struggling to leave her past behind.

Much to her surprise, Devlin finds herself coming to the aid of Sarah Tolliver, the recently widowed mother of two children, who is trying to continue on the ranch she and her late husband homesteaded. Intelligent and capable, not to mention stubborn and articulate, the small, blond widow is not what Devlin expects her to be. Indeed, over the year the two women spend working the Double Deuce Ranch together, Devlin finds the attraction she held for the mystery writer of the tumbleweed notes being displaced by her growing respect, attraction, and love for Sarah.

Tumbleweed Fever is Maas's first novel and, as one might have noticed from the characters and the redemption theme plot, it is a more "traditional" uber Xena story than Maas's other novels. In addition to characters, there are a few direct references to the Xena TV show that fans will recognize, including the "soulmate" concept. Interestingly the American West locale is apparently a fairly popular uber setting. This reader knows of at least two other published uber novels set in the 19th century American West.

Of Maas' current three novels, this first effort is not her best work. The plotting is not as tight; there are some odd incongrencies; a few story lines are not as fleshed out as one might wish; and the uber references are sometimes detracting. However, with each novel since Tumbleweed Fever, Maas' storytelling improves. None So Blind and Meridio's Daughter, Maas' second and third novels have much fewer of these faults and are much better entertainment.

Even with these mild annoyances, Tumbleweed Fever is a very engaging novel. One can't help but enjoy the charm of Sarah and her family, to root for the triumph of Devlin over her past, and finally relish the couple's realization that their love is mutual. The plot is fast moving and interesting, including depictions of a band of Choctaws (who remind us that condemnation of women who love women is a Judeo-Christian concept that did not enjoy sway in most Native American cultures). This reader is looking forward to Maas' soon to be released sequel, "Prairie Fire" -- Maas' first unposted novel -- to find out what happens with Sarah and Devlin as they continue their life together.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, September 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Tumbleweed Fever (Paperback)

This book is very romantic with strong character development.
L.J. Maas has a wonderful ability to create an entire world in
in each book she writes.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Neat story, December 5, 2002

By 

Crystal T. (Walled Lake, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tumbleweed Fever (Paperback)

This book reminded me of a movie I saw a few years ago. The tumbleweed idea wasn't new, but it was a great read. I just loved Sarah and Devlin, and intend to read their ungoing story. I had as much trouble putting this book down as I did, "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons, and almost all of Lindsey's books. I read every day. I would like to do nothing else, and these books are all five big stars.