THE LOVE OF A LAWMAN by Anna Jeffrey
March 11, 2005
Courtesy of WWW.LOVEROMANCES.COM
Anna Jeffrey is a new author to this reviewer, and after having read THE LOVE OF A LAWMAN, this reviewer is going to read the other two books in this trilogy. THE LOVE OF A LAWMAN is the last book in this series of novels set in the small fictitious town of Callister, Idaho. They are all stand-alone books, with characters that crossover into all three novels, while each book centers on one or two particular characters. In this third novel, the main character is Isabelle "Izzy" Rondeau, a woman who had left Callister years ago. She ran away from a family life that was very dysfunctional when she was only a teenager, and now years later, she has returned, running away once again. This time, her long time "partner" and boyfriend has deserted her and their daughter Ava, for another woman, and she thinks that the best thing for Ava is to return to her hometown, where she can be near family.
The book opens with a scene that may break one's heart. Ten-year old Ava is crying out to her mother to come outside. Izzy runs out to her, and sees in the distance a gray shape, what she thinks is their dog Jack, lying on the neighbor's property across the fence. Izzy instantly knows that Jack is probably dead, and that the family's long time neighbor and enemy, Art Karadimos, has something to do with Jack's demise. It is a tearful opening but one that sets up the stage for the rest of the novel. Izzy is doing her best to make a living after her breakup with Billy, having left her home in Texas and coming all the way back to Idaho, and now dealing with people such as Art and the people in town who love to gossip about her. She wants desperately to make it on her own, raising cutting horses, but she isn't sure she can do it alone. With a lack of funds and people like Art on her back, she is having a hard time surviving, financially and emotionally.
Then, along comes Sheriff John Thomas Bradshaw, who also happens to be an old school mate of Izzy's. When she contacts the sheriff to come out to the ranch to help her confront Art regarding the shooting of her dog, she finds out that the new sheriff is someone she grew up with. John sees Izzy, and remembers the big crush he had on her when they were in school, and how he wished that she had eyes for him. But back then, she only had eyes for Billy, who eventually fathered Ava.
Izzy does not want anyone's help, nor does she want to get involved with a man again. She's been hurt by Ava's father and cannot afford to have another man come into her life, only to walk away from her and her daughter. However, John soon gets under her skin after he offers to help her out with her horses, and with seeing her every day, the sparks start to fly.
This reviewer really liked Anna Jeffrey's writing style. She did a good job with describing this fictitious town of Callister, and the world of rodeos and cutting horses. There were great characters as well, in particular, that of Isabelle. Izzy was painted as an independent, yet somewhat pigheaded and stubborn woman, who could not see that John had no ulterior motives. At the same time, the author showed her in a very natural light, as no one is perfect, and having a character with flaws as Izzy did make her that much more real. Her loyalty to her wayward brother, Paul, was also a plus in the story line. However, at times it did seem that there were too many things going on at once in this novel. On the other hand, the author handled the multiple plots very well, and kept this reader entertained and wanting more. For those who enjoy their romances with a hint of erotica, there were a number of very long and steamy sex scenes that were done very well.
This book definitely worked as a stand-alone novel in this trilogy, and this reviewer will be reading more by Anna Jeffrey in the future, including the rest of this series. THE LOVE OF A LAWMAN is highly recommended.
March 11, 2005
Courtesy of WWW.LOVEROMANCES.COM
Anna Jeffrey is a new author to this reviewer, and after having read THE LOVE OF A LAWMAN, this reviewer is going to read the other two books in this trilogy. THE LOVE OF A LAWMAN is the last book in this series of novels set in the small fictitious town of Callister, Idaho. They are all stand-alone books, with characters that crossover into all three novels, while each book centers on one or two particular characters. In this third novel, the main character is Isabelle "Izzy" Rondeau, a woman who had left Callister years ago. She ran away from a family life that was very dysfunctional when she was only a teenager, and now years later, she has returned, running away once again. This time, her long time "partner" and boyfriend has deserted her and their daughter Ava, for another woman, and she thinks that the best thing for Ava is to return to her hometown, where she can be near family.
The book opens with a scene that may break one's heart. Ten-year old Ava is crying out to her mother to come outside. Izzy runs out to her, and sees in the distance a gray shape, what she thinks is their dog Jack, lying on the neighbor's property across the fence. Izzy instantly knows that Jack is probably dead, and that the family's long time neighbor and enemy, Art Karadimos, has something to do with Jack's demise. It is a tearful opening but one that sets up the stage for the rest of the novel. Izzy is doing her best to make a living after her breakup with Billy, having left her home in Texas and coming all the way back to Idaho, and now dealing with people such as Art and the people in town who love to gossip about her. She wants desperately to make it on her own, raising cutting horses, but she isn't sure she can do it alone. With a lack of funds and people like Art on her back, she is having a hard time surviving, financially and emotionally.
Then, along comes Sheriff John Thomas Bradshaw, who also happens to be an old school mate of Izzy's. When she contacts the sheriff to come out to the ranch to help her confront Art regarding the shooting of her dog, she finds out that the new sheriff is someone she grew up with. John sees Izzy, and remembers the big crush he had on her when they were in school, and how he wished that she had eyes for him. But back then, she only had eyes for Billy, who eventually fathered Ava.
Izzy does not want anyone's help, nor does she want to get involved with a man again. She's been hurt by Ava's father and cannot afford to have another man come into her life, only to walk away from her and her daughter. However, John soon gets under her skin after he offers to help her out with her horses, and with seeing her every day, the sparks start to fly.
This reviewer really liked Anna Jeffrey's writing style. She did a good job with describing this fictitious town of Callister, and the world of rodeos and cutting horses. There were great characters as well, in particular, that of Isabelle. Izzy was painted as an independent, yet somewhat pigheaded and stubborn woman, who could not see that John had no ulterior motives. At the same time, the author showed her in a very natural light, as no one is perfect, and having a character with flaws as Izzy did make her that much more real. Her loyalty to her wayward brother, Paul, was also a plus in the story line. However, at times it did seem that there were too many things going on at once in this novel. On the other hand, the author handled the multiple plots very well, and kept this reader entertained and wanting more. For those who enjoy their romances with a hint of erotica, there were a number of very long and steamy sex scenes that were done very well.
This book definitely worked as a stand-alone novel in this trilogy, and this reviewer will be reading more by Anna Jeffrey in the future, including the rest of this series. THE LOVE OF A LAWMAN is highly recommended.
