The Angel of Devil's Camp

This is my first Lynna Banning novel but it won't be my last. I found it to be a "homey" read-a story that's just plain comfortable, easy to relate to, interesting and as sweet as apple pie. (So to speak) I won't go into the plot line since it's been well characterized by most of the other reviews. I give the sensuality a rating of four out of ten for the two mildly explicit love scenes.

The Angel of Devil's Camp shows us that true love can be found anywhere, including a logging camp. A must read for any fan of western romance, especially one with real-life characters and a believable story line. Lynna Banning has done it again and written a fun and compelling story.

When Mary Margaret Hampton arrives in Devil's Camp, Oregon to marry Walter Peabody, she arrives just in time for the logger's fineral. Her home and savings gone, Carolina-born Meggy must rely on her wits to survive, especially when Col. Tom Randall wants her gone. He doesn't approve of women in a rough and tumble logging camp. He especially doesn't approve of sharing his space with a Southern belle--not after his own war experiences. But Peabody has left his cabin to Meggy, and the iron-willed young woman insists she is staying in HER cabin. Her money-making idea annoys Tom no end, but his crew think it--and Meggy--is wonderful. Tom lies awake nights tossed between wanting her gone and just plain wanting her. Snappy dialogue and a slew of colorful secondary characters add to the tender romance between Meggy and Tom. Once again, Ms. Banning proves she is an outstandingly gifted storyteller. Run to your nearest bookstore for your copy of The Angel of Devil's Camp.

In 1872 Mary Margaret left Seton Falls, South Carolina to travel across the country to Devil's Camp # 2, Oregon to marry a man she never met, Walter Peabody. When she reaches her destination, she learns that she made it in time to attend her fiancé's funeral. Walt bled to death after accidentally cutting himself with an ax. Rather than turning back, Mary Margaret decides to live in the cabin she just inherited from Walt.As an aftermath of his time in the civil War Colonel Tom Randall hates the south especially the belles symbolized in living flesh and blood by Mary Margaret. He demands Meggy, as she calls herself, go back to the Carolinas where she belongs. However, Meggy is more than just a steel magnolia as she begins selling the pies she bakes. Soon Tom finds he admires Meggy and not long afterward he now loves the courageous female who has taken over the camp. Meggy reciprocates his feelings, but knows this is one Yankee who will never let go of the hatred he feels.This enjoyable Reconstruction Era romance refreshes the typical story line starring a northern soldier and a southern belle by shifting the locale to the Northwest. By doing this, Lynna Banning introduces the audience to an eccentric invigorating band of secondary players who rejuvenate the plot and enliven the charming lead couple. Still this tale belongs to the Yankee military officer and the angel as their relationship serves as the center of a delightful nineteenth century romance.Harriet Klausner