Karen R. (flwergirl) -
Have you ever wondered what living in a frontier fort in the 1870's would be like, especially for a woman used to city living? Priscilla has no idea what she's getting into when she travels the long dusty road from Cincinnati, Ohio to Fort Bliss in dry, hot West Texas. Thinking she needs to rescue her brother's orphaned six year old twins, she is surprised to find they are faring well under their uncle's care, a Major at the outpost and the resident surgeon. From the start they are at odds, thinking each has the right to raise the twins, yet when adversity strikes, the call to work together just might be what it takes for them to raise a white flag finally and call a truce.
The careful research of military life in an outpost was evident in this interesting story, from all the details of daily life, the chain of command, medical procedures and cures, plus the hardships of living in an outpost under the threat of attack. Highlights to their disciplined life were all the things that brought a bit of life to the fort, like the dances, dinners, celebrations, and attempts at peaceful relationships to the tribes. It would be difficult to get used to, but the characters seemed pretty tough, and the best ones found joy in making the most of the situation, learning to be content, a good lesson for us all. I liked how the commanding officer's wife encouraged the other wives to support their husbands, and to pray for them all. Her faith and kindness were inspiring.
The developing relationship between Priscilla and Elliot was a tender one, especially as she let go of her bitterness and grew to respect him, seeing the gentleness he showed the twins and watching him in his work. Couldn't help but think of the old John Wayne movies! I wasn't sure which way it would go, as each was so bent on getting their own way at first. The ending was a satisfying one though, with some action and romance making it worth the wait!
Recommend to readers who enjoy historical Christian fiction with some action, adventure and romance.
(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. This is my unsolicited, honest review.)
The careful research of military life in an outpost was evident in this interesting story, from all the details of daily life, the chain of command, medical procedures and cures, plus the hardships of living in an outpost under the threat of attack. Highlights to their disciplined life were all the things that brought a bit of life to the fort, like the dances, dinners, celebrations, and attempts at peaceful relationships to the tribes. It would be difficult to get used to, but the characters seemed pretty tough, and the best ones found joy in making the most of the situation, learning to be content, a good lesson for us all. I liked how the commanding officer's wife encouraged the other wives to support their husbands, and to pray for them all. Her faith and kindness were inspiring.
The developing relationship between Priscilla and Elliot was a tender one, especially as she let go of her bitterness and grew to respect him, seeing the gentleness he showed the twins and watching him in his work. Couldn't help but think of the old John Wayne movies! I wasn't sure which way it would go, as each was so bent on getting their own way at first. The ending was a satisfying one though, with some action and romance making it worth the wait!
Recommend to readers who enjoy historical Christian fiction with some action, adventure and romance.
(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. This is my unsolicited, honest review.)
