Angel's Den

November 30, 2009
Carie, author of five romances for the Christian market, now offers fans a contrived story set in the early 1800s, the time period noted for exploration of the American West by Lewis and Clark. Carie's female protagonist, Emma Daring, daughter of a well-to-do St. Louis couple, believes she is about to enter into a real-life fairy tale by marrying “the most handsome man.” Eric Montclaire, though devilishly beguiling in outward appearance, swiftly reveals his dark inner side as Emma's new husband. Terrified and emotionally defeated, Emma secretly looks forward to Eric's upcoming travel expedition when she will find freedom from him. Too bad for Emma that Eric decides to take her along. En route, Emma discovers hidden strength and finds support from cartographer Luke Bowen, who sees through Eric's guise and vows to protect Emma no matter the personal cost. Though Carie's previous fiction titles have won accolades, this one fails to deliver the goods in either character or story.

November 1, 2009
In 1808, Emma, the daughter of a prominent St. Louis family, believes she has met and married her dream man. But she soon discovers that Eric Montclaire is not who she thought he was. Controlling and merciless, Eric insists that Emma join him in a westward expedition following the trail that Lewis and Clark had broken a few years earlier. When Emma meets cartographer Luke Bowen along the way, her life is already in turmoil. VERDICT This acclaimed author ("Snow Angel") spins a captivating and complex story of forbidden love and redemption. Historical fiction and inspirational romance fans will enjoy this well-woven tale.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.