Promised Sunrise

This was a nice story. I started out reading Shannon’s story first. I don’t agree with the other reader the Connie Mason’s book wasn’t as good. Normally I don’t pick up books from authors I’m not familiar with, but after reading about Shannon and meeting Maggie, Tucker and baby Kevin at the end (and reading the insert at the end about Tucker), I wanted to know more about their story and the trials and tribulations of their westward journey. I remember playing the game Oregon Trail in my youth so I knew a little about the dangers settlers faced making the long trek west to try to establish a new life. Tucker was a strong character, not overbearing or arrogant and that was refreshing. He took care of his family and looked out for others on the wagon train. Being that this book takes place at the end of the Civil War where there was still a lot of animosity between “Rebels and Yanks”, it was good to see his feelings/war experience didn’t fester to a blinding hate, especially when he realizes who Maggie and Rachael are related to and how their uncle’s actions had gravely impacted his family and ultimately lead to him making the decision to move the family out west. No there were no steamy love scenes, but it doesn’t take away from the story. What made this book a little different from others is that Tucker admits his feelings first (let’s be honest, most guys aren’t willing to share those emotions) and is determined to make Maggie his wife. Although I got a bit frustrated with Maggie and her resistance, you could understand where she was coming from in not wanting to lose her control of her own life. I would’ve like to see Tucker dust the breaks off Uncle Seth for what he did to Maggie and Rachael and for the problems he caused in Tucker and Maggie, but Tuck got him in his own way.

I really enjoy books with the wagon train journeys throughout. I found nearly every character interesting and the daily life of the pioneers seemed real in what aspects the author shared. I would have liked to have had the ending a little more thorough--it just suddenly seemed to end perfect, but that's about my only complaint. Actually, I would have liked to have had a more descriptive love scene, but the rest of the story was so good, it wasn't a typical romance novel that I usually buy. I highly recommend it if it sounds interesting to you, because it was better than anticipated! I had recently discovered she wrote a 2nd book in the Women's West series titled "Promise Me Spring" and a 3rd "Devlin's Promise" which I am going to start next. Connie Mason wrote a continuation of this story (Beyond the Horizon) about the sister who was left behind to care for an elderly aunt, whom died within a month, so the sister was hoping to catch up with them. Connie's book wasn't that good in my opinion and had a negative undertone through most of ut, but am delighted I can continue the story with the other 2 by Robin Lee Hatcher.