Anny P. (wolfnme) reviewed The Angel of Devil's Camp (Harlequin Historical, No 649) on + 3389 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
In 1872 Mary Margaret left Seton Falls, South Carolina to travel across the country to Devil's Camp # 2, Oregon to marry a man she never met, Walter Peabody. When she reaches her destination, she learns that she made it in time to attend her fianc's funeral. Walt bled to death after accidentally cutting himself with an ax. Rather than turning back, Mary Margaret decides to live in the cabin she just inherited from Walt.
As an aftermath of his time in the civil War Colonel Tom Randall hates the south especially the belles symbolized in living flesh and blood by Mary Margaret. He demands Meggy, as she calls herself, go back to the Carolinas where she belongs. However, Meggy is more than just a steel magnolia as she begins selling the pies she bakes. Soon Tom finds he admires Meggy and not long afterward he now loves the courageous female who has taken over the camp. Meggy reciprocates his feelings, but knows this is one Yankee who will never let go of the hatred he feels.
This enjoyable Reconstruction Era romance refreshes the typical story line starring a northern soldier and a southern belle by shifting the locale to the Northwest. By doing this, Lynna Banning introduces the audience to an eccentric invigorating band of secondary players who rejuvenate the plot and enliven the charming lead couple. Still this tale belongs to the Yankee military officer and the angel as their relationship serves as the center of a delightful nineteenth century romance.
Harriet Klausner
As an aftermath of his time in the civil War Colonel Tom Randall hates the south especially the belles symbolized in living flesh and blood by Mary Margaret. He demands Meggy, as she calls herself, go back to the Carolinas where she belongs. However, Meggy is more than just a steel magnolia as she begins selling the pies she bakes. Soon Tom finds he admires Meggy and not long afterward he now loves the courageous female who has taken over the camp. Meggy reciprocates his feelings, but knows this is one Yankee who will never let go of the hatred he feels.
This enjoyable Reconstruction Era romance refreshes the typical story line starring a northern soldier and a southern belle by shifting the locale to the Northwest. By doing this, Lynna Banning introduces the audience to an eccentric invigorating band of secondary players who rejuvenate the plot and enliven the charming lead couple. Still this tale belongs to the Yankee military officer and the angel as their relationship serves as the center of a delightful nineteenth century romance.
Harriet Klausner
Carole H. (genieinabottle) reviewed The Angel of Devil's Camp (Harlequin Historical, No 649) on + 37 more book reviews
I really loved this story. Mishaps, humor and adventure in a logging camp historical had such a very good plot and was so well told! A surprising 'sweet as apple pie' title that left me wanting more!
Ashley M. reviewed The Angel of Devil's Camp (Harlequin Historical, No 649) on + 12 more book reviews
A widow before she'd even been a wife...Mary Margaret Hampton was in big trouble!!
jjares reviewed The Angel of Devil's Camp (Harlequin Historical, No 649) on + 3273 more book reviews
Although it is 1872, it seems as if the Civil War is still very important in the lives of the two main characters. Union Colonel Tom Randall still hates the South for hanging his sister as a Union spy. Meggy Hampton has protected her 5 sisters and aunt through the war years and is now ready to marry and have her own home and children. She moves to Oregon to find a marriageable man (a distant cousin) because life in South Carolina is difficult and there are few young Southern men left.
As she arrives at Devil's Camp, there is a funeral in process -- for her fiancee, Walter Peabody. Because there is nothing left in South Carolina, she decides to stay in the rough cabin her fiancee had willed to her. This is over the loud objections of the camp's leader, Tom Randall.
Meggy decides to bake and sell pies in order to earn money to return to South Carolina. Why? She knew there was nothing there remaining (the parson's home had been given to a new minister; all her sisters were married, etc.).
Each is attracted to the other but they realize that there can be nothing long-term for them; their antipathy for the other one's beliefs are too strong. Of course, that does not keep them from sharing a bed -- and that brings me to the 'log in the stream' for me. Meggy was a minister's daughter who led church activities (after her mother's death). Hopping into bed so quickly just did not ring true. Meggy was committed to her church activities and beliefs.
Why would a 25 year-old chaste woman do such a thing, with little or no remorse? People were deeply religious at this time in our history. Promiscuity was extremely rare.
On the other side, there was a lot of action that carried the plot along.
As she arrives at Devil's Camp, there is a funeral in process -- for her fiancee, Walter Peabody. Because there is nothing left in South Carolina, she decides to stay in the rough cabin her fiancee had willed to her. This is over the loud objections of the camp's leader, Tom Randall.
Meggy decides to bake and sell pies in order to earn money to return to South Carolina. Why? She knew there was nothing there remaining (the parson's home had been given to a new minister; all her sisters were married, etc.).
Each is attracted to the other but they realize that there can be nothing long-term for them; their antipathy for the other one's beliefs are too strong. Of course, that does not keep them from sharing a bed -- and that brings me to the 'log in the stream' for me. Meggy was a minister's daughter who led church activities (after her mother's death). Hopping into bed so quickly just did not ring true. Meggy was committed to her church activities and beliefs.
Why would a 25 year-old chaste woman do such a thing, with little or no remorse? People were deeply religious at this time in our history. Promiscuity was extremely rare.
On the other side, there was a lot of action that carried the plot along.
