Prairie Moon

I haven't read all of Maggie Osborne's books yet, but so far I've loved every one of them. Based on what I've read and based on what others have said, I am under the impression this story is darker/sadder than most of her stories. It also doesn't have the same level of humor I've seen in her other books, BUT it is a different type of story. It involves a lot of guilt felt by both the hero and heroine for things they've done in the past to others, so unlike many romance reads where everything can be tied in a nice bow, this story is messier because the hero and heroine can't "fix" their wrongs. They have to learn to forgive themselves (and others). I thought this theme was very well-done and thus, it was a very emotional read for me. The first 80 pages of the book is a touch slow, but then Della and James leave the farm and start off on a cross-country journey on horseback (there is a goal in mind, which I won't reveal). They are then living off the land and stopping in various towns. James also has a target on his back since he's one of the most famous bounty hunters in the west, so there are several "encounters" regarding that. The pace really picks up and the story stays interesting. I loved this book. However, if you're looking for something light and fun by Maggie Osborne try: I Do, I Do, I Do. Or, check out my favorite Osborne - The Promise of Jenny Jones, which is funny, fast-paced, and also very touching. If you want a well-written Osborne with plenty of angst (but emotional payoff), try this one.

I probably read two to three books a week...my favorite being historical romance....especially western. I loved this book and it stuck with me awhile...I admit sometimes it moved a little slow, but I found the romance to be true and Ms. Osborne made me feel as I was there..which is important to me. If you enjoy historical western romance...you should enjoy this book!

Though she has lived a rough and scandalous life, Della Ward has been drilled in the ways of proper society. Despite this, she is drawn to gunslinger Cameron, who appears on her doorstep one day with a last message from her late husband.The beautiful, young widow has been haunted by her husband's death for years, and by the mistake of giving up her child to her in laws to raise. When Cameron convinces her to go and just see her daughter, even if only from a distance, they set out on a perilous cross country journey that will bring them closer to giving in to the temptation of one another, even though a terrible secret and haunting grief stand between them. ***** A memorable and unique story is told in this novel. Two scarred and troubled individuals find exactly what they need in one another's arms, only to be almost wrenched apart by the truth. The pain they share will touch your heart, and their passion will ignite your blood. ***** Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.

I love this author. Her books don't come out as often as I would like, but that is probably why they are so well written. This story had me engrossed from the beginning. You feel as if you are right there with Della experiencing her torn emotions, feelings of guilt, and bitter loneliness. This one is a keeper and I will look forward to anything by Maggie Osborne in the futute.

Ten years has passed since the Civil War ended yet Della Ward lives one day at a time filled with guilt and remorse. A child bride Della regrets her last hateful letter she sent her spouse Clarence just before he died in battle. Della has no friends in the Two Creeks, Texas area and for the most part never speaks with or has anyone talk to her.It only took him a decade to work up the courage, but Lawman James Cameron comes to see Della. James is the bravest person in the west as he does not fear death ever since the Civil War, but is frightened of telling Della his secret about her husband's last moments alive. As he remains on her property helping her, they begin to fall in love. However, Della carries so much shame and James is loaded with his own culpability so that unless a miracle healing occurs, he will eventually head off into the sunset.Known for her award winning humorous romance novels, Maggie Osborne takes a serious turn with her powerful Reconstruction Era romance, PRAIRIE MOON. The story line is totally angst as two severely wounded people share a tenuous thread through Clarence. Readers will shed tears as a mature Della looks back at her spoiled behavior with deep sorrow for leaving her husband to conclude that she just did not care beyond her own selfish needs. James feels almost as bad though he knows he can justify his actions. This is another triumph for the magnificent Maggie.Harriet Klausner