Review: Good, but Could be Better.....***3 1/2 Stars***
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 19, 2013
I totally agree with Luigi1012's review where she said that the story seemed to lack some storyline.  The romance between Reed and Kit is too rushed.....not the amount of time it takes them to fall in love, which is only a few days, but the romance itself.  The book is set in South Dakota some time in the late 1800's, I think.  The events occur right before Christmas, but this isn't a "Christmas" story as such....by which I mean the story doesn't focus on the fact that it's Christmas or anything like that.  Reed, the hero, is a widower.  His wife died in childbirth and he has a 9 month old baby girl, Ellie.  As if that isn't enough sorrow for one man to endure, poor Reed is also losing his ranch and must vacate the property by the first of the year.  The heroine, Kit, moved to South Dakota with her husband to start a farm.  While on their journey the two are set upon by Indians.  Kit survived, but John did not.  Reed finds Kit on his land buried in the snow and nurses her back to health.  The two spend a few days together stuck in Reed's cabin during the snowstorm and fall in love.  Unfortunately, other than a scene here and there during the days they are together, the reader doesn't really get to see much of the time Reed and Kit spend together.  As a result, when the two confessed their love for each other I was surprised because I didn't realize that their feelings had already arisen to that level.  Had I been able to read more about the days they spent together, rather than the author skipping over days, it would have made a much more satisfying read.  Overall I enjoyed this book.  With a little more story to the plot, it could have been, IMHO, a phenomenal read.  I mean what little there is really good! This is the fourth book I've read by this author.  She is a fairly new author, I think, but she definitely has talent.  I look forward to more works from her.  "The Orphan Bride's Gift" is an enjoyable read.  Not great, but good.  It's another solid contribution from Rebecca Tilley and a worthwhile read. My favorite Tilley book, however, is still "The Last Betrayal" which is a mail order bride western.