I rarely come across romance set in early California (this one is right at the onset of the Mexican-American War 1846) so this was a welcomed burst of fresh air. I loved reading about the Mexican culture, the prosperous land owners, the massive ranchos and the missions. This is my culture and I grew up in this area so everything just came alive for me. I didn't have any problem following along with Lance's and Solina's circumstances; both were realistic and some of the outcomes unfolded unpredictably. Gibson was an accidental find, but I'll definitely read her in the future, especially as there's at least one sequel in the Mission Belles series. If you want a break from the ton balls and Rotten Row jaunts (though there is a smidgen of that in the prologue), then step into this historical- and cultural-rich adventure for the senses. 4 stars.
