This is the first book in a three-part series about Copper Creek, Colorado. This story opens at a birthday party for Annie, handicapped daughter of the town's banker and his affluent family. While the celebration is going on, a rancher and his nephew come to the banker's home. While the adults talk, Luke Carpenter goes over to the youngsters and meets 10 year-old Annie. He offers to take her for a ride on his horse and they share magical moments. Annie is out of her wheelchair and acting like a normal young girl. When they get back, Annie's parents are apoplectic -- her father demands that Luke never come back.
As Annie ages and matures, she remembers Luke's acceptance of her as a normal person and she gradually tries to do more things. This does not sit well with her family, particularly Annie's mother.
Several years later, Annie re meets Luke at the livery stable, his business that is just getting started. Luke is an exceptional young man; he is compassionate but sees what Annie could be -- if given leeway and emotional support. Although Annie's self-esteem is almost non-existent, Luke's encouragement helps her to become more independent. Because things change so slowly, the changes are believable and seem possible.
I found this to be an exceptional book until one point. In order to explain my score, I need to mention a pivotal point in the novel. XXX SPOILER ALERT XXXXX When Annie is in an accident, she goes back home and becomes their weakling again. She leaves her husband for her family and refuses to speak with him. This just didn't ring true to me; it was a device to add more drama to the tale. I dropped my rating because of this.
Copper Creek, Colorado
1. Sweet Annie (2001)
2. His Secondhand Wife (2005)
3. Almost a Bride (2006) (to be found in 'Wed under Western Skies')
As Annie ages and matures, she remembers Luke's acceptance of her as a normal person and she gradually tries to do more things. This does not sit well with her family, particularly Annie's mother.
Several years later, Annie re meets Luke at the livery stable, his business that is just getting started. Luke is an exceptional young man; he is compassionate but sees what Annie could be -- if given leeway and emotional support. Although Annie's self-esteem is almost non-existent, Luke's encouragement helps her to become more independent. Because things change so slowly, the changes are believable and seem possible.
I found this to be an exceptional book until one point. In order to explain my score, I need to mention a pivotal point in the novel. XXX SPOILER ALERT XXXXX When Annie is in an accident, she goes back home and becomes their weakling again. She leaves her husband for her family and refuses to speak with him. This just didn't ring true to me; it was a device to add more drama to the tale. I dropped my rating because of this.
Copper Creek, Colorado
1. Sweet Annie (2001)
2. His Secondhand Wife (2005)
3. Almost a Bride (2006) (to be found in 'Wed under Western Skies')
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