This book earned the 1988 Rita Award for Best Novel and for good reason. This is another incredible story by LaVyrle Spencer.
Agatha Downing is a unique type of American western lady. She does not look down on the 3 former prostitutes; she eventually looks upon them as friends. Because she is a lady, she is hampered by the prohibitions inherent in that title. Its obvious that she would like to break out of that mold from time-to-time, but generally, she is a woman of intelligence, spunk and fashion.
Scott Gandy is a wonderful character; handsome, charming and flawed. When his wife and daughter died, he started to coast. Because it was too hard to stay at his familys plantation (where he was so happy with his wife and daughter), he drifted from one area to another finally winding up in Proffitt, Kansas.
One amazing thing about him is that Gandy always sees it as his responsibility to find a way for all 8 of his new family (actually employees) to stay together. When challenged by the Ladys Temperance Society, he shows guile and a wry sense of humor. Whenever they confront him and his business, he has a ready and clever response.
The child Willy allows Agatha and Scott to move from antagonistic adversaries to cautious friends. This book takes longer than usual to tell its tale; but I appreciated the fact that the author realized that it takes time for the couple to move from being so different to being in love.
This is a moving story that will resonate with the reader a long time. Simply Beautiful!
Agatha Downing is a unique type of American western lady. She does not look down on the 3 former prostitutes; she eventually looks upon them as friends. Because she is a lady, she is hampered by the prohibitions inherent in that title. Its obvious that she would like to break out of that mold from time-to-time, but generally, she is a woman of intelligence, spunk and fashion.
Scott Gandy is a wonderful character; handsome, charming and flawed. When his wife and daughter died, he started to coast. Because it was too hard to stay at his familys plantation (where he was so happy with his wife and daughter), he drifted from one area to another finally winding up in Proffitt, Kansas.
One amazing thing about him is that Gandy always sees it as his responsibility to find a way for all 8 of his new family (actually employees) to stay together. When challenged by the Ladys Temperance Society, he shows guile and a wry sense of humor. Whenever they confront him and his business, he has a ready and clever response.
The child Willy allows Agatha and Scott to move from antagonistic adversaries to cautious friends. This book takes longer than usual to tell its tale; but I appreciated the fact that the author realized that it takes time for the couple to move from being so different to being in love.
This is a moving story that will resonate with the reader a long time. Simply Beautiful!
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