New Mexico: Heartbreak of the Past Draws Couples Together in Three Historical Novels

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (10/06) "New Mexico" is a compilation of three novels of historical couples living in Roswell, New Mexico, hometown of author Janet Lee Barton. The heart-tugging Old West romance stories take place in the New Mexico Territory in the years 1897-1899. "A Promise Made" (2003) begins with Emma, owner of the local café, suddenly the guardian of a baby girl named Mandy, after Emma makes a promise to Annie, the child's mother, while on her deathbed. Emma promises to Annie that she will care for and keep Mandy safe. But when the greedy councilman, Douglas Harper, is intent to find Emma an unfit caregiver because she is a business owner and single, Emma struggles to do all she can to keep her promise to her friend. Can obtaining a husband by mail-order be the answer to keep the evil councilman from removing Mandy from Emma's arms and into a foster home? "A Place Called Home" (2005) finds Beth hopelessly attached to the two children of her husband-to-be, Cassie and Lucas, when an accident leaves the children without a father. Beth loves the children as her own until Uncle Jeb comes to town to make a home for his niece and nephew. How will Beth survive if she is separated from the children and they go live with their uncle? Everyone knows Uncle Jeb's reputation as a wanderer, so what kind of home will that provide for the children? "Making Amends" (2005) is about daughter Darcie, her mother's boardinghouse, and their new boarder, John Harper. John has arrived in town to settle his unpopular uncle's estate, the evil and dishonest councilman, Douglas Harper, whom we first met in "A Promise Made." Overcoming the image the entire town has for the Harper name proves to be a major obstacle for John, and he vows to right the wrong his evil uncle has inflicted. Darcie has much conflict to overcome with John living in their home, for Douglas Harper caused so much pain to her own family, especially her father, and forgiveness is difficult. Janet Lee Barton has written and compiled a winning combination of short stories for those who enjoy Christian Romance. A worthwhile message is offered in each of the stories to readers of all ages. The three stories in "New Mexico" are interconnected, for they all take place in the same location and we encounter the same characters in each of the stories, and this adds to the readers' enjoyment. I recommend "New Mexico" without reservation.