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Sunday, June 26, 2011
My review of Love Finds You in Calico, California by Elizabeth Ludwig.
About the book:
A young seamstress weaves her own story in a world run by men. After hearing news of a silver strike in Calico, California, Abigail Watts packs up her needles and thread and follows her beloved father out West. But when she’s suddenly left alone in the rough mining town, Abigail finds herself pressed into a marriage of convenience with the local livery owner, Nathan Hawk. Determined to uncover the mystery surrounding her father’s death in the mines, Abigail agrees to stay in Calico. But when the truth sets her free, she must decide whether to leave the town - and Nathan - for good.
My review:
More like 4.5 stars...
This story was engaging from the first page. I'd wanted to read it sooner but got backed up with other commitments. Having said that, I really enjoyed the mining theme in this story. There are a lot of mining towns in Arizona and I've toured several mines, so I totally understand the terror one feels in the complete absence of light. I don't know how people could stand to work in mines all day without going crazy. That said, I found the love story tender and enthralling, and the fact that the hero was a liveryman rather than a miner, a bit of a relief. The author does an excellent job with setting and historical themes. I was well-grounded in the time period.
I felt the deep sense of loss Abigail felt when tragedy befell her family because of the mine. I didn't want to see the heroine worried about the same fate for Nathan. The fact that I cared about the heroine as much as I did says a lot about the book. Nathan's daughter Lizzie was a total sweetheart, too, even if somewhat precocious like young children tend to be. The way the author intertwined the plot with mystery themes was well done. The story felt a bit like a historical whodunit with an amateur sleuth and all of the elements of danger that a classic mystery contains. The author is obviously gifted in this area. The ending was tender and sweet and made me smile. An all-around delightful story. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.
Love Finds You in Calico, California was published by Summerside Press and released in July 2010.
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3 comments:
Love this book site! I assume you're a friend of Nikhole Hahn?
God bless your great work here!!
Bernie Lutchman
www.bernielutchman.blogspot.com
I know several Nicoles, but none with that spelling. Thanks for the comment.
I'm thrilled that you enjoyed Love Finds You in Calico, California! Thanks for work you do spreading the word about Christian fiction.
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