Silver Lining

5 stars, A most special favorite of mine SILVER LINING by Maggie Osborne Low Down is a rough-looking woman who lives honorably and is the only person who dares to stay in Piney Creek, a gold mining town after a dreaded smallpox outbreak descends upon the unfortunate citizens. She forcefully demands that the men rally and beat their severe illnesses. There is no rest for her, she has to pitch a half bucket of water at the vomit on the floor of the schoolhouse, where all of the afflicted men have been brought together to be cared for. Needless to say, she looks absolutely terrible. Unwashed, wearing men's clothing, and probably more than a little stinky too. The men who survived the disease whom she affectionately calls "the boys" decide to give her one thing that she's always wanted. No wish is too small or too large. She stumps every single man in Piney Creek, when she asks for a baby, of her own and pandemonium breaks out! This was the first book of Maggie Osborne's, that I ever read or purchased. Low Down is a strong female protagonist who lives her life as honorable as she can, which isn't like any other "lady" of the time (the 1860s). Highly recommend it. #SilverLining #MaggieOsborne #ForeverFavoriteBooks #HistoricalFiction

One of the best books I have ever read... Low Down is a woman to be reckoned with. Never asking for anything, just doing as she knows or thinks what is best. You will fall in love with her. I did.. a great Maggie Osborne story.

I simply love reading early western stories about strong and courageous women and this is one of the best I've ever read. You can just see the dirty mining camps and "smell" the dirty ripped clothing that they all wear. The one thing that the heroine wants from the men that she nursed back from death is a baby to love (something of her very own), so she marrys the man that draws the "short straw" so to speak. When he takes her back to his family's acreage she has to prove to herself, her husband, and his family that she is truly a woman to be honored and respected. The only thing that she has of value is a small silver spoon that she puts up on the mantel in their home, which was suppose to be inhabited by her new husband's ex-fiancee and himself. This is a story of Montana's worst winter in history and how a man and woman work together to save their livestock and their very lives. The best book I have read in years and I read "strong women" types of books constantly!

"Low Down" wanted nothing in return for nursing a mining camp full of men thru disease, but after the mens recovery, they excitedly force her to reveal her hearts one true desire. They are willing to do anything in thanks for her nursing them back to health and saving their lives. Reluctant at first, Low Down finally admits that she wants nothing more than a baby. The men are shocked...rightfully so, but through a wild string of events, Max McCord finds himself the one offered up to fulfill her wish. Max and Low Down agree to a temporay marriage that can only end in disaster... Low Down wants nothing to do with a husband and Max is in love with another. "Silver Lining" is such a good book that I could die! I read this in one sitting with only a 3 hour nights sleep interruption. How could I possibly sleep with this amazing story just aching to be finished?? I loved everything about this. I loved Max and his family so much, but really this was "Low Down"'s book. She was amazing I loved her so much. She has definitely become one of my favorite characters that I have ever met. Truly, this story is just so amazing, and heartwarming, and funny, and just all around wonderful... A genuine keeper.

Low Down is prospecting for gold when a small pox outbreak hits the camp. She rolls up her sleeves and cares for all the miners, bullying them into surviving, loaning them the sheer force of her will until they can't do anything but survive. Full of gratitude they promise to give her whatever her heart desires. A piano? A house? No, Low Down's secret heart's desire is a baby -- someone who will allow her to love them, and will love her in return. What she didn't ask for was a husband, but that's just what the prospector's give her. A reluctant husband to be a father to her baby.Max McCord doesn't know what to make of the whiskey swilling, cussing woman he finds himself tied to. She saved his life, and now marrying her has ruined it. He sees his dreams, the life he planned disappear. What on earth does he do now?Marrying Max begins Low Down's transformation into Louise, the woman she's always kept hidden from the world. Their marriage sets all kinds of trouble into motion, but the relationship they forge soon proves strong enough to handle each and every one of them. The only question that remains by the end of the book, is will these two strong people allow themselves to let down their defenses and let love flourish?Maggie Osborne is a powerful storyteller and Silver Lining was truly a heart-warming read.

This book is Maggie Osborne at the Top of Her Game! Members of Romance Writers of America get to nominate the books we most enjoy for our Favorite Books of the Year award, and Silver Linings is going to be my first nominee for 2000. Low Down is one of the best heroines to come along since Maggie's Jenny Jones. She's fully developed, real, and wonderful. I know it's a cliche, but I don't care--I couldn't put this sucker down! Today I was on the phone with my sister and as I started to tell you what a good book this was, she laughed. One of her friends had told her about the book just a few days earlier. If you want a book to cheer about, this is the one!

She has created a truly memorable love story, and her characters are not fairy tale perfect. The hero and heroine each bring seemingly insurmountable problems to this marriage of convenience, but they grow together in a loving and convincing way. I laughed and cried and went back and reread scenes as soon as I finished the book. A true five star recommendation.