This is book two in the Stone Creek series. It does feature characters from the first book, but could read as a stand alone.
Lark Morgan and Rowdy Rhodes are instantly attracted to each other, but both sense the other has secrets. They're both right; each has a dangerous past they are trying to escape. I found this to be a sweet romance and I really liked both Lark and Rowdy. However, I felt like the story dragged in some parts, which is why I rated it a 3.5 instead of 5.
Everyone in the tiny town of Stone Creek seems to have secrets. Lark Morgan has been the school teacher in town for 3 months; shes jumpy -- especially when new people come to town.
Everyone agrees that Rowdy Rhodes has to be a made-up name. One day, he marches into town and becomes the town marshal. Hes hiding who he really is and the extra job that hes been hired to do.
Lark and Rowdy recognize that the other person is living a lie. However, there is an attraction between them that they hesitate to act on because of their secrets.
Other folks have secrets: the boarding house landlady, Mrs. Porter; the Chinese couple, Hop Sing and Mai Lee; even Pappy Yarbro. The only creature without ulterior motives seems to be the dog: Pardner.
Miller did a really nice job with the Chinese couple -- showing how difficult it was for immigrants to be accepted. Hop Sing was a surgeon/physician in China; however, he was a laborer in one of the saloons to earn money in America.
The plot line is interesting and multi-layered. As in the last book, The Man from Stone Creek, scenes flow easily into each other and the dialogue rings true. This is a much stronger and satisfying book than the first novel in this series. I enjoyed it a great deal.
Stone Creek Series
1. The Man from Stone Creek (2006)
2. A Wanted Man (2007)
3. The Rustler (2008)
4. The Bridegroom (2009)
5. A Stone Creek Christmas (2008)
6. At Home in Stone Creek (2009)
Usually I don't go for books where people are hiding their identities but it worked really well here. The characters were endearing and much were victims of their circumstances. Very enjoyable.
This is another well-told tale by Ms. Miller. I enjoyed it when it was first published in 2008. This is a re-release apparently, so don't be fooled.
