Sandy M’s review of Under a Falling Star (Prairie Hearts, Book 4) by Caroline Fyffe
Historical Western Romance published by Montlake Romance 8 Dec 15
I have thoroughly enjoyed Caroline Fyffe’s books since the very first one I read, Where the Wind Blows. She has the knack for western romance, plunking the reader down right in the middle of the old west and making you feel like you’re experiencing everything her characters come up against. So if you’re a western romance fan, don’t miss this latest story in her Prairie Hearts series. Shoot, even if you’re not a fan, try it anyway. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
We meet the main characters in this story after a hair-raising and tragic train accident just outside of Logan Meadows. Susanna is the newest resident, having left a life of misery to start new one among these kind and generous people while keeping her past a secret. A local couple has just said ” I Do” and the wedding reception is underway when the accident happens, turning their reception hall into a makeshift hospital. Sheriff Albert Preston has his secrets too and keeps them as close to the vest just as Susanna does. He’s awaiting the news of his divorce any day now so that he can finally court the pretty lady properly. But a huge wrench is about to be thrown their way with the appearance of Dalton Babcock, a man from Susanna’s hometown and who knows her past. He’s also a guard on the train, slated with getting a million bucks to its final destination. Though that’s a lot of pressure, he’s a bit happy that he’s come across Susanna again.
I thoroughly enjoyed those beginning scenes from wedding wonder to train tragedy. The chaos and challenges in the accident aftermath is well done, moving into the caring and kindness of strangers to those in dire need. It’s amid all this that Logan Meadows’ love triangle begins. I have to say I was quite surprised at the vagueness with which the reader is given at who Susanna will choose. If I hadn’t read the blurb, I would have been guessing for most of the book which man is actually our hero. But it becomes more clear as Albert struggles with, first, the delay in gaining his freedom and, second, Susanna’s disillusionment with him when she learns his secret – which is revealed when Albert’s son suddenly appears. That is a twist I certainly didn’t see coming, and I really enjoyed the father-son scenes, especially because Albert has no idea how to be father, but he stumbles along just beautifully.
The one thing I struggled with is Susanna’s oscillation when it comes to Albert and Dalton, though she professes to love Albert. Her background gives her fits where men are concerned, but even after Albert’s past is discovered, I wanted her to stand by him, especially since she’s still actively keeping her own secrets. Thus, she’s a bit wishy-washy and hypocritical in her attitude at the karmic bits life has thrown at her, which makes it hard to warm up to her for quite a while. It’s a good thing she straightens up when she does, because I was beginning to mutter and mumble at the pages as I read, not something I do very often. Well, maybe Ms. Fyffe actually did her job quite well, getting an emotional reaction out of me, even if it’s not one I wanted to experience at the time.
The mystery of the train accident keeps you guessing, along with Albert and Dalton. And that million bucks finally sitting in the town bank? A job well done at keeping the villains under wraps until the very last minute – as well as their unexpected take-down. Great scenes back at the train at the end of the book.
Despite Susanna’s attitude that made me want to give her a good talkin’ to, I had another wonderful visit to Logan Meadows, Wyoming.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Wyoming Territory, April 1883
After a disastrous marriage, Sheriff Albert Preston never expects to fall in love again…until a feisty, take-charge young woman sneaks past his defenses. Now, he’d like nothing more than to make Susanna Robinson his wife. But when a train crashes just outside of town, the secrets it carries threaten to derail his plans for a happy future.
Susanna Robinson adores everything about her new hometown of Logan Meadows. She loves her job at the café, the beauty of the night sky over Wyoming, and the handsome lawman by her side. But after learning a hard lesson about fickle hearts from her mother’s bad example, she doubts she can commit to Albert. And when Albert’s shocking secret comes to light, all her fears are confirmed. Will his steadfast, tender heart and gallant ways be enough to rebuild her trust in him?
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
