Jennie L. Hansen

In general, I try to avoid religious fiction, regardless of the religion. This book pretty well reaffirmed why I do that. It came across as preachy and at times, self-righteous. I really wish the author had left out the religious part. I recognize that it's a big part of her life, especially as I share the same religion and am very active in my church. I just think that in this case, the story would have been better served to leave it out.

I also didn't really connect with the action going show more on. It just seemed so contrived and so seat-of-your-pants. Every time the characters would come through one challenge, another (bigger and better, of course) would present itself and they'd miraculously come through it as well. They're not unscathed, which was nice, but still. Seriously? I just couldn't swallow it.

Here's what did work for me: the way Jennie Hansen presented domestic violence. She was careful to treat it with respect, while not glorifying it in any way. She showed very well that any group of people, regardless of religion, race, social status, economic status, can be affected by domestic violence. She showed how the victim loses themselves in trying to please their abuser and how they end up distancing themselves from the people who could help them. That part of the story was compelling and the reason that I give this book a 'meh' rating and not something else. show less

Amazon Overview: When tragedy strikes Southbridge plantation, young Clayton and his brother, Travis, are forced from the only home they’ve ever known. Fleeing the drunken rage of their grandfather, with bounty hunters and horse thieves thick on their trail, the boys and their father try to eke out a lonely life as fugitives and cowboys. As Clayton nears adulthood, his greatest desire is for a strong and stable family, but his father’s death and his brother’s departure leave him more show more alone than ever. Seeking for roots, Clayton visits Southbridge en route to college and kneels on his mother’s grave, only to be accosted by a gun-wielding girl named Lucy, whose father will stop at nothing to make the plantation his own. Can Clayton realize his deepest desires of marrying the woman he loves, having a family, and reclaiming the plantation that is his rightful heritage?

My Review: This is one I find difficult to add much information to. There was so much injustice but then that is the way things have always gone for many in life. One just does what one can to flourish ad survive.

This begins a strange and slightly unpredictable friendship between Clayton and Lucy. About the time one thinks the story is about to end it "picks up" in a different direction. Does the conflicts ever really get resolved? This is a question I considered most of the way through the book.

Jenny Hansen is an amazing author, yet I feel this wasn't one of her best works. I say that only because the ending was weak and unsettling. I am sure this is because it is the beginning of a series, but even then, she usually ends strong.

I still feel good in giving this a strong Four Stars rating. show less

The setting of this historical novel is in the late 1800s, after the Mexican/American War. Unrest still existed and flare-ups by the Mexicans and by Indians occasionally occurred. There was often much resentment by the Mexicans toward the Americans, but this was not the case in a small New Mexico town where the Sebastian Hacienda was located. Therefore, it was upsetting to some when Don Sebastian sold the land to an American - Ross Adams - with a stipulation he marry Don's granddaughter, show more Lliana, and their son become heir. The bordering neighbor - Ben Purdy - was especially angry..He must have that land or be destroyed!

Travis Telford was a cowboy who headed round-ups of horses to sell to the Americans. He discovered the Sebastian ranch to have some of the finest horses he often included in the round-up. He soon became friends with Mr. & Mrs Adams and soon after, he became more involved in their family than he ever dreamed possible.

This tale has a lot of action and suspense. The author effectively intertwines the lives and individual situations in her usual well-written, smooth manner. This book will not disappoint the reader!

The Title has a definite connection to the plot. The book cover is "fitting" except too dark to be eye-catching. If it were lighter and more defined it would be much more effective in attracting readers. The characterizations were very well create and realistic. The background scenes were described in a clear way so the reader could easily visualize them.

My review of this books offers a Four and a Half Stars rating. show less

What a WONDERFUL tale this story weaves!

Trust and Betrayal!
Hopes and Fears!
Longing for a Home and Loving to go Home!

Iliana Teresa Angelica Medina Sebastian has just turned 15 and it falls upon her to produce an heir for her grandfathers ranch.

She will marry to keep her families honorable heritage.

Ross Adams know that the ranch belonging to the Spanish aristocrat is everything he has ever dreamed about owning and has contracted to run the ranch and marry Don Sebastians granddaughter.

Ben's show more ranch boarders the Sebastian ranch and he will do anything to acquire both the ranch and the granddaughter.

Travis Telford is a horse runner and is looking forward to the day he can settle down with a wife and a ranch of his own.

Wait until you see how the author entwines the lives of these 4 people together...SO GOOD!

A hard book to put down :)
LOVED IT! show less