Early Dawn (Coulter Family Historical)

Okay, so maybe it's a 4-1/2 star or maybe even 4 star book, but I wanted to counterbalance some of the (in my opinion) overly critical ratings of this book! It was perfectly readable and enjoyable. I'm a big Catherine Anderson fan, and have read "Keegan's Lady" and many of her other historical novels. I looked forward to this one as the next in the Coulter/Paxton/Keegan line, and it did not disappoint. I know that sometimes even a favorite author can have an "off" book that just misses the mark. I have experienced that with other authors and after a while you just have to admit it to yourself and hope that they do better next time. However, this book (in my opinion) does NOT fall into that category. Okay, so maybe I had somewhat lowered expectations after seeing some of the ratings here, but still--I stayed up late to finish the book, it did not drag for me, and I enjoyed it all the way through. I wouldn't say it was quite up there with "Simply Love" or "Keegan's Lady," but it was perfectly adequate, solid romance novel! Matthew Coulter has given up three years of his life to tracking down the maniacs who murdered his wife and left him for dead. When he finally catches up with them, he finds he must save the maniacs' current hostage, lovely Eden Paxton, instead. After whisking her away, Eden and Matthew spend a lot of time "on the road" trying to evade the killers. During this time they get to know each other better and find a bond growing between them. Eden must learn to deal with the trauma of her kidnap and abuse, while Matthew starts to finally confront his own suppressed emotions and personal demons. I enjoyed the "on the road" part (Eden and Matthew surviving in the wilderness). Anderson creates a lot of atmosphere as you follow along as the two criss-cross through beautiful wilderness and find ways to survive. Ample descriptions of the countryside, the things they found to eat, and their growing attraction to each other made for an enjoyable romance novel, which held my attention from beginning to end.

As I read the first 3 reviews, I kindof was surprised...Maybe the readers should go back and re read the book? For me, this book is a real winner! Catherine's writing style is amazing for one thing...and Early Dawn just got better and better with each page. Historicals are my fav type of book, and I have to say that this is at the top of my all time favorite historicals. Catherine writes a book for her fans and this one is GREAT! If I don't care for a book, I would be the first to let you know, trust me! This book is worth buying! 5 star read! Best historical romance I have read in a long time!

I was disappointed with this book because it really wasn't all that special. It was rather predictable and at one point, I wondered if I was reading a reprint of an earlier book by Catherine Anderson. It was very much formulaic in my opinion and I get frustrated with that. The characters are likeable, but as I said, not really that special and could easily have been swapped with another similar story by CA(can't recall exactly which one) where the H/H are running from criminals, fending for themselves in a hazardous environment, and don't start out on the best of terms but eventually fall in love. It was a good story, and probably if I had not read almost all of CA's books I would not have been disappointed. But as that isn't the case, and I have read almost all of them, this just comes off as a recycled story unfortunately.

I have to start with saying that Catherine Anderson is my all time favorite author. My struggle with this book is the sense of dread I felt the whole time I was reading it. I find this author to lean toward the "stressful". I love the passion and real love I find in her stories, but I hate the graphic edge- of- your- seat stress. Reading is an escape for me, I like feel good happy endings : ) This had one, but was work getting there!

In 1887 the Sebastian Gang assaulted Matthew Coulter Junior and his wife, Olivia. When Matthew regained consciousness, he learned that the gang had left him for dead. To Olivia, they had not only physically assaulted her, but also tortured her before finally killing her. In the aftermath, Matthew honed his weaponry skill, locked up all his emotions somewhere deep within, and vowed to track and kill all six Sebastian brothers. In 1890, Eden Paxton and her mother, Dory, left San Francisco after Eden's fiancé broke off their engagement (in a letter) and spread rumors about her. As Eden and Dory travel toward Colorado, to live near her brothers, their train is held up by the Sebastian Gang. They kidnap Eden, intending to sell her across the Mexican border. Matthew comes upon the train shortly afterward. When Dory informs him of her daughter's abduction, he realizes he must delay his vengeance in order to rescue Eden, should she still live, and get her to safety. During Matthew's three years of tracking the Sebastian Gang, Matthew managed to kill one of them, bringing the gang's number down to five. Eden is with the ruffians five days before Matthew locates them. Yet even after all the brutes' mauling and abuse, Eden is able to recognize the kind heart beneath Matthew's rugged exterior. **** FOUR STARS! Catherine Anderson's mellifluous stories will capture your heart and imagination. This western overflows with believable characters, suspense, drama, and a slow-blooming romance. You will not find any faint-of-heart heroine here! Eden's brothers taught her some self-defense moves and forced her to practice with weapons. Highly recommended reading! **** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.