Review: Decent Writing, Decent Story
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 19, 2013
A quick read, the book is good and brings to the fore the idea that pioneer women were considered old maids if they weren't married by the age of 20.  And, if not married, the unmarried woman--according to this book--considered herself rather plain and a spinster when remaining unwed as one neared the age of 30.As it is a quick read, it also reads as if it were written quickly with the basic idea communicated with a few passages nicely providing good descriptions but mostly just telling a story of an unmarried spinster storeowner being forced to either marry or lose her store, then being attacked by an assailant mistaken for a man that doesn't talk and whom everyone believes to be crazy.  While Hallie eventually straightens out the misconception, the story line is related in a straightforward manner where the challenges are reflected in a manner that doesn't beat around the bush or use flowery language to infuse a romance that most likely would never have happened in a manner that other novels in this genre would offer.When Crazy Jake is badly injured when attempting to assist Hallie, she feels beholden to the man and works to nurse him even though he does not welcome her nor even, at times, be aware that she is there.  As time continues, they learn much about each other and will eventually be forced to again defend each other against an unwarranted attack.  The story is recommended for anyone liking a good, basic romance in a pioneer setting.