Image

Image
Welcome. Toss a blanket down, sit for a while under the willow, relax, and enjoy what's written below.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Friday, November 1, 2013

Book Review: New Release by Charlene Whitman "Colorado Promise"


I was asked to read and review Colorado Promise. I must state upfront that of all the genres written, Westerns and Romance rank very close to the bottom of my list of favorites. However, that being said, I have to admit I loved this book and found it very hard to put down. It definitely rates the five stars I have given it.


It begins in the summer of 1875, in New York City, where young Emaline Bradshaw is making plans to attend college and draw plants and flowers to be bound in books as a career. Those plans are shattered when her father announces the entire family is moving immediately to the Colorado territory for a calmer, safer life.

If you are expecting this Western to be a wild shoot-em-up with bar brawls every other chapter you will want to look elsewhere. Ms. Whitman has written a realistic story of the lives of the residents of Greely, Colorado. Also, this is not a sappy romantic story. It is rich with the nuances of first loves and old loves and the love of the country.

That's not to say there isn't plenty of action in this book. It is far from boring. It is a page turner from the first through the last. Ms. Whitman takes her readers on a wonderful ride through the past.

The pace is quick where it needs to be and slows for her readers to catch their breaths before the plot begins to unfold fast before their eyes. It is never dull during the action scenes or gentle scenes. I believe much research went into this book. It reads realistically without a lot of unbelievable drama.

The plot is well done. It moves steadily through the book and there are many sub-plot lines that flow smoothly along with the main story-line. The plot lines never clash or tangle leaving the reader wondering what is happening.
Ms. Whitman's characters are wonderfully written. She is descriptive not only in their appearances but their personalities. Each character is unique and brings something important to the story.

Last, but not least is Ms. Whitman's descriptive writing of what the Colorado territory was like back in the late 1700's. From describing the town to the small details about a horse's saddle, you begin to feel as if you are alongside Emma as she travels from her old life and begins her new.

I am happy Ms. Whitman is writing a series. I will be first in line to grab a copy of the next book and read it. Don't miss this book. You won't regret reading it.

Happy reading.

Link to Charlene's Book "Colorado Promise"