FOXFIRE BRIDE

Author: Maggie Osborne ISBN: 0804119929 12/2004 HISTORICAL Publisher: BALLANTINE BOOKS

Fox is a woman as feisty as they come. Once the most sought-after scout west of the Rockies, she led folks through wild, unexplored terrain–until a gunshot wound ended her guiding career. She’s living a calmer life when a handsome stranger appears with an urgent request to take him to Denver immediately. The gold coins he offers catch Fox’s eye–and so do his sharp good looks. Fox can’t resist the chance to guide again, and can’t ignore the fire that burns in her body whenever she sees this oh-so tempting man. Matthew Tanner has received a startling telegraph: His father is being held for ransom in Denver. With time running out, Matthew must find the best scout money can buy. When the best turns out to be a woman with gritty good looks and a wild mane of red hair, Matthew is both shocked and intrigued. Can Matthew and Fox’s mutual desire and growing love survive the perils of their journey, or will their secrets destroy each other?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Maggie Osborne has always been my favorite western author. Her complex characters and ability to weave multiple plotlines into one mesmerizing story has always left me in awe. Her historical romances have set high standards for other authors to work toward and achieve.

And perhaps, therein, lies a bit of my problem, for FOXFIRE BRIDE just didn't quite reach that lofty height. Close, but just a little bit shy of the bullseye.

It's not the story that disappointed me. In that respect, Ms. Osborne treats us to an interesting, entertaining and atmospheric tale set shortly after the Civil War. And even though I guessed the little "surprise" relationship that came to play toward the ending, way in advance of it coming to light, the story still held my interest.

No, it was simply the character of Fox that ground me down to ashes. Her attitude seemed more abrasive than feisty, most of the time, as well as spoiled, spiteful and in need of a good turn over someone's knee. Yes, I know, she had good reason for all that pent-up frustration and hatred, and without it there wouldn't have been much of a plotline. But that young gal and I just didn't, and couldn't, get along. Nor could I see someone as patient and likeable as Tanner hooking up with such an energetic and highstrung filly. However, the rest of the cast, especially Peaches (Fox's best friend and father figure), were standard Osborne fare—interesting, likeable, true-to-life and perfectly placed. Her excellent use of dialogue, touches of humor, and attention to historical details about life in the Midwest and frontier mining during that time, are what merit a 4 Rose Read nod from me.

While FOXFIRE BRIDE is not the best Osborne, in my opinion—and I've read them all—this tale of a woman's quest for vengeance, and the men who loved her, is still a better-than-average read. After all, it is written by Maggie Osborne, for goodness sakes...and that's all that needs to be said. *G*

Nancy Davis