A Novel with Thoughts and Ponderings

THE INDEPENDENT BRIDE

Author: Leigh Greenwood ISBN:0843952350 3/2004 HISTORICAL Publisher: DORCHESTER
Time Period: Old West

The Independent Bride by Leigh GreenwoodColorado Territory, 1868: It was about as rough-and-ready as the West could get, a place and time almost as dangerous as the men who left civilization behind, driven by a desire for land, gold...a new life.

Fort Lookout: It was a rugged outpost where soldiers, cattlemen and Indians lived on the edge of open warfare, the last place any woman in her right mind would choose to settle.

Abby: She is everything a man should avoid—with a figure made for temptation, a face of beauty and an expression of stubborn determination. Colonel Bryce McGregor knew there was no room for such a woman at his fort or in his heart. But no matter how many obstacles he put in her path, Abby was determined to make a go of her father's store. And as she received proposal after proposal from his troops, Bryce realized the only man he could allow her to marry is himself.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Abby Pierce is that she is definitely independent. As the title suggests, the story surrounds Abby and her various exploits in the old west, eventually leading up to her marriage. I enjoyed Abby's character and her determination. Being a woman of society thrown into the west with her sister and trying to make a living in a man's world would seem an impossible task, but not for Abby. After being deeply hurt by her fiancé she has vowed never to let another man into her heart. We all know what that means. She will fall in love with the handsome Colonel, of course!

Colonel Bryce McGregor is a very likable character. He struggles between doing his duty and falling in love with this strong-willed woman who is so determined to make it on her own without a man's help. Bryce's daughter Pamela grates a bit on the nerves but what 7 year old doesn't? Moriah, Abby's sister however is a simpering ninny who should head back to St. Louis on the first stage. She is probably my one gripe with the story. I just could not take any more of her.

When Abby and Bryce finally realize they love each other, I cheer. I'll admit the tent scene had me tapping my foot rapidly as the pages heated up. When Abby's past comes into the story, I was worried it would turn into a Big Misunderstanding ending, but instead I was pleasantly surprised. I give it a four rose rating.

Lisa Munoz

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