Review: Heartwarming western tale
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 9, 2014
Liam Anderson believed he had lost his heart and his religion when his wife Mary died, leaving him with Hannah and David. Now his children mean the world to him, but they are leaving their Missouri home and heading west, hoping he can run from painful memories. If not, he fears he’ll lose his mind.The night before he plans to leave, his two younger brothers arrive. Zach just saved Jake from being captured by troops for killing his fiancée. They explain that Jake actually shot the man who raped her while the man who helped the rapist escaped. The villain who ran away is an officer at Fort Leavenworth, and Jake and Zach fear for their lives. Without delay, the family loads up and leaves that night for Deadwood in Dakota Territory.Miss Eleanor Smith is a thirty two year old spinster who assists her father, Reverend Nathaniel Smith, with his ministry. She is no shy shrinking violet, but helps any who need her, including the soiled doves. For the twenty two years since her mother’s death, Ellie and her father have lived in the back of the large tent he uses for church services. She also teaches school there in the daytime. She believes her chance has passed, yet she still dreams of a house where she can create a real home, complete with husband and children.Deadwood was supposed to be a fresh start for the Andersons, but trouble followed them. Doesn’t it always?I was given a copy of the book by the publisher for a fair review.