Helpful Score: 3
For anyone who enjoys a really good Western romance minus the "howdy's" and constant show-downs but with an honest, realistic view of the lives and people who (sparsely) populated places within that West, will absolutely love this sweet and wonderful story. Lest one think it might be somewhat dull, however ("no shoot-em-ups?" *gasp*!) there is plenty of conflict and a suspenseful ending that rivals any main-street showdown.
Edwina, a Southern Belle to her very core, who, after struggling fruitlessly to keep her family plantation following the devastation of the civil war, is faced with bankruptcy and bigotry. With no where left to turn, Edwina accepts the offer to become a mail-order bride to a widower with four children in Colorado. Hauling her sister along, Edwina sets out to change their lives - hopefully for the better. When she discovers the huge, somewhat taciturn man who is her husband, however, she seriously questions her sanity, along with her future.
What follows is an absolutely delightful and heart-touching account of how two people - vastly different in every way - learn to accept, appreciate and slowly, to love. Declan Brody's character is the perfect example of a Western rancher of that era. He talks only when it's needful, doesn't mince words when he does and expects people to use their common sense to deal with life's challenges. These traits can drive, not only Edwina, but the reader to distraction. One wants to rip some conversation out of his mouth at times, especially when Edwina is working so hard to make their marriage succeed. Her fortitude and determination in spite of the challenges is amazing and inspiring. She faces even the most daunting of situations forthrightly and endeavors to do well. I absolutely loved her!
I do believe the story would have been much better if the synopsis hadn't given away a huge spoiler in the storyline. To have suddenly seen Declan's first wife show up out of the blue right along with Declan would have allowed readers a well of emotion that was taken away because we already knew it was coming. The predictability in that and a few other situations is the only downside to an otherwise pitch perfect Western romance.
Edwina, a Southern Belle to her very core, who, after struggling fruitlessly to keep her family plantation following the devastation of the civil war, is faced with bankruptcy and bigotry. With no where left to turn, Edwina accepts the offer to become a mail-order bride to a widower with four children in Colorado. Hauling her sister along, Edwina sets out to change their lives - hopefully for the better. When she discovers the huge, somewhat taciturn man who is her husband, however, she seriously questions her sanity, along with her future.
What follows is an absolutely delightful and heart-touching account of how two people - vastly different in every way - learn to accept, appreciate and slowly, to love. Declan Brody's character is the perfect example of a Western rancher of that era. He talks only when it's needful, doesn't mince words when he does and expects people to use their common sense to deal with life's challenges. These traits can drive, not only Edwina, but the reader to distraction. One wants to rip some conversation out of his mouth at times, especially when Edwina is working so hard to make their marriage succeed. Her fortitude and determination in spite of the challenges is amazing and inspiring. She faces even the most daunting of situations forthrightly and endeavors to do well. I absolutely loved her!
I do believe the story would have been much better if the synopsis hadn't given away a huge spoiler in the storyline. To have suddenly seen Declan's first wife show up out of the blue right along with Declan would have allowed readers a well of emotion that was taken away because we already knew it was coming. The predictability in that and a few other situations is the only downside to an otherwise pitch perfect Western romance.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great start to Warner's new Runaway Bride series. Rich characters and adventurous plot make this story come alive. The mail-order bride theme is one of my favorites and Heartbreak Creek delivers. There was a lot more plot development than the standard 'strangers who marry out of necessity then fall in love' and Edwina and Declan were interesting individuals who made a wonderful couple. There could have been more sexual tension between them (I do like more than a little sex in my stories) but it didn't detract from the connection they already had. Also, there were lots of great secondary characters here; in fact, you'll find a whole lot of good story, and I eagerly look forward to book two. 4.2 stars.
Ms.Warner's Voice is imposingly direct Sweet ,firm,lovely &without no regret! I'm living 4 it..yeahhhh!I must say that its with great unspeakable Joy & honor 2 have Read such a wonderful heartfelt story as: Heart Break Creek.bravoo!!! Ms. Warner I'm new 2 ur work but I must say you've captured the very Souls/essence of the people of Heart Break Creek..((sigh)).I know these people.The characters take me back 2 a Special fond place, a time,push back 2 rewind then now..OOH wow l@@k how U blow my mind!Ur voice is definitely needed ,cherished, desired Because u did bring some nice hot fire..yep.Through U these characters should Indeed speak expressively freely boldly Borne created simply just being themselves. Lastly I'd like to say I love ur Realness,ur sense of humor,ur wisdom is on wicked Point.((hug,hug))Plezze continue 2 stir up ur wonderful Gift also 4ever immortally share it with us on the Romantic pages & our hearts!! ThanQ..ooh I cant wait 2 find out more about Thomas ,Pru & the rest of the town folk of Heartbreak Creek they R own my mind N my heart always!Thanx again ur truly a true Romantics friend..
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were interesting and strong. The heroine kind of reminded me of Katharine Hepburn - a bit funny and very complex. Highly recommended!
This book is the first story in a new series by Kaki Warner: RUNAWAY BRIDES. If you have just finished Warner's 1st series, the BLOOD ROSE TRILOGY, read something else before starting this book. Why? This series is SO different from the first; you may not be assessing it on its own merits, but comparing it to the previous books.
This is a wonderful story about a mail-order bride. It shows how desperate these women were -- they chose to move west to marry a man unknown to them. In this book, Edwina Ladoux has lost everything after the Civil War. She was a Southern belle with a lofty standing in the community - and now it is all gone: mansion, rich clothes, endless parties.
She boards a train to Colorado Territory with vouchers from her proxy groom, Declan Brodie - plus her sister, a bright, beautiful mulatto woman named Prudence Lincoln (they share the same father). Pru provides lots of humor in this book; she is also the one who can satisfy Brodie's requirements of a strong person to take care of 4 rambunctious kids.
Edwina can't even cook (another requirement)! Brodie is so dismayed by his new bride that he asks Pru to stay and send her traveling companion back! Pru asks for patience; she will teach her what she needs to know very quickly.
The children are out-of-control - and have been for 4 years! Their mother left with another man 4 years before and they were killed by Indians on their way to San Francisco. The children are fully fleshed-out characters and add much to the humor and pathos of this story.
One of the Indians in the killing party was a renegade named Lone Tree. He holds a serious grudge against Brodie that will play a prominent part in this book.
I don't want to ruin the book for other readers, so I'll stop there. This book is well worth the time; this is my second reading of this trilogy and it is even better than the first reading! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Runaway Brides Series
1. Heartbreak Creek (2011)
2. Colorado Dawn (2012)
3. Bride of the High Country (2012)
This is a wonderful story about a mail-order bride. It shows how desperate these women were -- they chose to move west to marry a man unknown to them. In this book, Edwina Ladoux has lost everything after the Civil War. She was a Southern belle with a lofty standing in the community - and now it is all gone: mansion, rich clothes, endless parties.
She boards a train to Colorado Territory with vouchers from her proxy groom, Declan Brodie - plus her sister, a bright, beautiful mulatto woman named Prudence Lincoln (they share the same father). Pru provides lots of humor in this book; she is also the one who can satisfy Brodie's requirements of a strong person to take care of 4 rambunctious kids.
Edwina can't even cook (another requirement)! Brodie is so dismayed by his new bride that he asks Pru to stay and send her traveling companion back! Pru asks for patience; she will teach her what she needs to know very quickly.
The children are out-of-control - and have been for 4 years! Their mother left with another man 4 years before and they were killed by Indians on their way to San Francisco. The children are fully fleshed-out characters and add much to the humor and pathos of this story.
One of the Indians in the killing party was a renegade named Lone Tree. He holds a serious grudge against Brodie that will play a prominent part in this book.
I don't want to ruin the book for other readers, so I'll stop there. This book is well worth the time; this is my second reading of this trilogy and it is even better than the first reading! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Runaway Brides Series
1. Heartbreak Creek (2011)
2. Colorado Dawn (2012)
3. Bride of the High Country (2012)
