High on a Hill

Wow! It was really good. This was my first Dorothy Garlock story. I have since read 3-4 others and am in the middle of another. So yeah, her writing totally impressed me. You can see here that the story is about Bootlegging in Missouri in during Prohibition. But the whole package---what you're getting is not so much your typical romance, where the story focuses on one man and one woman, with subtle humorous secondary characters.In Garlocks stories, so far that I've noted, she intertwines others stories so theres not just one romance/relationship blossoming. Its not all about the main characters! Woohoo!The details she provides really impressed me. She'd add little descriptions, or talk about the cars, or how to cook on an old stove, or going and getting ice for the freezer---its amazing to have all the period detail, quality writing and a sweet little romance all wrapped up in one. And I like the fact that some of the resolution ends in DEATH----seems another taboo thing for a romance novel---makes it, to me, stand out as more realistic.I loved it! I hope you do too.

Dorothy Garlock does it again with this excellent historical romance, set in the 1920's. For those of us that read "The Edge of Town," you'll be delighted to read Corbin Appleby's story, along with Jack Jones!! If you have not read "The Edge of Town," you won't miss a beat, as this story takes place in another Missouri city called Henderson (not Fertile). The characters from The Edge of Town are mentioned, but only to please those Garlock fans that never miss a word of her writings. This story has it all, mystery, intrigue, danger, deception, love and romance, close friendly relationship, and more! There is enough information in the description that tells what this book is about, and if I stated anything more, I'd give the surprises away. Sit back and enjoy this one! It's great!

Dorothy Garlock crafts an exquisite period mystery. Before the days of antibiotics and birth control, as mules and horses were slowly being replaced by automobiles, the winds of prohibition raced through this country and lives were changed forever. Mixing poetry and passion, Ms. Garlock does an elegant job of showing the dynamics of small town life juxtaposed against the illegalities and moral fuzziness of years of prohibition. The characters spring right out of the pages, and finding a few old friends from THE EDGE OF TOWN was exciting too. I would not label this as a sequel, but rather like running into an old acquaintance in an unexpected place. Excellently researched and emotionally rooted, the fine shades of gray emerge to tell a story of the heart. While old fashioned values prevail, the author does include some lusty passages and explicitly gory scenes of violence. Readers looking for something of a similar genre might try Grace Roberts Wood's books (The Train to Estelline, Grace, A Place Called Sweet Shrub, Dance a Little Longer) and Sandra Dallas' tales (The Persian Pickle Club, The Diary of Mattie Spenser).

Prohibition, bootleggers, gangisters, lawmen, romance and suspense on the Mississippi River. HIGH ON A HILL is the second book in a trilogy set in 1920s rural Missouri. Although HIGH ON A HILL is a stand alone book, THE EDGE OF TOWN also set in 20s Missouri, has related characters. I love how Dorothy Garlock weaves her stories with such rich historical detail. I can almost imagine my grandparents in small town Missouri from this book. The characters of Annabel Lee, a bootlegger's daughter, and Corbin, a lawman, and the subplot of Boone, a bootlegger, and Tess, a hill girl with a shameful past, find each other despite the odds. The Jazz Age was a time of change even in outstate Missouri. HIGH ON THE HILL reflected these changes subtly without banging the reader over the head. Religion, immigrants melding into society, women's dress, Prohibition, weapons, law enforcement were changing during this time in history and are included in the book if you catch it. I really appreciated this book for its romance, suspense (I never out DG's villians until the end) and wonderful atmosphere. My only compliant is that I have to wait until next year for another Dorothy Garlock read!

In 1925 bootlegger Murphy Donovan moves his operation to Henderson, Missouri. Accompanying him on his latest midnight move is his daughter Annabel Lee and his two employees Spooner and Boone. Though she knows better, Annabel hopes this is their last move as she would like to settle down anywhere. Annabel helps ailing youngster Jack Jones, who was hoping to become a baseball star, with a hot meal and a bed. Through Jack and Boone she meets former law enforcement official Corbin Appleby, who has a message for Jack from his older sister. As Corbin and Annabel fall in love, he realizes that her father runs an illegal operation in Missouri and Illinois. What will happen to his chance for a loving relationship with Annabel if he turns in his future father-in-law. Adding to his ethical dilemma, he owes Boone for saving his life? Award winning Dorothy Garlock shows why she is so highly regarded by readers and reviewers with her latest tale, HIGH ON A HILL. The story line is imbued with 1920s atmosphere that historical readers will enjoy very much. The lead couple is a delightful pair who provides the romantic elements. The support cast provides the historical feel that makes the plot a cut above the norm. Fans of 1920s novels will enjoy Ms. Garlock who will gain many new accolades.Harriet Klausner