Long and Short Reviews

Outlaw In Petticoats by Patty Jager
The Wild Rose Press, Cactus Rose
Historical
Full Length, Spicy
Review by Jasmine

Maeve Loman has had her heart crushed before; she isn't about to have it happen again. When she takes Zeke Halsey up on his offer to help her discover the truth about her father, she's sure she can control her traitorous body and not fall for the man's considerable charms.

Zeke Halsey has wanted Maeve Loman since he first set eyes on the prickly schoolteacher. Even as she thwarts his advances, he sees the desire burning in her eyes. He knows she feels abandoned and uses bravado to keep people at arm’s length. Offering to help her find her father, he hopes to prove he’s not going anywhere.

Neither one knows the extent to which they will stoop to get the answers they crave.

♥ ♥ ♥

Maeve Loman has always been afraid to trust anybody, especially men. After her father abandoned her mother and her to go mining, when she was young, she has also been suspicious of miners. When Zeke Halsey, a local miner starts courting her and asks for her hand in marriage, she wants to say “Yes” but her fears stop her. However, she finds the perfect excuse when she happens upon an incriminating photograph that states that Zeke’s father and her father were cousins.

Zeke Halsey cannot believe that Maeve and him are related. There is just now ay that is possible. So to prove her wrong he challenges her to a trip that will reveal the truth. He convinces Maeve to take a sabbatical from teaching and go back to the place where her father was last seen to determine the truth. Along the way they meet robbers, and gangs. These events strengthen their bond. But will their relationship grow to the point where Maeve will learn to trust him and his promises?

This was a touching story about love and trust. Ms. Jager writes a wonderful novel about finding love when all the odds are working against you. Filled with colorful and life-like characters, this story will sweep you into an uncivilized and exciting world where outlaws and gangs were as common as the dirt on the ground. The historical aspects of the novel with respect to mining add a touch of authenticity to the novel. For historical fans, this novel is highly recommended!

Comments:

Date: Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 9:32 PM

Your Name: Celia Yeary
Your Comment: Nice going, Paty! Nice to see those Western Historicals make the big time! Celia Yeary