Rachel

"Rachel" is another of Linda Lael Miller's great book. The heroine, also named after the book, is a woman who travels to Springwater to teach. Rachel also comes at the request of her friend, Evangeline, whose story began in the book, "Springwater."The characters in this book are people in the Springwater series. Ms. Miller has brought all the characters magically to life from the pages of the book. The readers can almost smell Miss June Bug's cooking and see her husband, Jacob McCaffrey shuffling his way to the barn. These are just a few of the other characters in the book. I will not mention all of them. Rachel meets Trey Hargreaves, a widower, who has a young daughter, Emma, to raise. The attraction between Rachel and Trey began on their first meeting, although both do not admit it. Rachel has her hands full with teaching the children, especially the unruly boys, some whose parents feel they do not need any schooling. However, that is what Rachel came to Springwater to do teach -- and teach she will. Trey, who is part owner of the town's saloon, is a little shy about "courting" Rachel. Also, Rachel is not too fond of the saloon being in operation. However, when Trey realizes he has competition for Rachel's affection in the form of another widower, Landry Kildare (you will meet him again in Ms. Miller's book, "Miranda"), Trey set to work to win Rachel's love and hand in marriage.Rachel and Trey eventually overcome everything and let love find its way into their heart and into their lives."Rachel" is the #2 book in the Springwater series, but "Rachel" is rated #1.

This book puts you right in the middle of this busy little town. You feel as if you are there on the dirt streets. Once again Ms. Miller makes you feel as if you are a part of the story. I read this book and went out and got the next 3 the same day. Springwater is a town I would love to be a part of. Can't wait for the rest of them.

The romance part was interesting and good reading but I was hoping for more historical background on the pioneer teacher's experiences.

I loved this book. I thought the characters were truly unique. You were rooting for them the whole time. Ms. Miller is a gifted writer who captures the true romance of the old west.

At one time, Trey worked as a gun for hire, but now he is a model citizen. He owns Springwater's saloon, which provides a comfortable living for Trey and his daughter. The new school teacher thinks Trey might be a good father, but is clearly not an arbiter of moral behavior when he contributes to the drinking and gambling of the townsfolk and visitors. Over time, Rachel observes a sensitive side to Trey that enables her to become attracted to him. Trey has desired Rachel from the first time he saw her face, but feels that his past makes him inappropriate to pursue the woman of his dreams. SPRINGWATER SEASONS: RACHEL is a short but entertaining work that typifies the novels that have made Linda Lael Miller a household name. The author fills her novel with wit, sensitivity, and historical accuracy. The children constantly upstage their elders and, in the process, add warmth to the tale. Over the next three months, there will be three more Springwater books and if this story is an indication of the others, sub-genre fans have a New Year's treat to look forward to reading.Harriet Klausner