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| The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden |
Let’s take a look at this historical Proper Romance title
from Shadow Mountain Publishing.
First, the summary:
Paisley Bell knows the
eccentric people of Savage Wells. From the absentminded shopkeeper who always
thinks she's been robbed to the young man who has returned shell-shocked from
the war, Paisley has compassion for them all. When the sheriff up and leaves
town, Paisley steps up and assumes the responsibility, partly because she loves
the work, but also because she needs the income to take care of her sick
father. So when the town council decides that the position of sheriff should
really go to a man, Paisley finds herself fighting to prove that she's the
perfect candidate for the job, even though she wears a skirt.
Cade O'Brien is
heartily sick of shooting people. In his many years as a lawman, Cade has seen
his share of blood and violence. So when he answers an advertisement for a
sheriff job in the sleepy town of Savage Wells, he believes he's found the
peace and quiet he's always desired. But when he discovers that his biggest
competition for the job is a woman, he begins to question his decisions.
Tension between the
two begins to sizzle when both Cade and Paisley realize the attraction they
have for each other, but when Paisley's former beau shows up in town, along
with a band of bank robbers, the blossoming relationship between the two
sheriffs is tested. They will have to work together to thwart the bank robbers
and keep the town safe.
And now, my review:
What a fun story! The opening line, which the publisher used
in the back cover copy, is hilarious: Sheriff
Cade O’Brien was heartily sick of shooting people. I laughed aloud a few
times with this story. The banter between the sheriff wannabes was delicious.
Our heroine is a very capable sheriff in a time when women
weren’t taken seriously in that role. I rooted for her even as I wondered how
the author would pull off this contest between potential sheriffs—one female
who had already proven herself but gotten no recognition, and three men of various abilities. Reading
this story, you feel the contrast between 1875 and 2016. So much has changed,
and yet some things still haven’t. With this gender-related theme woven
throughout, the story has universal and timeless appeal.
The author writes a convincing male POV. Cade came across as
masculine and mysterious and respectable. Well done!
We have a “mystery box” throughout. Unfortunately, the book
lost my interest about two-thirds of the way through and I never discovered the
answer to the ongoing mystery. When I get a chance I hope to go back and learn
the answer. I’ll leave it to you to read the book to see to what I’m referring.
(To be fair, I have many books on my TBR pile and have to keep the novels
moving quickly through the queue.)
I’ll be watching for more from this author. Her work is fun
and her writing, strong.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted historical with
insightful characterization and multiple layers in terms of plot and human
nature, check out this enjoyable story.
