Comanche Moon

Amanda Ross has everything: money, the ancestral ranch, the big adobe house, and good breeding. What Amanda Ross does not have is compassion. She will not forget nor forgive the Comanche Indians that murdered her Spanish mother and stepfather. Mills' has cast her hero as a rough, handsome, arrogant man named Clay McAlester. With the author's words, the reader visualizes a Clint Eastwood clone from his "spaghetti western" days . . .- "He was facing her, his coat open, showing two gunbelts crossed over a collarless white shirt unbuttoned several inches at the neck. But it was the eyes that sent a shiver through her." -Clay McAlester may be a Texas Ranger, but the proud, powerful Comanche nation raised him; a fact Amanda Ross will not forget nor forgive. Effectively, the author summons McAlester to rescue our testy heroine, from the clutches of a rejected suitor. Despicable Ramon Sandoval abandoned the lovely Amanda, in the Texas wasteland, to die a slow death. With her golden pen, Anita Mills guides her contestants to love, and guides her reader to the showdown. The story's ending is to savor; justifiably, puny Ramon and his father pay for their heinous crimes.This western novel takes place during the year of 1873, and the author's words flow with ease and gentle speed. This inexperienced Canadian lass enjoyed eating "prairie chicken" over an open campfire, and Mills' entire description of North American Indian food was a delightful revelation. To punctuate respect, the author profoundly wrote Clay's struggle with the end of his proud people's way of life.Originally, I read Anita Mills in a Christmas anthology novel. From then on, I searched the shelves of the local book stores looking for her material. "Comanche Moon" was the first Mills book I devoured, and I became a devoted follower. With this review, in February 2004, I understand this intriguing, resourceful author has retired - what a shame for all the lovers of romance reading. Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

A fan of westerns, I enjoyed the depth of information on Comanche Indians and old Texas. Dialogue was never stilted, writing was proficient. I felt there was a long span of time spent in the desert, would have liked a bit more change of scenery, but it's a minor complaint. This was enjoyable reading with believable characters and talented writing.