She laughed when she heard of her stepfather's untimely demise. It was at that precise moment he fell in love. Willow is capable and vibrant in a society that does not yet value the opinions of women. Too busy for daydreams of handsome heroes, it doesn't prevent fantasies of the distractingly virile Charles from intruding on her thoughts more frequently than she'd like.
Knowing his presence in her life threatens all she's ever known, Willow fights the pursuit of the one man who can ravage her world. As she tries to ignore her growing attraction, he has no shame in fanning the fiery flames that spark every time they are near each other.
This is a quick-reading, historical romance filled with intrigue and steamy sensuality. Each volume in this series is a complete, stand-alone book and can be read in any order.
By day, Mimi Foster is an award-winning Realtor helping people find their dream homes in beautiful Colorado Springs. By the quiet light of early mornings, she slips into another world - writing steamy, emotional romances where love always wins.
A fifth-generation Floridian who has called Colorado home for more than fifty years, Mimi writes across contemporary, historical, and paranormal genres. All but one of her books connect in some way to her Thunder on the Mountain series, where passion runs deep and love never fails.
Mimi is the proud mother of five daughters, grandmother to five grands, and a cherished friend to many, loved for her warmth, humor, and genuine heart. She and her husband share a relationship grounded in laughter, respect, and the kind of love that inspires her stories.
When she’s not writing or helping clients find home, you’ll find Mimi with her camera, surrounded by family, dreaming up her next love story.
I love reading Mimi Foster's books, love the way all the Thunder on the Mountain books are tied in together, but Willow's Secret deserves more than 5 stars. It's more than an ordinary romance novel. It's a story that has so many layers and levels, and ties everything and every character together inextricably. I felt like I was there in Nederland (yes, I live in Denver and know the landscape of these stories well) and part of the story myself. I call her my mentor, I've learned so much about storytelling from her.
I love "strong women" books! Willow is an excellent example of a survivor who keeps her mother alive with herbs, and encounters her perfect mate who is as good a human being as she is. Well written and never boring story that ended too soon. I want more of this author!!
**Book provided by the author for an honest review**
Willow's story takes place in Denver, CO, circa 1910. Although I do not like "historical" type books, I really enjoyed this one because it's Willow Stratton and she is kick-ass! That, and the fact that I have read the other books in the Thunder series and LOVED EM! Yes, these books from the series are stand alone, and no, you don't have to read them all to follow each story, but damn it, I say YOU HAVE TO! Willow is mentioned in Thunder Struck when her descendant Jordan is renovating her house, so...yeah...read them all! They are fabulous!!
This is the story of how Willow meets her man Charles. It's such a different take on a love story because Willow is a tomboy that has never dated, and gasp, wears Levi's IN PUBLIC! She is not swept off her feet. It's not love at first sight, for her at least, and things don't go down all romantic like. But that works for Willow, because she's not all girly like that. That is what I loved about the story. I already loved Willow, but for different reasons, (can't say, or I would have to kill you!)
Willow's mother Jordan was married to this evil dick named Andrew Harriman, who was suspected in the killing of Jordan's first husband, and Willow's father, Edward Stratton. He brought a son into the marriage named Adler Harriman. Jordan was still pregnant with Willow when she wed. The evil bastard was physically and emotionally abusive to both Jordan and Willow. Andrew was after what he believed Edward was hiding from him, and he was determined to get it! He got it alright!! But then later his evil spawn shows up just at the wrong time to throw a monkey wrench into the HEA story for Willow and Charles. On top of that, Jordan has tuberculosis, and Willow is struggling with wanting a life of her own, while still seeing to her mother's needs. This drama is one jacked-up situation that draws you in and drops a surprise bomb on your birthday! You just have to appreciate a great hook, line, and sinker, right? I enjoyed the time warp to the "good ol' days", and I know you will too!
Another Piece of the awesome Thunder Mountain Series Puzzle
Just when you think it isn't possible Ms. Foster gives us more characters to love. Willow's Secret is filled with history, politics, intrigue and YES a young couple in love. This novelette was well written and told us more history of this amazing family. There is also sone riveting history about the perils involved in mining mostly due to greed. I don't know if I ever get tired if saying "this is my new favorite book by Ms. Foster". Thank you for sharing this wonderful love story.