Book Review: High Country Bride

High Country Bride (The McKaslin Clan) by Jillian Hart Love Inspired Historical #11 - Jul 08

I loved this book. I'm adding it to my 2008 Top 10 list. Jillian Hart is a true story teller - I think I've read most of her books and have been deeply touched by each of them. In High Country Bride, I could feel the empathy flowing between the protags as they try to live the life God has given them.

When Joanna Nelson was widowed a year ago, she moved onto her father's farm. The arrangement benefited them both - until he died. Her half-brother comes to help her, or so she thinks, but once the funeral is over, he rides off after informing her he's sold the farm and she has until sunset to vacate the property. Joanna is alone in the world with 2 little kids to care for. A team of horses and a wagon filled with their belongings has just become their home.

Aiden McKaslin is a widower. He efficiently runs his ranch but the darkness of his wife and unborn child's deaths shadow his every move. One day, he comes upon Joanna and her kids camping out on the edge of his land. He's filled with rage - not because they're there - but because it's a shame to him that they've been forced into that position. It's almost a sacrilege to a man who's lost his family to see a woman and her children forced to live in poverty out of a wagon. He does the only thing he can - he takes them home and allows them to stay in a shanty on his property within sight of his house.

Joanna doesn't know how to react to this bitter, grieving man. She sees his kindness to her kids. She knows he's a good man. She's falling for him. He acts like he's attracted to her. Except he won't allow himself to give up his grief. When they marry for convenience, they have all the ingredients for a successful marriage except one - Aiden's heart.

Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Excellent - 5 stars (one to re-read; definitely a keeper)

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2008 Harlequin 100,000 Book Challenge:

Total books Read: 79 Harlequin Imprint: 75 Others: 4

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