Sandy M’s review of Texas Twilight (McCutcheon Family Series, Book 2) by Caroline Fyffe
Historical Western Romance published by Caroline Fyffe 2 Oct 11

Once again Caroline Fyffe has given readers a touching and romantic, as well as mysterious and dangerous, historical western read. Her writing has a soft lilt, even for the often harsh old west, that snags your attention every time. Characters both strong and caring delve deep into your soul, making you pray that everything turns out the way it should be for them. After retrieving her rights from Dorchester, after all the drama that took place there, I’m so glad Ms. Fyffe went the distance and published this book herself, because readers need books like this and the ones before it.

This story starts off with a bang. A bunch of them, in fact, when John and Lily’s stagecoach is attacked by Comancheros on its way to Rio Wells, Texas, where John is to become the town doc and Lily and her aunt will be opening a seamstress shop. The ensuing scenes are fast paced and exciting. We get to meet John and Lily under high-pressure circumstances, seeing how well they work together. But, unfortunately, John is engaged to be married. Starting a life in Rio Wells, a place to bring his fiance and to raise a family, is his dream. Suddenly, however, life has taken on a totally different slant from what he’s been envisioning lately. John does try his best to keep his focus on the plans he’s made, but seeing Lily every day doesn’t help.

What John doesn’t know, and Lily either to some extent, is she and her Aunt Harriett are on the run. Lily knows something is wrong, but it’s the what and the why that her aunt hasn’t told her. When she discovers a rare gem in Harriett’s belongings, some of the puzzle pieces begin to fit. She doesn’t want to run again; what she’s found in Rio Wells, even if she can’t grab hold of a portion of it, is the closest to home she’s felt since leaving Germany. But then the bottom totally falls out of her plans when she learns the shop they are to lease has been given to someone else and that evil banker will not honor her previous agreement with the prior landowner. It’s John who comes to her aid, making solutions to the problems seem so easy. The townsfolk too chip right in to help Lily and her aunt become part of the community. Their shop is finally up and running. Being near John is enough for now. Life is good.

As happens in the wild, wild west, though, life takes another sharp turn when someone comes looking for the stolen gem. Danger lurks all around, not knowing who to turn to when it’s discovered even the law can’t be trusted. And in the midst of everything, the day that Lily has dreaded comes. John’s fiance decides to make the trip to Rio Wells before John is ready for her. Lily’s heart will never be the same.

I do enjoy these two, and we know something will happen that will allow them to be together. I like the way Ms. Fyffe handles that, straightforward and honest, no machinations for hurt feelings and misunderstandings. There’s a little holding back between John and Lily later in the book, and I know it’s there for conflict, but I don’t want that for them. It does work out, of course, perhaps making them stronger, so my humble opinion of it all may not work for some of you.

The secondary characters are fun and there’s a couple of evils ones amid them all. I like the side story we get with Charity, John’s sister who pays him a surprise visit, and Brandon, her questionable beau from back home. Charity is a strong woman. She grew up with brothers and she learned a lot from them, shooting, riding, you name it. She and Brandon have one of those push-pull relationships, and when he finds out what’s she done, he’s right on her tail, which doesn’t make her happy at all. But they sure are fun and quite emotional near the end. Enjoyed them a lot, and hope they get their own book down the road.

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating – if you’re an historical western fan, you must read Caroline Fyffe’s books. They’re true to the period, they’re romantic, they’re fun, and they’re written beautifully. So don’t delay picking them up!

Grade: B+

Summary:

Fresh out of medical school, John McCutcheon finds his stagecoach under attack by brutal outlaws.  With the help of a feisty acquaintance, Lily Anthony, he manages to fend off the assault. Lily is attracted to the charming cowboy-doctor, with his chiseled good looks and teasing ways, then heartbroken to learn he’s engaged to be married.

Once settled in Rio Wells, Texas, John tries to ignore the fact that his cousin has taken a shine to Lily.  When a bounty hunter shows up looking for a priceless jewel that Lily has found stashed away in her aunt’s belongings, Lily fears her dreams of owning her own shop–and of finding true love–are about to go up in flames…or, could that just be the glow of a beautiful … Texas Twilight?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: