The Keeper of the Western Door by Carla Kelly Mary Blue Eye, a Seneca Indian, has come west with Victoria Masterson after Victoria’s wedding. Although the girls grew up together back east, Mary finds that Victoria, influenced by others at the army fort where her husband is stationed, views Mary merely as a servant, not a friend. As such, Mary finds herself “volunteered” to make calico dresses for a calico ball to benefit victims of the Chicago fire. The only good thing about her overwhelming task is that she gets to spend time with Sergeant Blade, the one person on the reservation who seems to not only understand but also appreciate her.
I liked the message of the novella—namely that there are those close to home who could use help, not just those far away. I liked the plot as well, and I liked both Sarge and Mary. I didn’t totally love the writing style; I think it’s just a personal preference. I have a good friend who loves Carla Kelly’s stories but I haven’t had that experience with one of her stories yet. Again, I think that could just be personal preference regarding writing styles. So, three stars for this one from me, but I know there are lots of people who will really enjoy it.
A Convenient Arrangement by Sarah M. Eden
When Patrick Quinn’s mail-order bride arrives, he’s surprised by her diminutive size but pleased that she seems to be a hard worker. He’ll do his tasks, she’ll do hers, and things should work out just fine. His bride, Mirabella Smith, throws herself into work around the ranch, trying to appreciate all the good about it. She knows that she agreed to what is essentially a business relationship with Patrick, but she can’t help but long for more. When the women of the town organize a calico ball, Mirabelle hopes to have one her dreams—dancing, for the first time—come true.
I love Sarah Eden. She has such a great sense of humor—as evidenced by the opening paragraph to this story: “Before leaving for the annual cattle drive, Patrick Quinn sent telegrams to several Topeka establishments, placing orders for a whet stone, a cast-iron stove, four pairs of heavy work trousers, and a wife. He was really only particular about the trousers.” You know when you’re laughing out loud so early in a story that hints at good things to come, and there were plenty of good things to come. Mirabelle is awesome—feisty and strong and funny. Sarah Eden is also terrific at writing snappy dialogue, and this story did not disappoint. I loved the conversations. At the same time, there’s depth to the story, to the emotions of the characters. This was just such a fun story to read. Five stars!
Isabella's Calico Groom by Kristin Holt
The first time he saw Isabella Pattison, Henry Merritt was captivated—but that only lasted until her realized she was a dentist and therefore the competition. Needing every patient he can get, Henry doesn’t appreciate the defection of some of his patients to Dr. Pattison, and with his past experiences pushing him away from female professionals and toward women who would be fully invested in building a home and family, he has avoided ever talking to Dr. Pattison. However, when the mayor decides to hold a calico ball to celebrate Wyoming’s statehood and assigns the town’s professionals to organize it, Henry finds himself assigned to work with Isabella. When she catches him preparing for a trip to provide free dental care for orphans and widows in a local mining settlement, Isabella invites herself along. Finally forced to be near Isabella, Henry finds himself drawn to her more than ever.
This is the third of Kristin Holt’s novellas about professional women in Evanston, Wyoming, and like its predecessors, it gave an interesting look into the life of a female professional and into a profession in general. It was also enjoyable to read about Henry and Isabella’s developing feelings for each other. Four stars.
I’m really excited about the launch of a Western line of Timeless Romance Anthologies! This was a fun start to the line, and I can’t wait for more!
I read an arc from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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