Sandy M’s review of In Want of a Wife by Jo Goodman
Western Historical Romance published by Berkley 6 May 14
I am so happy to be back in Bitter Springs, Wyoming with these wonderful characters Jo Goodman has created. I get lost in their lives along the journey they take to healing their souls and finding love. Morgan and Jane need each other, though they don’t realize that right away. It’s a pleasure to watch them learn about one another, lean on each other, and fight for what they’ve built and what they never thought they’d have.
Since her parents’ deaths, Jane has been living with a cousin and her family, more a servant than a relative. Finding herself in trouble with no support, Jane answers an ad for a bride in Wyoming and has been corresponding with her prospective groom before she begins her trip from New York. Upon meeting Morgan Longstreet, well, it doesn’t go exactly as she expected.
Morgan actually feels betrayed – the woman he’s expecting from the picture she sent is not the woman who steps off the train. What I like about these characters the most is they talk one another. They don’t let things fester between them; there’s no misunderstandings. They’re both plain spoken and upfront about nearly every issue that crops up. Morgan does keep some information close to the vest when it appears his past is about to crash into the happiness he’s recently discovered, but Jane doesn’t let him get away with much.
That brings me to the dialogue at which Ms. Goodman is such a master. Pages of fun banter, serious conversations, and familial rapport. Where most authors impart information paragraph after paragraph, Jo Goodman’s dialogue between characters is chockful of everything necessary to move each and every scene along at the perfect pace for the reader. I find myself grinning at Morgan’s consternation every time he gets caught up in a verbal bruhaha with Jane. He just can’t win. Her sass is one of my favorite things in the book, as is the sass of all Goodman heroines.
Then there’s the secondary characters, and my favorites are Finn and Rabbit. Yes, I say that in every review for each book they’ve appeared in, but they are such fun and I enjoy the heck out of them. They always get into scrapes, but this time around it’s a bit more serious than ever before. As it is for all concerned, especially Morgan and Jane. They’re all resourceful and keep their cool, which is how you had to be in this era or you wouldn’t survive very long.
Ms. Goodman always pens the perfect western romance. I’m a new fan of only the last few years – if you can believe that! – and I now anticipate every new book, knowing how I will devour every word as quickly as I can. Be sure to visit with Morgan and Jane soon. You’ll be glad you did.
Grade: A+
Summary:
SHE HAS NOWHERE LEFT TO TURN
Jane Middlebourne needs a way out. In 1891, life in New York is unforgiving for a young woman with no prospects, especially when her family wants nothing to do with her. So when Jane discovers an ad for a mail-order bride needed in Bitter Springs, Wyoming, she responds with a hopeful heart.
HE HAS EVERYTHING TO LOSERancher Morgan Longstreet is in want of a wife who will be his partner at Morning Star, someone who will work beside him and stand by him. His first impression of the fair and fragile Jane is that she is not that woman. But when she sets out to prove him wrong, the secrets he cannot share put into jeopardy every happiness they hope to find.
Read an excerpt.
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