Synopsis

Angelica Davis is surprised when she finds out that an old school chum has returned to Willow Valley to take over his grandfather’s business. Since she writes articles for the Chronicle and Simon Morgan owns the Willow Valley News, they just happen to be rivals. The competition is on. Who will be the first to discover the identity of the jewel thief or the arsonist? Will it be Angelica or Simon? Gradually the feelings she once had for him return as they both search for the same stories. To her surprise, Angelica realizes she is losing her heart to her rival.

Review

I have enjoyed another trip to Willow Valley and meeting new residents of this little town.  This time it is rival newspaper journalists and who can capture the story first!  Of course, Angelica has a little secret, she also writes under a pen name when the topic is too political or “hot”.  Simon is back in town after being gone about 13 years and has taken over one of the local newspapers.  So you can imagine the fireworks between the two not only professionally but personally too.  Now you have to keep in mind that this is set in the 1800s so the fireworks are much tamer than what you might expect today.

I enjoyed some of the history imparted to us in this story especially knowing that it is based on actual events.  I have learned about many events from this author’s books and there is so much I don’t know so I appreciated learning some new tidbits.

The story covers a span of genres – romance, history, and even a little mystery to round things out.  I enjoyed catching up with characters from the first two books in this series and it really brings it all together and shows what a small town it truly is and how everyone is connected to one another and looks out for each other.  It addresses the issue of immigration which is a tough topic no matter the century.

I loved how Angelia and Simon came together in the end…..you’ll have to read the book to find out the details!

We give this 5 paws up.

About the Author

I was raised on a farm surrounded by the rolling hills of southern Idaho and have made my home in southern Utah among the beautiful red mountains and desert heat. I have been happily married for 42 years and am the mother of six daughters and have five wonderful grandchildren.

After my family began to leave the nest, I decided it was time to finish what I had started long ago. I decided to go back to college and get a degree. It had been 30 years since I had been to college and it was one of the most frightening things I had ever done. I had to learn how to study and take tests all over again. On the first day of college, I was a nervous wreck and wondered if I could do this, but with the support of my husband and children, I was able to graduate. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and Music at Southern Utah University and received the Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award for the College of Performing Arts in 2002. In the meantime, I cut a CD named “Romantic Love Songs of Sigmund Romberg and Victor Herbert.”

I have enjoyed writing short stories and novels for several years but it took a lot of courage to begin submitting them. After “Melinda and the Wild West” was published, I entered it in the Reader Views Literary Contest and my book was chosen as a Semi-Finalist in the “Reviewers Choice Awards 2007.” It was one of the top ten out of hundreds of other entries.

I have traveled throughout the United States, teaching people to write their family history and autobiography. I have traveled to seventeen states and given over 500 workshops. I am the author of six historical sweet romances, four mystery adventure novels, a children’s book, and a new cozy mystery series. All of my books are family friendly.

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