Simple, sweet, and very tame romance set in Oregon in the aftermath of the Civil War. Isolated Jane had a lot of growing up to do but she still was a likable heroine. Ryder had been lovesick for Jane for years and then he finally had his chance to make her his. I really like getting to know Ryder's innermost feelings, frustration, and hope. The only thing that bothered me was reading through some of the southern-drawl conversation. 3 stars.
This book was just what I was in the mood to read; this takes place well after the Civil War but one of the main characters hasn't let it go yet.
Jane Charlotte Davis' father has recently died, years after moving his wife and daughter to Oregon. Jane was extremely over-protected by her parents; they never let her go to town without her father as a chaperon. Children made fun and called her Queen Jane, so her parents home-schooled her. Oregon is one of the last places one might expect that plantation life would be reinstated (after the Civil War). Now, at 26, Jane is unmarried and unable to keep food on the table. Her mother has retreated into the pleasant times before Mr. Davis died.
So Jane goes to the bank, owned by Rydell Wilder, to get a loan. She has decided to make dresses and garments for the women of the town. Rydell remembers Jane as the only person at school who was kind to him. He has been in love with her for 10 years. He is an admirable character; he raised himself up through hard-work and sacrifice. He now owns the bank and is building a house for Jane (unbeknownst to her).
Jane doubts Rydell remembers her from school, but she needs $300 to open a dress shop. Thus, she has to go see a "Yankee" for the loan; she's not happy to place herself in debt to a Northerner (Jane and her mother seem to be the only people in town who are still fighting the war on a daily basis). When Jane offers her home as collateral, Rydell says he doesn't want it. However, he gives her the money with the following stipulations. If Jane cannot repay the loan, she must marry him. Jane is horrified but reasons that she will be a success.
But Jane does not know how isolated she has been until she opens her shop. She's never been encouraged to speak with the good citizens of the town (by either parent) and now she has no idea how to begin.
This is an interesting story on several levels. The plot-line is different. Jane is incredibly naive and must see how hard it is to earn a living -- so she can appreciate Rydell. It is fortunate that he has a sidekick, Lefty, who helps Rydell verbalize his angst. It is obvious in everything Jane does that she has no interest in marrying a Yankee.
This was such a great story that I read it in one sitting; I couldn't put it aside.
Jane Charlotte Davis' father has recently died, years after moving his wife and daughter to Oregon. Jane was extremely over-protected by her parents; they never let her go to town without her father as a chaperon. Children made fun and called her Queen Jane, so her parents home-schooled her. Oregon is one of the last places one might expect that plantation life would be reinstated (after the Civil War). Now, at 26, Jane is unmarried and unable to keep food on the table. Her mother has retreated into the pleasant times before Mr. Davis died.
So Jane goes to the bank, owned by Rydell Wilder, to get a loan. She has decided to make dresses and garments for the women of the town. Rydell remembers Jane as the only person at school who was kind to him. He has been in love with her for 10 years. He is an admirable character; he raised himself up through hard-work and sacrifice. He now owns the bank and is building a house for Jane (unbeknownst to her).
Jane doubts Rydell remembers her from school, but she needs $300 to open a dress shop. Thus, she has to go see a "Yankee" for the loan; she's not happy to place herself in debt to a Northerner (Jane and her mother seem to be the only people in town who are still fighting the war on a daily basis). When Jane offers her home as collateral, Rydell says he doesn't want it. However, he gives her the money with the following stipulations. If Jane cannot repay the loan, she must marry him. Jane is horrified but reasons that she will be a success.
But Jane does not know how isolated she has been until she opens her shop. She's never been encouraged to speak with the good citizens of the town (by either parent) and now she has no idea how to begin.
This is an interesting story on several levels. The plot-line is different. Jane is incredibly naive and must see how hard it is to earn a living -- so she can appreciate Rydell. It is fortunate that he has a sidekick, Lefty, who helps Rydell verbalize his angst. It is obvious in everything Jane does that she has no interest in marrying a Yankee.
This was such a great story that I read it in one sitting; I couldn't put it aside.
This book made me cry. It made me have a little bit more hope on love, and loyalty.
