Pratt's Landing

Thirteen years ago in 1876 Alabama, Emma Lawrence's father was sent to prison for burning down the barn of Pratt's Landing, owned by the town's leading family, the Watsons. Now that her father died, Emma needs to get the deed to her family's farm transferred to her mother. However, the only lawyer in town is Sam Watson, son of the man whose property was destroyed by her father. Sam has only recently returned to his birth town, having been raised by his grandparents. Unlike his dad, he does not blame the daughter for the sins of her father, and wants to help her. However, as they work close together to save the Lawrence farm, Sam also finds himself very attracted to Emma, a feeling that she reciprocates with all her heart. Still, a long term relationship does not appear to be in the cards for this pair because of the family feud and the interference of the townsfolk. PRATT'S LANDING is a fun to read historical romance that brilliantly highlights American small town life. The lead characters are a melodious couple who embellish an enjoyable tale. However, it is the nineteenth century small town American version of the Romeo and Juliet story line, refreshingly rewritten by the obviously talented Martha Kirkland, that makes this a pleasurable reading experience. Harriet Klausner