This is a collection of nine stories about homesteading--the act of settling a section of land and proving it up (improving it by cultivating it and building a home on the property). In the midst of these homesteading stories are sweet romances happening among these intrepid homesteaders. One thing about this collection is that each successive story is better than the one before and one of these stories is by a new author!
There are veteran authors like Mary Coneally, DiAnn Hunt, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Darlene Franklin, and more. The newbie is Becca Whithum. The last book I reviewed by Kathleen Y'Barbo I didn't care for as much as others I'd read by her. She asked me to allow her to redeem herself, and with her offering in this anthology has certainly been her redemption. In fact, it is my favorite story in the book.
Cara wants to reclaim her father's land that he lost in a poker game. She arrives when the "owner" is away, but the housekeeper is there and sees the potential for Cara and Iz. Cara is expecting after a brief marriage to a con man who was already married. Rosie sees what Cara needs is a home and helps her all she can. Kathleen has written a fully developed story in a few pages that grabs the reader and doesn't let go until the story is finished. Her characters have depth and are empathetic, her descriptions of the area only add to the story and do not detract in any way.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's a great way to while away a blah afternoon and get a pick-me-up as well.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a place to Homestead.
Barbour Books provided this book in exchange for my honest review. My many thanks to them.
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