Lesley Poling-Kempes

This complex, multi-layered mystery is set in modern day New Mexico. However, we learn much about the past and legends in this novel.

Charlotte is a very stable and reliable teacher who comes to Agua Dulce, New Mexico from New York. She learns the legends of the wild horses haunting the area, and the ravens that embody ancestors. Charlotte also learns shocking things about her own mother’s past. When she becomes the target of a crazed killer, she finds love with a cowboy.

Nothing is simple show more here, however. There are many twists and turns in this story. The characters are colourful and very real. They live by legend, tradition, and family history. They struggle with issues of today, such as poverty, education, substance abuse, religious beliefs, and environmental issues.

Lesley Poling-Kempes writes with emotion, respect and knowledge of the Southwest and New Mexico. She shares the raw beauty of the landscape and its wildlife. She also brings to life the people and their traditions. This is a very unique and special novel. show less

A thoroughly researched, historical treatise on Fred Harvey's creation of hospitality stops along the Santa Fe railroad from Kansas to the Grand Canyon and to San Francisco. The first hand stories, from Harvey Girls which were included, along with photos made this a very interesting read. What an important part of history and the building of the West that these folks created and participated in. I am very inspired and want to visit many of the locations detailed that are still there but may show more have been remodeled and repurposed. show less

Interesting, enlightening, thought-provoking, coincidental! Thoroughly researched! A story about independent, Eastern, talented, cultured, usually moneyed women who find their way to new lives in New Mexico. My only problem was keeping track of the women and their stories.

Another excellent Lesley Poling-Kempes book. This one, however, seemed to start out a little slow and it was hard to get into the detail of the history of the Abiquiu area. Once I got into the book, it was very interesting, in fact, enlightening, as I became amazed at all the history of northern New Mexico that I've never had any clue about.