This is a very well-written book; the pace is pitch-perfect. This novel is written about my favorite historical time: the Civil War and its aftermath. The author spends time explaining that the Montgomery family (as well as the hero, Quin McAllister) were all Southerners who lost everything and started over in the West.
The opening chapter sets the stage by introducing Quin McAllister, the Gambler, who shared awful accommodations in a Union prison camp with hundreds of other Confederate soldiers. Through his talent with cards, Quin was able to get extra food, blankets, etc., that helped keep soldiers alive. He became friends with the Preacher (Ethan Montgomery), who spent hours talking about his family.
In 1867, Quin gets a letter from Ethan, begging him to come to the Montana Territory and help work his mine. When Quin arrives, in a blizzard, things are very strange. Ethan isn't there, but his wife Cassie, daughters Rebecca and Jennifer, and mother-in-law, Luella Chalmers, are there -- but acting peculiarly.
The women seem to want Quin to leave. Before Quin starts out again, Cyrus Stoner (the largest landowner in the area) arrives and threatens the family of women. He wants their land. When he fails to get the women to move, things start to happen on their land.
Quin decides he can't leave; he can see that Stoner won't quit until he has the Montgomery land. He also realizes that he's been in love with Cassie and the kids since hearing Ethan's tales of his wonderful family.
I don't normally give 5 stars to a romance of this type. However, it is so well done and so interesting, I can't give it less. The author develops each of the main characters with lots of interaction and meaningful dialogue.
The opening chapter sets the stage by introducing Quin McAllister, the Gambler, who shared awful accommodations in a Union prison camp with hundreds of other Confederate soldiers. Through his talent with cards, Quin was able to get extra food, blankets, etc., that helped keep soldiers alive. He became friends with the Preacher (Ethan Montgomery), who spent hours talking about his family.
In 1867, Quin gets a letter from Ethan, begging him to come to the Montana Territory and help work his mine. When Quin arrives, in a blizzard, things are very strange. Ethan isn't there, but his wife Cassie, daughters Rebecca and Jennifer, and mother-in-law, Luella Chalmers, are there -- but acting peculiarly.
The women seem to want Quin to leave. Before Quin starts out again, Cyrus Stoner (the largest landowner in the area) arrives and threatens the family of women. He wants their land. When he fails to get the women to move, things start to happen on their land.
Quin decides he can't leave; he can see that Stoner won't quit until he has the Montgomery land. He also realizes that he's been in love with Cassie and the kids since hearing Ethan's tales of his wonderful family.
I don't normally give 5 stars to a romance of this type. However, it is so well done and so interesting, I can't give it less. The author develops each of the main characters with lots of interaction and meaningful dialogue.
