Harrison Ranch by Susan Payne

     Calliope “Callie” St. Michaels has overcome several monumental obstacles bestowed on her short life, then triumphed over them. Stricken with what is commonly known as a “club foot” and raised from birth in a foundling home run by Catholic nuns, she needed to learn early to depend on no one but herself. 
     In her adult life she apprenticed to a renowned St. Louis chef and just as she was coming into her own as a pastry chef, her reputation was slandered by those jealous of her talents. With nowhere to go, and refusing to keep that from realizing her dreams, Callie leaps at the opportunity to cook for the hands at the Harrison Ranch in Sweetwater, Kansas. There, she meets Seth Harrison, owner of the ranch and perhaps the first man she is unable to keep at arm's length.

     And thus begins Harrison Ranch, Book 1 of the Sweetwater Series by Susan Payne. Delightfully simple and simply delightful, we know those readers who were introduced to romance fiction by the likes of Dame Barbara Cartland and other early Harlequin romance authors, this will , we believe, feel like coming home.

     This story is flavored, deliciously so, with details of preparing mouth-watering entrees and side dishes with an easy, almost effortless flair. Kudos to Ms. Payne for adding this unique touch to the story.

On a scale of 1 – 5, Harrison Ranch deserves a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Night of the Owl by Judith Sterling

… A woman outside of her time. A man ahead of his. They must take a leap of faith to forge a bond that will shape history...

     Night of the Owl is the first of Judith Sterling's novels for us. It won't be our last. Ardyth Nightshade is a woman with a brain, the courage of ten, and the imagination to try new things. Hugh, Lord Seacrest is a man with all the usual foibles carried my those of his time, but isn't afraid to dare something new. With Ardyth he meets that 'something new'. And he's better for it.

     Historical romance cannot be easy to write, if mainly because of the endless research and attention to detail it demands. Sterling did her homework with this one—and we suspect she does the same with all her books—and it shows. This is a non-stop adventure infused with historical fact, crisp dialogue, laugh out loud moments, and unforgettable characters. Do not miss this one.

On a scale of 1 – 5, Night of the Owl deserves a 6

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Willie, My Love by Judy Ann Davis

… Can two stubborn hearts find love under the tall white pines...?

     We've read other books by Judy Ann Davis—and enjoyed the all. In Willie My Love, Davis has outdone herself. Two of her many talents are an uncanny ability to create setting with lyrical, evocative descriptions. The second is her crisp, snappy dialogue. In parts, I found myself laughing out loud.

     At almost 400 pages, some might feel tempted to skip pages, even a chapter here or there, in order to reach the most satisfying ending of this rollicking historical romance set in Pennsylvania's lumber country.

     DO NOT SUCCUMB! Read every paragraph, each page, and treat yourself to the jewels of her poetic descriptions or the witty, emotion-filled dialogue between the varied characters.

On a scale of 1 through 5, Willie My Love earns a 6

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews