Loving Chloe

What's not to like about Chloe. I loved her and loved the book. Jo-Ann Mapson is an excellent author. I would recommend any of her books to anyone who likes a good story. Mary Pichette

When I closed the cover on Hank and Chloe, I could not wait to get to the bookstore to buy the sequel. At the close of the first book, a large question mark is left as to the meaning of the truck with the horse trailer slowly coming up the driveway as Hank waits and wonders. This book carries the story of these star-crossed lovers forward. In addition to Hank and Chloe, we now have Kit, Reed, Junior Whitebear, Dog, Hannah and Thunder added to the mix. We learn something of the Northern Arizona territory and its peoples and we are treated to the complex weavings of personal relationships, done as only Jo-Ann Mapson can do them. In a review of the first book, I commented that Mapson's writing reminded me of Richard Russo. Nothing in the sequel makes me change my mind.

This sequel to "Hank and Chloe" literally starts where the former novel left us, with Chloe returning to Hank, pregnant with his child. The setting is now the red rocks of Arizona, an Indian reservation and is described beautifully by Mapson. Chloe is still rough around the edges as she prepares for the birth of her child, and tries to have a settled relationship for the first time in her life.The problem is that Chloe, like a wild horse, is not broken or even easily tamed. Like the horse she can't bring herself not to ride while pregnant, her very nature keeps her from settling happily into domesticity. Chloe is akin to the horses that run wild in the canyons, and although she loves Hank, her nature is restless. When she meets Junior Whitebear, a romantic triangle ensues, much to Hank's dismay. The reader is left with the feeling that this triangle is never fully resolved, but all three players have come to their own private terms with it.It was a treat to see the well-fleshed out characters return from "Hank and Chloe", such as Hank's uptight parents, and Chloe's young friend Kit. In addition, Chloe discovers the truth about her own parentage.I only gave this book four stars, chiefly because of the ambiguous ending. It seemed strained that the three main characters could be resigned to the fate Mapson gave them without much more strife. In additon, the futuristic epilogue about the offspring of Hank and Chloe seemed a bit contrived. However, if you love a picturesque setting and an interesting, entertaining love story with grit, you'll love reading about the further exploits of Chloe.

I thought this novel was great and I'm looking forwardto reading the first book about them.I felt sympathetic towards Chloe's headstrong ways, andher guilt about horseback riding probably leading tothe breech birth and damaged uterus. Her character wasengaging and realistic.Both Hank and Junior Whitebear were strong sensitivemen and while the ending was a tiny bit contrived itworked for me. Why shouldn't Chloey have it both ways?I'm looking forward to reading Mapson's other books.

I read Hank and Chloe and I loved it, and I was looking forward to the sequel, and I was not disapointed! It picks up with Chloe going to Hank's cabin, and it is a rocky,twisted road that awaits them, with the arrival of Junior Whitebear. You feel compassion for all the characters. Great book!