|
BOOK REVIEW: Yellow Roses
|
||
|
Click cover to purchase book |
by: Linda Mae Baldwin Dancing Word Reviewer
Title: Yellow Roses Author: Carol Cox, DiAnn Mills, Darlene Mindrup, Kathleen Y'Barbo Publisher: Barbour ISBN 1-586-60113-X Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Romance This sweet anthology by various authors, Texas Rangers features in historical settings. In the first novella, “A Woman's Place” by Carol Cox, we meet Ranger Jake Thornton who is frustrated in his attempts to stall cattle thieves. Pretty Amelia Donovan knows that she has the answer. But Jake can=t seem to see past her unconventional behavior to her pure heart. During their first meeting: “Jake's travel weary eyes took in the sight of what appeared to be a female form, disheveled copper hair stringing across her eyes and alongside her face. Bits of matted straw fell from her boots with every step, marking her progress across the floor. Streaks of B Jake didn't know what they were and didn't think he wanted to find out B smeared the front of her dress.” Ranger Jake has not time or reason to pursue a relationship with a woman who clearly doesn't know her place. But God has other plans for the two. When Jake does finally see Amelia for who she is, the bond between the two grows. Favorite line: the above description of his first impression of her.. The second novella, “Serena's Strength” by DiAnn Mills, finds Serena Talbot at home with her mother, waiting the arrival of her father, Texas Ranger Captain Talbot and Texas Ranger Chet Wilkinson. Serena's father has no desire and no intention of letting his sheltered daughter marry a Texas Ranger. But Serena can't seem to keep Ranger Chet Wilkinson out of her thoughts. Ranger Wilkinson thinks Serena is a lot younger than she is and when he finds out the truth, he becomes interested in her. Through a series of incidents and mishaps, Serena and Chet find themselves where the Lord has put them, in the hearts of one another. They must find a way to convince her father that together is where the Lord intends them to be. Favorite line: “Certainly she wouldn't have to save him from a wild boar again to get him to notice her.” Third novella is “The Reluctant Fugitive” by Darlene Mindrup. April Hansen is happy living alone in her small town. When her brother shows up she is willing to do almost anything he asks. But robbing a bank wasn't in her plans. Taken by the robbers, she's left to be discovered by Texas Ranger Yellow Wolf Jackson. Texas Ranger Yellow Wolf is clearly not interested in April's story. He only wants to catch the gang and bring them to justice. As the two spend time together his heart softens and God touches his heart with the truth of April's involvement. Favorite line: “Unlike you, I'll take my chances with the law.” In the last novella, “Saving Grace” by Kathleen Y'Barbo, we find Captain Jedadiah Hare ready to resign as a Texas Ranger and serve God. But God has other plans. Grace Delaney is a widow, heavy with child. If it weren't for the baby and the other children, she'd throw herself in the river, as opposed to try to protect her river rights. When Jedidiah Hare shows up, she thinks God might be playing a nasty trick. Sending her a dead Ranger? The love between these two grows as slowly as he heals from his gunshot wounds. But what happens next is unexpected. The Lord is already a strong presence in each of their lives, and the author has done a great job weaving their two stories into one. Favorite line: “‘Once a ranger always a ranger,’ he said as he stepped over the corpse to fetch the Colt from the corner of the hallway.” Yellow Roses is a good read for the cool fall nights that are just ahead of us. |
|
