Review: Riveting Read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 28, 2013
Truthfully, I had no idea what to expect when I began Jessie's War. I've not read steam punk before, though I have read other books by Ms. Connors, and I enjoy a good western.The beginning of the book was unusual, in that the author did a extraordinary job of transferring the ugliness and heavy atmosphere of the setting, and the heartbreaking despondency of Jessie to the reader. I wouldn't say I enjoyed those first few chapters because how can you enjoy reading about someone else intense struggles and disappointments? I felt the weight of her sorrow and the hostility of her surroundings.I was snared, though; thoroughly intrigued by the seeming juxtaposition of the "old west" and technology I won't pretend I understood entirely.What truly made this a riveting read was the relationship between Jessie and Luke. Soul mates, destined for one another before time, at least to my way of thinking. They weren't all love and sweetness to each other. No, their bonding began as children, and life's disappointments and challenges, particularly the war between the Rebs and Confederacy, caused a multitude of hard feelings and distrust between them.Yet, Ms. Connors skillfully weaved a thread, a unbreakable, almost undefinable connection between Luke and Jessie. There were times I wanted to yell at each of them, and times their deep, timeless love was so moving, I got teary-eyed.The mystery and intrigue interspersed throughout the book, as well as some intense action scenes, had me on the edge of my seat, with my heart in my throat more than once. The Native American subplot was brilliantly done and added a wonderful dimension to the story.I love to read; have since I was very young, and my genre of choice is romance. I especially enjoy historical romance, and I can unequivocally say, this story impacted me more emotionally than any book I can remember in a very long time. I had a difficult time going to sleep after I finished it because I was so stirred.I'm sincere when I say this book is a must read. Whether you enjoy steam punk, westerns, historical...it doesn't matter. This is a superbly written love story that goes far beyond sex.I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.