Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Angel and the Outlaw by Kathryn Albright
Historical western romance released by Harlequin Historical 01 Dec 2007
As a fan of American-settings and western romances, I’ve often wondered why authors/publishers don’t use the state of California more often. It really is a locale that offers a wealth of possibilities – from the gold rush, to the mountains, to the coast-line, to the desert, to large cities, to the middle of nowhere – California in the 19th century was a fascinating place. This was the main reason why I was so drawn to Kathryn Albright’s debut. She sets this story near San Diego, along the southern California coast line, and gives the troubled hero the job of maintaining the local lighthouse.
Rachel Houston has heard the rumors and whispers about light keeper Stuart Taylor. He lives out at the lighthouse with his mute daughter, only venturing into town when absolutely necessary. The man keeps to himself, and likes it that way. Rachel figures the man can do as he pleases, but not when it’s harming his young daughter, Hannah. The girl doesn’t speak, but that doesn’t mean she’s deaf or stupid. The girl needs an education and she needs to develop social skills. Plus, as the local school teacher, Rachel feels it’s her duty to get every child into her classroom.
Stuart would rather eat worms that subject Hannah to school. He’s has nothing against education, just the idea of forcing his daughter into the company of the “good” townsfolk who whisper behind their backs. Plus there’s the small matter of his past. Stuart is in hiding, and doesn’t want to be found. The less attention they receive the better. However, he’s intrigued by the independent-minded Rachel, so he strikes a bargain with her. She’ll come to the lighthouse and tutor Hannah privately, and he’ll help straighten out her increasingly rebellious teenage brother, Caleb.
The main issue with this story is one that befalls quite a few debut novels – the pacing is a bit off. The author has a number of secondary characters, and several different sources of conflict – including Caleb’s antics, Stuart’s past, Hannah’s inability to speak, Rachel’s unwanted suitor, and Stuart’s reputation with the townsfolk. It’s a little bit too much for a story the length of a Harlequin Historical, which means while the author is setting the wheels in motion, readers have to wait on the romance.
The largest bit of conflict involves Stuart’s past, and the fact that people are looking for him. What I never quite figured out was why he never left the state of California (if you have to live near the coast, there’s always the east coast), and why he didn’t get more imaginative with changing his name. Hey, changing your name was as easy as changing your underwear back in the good old days. One would think he could have come up with something better than Stuart Taylor, when his real name is Matthew Stuart Taylor. Geez.
Other than these quibbles, this is a fast, easy read. Rachel is my kind of heroine, strong, independent, and one who will stand up to those who try to run roughshod over her. Hannah is cute and precocious without being obnoxious and Caleb is your typical teenage boy – all gangly limbs and eager to make mischief. Stuart and Rachel set off the necessary sparks one expects from a romantic couple, and the final chapter is a nice touch. A pleasant debut read, and a nice beginning for a new author.
Grade: B-
Summary: He wants her as his bride – but the law wants him!
No one asks the dark, brooding stranger about his past. People gossip, but daren’t question. He and his young daughter live alone – and that’s the way Stuart Taylor wants…needs it to stay.
When the spirited new schoolteacher, Rachel Houston, is touched by Stuart’s shy little girl, who’s never uttered a word, everything starts to change. Stuart’s surly manner doesn’t worry Rachel – she can see the vulnerability hidden in the depths of his blue eyes. She’s convinced there’s more to the rugged, handsome stranger’s story. But when the truth comes out, has Rachel the courage to stand by her man?
