Review: An absolutely engaging read!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 26, 2014
Told in multiple perspectives, A Game of Chance read like an imposing tapestry woven into the fascinating post-Civil War era in the American Old West, where tales of robberies and outlaws are as real as it gets, and everyone is out to discover the newest get-rich scheme, some through nefarious plans. Such is the story that captured my attention from the first page.The story begins with a young Cara Lee bemoaning her naivety as she was giving birth. Her husband, Gordon, was a charismatic ne'er-do-well who essentially tricked her into a marriage (that was fake) in order to obtain a child to prove to his grandfather, Max, of his respectability. What he didn't know was that his Cara Lee had given birth to a second son after his cold departure with the first, making Jed Stone and Cal Hart twin brothers who grew up similar to The Prince and the Pauper.Year later, Cal Hart has grown into a vicious outlaw who is forever trying to squeeze more money out of Max, and Jed had grown into an honorable man whose livelihood depends on his luck. Several cases of mistaken identities brings him into contact with Lily Frontiere, and the rest, they say, is history.This book was really fun to read. I loved all the fitting historical diction and characteristic dialogue, as well as the setting imagery which made the time period spectacularly alive. The multiple perspectives provided not only backgrounds for the characters, but also their mannerisms, their motivations and thoughts, which fueled their actions throughout the book. Most of all, I enjoyed how Jed and Lily came to fall in love in spite of their troubles and disguises, and how they were both surprised by their changed circumstances but managed to resiliently weather against that turbulence.Jed is a wonderful hero who had grown up an all-around great guy, never forgetting his orphaned past. He dedication to helping orphans was a nice sign of his humanity, which made him all the more winsome. Lily's character matches his in personality and spirit, both intelligent and resolute, striving for beyond instead of being caught up in self-pity.Combine great characterization, a highly engaging plot, fantastic writing set in a rich historical setting, and two devious villains, who can resist the allure of this novel? It seems that I'm forever discovering new authors to read, and Lauren Linwood has definitely made my list of authors whose books I need to read.*Review copy courtesy of the author through Tasty Book Tours; as always, this is my honest review.