Tempest

Starred review from November 27, 2017
Legendary historical romance author Jenkins brilliantly touches on painful, significant historical and cultural references without dulling the shine of her inspiring, heartwarming third Old West romance (after Breathless), this one set in 19th-century Wyoming and starring two appealing African-American protagonists. Mail-order bride Regan Carmichael mistakes her intended, Dr. Colton Lee, for one of the bandits who’ve just attempted to rob her stagecoach, and shoots him in the arm. Widower Colton was looking for a mother for his daughter, not a love match. He was highly impressed by Regan’s letters and offered for her, but he had no idea she would be such a handful. At first, he doubts they’ll mesh well, but he quickly changes his mind when she wins over his daughter, his sister, and most of the other townsfolk. Regan longs for a loving marriage but accepts Colton’s statement that his heart will never be involved. She’s determined to be the best wife and mother she can be, and her selfless behavior and witty demeanor eventually bring Colton around. The story will evoke laughter, tears, and shivers of fear, and every word earns its keep. The amusing dialogue, lively characters, and vivid descriptions of the Old West make this even-paced romance a winner.

Kim Staunton returns to narrate the final book in Jenkins's Old West series. Regan Carmichael heads to Wyoming Territory as a mail-order bride, but when she meets Dr. Colton Lee, she shoots him in the shoulder due to a misunderstanding. Staunton balances Regan's enthusiasm with Colton's reticence, navigating the tension between two opinionated individuals who are adjusting to a new life together as they settle into marriage. Occasionally, it can be difficult to distinguish the townspeople from one another, but generally Staunton keeps the cast of supporting characters well defined. Especially of note is her handling of the children, whose voices are never overly high. K.M.P. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine