WE'RE RIDING THE SAME RANGE TOGETHER NOW
As a fan of historical westerns and this author, Ms. Marie Hall, I found Winter Peace to be another great story! I liked the Noella, but not so much for Nicolas' Nick' Winter. They are two people, caught in a conundrum and forced into a marriage—or prison for her.
The story begins in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where Nick Winter travels to purchases two bulls and some sheep for his ranch back near Willow Springs. He will come into his room to catch someone going through his belongings. That, someone, wasn't a boy, as first thought, but a young woman—and he will punish her with a spanking.
Noella Paix is a pawn for her stepfather—an arranged marriage to Guy Stanwell, a man who has been married multiple times, and each previous wife's life ends in a tragic death. Noella needs to escape but has no means to do so. She would rather die now than marry this monster.
The story's plot will have Nick kissing Noella and making a comment to lead everyone to believe that they had been together. Her reputation in tatters, her stepfather furious, and Stanwell not wanting damaged goods. Noella will be beaten and arrested, and to be imprisoned at Yuma, Arizona prison by none other than Judge Hooper. Nick got her into this mess; now, he is responsible for getting her out—and will take her to the church and marry her. The last thing he wants is a wife—again. He is haunted by his past and allows it to control his feelings on marriage and wives. Noella is innocently naïve but complacent about accepting this marriage and goes with Nick.
"This isn't the time or place for you to learn about what goes on between a man and woman. And, little girl, I knew right away you ain't so much as had a bridle on, let alone a saddle with a bit in your mouth. We might get to spurs eventually, but not for our first ride."
"Difference between a whore and a wife was a whore could be paid to do anything, and wives could only be expected to tolerate a few things."
"What kind of woman are you? You're the kind who's passionate and full of life. And I think more than that, but you've spent your life hogtied and hobbled. Time to let you be unbridled for awhile."
The train journey home will come with good, bad, and ugly situations. Nick will learn his wife is very talented at art, and it is something that others quickly show an appreciation for—but what good will that do him as a rancher. An attempted train robbery places Noella's life in jeopardy (caused by her disobedience) and leads to a very harsh discipline scene. But even when they arrive back at Willow Springs, Nick isn't prepared for a wife, really doesn't want one, and leaves her in town—by herself, at the mercy of others.
Nick is a man caught in the past—having married young and losing his wife, Catherine—which wasn't a happy marriage at all. He assumes that Noella is a pampered princess, used to having servants and being waited on. He also bases all marriages on what he has experienced and swore he would never marry again—having Noella as his wife leaves him unsure. The ranch is rough; the house isn't more than a shack and no place to bring her. But leaving her in town for weeks doesn't sit well with her or the people she has befriended. Nick is a man of excuses—but excuses only satisfy the one giving them. Noella feels lost, used, and confused. If it weren't for Summer and Autumn, she would be floundering. Summer is teaching her basic skills.
Nick: "I don't know what you want from me, little girl."
Noella” "I want you to let me be your wife."
The story has two people brought together under duress. I wouldn't say I like the character of Nick; he is self-centered, great with animals, but not with his wife, and I thought he was overly harsh and cruel with his discipline. He never allows Noella to have her say; he doesn't listen to her, he believes it is his word, his law, and his verdict carried out. I didn't feel the chemistry that I usually do with these characters. Yes, sexually, they both were good at giving and taking—but life is much more than between the sheets—it is all the other times you breathe. Maybe, by the epilogue, Nick slightly redeems himself some as a husband—but Noella is by far a more humble, forgiving, and compassionate person and what will make or break this union.
"How was it so unsettling to have him near? How was it that he could make her feel such pleasures, but she could still be left so unsatisfied?"