Open Country

Open Country is the definition of a five star second book in a trilogy: tremendous spunky heroine, handsome wounded hero, characters from the first book woven seamlessly into the new story, and the same brilliant writing that captivated this reader in the first book, Pieces of Sky. Interestingly, I read this book featuring a Civil War veteran nurse right before I started My Name is Mary Sutter, a historical Civil War medical novel creating a lot of buzz this summer. Open Country is just as vividly historic and humane, dealing with the after effects of war for the caregivers and the dangers of childbirth in women. But Open Country is a true western historical romance with emphasis on the romance. Molly's need to protect her newfound love and family is a realistic one. Hank's struggle to trust Molly rings true. Their emotions and conflict are honestly portrayed with more than a few gut-wrenching scenes. A more than worthy follow-up to Pieces of Sky, Open Country took everything I loved about the first book and topped it. If you have not read the first book, Open Country is still a stand alone read, but you will want to go back and catch up after falling for Kaki Warner's writing.

Kaki Warner does it again with Open Country. I loved her debut book, Pieces of Sky, and this second book in the Blood Rose Trilogy does not disappoint. It was great to meet Molly and get to know Hank a lot better. For those of you that liked Brady in the first book, you will quickly fall for Hank as well. But not to worry, Brady and Jessica also make appearances in this book. So you'll get to follow them along, too. What I like best about the author's writing style is not only the dry wit, but the believable and admirable lead characters. The heros are realistic and charming, and the heroines are women you'd like to know. All in all a great read, and I can't wait for her next book to come out!

Yes, I loved it!! Way to go Kaki Warner, you did it again, another REALLY GREAT book! Because Ms. Warner is a local author, also from WA State, I was anxious to read her debut novel, Pieces of Sky. After doing so, I was thrilled--it was fabulous! It absolutely left me wanting to read more Kaki Warner books. I could hardly wait for June to arrive so that I could read this 2nd book in the Blood Rose Trilogy. It certainly did not disappoint, more of that wonderful "love can conquer all, but it aint going to be easy" theme, more tremendously interesting characters, another superbly intriguing plot, a completely captivating setting, and all told through her fantastically witty yet warm and inviting voice, what more could a book-lover want? Except maybe a `Wilkins brother' to call her own...;) I enjoyed this book so much that I just ordered 3 more copies of Open Country to give as gifts. And, now starts the long wait till January 2011 for Jack's story, book three, Chasing the Wind. Bring it on, I am certainly looking forward to it!

I loved the first book in the Blood Rose Trilogy but I think I like Open Country even more! Extremely well written and so exciting that I couldn't put it down. I can hardly wait to read the next book.

In 1871 at the suggestion of her sister's doctor, nurse Molly McFarlane travels from Atlanta to Savannah to see her sibling Nellie who is dying from lung disease. Molly's brother-n-law Daniel Fletcher is nasty to her; telling her to go home. Nellie pleads with Molly to run off with her two preadolescent children from a previous marriage, as she fears for them under Daniels martinet abuse. As Molly flees with her niece and nephew, in nearby Jeanerette, Rustin lectures Daniel for failing to find what his late father-in-law hid as the wealthy man plots a second Southern rebellion because war is money. Meanwhile, out west a train wreck leaves Patrick Henry "Hank" Wilkins near death, remorseful but desperate Molly marries him so she can inherit at least an insurance claim to take care of the kids and hide from her odious brother-in-law's operatives. Instead Hank recovers, but is clueless re marriage and a train wreck. He takes his wife and her wards to his family ranch in the New Mexico Territory where his family embraces the newcomers. As they fall in love and his memory returns, her Georgia roots are arriving. The second of the Blood Rose trilogy (see The Pieces of the Sky) is a wonderful historical tale starring a strong ensemble cast. A key fresh premise is the push for a new Confederacy revolt as personal economic gain due to war motivates Rustin and his cohorts, who stole gold from the south several years ago. With an intriguing lead couple whose marriage is shaky as he knows part of the truth in spite of two frightened children needing them and the rest of the Wilkins, fans will appreciate this superb Reconstruction Era romance. Harriet Klausner