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Allie's Moon
They were two strangers alone in the world, until they found the one precious thing that could heal their wounds: each other's love...
Althea Ford lives alone with her invalid sister in a crumbling Oregon farmhouse, burdened by sins of the past. Desperate for help, she reluctantly turns to Jefferson Hicks, an ex-lawman who has fallen from grace-a man who unexpectetly awakens her to desire...and to dreams she believes she can never have. Jeff Hicks has fallen as low as a man can. But here at Allie's farm, his silent, numb heart suddenly begins to beat again. Drawn to this woman who is as much a prisoner of the past as he, Jeff discovers the healing power of love. But to claim it, they must confront spiteful enemies determined to keep them apart forever.
Althea Ford lives alone with her invalid sister in a crumbling Oregon farmhouse, burdened by sins of the past. Desperate for help, she reluctantly turns to Jefferson Hicks, an ex-lawman who has fallen from grace-a man who unexpectetly awakens her to desire...and to dreams she believes she can never have. Jeff Hicks has fallen as low as a man can. But here at Allie's farm, his silent, numb heart suddenly begins to beat again. Drawn to this woman who is as much a prisoner of the past as he, Jeff discovers the healing power of love. But to claim it, they must confront spiteful enemies determined to keep them apart forever.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 15, 2000
58 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Harrington
18 books184 followersI've been a self-employed working novelist for the past twenty years. Of all the books I've written I've had just one foreign sale, and that was THE IRISH BRIDE, which was translated into Norwegian, where I understand it was a big hit.
I also make jewelry and I'm a fine needlework artist, specializing in embroidery, thread crochet, and sewing. I love to cook, read, entertain friends, decorate, and pursue various crafts.
I live in the Pacific Northwest near the Columbia River, still within 10 miles of my old high school. I have a Great Pyrenees dog, one cat, a finch, and three chickens who all seem to want to be in my small office while I'm trying to work (except the chickens, although they'd be thrilled to get into the house if I let them). Getting up to step around them is like maneuvering an obstacle course, but they are my children and so dear to me. My hours are kind of goofy--I'm just not a morning person and tend to be up late when the rest of the world is sleeping--and QUIET. No phones, faxes, distractions. Just the kids and me, candles burning, and the elevator music coming out of my CD player.
Before I made the leap to full-time writer, I spent about 12 years working for consulting civil engineers. Riprap, anyone? How about a nice detention pond?
I also make jewelry and I'm a fine needlework artist, specializing in embroidery, thread crochet, and sewing. I love to cook, read, entertain friends, decorate, and pursue various crafts.
I live in the Pacific Northwest near the Columbia River, still within 10 miles of my old high school. I have a Great Pyrenees dog, one cat, a finch, and three chickens who all seem to want to be in my small office while I'm trying to work (except the chickens, although they'd be thrilled to get into the house if I let them). Getting up to step around them is like maneuvering an obstacle course, but they are my children and so dear to me. My hours are kind of goofy--I'm just not a morning person and tend to be up late when the rest of the world is sleeping--and QUIET. No phones, faxes, distractions. Just the kids and me, candles burning, and the elevator music coming out of my CD player.
Before I made the leap to full-time writer, I spent about 12 years working for consulting civil engineers. Riprap, anyone? How about a nice detention pond?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 29, 2015
For all it was a very well-written example of Americana/Western romance, I couldn't help thinking of it as "dated" under some aspects, mainly due to the heroine's characterisation and the easy lapsing into purple prose especially during love scenes.
The storyline was quite engaging (not as much the romance), the focus on the hero's intimate journey from guilt-ridden wretch to stronger and freer man ready to grasp a second chance at life was interesting and rewarding, though the villains were a little too cartoonish and the pace was too slow in the second half.
All in all an enjoyable read. I'll probably try this author again, if only for the better than average writing style.
August 8, 2021
Another "between three and four stars"! Don't know why it just didn't make the four star mark ... the absolute c**t of a sister? A tad repetitive? Still, a good read even if it was a bit predictable ... will definitely read more by this author.
April 2, 2011
Allie’s Moon is a love story with two lonely people who carry heavy weights on their hearts from the past. Althea Ford had been told for most of her life that she was responsible for her mother’s death. She focused her existence on making amends for her lapse by taking care of her father through his long illness, and her sister who has emotional problems and ‘fits’. She sees no other life for herself other than the narrow, lonely one she inhabits.
For the past two years, Jeff Hicks has drowned his past anguish in whiskey, becoming a homeless alcoholic, when he was once sheriff. He doesn’t think of the future, only the present. When he’s arrested for stealing an egg, his friend Will, who took over as sheriff, arranges for Jeff to work on Althea’s farm for a month, doing odd jobs that she needs a handyman for. Jeff doesn’t want to spend a month in jail, so he agrees to working on Althea’s farm.
The best part of this story was how these two sad people find peace and solace in each other. It was good to see Jeff stop drinking and heal from the pain of knowing he killed a boy. Even though it was in self-defense, he could never forgive himself. Although not as much time was spent on dealing with Jeff’s alcoholism, I believe Ms. Harrington made an effort for that to be realistic. Allie, as he starts to call Althea, gives him a reason to get through the day, purpose, and joy in anticipating every moment with her. In essence, she is a very good and positive substitute for alcohol, giving him the succor he needed, and helping him get his life back on track. That made his ability to kick his alcohol dependence so smoothly feel more realistic for me. Allie felt as though she deserved nothing more than to be a dogsbody to her sister to pay her penance for her mother’s suicide. But Ben sees the sweet, beautiful, loving woman she is under all her starch and propriety, and he wishes he was good enough for her, wanting to share the heart he thought was dead and incapable of feeling with her. At first glance, Allie does feel that the downtrodden, dirty alcoholic had something about him that draws her eye. When she sees the man he is after he gets cleaned up and finds purpose and peace working on her farm, it doesn’t take very long for her to become attracted to and to fall in love with Jeff. She realizes that he is an honorable, gentle, loving man, and wishes that he could be her happy ending, although she can’t see a future outside of her duty to her sister.
The worst part of this book was Allie’s horrible sister. She was such a mean, self-absorbed, evil person. She treated her sister terribly, manipulating and taking advantage of the kind woman that Allie was. I think the depths of her ugliness kept this from being a higher rated book for me. Olivia’s antics were too much for me, I think. I didn’t feel fully satisfied with the book after what she put Jeff and Allie through before it was over. I feel like she worked them over a little too easily, even though Jeff was onto her early on in the book. . I do regret that this was enough to knock this book from five stars to four, but it just affected my enjoyment too much.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I read it in one day, which says a lot. Allie and Jeff are two characters that I wanted to find peace and happiness. They both deserved to be loved. I appreciate that Ms. Harrington gave us characters who had a lot of anguish and issues to deal with, giving them a happy ending together. Those are my favorite kinds of romance stories. I haven’t been reading many western romances lately, which is a shame, since they are favorites of mine. This is my third book that I’ve read by her, and I can say that Alexis Harrington is one to reach for when a western romance fan wants a emotional read.
For the past two years, Jeff Hicks has drowned his past anguish in whiskey, becoming a homeless alcoholic, when he was once sheriff. He doesn’t think of the future, only the present. When he’s arrested for stealing an egg, his friend Will, who took over as sheriff, arranges for Jeff to work on Althea’s farm for a month, doing odd jobs that she needs a handyman for. Jeff doesn’t want to spend a month in jail, so he agrees to working on Althea’s farm.
The best part of this story was how these two sad people find peace and solace in each other. It was good to see Jeff stop drinking and heal from the pain of knowing he killed a boy. Even though it was in self-defense, he could never forgive himself. Although not as much time was spent on dealing with Jeff’s alcoholism, I believe Ms. Harrington made an effort for that to be realistic. Allie, as he starts to call Althea, gives him a reason to get through the day, purpose, and joy in anticipating every moment with her. In essence, she is a very good and positive substitute for alcohol, giving him the succor he needed, and helping him get his life back on track. That made his ability to kick his alcohol dependence so smoothly feel more realistic for me. Allie felt as though she deserved nothing more than to be a dogsbody to her sister to pay her penance for her mother’s suicide. But Ben sees the sweet, beautiful, loving woman she is under all her starch and propriety, and he wishes he was good enough for her, wanting to share the heart he thought was dead and incapable of feeling with her. At first glance, Allie does feel that the downtrodden, dirty alcoholic had something about him that draws her eye. When she sees the man he is after he gets cleaned up and finds purpose and peace working on her farm, it doesn’t take very long for her to become attracted to and to fall in love with Jeff. She realizes that he is an honorable, gentle, loving man, and wishes that he could be her happy ending, although she can’t see a future outside of her duty to her sister.
The worst part of this book was Allie’s horrible sister. She was such a mean, self-absorbed, evil person. She treated her sister terribly, manipulating and taking advantage of the kind woman that Allie was. I think the depths of her ugliness kept this from being a higher rated book for me. Olivia’s antics were too much for me, I think. I didn’t feel fully satisfied with the book after what she put Jeff and Allie through before it was over. I feel like she worked them over a little too easily, even though Jeff was onto her early on in the book. . I do regret that this was enough to knock this book from five stars to four, but it just affected my enjoyment too much.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I read it in one day, which says a lot. Allie and Jeff are two characters that I wanted to find peace and happiness. They both deserved to be loved. I appreciate that Ms. Harrington gave us characters who had a lot of anguish and issues to deal with, giving them a happy ending together. Those are my favorite kinds of romance stories. I haven’t been reading many western romances lately, which is a shame, since they are favorites of mine. This is my third book that I’ve read by her, and I can say that Alexis Harrington is one to reach for when a western romance fan wants a emotional read.
March 27, 2011
Wow! This was very nearly a five-star read for me. It's like a 4.75. Loved Allie and Jeff, adored their story and was super impressed at how Harrington wrote the antagonists. It's the third book I've read by this author (after Harper's Bride and Desperate Hearts) and I liked it much more than either of them.
Left in charge of the family farm and her addled sister after her father's death, Althea Ford is overworked and overwhelmed. Against her better judgement, but desperate for the help, she's walked to town to hire the local drunken bully to fix her roof and plant her garden. When he doesn't show up for the job the next day, as they had agreed, she complains to the local sheriff. Her roof leaks, time's ticking on garden planting and she just can't hack it alone anymore.
Completing his fall from sheriff to drunken vagrant, Jefferson Hicks is on the other side of the bars in the local jail after getting caught stealing an egg from a local farmer. Plagued by nightmares from a shooting that left a boy dead and abandoned by his wife, Jeff has sought oblivion at the bottom of a bottle for the past two years. Now at rock bottom, the current sheriff gives him an option - stay in jail for a month, or live and work on the Fords' farm for the rest of the growing season.
Both Althea and Jefferson are terribly burdened souls. Though very different people, both carry weighty guilt on their shoulders for the deaths of people close to them. Jeff is tormented by the night he shot a local boy he'd taken under his wing, and Althea by her mother's suicide when Althea was a little girl. They mirror each other in how they react to this guilt. Althea tries to atone by dedicating her life to the farm and her sister, and Jeff goes the other way entirely by running away from all of his responsibilities and cares until he barely cares if he lives or dies.
So, the book is about two wounded souls shoring the other up. Responsible, demanding Althea the employer forces Jeff to sober up and redeem himself through an honest day's work. The old lawman in Jeff begs Allie to address the injustices in her life and believe she deserves happiness. Apart, they're both victims of their own consciences. Together, they're able to unravel the other's problems and stand as stronger individuals.
I enjoyed watching the characters grow in this way. You see Jeff as a straight-up drunk at the novel's beginning. He's filthy, he's scrawny and his hands shake so bad, he hasn't written to his own mother in years. Harrington doesn't make a major plot point of his alcoholism, but she still treats it with the proper respect. Throughout the book, you see him battle the temptation to drink, though he doesn't relapse, so it's not dispensed with in a facile manner. Althea starts the novel a slave to her father's memory and her sister's whims, working hard for everyone but herself. She's unhappy, worn out and tired.
Watching these two slowly find their happiness was incredibly satisfying in the face of their troubles. This is definitely a romance in the slow-burning department. They share only a few rather chaste kisses before the only sex scene happens at about 85% of the way in. I thought that the subdued, deliberate pace worked for the characters. In place of heated embraces and frequent makeouts, Jeff and Allie talked. Before they fell in love, they formed a friendship. And perhaps because of the long build-up, their night together was all the more heartfelt and emotional. It was an act of love rather than just physical attraction.
I also found the antagonists cleverly written. We start off with one villain, the mean drunk father of the boy Jeff shot, then end up with another villain in Althea's sister. I liked how they had understandable, if not sympathetic, motivations and how their mischief was so well tied up with Allie's and Jeff's character growth. They didn't just provide external conflict to put the HEA on hold, they made the HEA possible.
Having rambled on quite long enough, I'll wrap it up here. Although it had a few spots of over-obvious foreshadowing and lacked the transcendent sparkle of an amazing book, it was damn close to a five-star read for me. If you like emotional, redemptive romance in a historical western setting, this is a wonderful read.
Left in charge of the family farm and her addled sister after her father's death, Althea Ford is overworked and overwhelmed. Against her better judgement, but desperate for the help, she's walked to town to hire the local drunken bully to fix her roof and plant her garden. When he doesn't show up for the job the next day, as they had agreed, she complains to the local sheriff. Her roof leaks, time's ticking on garden planting and she just can't hack it alone anymore.
Completing his fall from sheriff to drunken vagrant, Jefferson Hicks is on the other side of the bars in the local jail after getting caught stealing an egg from a local farmer. Plagued by nightmares from a shooting that left a boy dead and abandoned by his wife, Jeff has sought oblivion at the bottom of a bottle for the past two years. Now at rock bottom, the current sheriff gives him an option - stay in jail for a month, or live and work on the Fords' farm for the rest of the growing season.
Both Althea and Jefferson are terribly burdened souls. Though very different people, both carry weighty guilt on their shoulders for the deaths of people close to them. Jeff is tormented by the night he shot a local boy he'd taken under his wing, and Althea by her mother's suicide when Althea was a little girl. They mirror each other in how they react to this guilt. Althea tries to atone by dedicating her life to the farm and her sister, and Jeff goes the other way entirely by running away from all of his responsibilities and cares until he barely cares if he lives or dies.
So, the book is about two wounded souls shoring the other up. Responsible, demanding Althea the employer forces Jeff to sober up and redeem himself through an honest day's work. The old lawman in Jeff begs Allie to address the injustices in her life and believe she deserves happiness. Apart, they're both victims of their own consciences. Together, they're able to unravel the other's problems and stand as stronger individuals.
I enjoyed watching the characters grow in this way. You see Jeff as a straight-up drunk at the novel's beginning. He's filthy, he's scrawny and his hands shake so bad, he hasn't written to his own mother in years. Harrington doesn't make a major plot point of his alcoholism, but she still treats it with the proper respect. Throughout the book, you see him battle the temptation to drink, though he doesn't relapse, so it's not dispensed with in a facile manner. Althea starts the novel a slave to her father's memory and her sister's whims, working hard for everyone but herself. She's unhappy, worn out and tired.
Watching these two slowly find their happiness was incredibly satisfying in the face of their troubles. This is definitely a romance in the slow-burning department. They share only a few rather chaste kisses before the only sex scene happens at about 85% of the way in. I thought that the subdued, deliberate pace worked for the characters. In place of heated embraces and frequent makeouts, Jeff and Allie talked. Before they fell in love, they formed a friendship. And perhaps because of the long build-up, their night together was all the more heartfelt and emotional. It was an act of love rather than just physical attraction.
I also found the antagonists cleverly written. We start off with one villain, the mean drunk father of the boy Jeff shot, then end up with another villain in Althea's sister. I liked how they had understandable, if not sympathetic, motivations and how their mischief was so well tied up with Allie's and Jeff's character growth. They didn't just provide external conflict to put the HEA on hold, they made the HEA possible.
Having rambled on quite long enough, I'll wrap it up here. Although it had a few spots of over-obvious foreshadowing and lacked the transcendent sparkle of an amazing book, it was damn close to a five-star read for me. If you like emotional, redemptive romance in a historical western setting, this is a wonderful read.
August 10, 2021
Another quick historical read from a new-to-me-author. A heartbreaking story with resilience and hope and a happily-ever-after that took some hard work and patience to reach. Allie and Jeff had a rough road to trod, and they were both such likable characters that I just wanted to constantly pat on their backs and tell them it would all work out.
Olivia deserved a kick in the butt for her over-dramatized "fits." I loved that she received her comeuppance in spades.
There are a lot of little editing problems that certainly could have benefited from one more line by line edit. Otherwise, something a little different for a quick afternoon/evening read.
September 12, 2015
Althea Ford, 'Allie', is one of two sisters that was left the family farm. Before her father passed away he made her feel that all the bad things that happened to the farm were her fault. She felt guilty from things that were beyond her control. Her younger sister, Olivia, played this dilemma to the hilt.
Allie was at wit's end when the local sheriff brought her a proposal. The previous sheriff, Jefferson Hicks, had become the town drunk. At one time Hicks had it all until he mistakenly killed a young boy. His wife left him and because he couldn't abandon his nightmares he lost his job to the drinking. Caught stealing he was given a choice: work at the Fords' farm for the rest of the season or go to jail.
Allie and Jefferson were two damaged individuals who had a difficult time letting go of the past. Each tried to make amends for their 'sins' through different means. Allie put every burden on her shoulders. Besides trying to complete all the physical work it took to running a farm she became a nanny and maid to her younger sister. An enabler before the word became popular, she thought she was doing her best for Olivia.
Jefferson was the opposite. He couldn't make up for the wrong he did so he took to drinking. When he was offered help he drank some more. Finally, he reached rock bottom. He didn't care anymore what happened and he was ready to die.
These were two souls that screamed for forgiveness. It was hard to imagine why Allie allowed her sister to treat her so shabby except that she had extremely low self-esteem. Jefferson allowed her to see an honest picture of what Olivia was and it wasn't pretty.
Allie held Jefferson to a higher level, something no one had done in a very long time. While still very much a romance the author did a respectable job showing what alcohol can do to relationships.
The slower pace of their friendship first was realistic. They helped each other look beyond their immediate problems and see that they needed each other in more ways than one. If ever a HEA was deserved it was for these two individuals. If you enjoy an emotional journey with fractured characters this story if for you.
Allie was at wit's end when the local sheriff brought her a proposal. The previous sheriff, Jefferson Hicks, had become the town drunk. At one time Hicks had it all until he mistakenly killed a young boy. His wife left him and because he couldn't abandon his nightmares he lost his job to the drinking. Caught stealing he was given a choice: work at the Fords' farm for the rest of the season or go to jail.
Allie and Jefferson were two damaged individuals who had a difficult time letting go of the past. Each tried to make amends for their 'sins' through different means. Allie put every burden on her shoulders. Besides trying to complete all the physical work it took to running a farm she became a nanny and maid to her younger sister. An enabler before the word became popular, she thought she was doing her best for Olivia.
Jefferson was the opposite. He couldn't make up for the wrong he did so he took to drinking. When he was offered help he drank some more. Finally, he reached rock bottom. He didn't care anymore what happened and he was ready to die.
These were two souls that screamed for forgiveness. It was hard to imagine why Allie allowed her sister to treat her so shabby except that she had extremely low self-esteem. Jefferson allowed her to see an honest picture of what Olivia was and it wasn't pretty.
Allie held Jefferson to a higher level, something no one had done in a very long time. While still very much a romance the author did a respectable job showing what alcohol can do to relationships.
The slower pace of their friendship first was realistic. They helped each other look beyond their immediate problems and see that they needed each other in more ways than one. If ever a HEA was deserved it was for these two individuals. If you enjoy an emotional journey with fractured characters this story if for you.
March 7, 2012
Althea (Allie) Ford is a spinster who has resigned herself to a life of caring for her sickly little sister after her mother's suicide and her unkind father's death. Known by the townsfolk of Decker Prairie, Oregon as the 'Crazy Ford Sisters,' the two young women live a life of virtual isolation out on their untended farm, where they are haunted by painful ghosts from the past.
Jefferson Hicks is an ex-Sheriff who descends into a deep depression and alcoholic haze after shooting a teenaged boy in self-defense. Having lost his sobriety, his wife, and his will to live, Jeff becomes the town's #1 derelict and most undesirable citizen. Then one day, the new Sheriff arrests Jeff for stealing and egg, and offers him an opportunity to work for Allie on the Ford farm in lieu of spending a month in jail.
As Jeff sobers up and cleans up (both figuratively and literally), he grows closer to Allie. Soon, his old self reemerges and his vitality and self-respect return. As Allie begins to see the goodness in Jeff, as well as herself, a slow-burning, yet intense passion and love develop between them.
Outside forces are working against them, however, and Allie and Jeff must hold on to the strength they have found in one another if their happiness is to survive.
One of my very favorite elements in a good romance is a tortured and downtrodden hero and heroine, who have been badly burned by their pasts but find strength in one another. Fortunately, this is also the type of character Alexis Harrington seems to really enjoy creating. And she does it very well. I loved Allie and Jeff, and I loved that they leaned on and supported one another when neither had anybody else in the world.
Another aspect of Ms. Harrington's writing that I love is her ability to create deliciously thick sexual tension that leads up to very emotional and explosive love scenes, and yet still give the whole story a sense of purity and sweetness that really warms the reader's heart.
Allie's Moon is the fourth book by this author I've read, and although it certainly isn't my favorite (Homeward Hearts takes that prize), it is still a very satisfying read.
Jefferson Hicks is an ex-Sheriff who descends into a deep depression and alcoholic haze after shooting a teenaged boy in self-defense. Having lost his sobriety, his wife, and his will to live, Jeff becomes the town's #1 derelict and most undesirable citizen. Then one day, the new Sheriff arrests Jeff for stealing and egg, and offers him an opportunity to work for Allie on the Ford farm in lieu of spending a month in jail.
As Jeff sobers up and cleans up (both figuratively and literally), he grows closer to Allie. Soon, his old self reemerges and his vitality and self-respect return. As Allie begins to see the goodness in Jeff, as well as herself, a slow-burning, yet intense passion and love develop between them.
Outside forces are working against them, however, and Allie and Jeff must hold on to the strength they have found in one another if their happiness is to survive.
One of my very favorite elements in a good romance is a tortured and downtrodden hero and heroine, who have been badly burned by their pasts but find strength in one another. Fortunately, this is also the type of character Alexis Harrington seems to really enjoy creating. And she does it very well. I loved Allie and Jeff, and I loved that they leaned on and supported one another when neither had anybody else in the world.
Another aspect of Ms. Harrington's writing that I love is her ability to create deliciously thick sexual tension that leads up to very emotional and explosive love scenes, and yet still give the whole story a sense of purity and sweetness that really warms the reader's heart.
Allie's Moon is the fourth book by this author I've read, and although it certainly isn't my favorite (Homeward Hearts takes that prize), it is still a very satisfying read.
March 31, 2011
There is just something about a story that has such tortured characters that pulls at the heart strings. These two were so broken emotionaly that it was pretty hard to see how they would ever become whole again but Alexis Harrington has such a way with writing that she made it very believable. She didn't just have Allie and Jeff fall in love at first sight and BAM! everythings all better, no they had to take baby steps and for every two steps forward there would be a few steps backwards. I think that's why it felt so real to me.
Oh and the sister.... I HATED her, wanted to kill her.lol Or at least have her institutionalized for the insane. =D
Oh and the sister.... I HATED her, wanted to kill her.lol Or at least have her institutionalized for the insane. =D
May 14, 2019
While perhaps a bit dated, this book tells the sweet story of two people haunted by their pasts who find comfort, acceptance, and personal growth in one another. I found myself rooting for Jeff and Allie both as a couple and individually.
The novel's homespun atmosphere and narration reminded a lot of LaVyrle Spencer's Morning Glory even though the premises of both stories are very different.
The novel's homespun atmosphere and narration reminded a lot of LaVyrle Spencer's Morning Glory even though the premises of both stories are very different.
August 5, 2021
6 years ago it was 5 stars, one of first books ive read in inglish, today its 4 stars.
Still good interesting plot with twists.
Great hero, safe read.
Still good interesting plot with twists.
Great hero, safe read.
July 23, 2011
First book by this author I've ever read. It was pretty good. It had a slight dark feel to it probably because of the dark issues it contained. I'm not a fan of romances that involve alcoholism. It moved at a good comfortable pace and didn't get bogged down with a lot of filler so it was easy to read.
April 21, 2011
Sharon Moreno This is a story of two extremely emotionally scarred people who find through one another the ability to break the chains that have bound them.
The author has the ability to clearly convey to the reader the emotional torment both H and h have experienced and continue to experience. Her characters are realistic and genuine as well as likeable (with exceptions).
Jefferson Hicks (H) comes on the scene as a drunk. Two years prior he was the sheriff. Then circumstances in his life broke him. Now he's biding his time until he either meets a bullet or whiskey puts him in the grave.
Althea Ford (h) has sacrificed her life, through guilt and fear, for her younger sister. The promise she made to her SOB father lives with her daily as well as his voice in her head that has the power to not only influence her thoughts but to direct her every action.
Then there is the sister, Olivia Ford, who is not all that she seems on the surface. She, too, has been emotionally warped from her past. Nothing in her life has changed or occurred to deter her hateful, manipulative, self serving mind set until Jefferson is plopped into their lives.
The way the story unravels is emotional and drew me right in. I really liked Jefferson and Althea. Their interaction and gradual care for one another was realistic, warm and tender.
On the other hand, the way Olivia was characterized, I didn't care at all what happened to her.
I will be looking for more from this author.
The author has the ability to clearly convey to the reader the emotional torment both H and h have experienced and continue to experience. Her characters are realistic and genuine as well as likeable (with exceptions).
Jefferson Hicks (H) comes on the scene as a drunk. Two years prior he was the sheriff. Then circumstances in his life broke him. Now he's biding his time until he either meets a bullet or whiskey puts him in the grave.
Althea Ford (h) has sacrificed her life, through guilt and fear, for her younger sister. The promise she made to her SOB father lives with her daily as well as his voice in her head that has the power to not only influence her thoughts but to direct her every action.
Then there is the sister, Olivia Ford, who is not all that she seems on the surface. She, too, has been emotionally warped from her past. Nothing in her life has changed or occurred to deter her hateful, manipulative, self serving mind set until Jefferson is plopped into their lives.
The way the story unravels is emotional and drew me right in. I really liked Jefferson and Althea. Their interaction and gradual care for one another was realistic, warm and tender.
On the other hand, the way Olivia was characterized, I didn't care at all what happened to her.
I will be looking for more from this author.
February 9, 2015
This historical romance between two damaged people would have rated higher if it weren't that it had two things that I dislike immensely:
a)the self-sacrificing heroine that no matter how badly she is treated, she continues to sacrifice herself because it's her duty or because she feels guilty. Though Jeff opened Allie's eyes to her sister's nefarious actions, and to the fact that she was not sick at all, Allie continued to accept her sister treating her badly as her due. At that point the self-sacrificing heroine became another type of character: the TSTL heroine.
2) The other thing that I disliked immensely is the fact that if the author centered so much of the conflict with the sister as a villain, could we at least have seen her get her comeuppance? After proven that Olivia had been lying in court, we get an epilogue quickly and barely a mention of Olivia at the end. I get tired of that type of resolution.
a)the self-sacrificing heroine that no matter how badly she is treated, she continues to sacrifice herself because it's her duty or because she feels guilty. Though Jeff opened Allie's eyes to her sister's nefarious actions, and to the fact that she was not sick at all, Allie continued to accept her sister treating her badly as her due. At that point the self-sacrificing heroine became another type of character: the TSTL heroine.
2) The other thing that I disliked immensely is the fact that if the author centered so much of the conflict with the sister as a villain, could we at least have seen her get her comeuppance? After proven that Olivia had been lying in court, we get an epilogue quickly and barely a mention of Olivia at the end. I get tired of that type of resolution.
February 20, 2015
I liked Althea's character although I thought she was a little weak but from her upbringing it fits in. Jeff wasn't really my type of hero but I admired his courage and ability to see past what Althea couldn't and help her make her own life.
February 6, 2011
Althea Ford is on a mission she hates–walking into the small Oregon town of Decker Prairie to find a man to help repair the dilapidated house and surrounding land which has all but gone to ruin since her father died. No one has responded to her ad and, desperate, she must brave the curious looks and whispers as she prepares to hire a disreputable man to help her. She knows the things the townspeople say about her and the sister she cares for, not to mention the careless comments about her mother. They’re the crazy Ford sisters, and their mother committed suicide when Olivia was a baby. But crazy or no, Althea’s desperation forces her to act.
Former sheriff Jefferson Hicks has hit the skids following a shooting where a young boy was killed. He can’t forget, and the memory haunts him to the point he finds solace in a whiskey bottle. When he is caught stealing an egg, his former friend, the current sheriff, makes a deal with Jeff that he work off his sentence at the Ford farm.
Jeff expects the Ford sisters to be old and a bit touched, but he’s surprised to find Althea a lovely woman in her mid-to-late twenties. The first days are difficult: Jeff is dirty and unkempt, and he wants a drink more than anything, but he is a man of his word. After cleaning up, he submits to a haircut and some fresh clothes.
Althea is a stern taskmistress, but she finds Mr. Hicks a good worker and an attractive man. As time goes on, Jeff begins to find purpose in his life, but it is rough going, especially when he also discovers he is beginning to have feelings for Althea, whom he nicknames Allie.
Incidents occur that try their fragile trust, and Jeff discovers Allie’s sister Olivia is not the sick, half-child she pretends to be. Getting Allie to see it proves difficult, but as one thing after another happens, Allie begins to suspect Jeff is telling the truth.
This is a warm and wonderful story about the redemptive power of love and of two damaged individuals who are finally given a second chance at happiness. Both Allie and Jeff are people the reader cares about. Ms. Harrington has executed a plot with many nuances–darkness, manipulation, despair, and as said before, the redemptive power of love.
I, too, was reminded of The Bad Seed, as another reviewer commented. Without giving away the plot, I won’t reveal more, however, I urge you to discover this memorable story for yourself. It’s thought-provoking and exceptionally well written. Brava Ms. Harrington.
Former sheriff Jefferson Hicks has hit the skids following a shooting where a young boy was killed. He can’t forget, and the memory haunts him to the point he finds solace in a whiskey bottle. When he is caught stealing an egg, his former friend, the current sheriff, makes a deal with Jeff that he work off his sentence at the Ford farm.
Jeff expects the Ford sisters to be old and a bit touched, but he’s surprised to find Althea a lovely woman in her mid-to-late twenties. The first days are difficult: Jeff is dirty and unkempt, and he wants a drink more than anything, but he is a man of his word. After cleaning up, he submits to a haircut and some fresh clothes.
Althea is a stern taskmistress, but she finds Mr. Hicks a good worker and an attractive man. As time goes on, Jeff begins to find purpose in his life, but it is rough going, especially when he also discovers he is beginning to have feelings for Althea, whom he nicknames Allie.
Incidents occur that try their fragile trust, and Jeff discovers Allie’s sister Olivia is not the sick, half-child she pretends to be. Getting Allie to see it proves difficult, but as one thing after another happens, Allie begins to suspect Jeff is telling the truth.
This is a warm and wonderful story about the redemptive power of love and of two damaged individuals who are finally given a second chance at happiness. Both Allie and Jeff are people the reader cares about. Ms. Harrington has executed a plot with many nuances–darkness, manipulation, despair, and as said before, the redemptive power of love.
I, too, was reminded of The Bad Seed, as another reviewer commented. Without giving away the plot, I won’t reveal more, however, I urge you to discover this memorable story for yourself. It’s thought-provoking and exceptionally well written. Brava Ms. Harrington.
September 26, 2014
Pretty good, could have been better if the villain wasn't so vile.
Basically it started just the way I like it, two broken loners find each other and their connection swerve as their healing process.
Allie lives in an isolated ranch with her fragile sister. Her surrounding refer to them as "The crazy Ford sisters" and she hardly leaves her home. She is stuck with "raising" her 20 year old sister (who behave like a child) and carries some scars from her past.
Jeff was the town Sheriff till one night changed everything for him and he became alcoholic and homeless.
Jeff is assigned (as a punishment) to fix Allie's place and slowly they start fixing each other.
I liked the beginning, it almost felt like Morning Glory (which I adore) but then it became a little bit unrealistic... The villain was evil Disney's style and it didn't feel right especially since the story starts by addressing the complicity of people's behavior: the drunken thief who has a heart of gold (Jeff) and the crazy uptight lady who had a rough childhood (Allie).
Good, but could have been much better.
Basically it started just the way I like it, two broken loners find each other and their connection swerve as their healing process.
Allie lives in an isolated ranch with her fragile sister. Her surrounding refer to them as "The crazy Ford sisters" and she hardly leaves her home. She is stuck with "raising" her 20 year old sister (who behave like a child) and carries some scars from her past.
Jeff was the town Sheriff till one night changed everything for him and he became alcoholic and homeless.
Jeff is assigned (as a punishment) to fix Allie's place and slowly they start fixing each other.
I liked the beginning, it almost felt like Morning Glory (which I adore) but then it became a little bit unrealistic... The villain was evil Disney's style and it didn't feel right especially since the story starts by addressing the complicity of people's behavior: the drunken thief who has a heart of gold (Jeff) and the crazy uptight lady who had a rough childhood (Allie).
Good, but could have been much better.
September 19, 2014
Much better than anything I've read from Harrington in the past. There's a small amount of emotional fuckwittage, but not nearly as much as I've been exposed to in some other works, and the characters were at least somewhat sympathetic. I did find that the antagonists took on almost cartoon villain proportions, and that detracted a bit from the emotional impact, but it was a fairly enjoyable read.
April 6, 2018
Loved It So Very Much. I wish it was more.
April 5, 2011
A sweet story. Two lonely people find each other and help each other overcome difficult pasts. The plot works and there were no draggy spots. The writing was good and the characterizations well done. Nice historical setting and worth the read.
August 12, 2016
Bizarrely overdrawn characters (too naive, too self-effacng, too nasty, too inexplicably cruel) with a plot simultaneously melodramatic and boring. Not a fan.
September 29, 2023
“Anyway, I don’t know why you want to call me Allie. My name is Althea.”
“But it doesn’t suit you. Althea sounds the way the moon looks on a clear winter night. Beautiful, but as cold and hard as a diamond, and far away. That’s not you. You’re more like that—” He pointed to the low slung pale-butter orb in the eastern sky. “Warm and close enough to touch. That’s your moon up there tonight, Allie, full of promise. And beautiful in the bargain.”
Oh my, these words … these words are like balm to my spirit. I find myself swooning and blushing like I a damn maiden I am not. I was really enjoying the story because it remind me a lot of Morning Glory by Lavyrle Spencer with a fallen man asking for a job from a so-called lunatic widow. Allie’s Moon has a similar premise where Jefferson Hicks or Jeff, is a man falling from a grace. An ex town sheriff who was alienated by the town after accidentally killing a teenage boy. One night, he was caught stealing an egg from one of the residents in town and so to spare him from a 4-months stint in hail, he was instead put for a ranching work at the Ford’s residence. The house where the crazy duo of Ford sisters lived.
But up till this point, that bitch of a sister Olivia has soured my mood during the latter half of the story. Apparently she wasn’t deranged as she claimed to be but she was faking her invalidity to keep her sister Althea wrapped around her pinky finger. Ughh I hated her so much, I found myself debating if U should continue the story or no. She was basically the worst part of this book which detracted me from rating this book higher than it should be. Her faux antics were too much and poor Jeff got hung for something wasn’t of his doing, these really took away the enjoyment I should have from reading this story as I’ve really loved Alexis Harrington’s Harper’s Bride and Montana Born & Bred. Similar with Maggie Jones, a lot of her stories are realistic with no caricature and exaggerated characters. They are simply the best western romance writers, same with Linda Howard. If you have yet to read any one of these authors yet, I do suggest you start nowZ
“But it doesn’t suit you. Althea sounds the way the moon looks on a clear winter night. Beautiful, but as cold and hard as a diamond, and far away. That’s not you. You’re more like that—” He pointed to the low slung pale-butter orb in the eastern sky. “Warm and close enough to touch. That’s your moon up there tonight, Allie, full of promise. And beautiful in the bargain.”
Oh my, these words … these words are like balm to my spirit. I find myself swooning and blushing like I a damn maiden I am not. I was really enjoying the story because it remind me a lot of Morning Glory by Lavyrle Spencer with a fallen man asking for a job from a so-called lunatic widow. Allie’s Moon has a similar premise where Jefferson Hicks or Jeff, is a man falling from a grace. An ex town sheriff who was alienated by the town after accidentally killing a teenage boy. One night, he was caught stealing an egg from one of the residents in town and so to spare him from a 4-months stint in hail, he was instead put for a ranching work at the Ford’s residence. The house where the crazy duo of Ford sisters lived.
But up till this point, that bitch of a sister Olivia has soured my mood during the latter half of the story. Apparently she wasn’t deranged as she claimed to be but she was faking her invalidity to keep her sister Althea wrapped around her pinky finger. Ughh I hated her so much, I found myself debating if U should continue the story or no. She was basically the worst part of this book which detracted me from rating this book higher than it should be. Her faux antics were too much and poor Jeff got hung for something wasn’t of his doing, these really took away the enjoyment I should have from reading this story as I’ve really loved Alexis Harrington’s Harper’s Bride and Montana Born & Bred. Similar with Maggie Jones, a lot of her stories are realistic with no caricature and exaggerated characters. They are simply the best western romance writers, same with Linda Howard. If you have yet to read any one of these authors yet, I do suggest you start nowZ
October 22, 2020
Hmm not sure what to rate this. The whole time i was reading i felt like I'd seen this plot before with the sister.
The good: Angst is there but the writing style feels like things are resolved fairly quickly. Jeff and Allie are a good fit.
The challenges: although time is supposed to have passed ie a month or two i didn't get the sense they Jeff and Allie got closer. So their relationship felt like it happened in a matter of days ie the days that were fleshed out in the book. Also the actions taken re intimacy didn't fit Allie's described character or the time of the book. Maybe if their relationship didn't feel so fast i might have bought into it. Same with the resolution with the sister. And the way alcoholism is portrayed i felt Jeffs recovery very unbelievable.
So overall i can't say I'd read it again nor that i enjoyed it.
The good: Angst is there but the writing style feels like things are resolved fairly quickly. Jeff and Allie are a good fit.
The challenges: although time is supposed to have passed ie a month or two i didn't get the sense they Jeff and Allie got closer. So their relationship felt like it happened in a matter of days ie the days that were fleshed out in the book. Also the actions taken re intimacy didn't fit Allie's described character or the time of the book. Maybe if their relationship didn't feel so fast i might have bought into it. Same with the resolution with the sister. And the way alcoholism is portrayed i felt Jeffs recovery very unbelievable.
So overall i can't say I'd read it again nor that i enjoyed it.
February 17, 2018
I loved both Jeff and Allie. They had a beautiful, slow building but strong relationship. They rescued each other from lonely, miserable existences and I adored that they both so wanted and needed the other one. I'm giving this 3 stars b/c the book moves VERY slowly and there's only one love scene. I would have liked the pace to move quicker and a little more time to see Jeff and Allie together and happy. We only have the one scene and then a short epilogue.
August 2, 2021
This could easily have been 5 stars, but the really bitchy-vile-creature of a sister poisoned the book too much. Just thinking about her makes me shudder.
Linda did an amazing job with the review, so I am skipping it.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Linda did an amazing job with the review, so I am skipping it.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 11, 2018
Poor Jefferson and lonely Althea. I really hate that sister of hers,acting like she is vulnerable so that Althea doesn't leave her but liked the way Althea stood up against her sister to defend the man she loves. Perfect ending,and a great story line,loved every bit of it
September 28, 2019
This book reminds me so much of a book I read a few years ago called Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer. It’s basically the same but still loved it, however Morning Glory will be one of the top books I’ve ever read
September 8, 2017
AMAZING glad allie sister got what she deserved in the end
great couple
great couple
July 12, 2018
3.5 Rating. It was difficult to like Althea. She could be a real bitch at times. Although Jeff redeemed the novel. I'm glad he received his happily ever after.
January 16, 2019
One of the first that I read, and I was hooked.
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