Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas on + 180 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
What do you get when you have a talented female photographer, a newly-minted town deputy, and a scoundrel of the worst sort who has come back to haunt you? You get this book--A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas--and it's a good'un, too.
I was so impressed with the detail of Addie's trade as a photographer. From the darkroom, to her studio, and to the portraits taken at the Arden Palace, it felt like I was looking through the camera lens and capturing all the subtle nuances that only a portrait can show. I could smell the chemicals that were used to develop the pictures, and I caught myself mentally counting the seconds along with Addie to get the right exposure. Now, in real life, I don't have a clue about photography, but just for a few moments in this book, I felt like I knew a thing or two...and that brought a smile to my face.
Miles was an enjoyable character, too. At first, it seemed like he was going to be green as the day is long at being a deputy, but he quickly settled into his role. His reluctance to share his past was believable, especially how it related to Addie.
Then, there was the drama associated with Vin Rutter. He came to Dodge City for a particular reason, and caused nothing but trouble for Addie, Miles, and Fran while he was there. I felt sure the I had him pegged correctly the entire time, but leave it to this talented author to have a surprise or two up her sleeve. :o)
Nothing gives me more pleasure than discovering an author that I've not been privileged to read before. Erica Vetsch has created a delightful Midwestern tale that is sure to have me returning to read her future novels. Fans of Mary Connealy, Kelly Eileen Hake, and Susan Page Davis are destined to enjoy this charming story!
I was so impressed with the detail of Addie's trade as a photographer. From the darkroom, to her studio, and to the portraits taken at the Arden Palace, it felt like I was looking through the camera lens and capturing all the subtle nuances that only a portrait can show. I could smell the chemicals that were used to develop the pictures, and I caught myself mentally counting the seconds along with Addie to get the right exposure. Now, in real life, I don't have a clue about photography, but just for a few moments in this book, I felt like I knew a thing or two...and that brought a smile to my face.
Miles was an enjoyable character, too. At first, it seemed like he was going to be green as the day is long at being a deputy, but he quickly settled into his role. His reluctance to share his past was believable, especially how it related to Addie.
Then, there was the drama associated with Vin Rutter. He came to Dodge City for a particular reason, and caused nothing but trouble for Addie, Miles, and Fran while he was there. I felt sure the I had him pegged correctly the entire time, but leave it to this talented author to have a surprise or two up her sleeve. :o)
Nothing gives me more pleasure than discovering an author that I've not been privileged to read before. Erica Vetsch has created a delightful Midwestern tale that is sure to have me returning to read her future novels. Fans of Mary Connealy, Kelly Eileen Hake, and Susan Page Davis are destined to enjoy this charming story!
Great book! I loved all of the history and reading about the techniques involved in photography during the late 1800's. Very interesting! Also, I love when an author includes actual people from history like having Bat Masterson as the newly elected sheriff of Ford County, Kansas. I loved the mystery of the murdered shopkeeper! I got so caught up in trying to solve the mystery myself that I didn't want to put this book down. 1st novel that I've read by Erica Vetsch and I loved it!
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
I received this book last month and have just been so busy that I didn't get to it. But I was able to pick it up yesterday and let me tell you, I raced through it! Erica Vestch does an excellent job on A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas and I stayed up late to finish it:)
MY REVIEW-I had previously read some of Erica's works. She is known for her Heartsong titles and I have also reviewed Idaho Brides, which I thought was an excellent book. But you know how many times an author does good in one area but then they change their genre or their length of novel, and the book just doesn't seem as good? Well, that is what I was afraid of with this. Erica has written several books that I loved but they were all small books. I wasn't sure how this longer length novel would be. But I had no reason to be worried at all! I absolutely loved this story!
My favorite character was Addie. At first I kind of had a problem with her hiding her past but then I saw why she did that. I kind of put myself in her shoes and felt how she felt. Miles was a great male character! He was kind, gentle and yet strong. He also has guilt over his past. I wish he had been more outspoken about his Christianity with his co-workers but I know where he is coming from. At times it is hard for me to say things or to speak up. I greatly respected Jonas. He was on my top list as well. Let me just say that they were all on my top list:D But Jonas went from low down to almost my favorite. I know Miles is supposed to be the main male character but Jonas almost upped him. He is soo sweet:)
Vin Rutter about made me want to slap him. He is a snake that uses anyone in his way to get what he wants. The killer was somewhat of a surprise. I was kind of going back and forth on who did it so not only is this a great historical book, but it has a good amount of mystery as well. One thing I liked was the history with Bat Masterson. Yes this is fiction, but I had my interest piqued so I will be doing some history on him. The talk about photography was interesting. Addie does portraits and I had to laugh at the one part where a cowboy is trying to get his horse in the studio:D
Overall this is an excellent book that will be on my bookshelf:) It was a keeper! A sweet historical with mystery thrown in. Loved the characters and the plot was great! I couldn't find anything to say against this book;) Great job, Erica!!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
MY REVIEW-I had previously read some of Erica's works. She is known for her Heartsong titles and I have also reviewed Idaho Brides, which I thought was an excellent book. But you know how many times an author does good in one area but then they change their genre or their length of novel, and the book just doesn't seem as good? Well, that is what I was afraid of with this. Erica has written several books that I loved but they were all small books. I wasn't sure how this longer length novel would be. But I had no reason to be worried at all! I absolutely loved this story!
My favorite character was Addie. At first I kind of had a problem with her hiding her past but then I saw why she did that. I kind of put myself in her shoes and felt how she felt. Miles was a great male character! He was kind, gentle and yet strong. He also has guilt over his past. I wish he had been more outspoken about his Christianity with his co-workers but I know where he is coming from. At times it is hard for me to say things or to speak up. I greatly respected Jonas. He was on my top list as well. Let me just say that they were all on my top list:D But Jonas went from low down to almost my favorite. I know Miles is supposed to be the main male character but Jonas almost upped him. He is soo sweet:)
Vin Rutter about made me want to slap him. He is a snake that uses anyone in his way to get what he wants. The killer was somewhat of a surprise. I was kind of going back and forth on who did it so not only is this a great historical book, but it has a good amount of mystery as well. One thing I liked was the history with Bat Masterson. Yes this is fiction, but I had my interest piqued so I will be doing some history on him. The talk about photography was interesting. Addie does portraits and I had to laugh at the one part where a cowboy is trying to get his horse in the studio:D
Overall this is an excellent book that will be on my bookshelf:) It was a keeper! A sweet historical with mystery thrown in. Loved the characters and the plot was great! I couldn't find anything to say against this book;) Great job, Erica!!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
Good story! A lady photographer with a past comes to the old western town of Dodge City and meets a handsome and kind Deputy. However, she feels her past relationship with a notorious criminal ruins any chance she might have with him. I would recommend this book!
