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Devereaux #6
Redemption
Jake McPherson
Needed a bride . . . He was a Civil War veteran, wounded in body and soul. And when his wife died unexpectedly, he retreated from life, craving only solitude and his happy memories. But his young son needed a mother's love and guidance -- even if Jake wanted no woman himself. So who better to choose than the town's spinster schoolmarm? Alicia Merriweather
Wanted so much to love . . . She had come to warn Jake his son was running wild. But she stayed because beneath his gruff exterior she saw Jake's pain and loneliness. Having borne the brunt of ridicule all her life, tall, plain Alicia understands both all too well. But could Jake ever learn to share his home and his heart?
Needed a bride . . . He was a Civil War veteran, wounded in body and soul. And when his wife died unexpectedly, he retreated from life, craving only solitude and his happy memories. But his young son needed a mother's love and guidance -- even if Jake wanted no woman himself. So who better to choose than the town's spinster schoolmarm? Alicia Merriweather
Wanted so much to love . . . She had come to warn Jake his son was running wild. But she stayed because beneath his gruff exterior she saw Jake's pain and loneliness. Having borne the brunt of ridicule all her life, tall, plain Alicia understands both all too well. But could Jake ever learn to share his home and his heart?
Paperback
First published December 20, 2005
27 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Davidson
68 books89 followersCarolyn Davidson began writing in 1986, knowing absolutely nothing about the craft. Her first three books were rejected by Harlequin.
She met Dixie Browning at a Harlequin dinner in Charleston, South Carolina, and told Dixie she was writing, but that she feared she was too old to begin such an undertaking. Dixie's response spurred Carolyn to pursue her dream. Dixie said, in her own inimitable fashion, "Well, honey, you can't start any younger!" And she was right.
Having spent her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and working woman, she's privileged to have a career that makes her dreams possible. Writing historical romance gives her the opportunity to travel, to visit all those places where our forefathers staked their claim on this country of ours. And then she goes home and writes their stories, maybe not exactly as they lived them, but as her imagination portrays them.
Carolyn lives in the South, where romance thrives, and where the sun shines almost every day of the year. In fact, some days it is difficult to stay glued to her computer, especially when the birds are singing and the flowers are in full bloom.
She lives not far from the ocean, close to Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Moreover, time at the beach is easy to come by. Does she enjoy her life? You bet! Harlequin allows her to write the books she loves, and her editor is patient with her quirks and foibles. Her family, though scattered in various states, is supportive, and her husband is a constant source of inspiration.
She met Dixie Browning at a Harlequin dinner in Charleston, South Carolina, and told Dixie she was writing, but that she feared she was too old to begin such an undertaking. Dixie's response spurred Carolyn to pursue her dream. Dixie said, in her own inimitable fashion, "Well, honey, you can't start any younger!" And she was right.
Having spent her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and working woman, she's privileged to have a career that makes her dreams possible. Writing historical romance gives her the opportunity to travel, to visit all those places where our forefathers staked their claim on this country of ours. And then she goes home and writes their stories, maybe not exactly as they lived them, but as her imagination portrays them.
Carolyn lives in the South, where romance thrives, and where the sun shines almost every day of the year. In fact, some days it is difficult to stay glued to her computer, especially when the birds are singing and the flowers are in full bloom.
She lives not far from the ocean, close to Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Moreover, time at the beach is easy to come by. Does she enjoy her life? You bet! Harlequin allows her to write the books she loves, and her editor is patient with her quirks and foibles. Her family, though scattered in various states, is supportive, and her husband is a constant source of inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 24, 2016
Comencé este libro sin mucho animo, porque ya había dejado empezados como 6 libros antes de este. Creo que estaba en vistas una resaca monumental que me habría dejado el ultimo libro de la Kleypas de no ser por este.
Jake es un veterano de la Guerra, ha perdido sus dos piernas y es un hombre amargado, huraño y más bien ermitaño.
Alicia es de esas protagonistas atípicas que tanto me gustan. Voluptuosa por no decir "gordita" y de armas tomar,una maestra que se mantiene en sus trece y da de que hablar al padre de un alumno que está causando serios problemas en su escuela.
La historia de estos dos comienza con pullas y altercados pero suceden cosas que los llevan a una vida en común.
En lo personal me ha parecido una historia bonita y simple, de esas que evitan la resaca y te hacen pasar un rato muy agradable leyendo.
No es la mejor historia del mundo mundial pero a mi me ayudó.
Es verdad que tiene muchos elementos cliché y no hay grandes subidas y bajadas a lo largo de la historia pero creo que cumple su objetivo. ENTRETENER.
Jake es un veterano de la Guerra, ha perdido sus dos piernas y es un hombre amargado, huraño y más bien ermitaño.
Alicia es de esas protagonistas atípicas que tanto me gustan. Voluptuosa por no decir "gordita" y de armas tomar,una maestra que se mantiene en sus trece y da de que hablar al padre de un alumno que está causando serios problemas en su escuela.
La historia de estos dos comienza con pullas y altercados pero suceden cosas que los llevan a una vida en común.
En lo personal me ha parecido una historia bonita y simple, de esas que evitan la resaca y te hacen pasar un rato muy agradable leyendo.
No es la mejor historia del mundo mundial pero a mi me ayudó.
Es verdad que tiene muchos elementos cliché y no hay grandes subidas y bajadas a lo largo de la historia pero creo que cumple su objetivo. ENTRETENER.
January 14, 2016
Another refreshing HR with a lead heroine that’s a bit older, plainer, and bigger in body proportions than your usual lead. It’s nice to see this as it says that women can find true love and happiness in her relationships and in life no matter her outer looks. I liked seeing Alicia’s personality and strength of will shine out as she butts heads with Jake.
I also liked that the main struggle in the book was the building up of these guys’ relationship. There weren’t any murky individuals from the past or another person trying to break them up. Overcoming stubborn pride and low self-esteem to create a beautiful romance and family was the star of the book. Even the bits with Jason trying to accept Alicia as his new mother didn’t detract from the main focus of the relationship building; it just added to it.
And I gotta say the emotions in this book are something else. I don’t think I’ve cried more while reading a book in a while. It was painful to read about Jake’s struggle to overcome his body issues from his war experiences and Alicia’s to see herself as a beautiful women just as she is. I liked that they started out their relationship as a practical arrangement to meet mutual goals and that it grew into something truly beautiful. Watching that growth in my mind’s eye was quite a journey.
I wish more historical romances were like this: characters more true to life and emphasis more on emotions and relationship building rather than outside conflict. I’ll be looking for more HR’s by this author as I think she’s done a swell job in creating a fantastic one in this book.
I also liked that the main struggle in the book was the building up of these guys’ relationship. There weren’t any murky individuals from the past or another person trying to break them up. Overcoming stubborn pride and low self-esteem to create a beautiful romance and family was the star of the book. Even the bits with Jason trying to accept Alicia as his new mother didn’t detract from the main focus of the relationship building; it just added to it.
And I gotta say the emotions in this book are something else. I don’t think I’ve cried more while reading a book in a while. It was painful to read about Jake’s struggle to overcome his body issues from his war experiences and Alicia’s to see herself as a beautiful women just as she is. I liked that they started out their relationship as a practical arrangement to meet mutual goals and that it grew into something truly beautiful. Watching that growth in my mind’s eye was quite a journey.
I wish more historical romances were like this: characters more true to life and emphasis more on emotions and relationship building rather than outside conflict. I’ll be looking for more HR’s by this author as I think she’s done a swell job in creating a fantastic one in this book.
October 16, 2008
I really liked this book. But then again, I'm a complete sucker for the reclusive, tortured hero. Jake is a wounded Civil War veteran, who lost portions of both his legs and is confined to a wheelchair. He then loses his wife to pnemonia and in his grief becomes a recluse. He has a young son who's unchecked behavior captures the attention of the local schoolteacher, and the schoolteacher who barges into his life captures the attention of Jake himself. Alicia is smart, practical, and kind - but no pushover. Jake can be a big jerk, but you experience his guilt with him and always see him work to make amends. The couple actually communicates through their conflicts and there's no silly misunderstandings or running away or keeping secrets. Refreshing to read in a romance novel.
July 31, 2023
I’m here for the marriage of convenience trope! I also love the single parent trope so I was happy reading all the moments with the boy. I didn’t feel a big connection between the mc’s unfortunately.
August 15, 2015
Jake McPherson, ferido de guerra, era viúvo e necessitava de alguém para cuidar de seu filho. A princípio, o encontro de Alicia Merriweather com Jake foi turbulento porque ela foi contar-lhe que o filho estava indo por um mal caminho e pedia que ele tomasse providencias. Jake vivia recluso por conta de sua incapacidade e ela perda da mulher e de fato não queria nenhuma mulher se envolvendo em sua vida. Mas percebendo que o filho necessitava de uma mãe, decide pedi-la em casamento e Alicia decide ficar porque sabe que debaixo desta fachada rígida e orgulhosa existe um homem sofrido e que necessita dela. Um romance escrito com profunda sensibilidade e beleza. Uma história rica de sentimentos que nos toca no fundo o coração.
March 12, 2021
Si quiero leer algo sencillo y que no le lleve mucho tiempo siempre recurro a las novelas de Harlequín, que siempre te ponen de buen humor o de mal humor. Casi nunca te dejan indiferente.
En esta novela Redención de Carolyn Davidson lo que conseguido es un gran suspiro de decepción. Puede ser que con la edad una se vuelta más revieja o que el movimiento feminista haya calado algo en mis neuronas pero en esta historia la protagonista merecería un buen coscorrón.
Todo empieza cuando Alicia, una maestra de treinta años con un físico peculiar -alta, robusta y no hermosa- va a casa de uno de sus alumnos, Jason de nueve años, a hablar del mal comportamiento del niño. Allí se encuentra por primera vez con el padre, Jake, un viudo desde hace un par de años, que perdió ambas piernas durante la Guerra Civil que asoló el país hace años. Por generosidad, y por sentir cierta pena por la situación de Jason, Alicia empieza a tener más contactos con Jake y su hijo. Pasados unos días desde que se conocen, Jake propone a Alicia que se case con él para así poder darle a Jason una madre, además de tener así alguien que cuide de la casa y de ellos. Vamos, el busca una mujer para todo: enfermera, madre del niño, cocinera, limpiadora... Y evidentemente ella acepta sin dudarlo.
Considerando que la época histórica es muy diferente, la primera impresión es darle a Jake una señal con el dedo pero pensándolo bien casarse no es mala idea, ya que conlleva tener una familia, aunque sea la familia de una mujer muerta. Podía ser peor, Alicia no tiene perspectivas de casarse nunca, así que la propuesta no es tan mala como parece.
Este no es un mal inicio, dos personajes con fuerte carácter que chocan cada cierto tiempo, lo que me molesta de esta historia es que una vez casada Alicia se vuelve un ser muy vulnerable. Cada vez que tiene una discusión o una idea propia y su marido se la rechaza, se pone un mar de lágrimas, o muy sentimental. Además no se siente segura de su aspecto porque él no ha la reclamado en su cama. Y para cerrar el círculo ha dejado de ser maestra y su labor es estar veinticuatro horas cuidando de Jake y Jason. ¿Pero cuál es el problema de esta mujer? El hombre te dijo desde el principio qué tipo de matrimonio quería y tú aceptas de buena gana, ha pasado un día y ya te estás quejando. Pues no haberte casado.
Otra cosa que me irrita mucho es que esta es la típica historia del patito feo que se encuentra con un hombre guapo pero atormentado pero con su bondad y demás lo transforma en un hombre feliz y amable. Aquí Alicia se dedica desde el principio a intentar cambiar a su marido y al niño, y lo hace por su cuenta porque quiere hacerlo, y si los implicados no están de acuerdo pues no importa, porque al final ella se sale con la suya, solo hay que echar un par de lagrimitas y el marido cede.
En fin, yo esperaba una protagonista un poco más realista y que la relación fluyera un poco más, no que cada uno se diera cuenta de que aman al otro como si una revelación divina les cayera encima.
Con todo esto confesar que la novela está bien escrita y es muy fácil de leer pero para los lectores que buscan algo más en una protagonista que se adapta al rol tradicional de buena mujer puede que no sea suficiente. En mi caso, me pregunto dónde están las arpías y las mujeres con muy mal carácter del pasado -porque muchas hay por ahí sueltas ahora mismo- porque parece que antaño todas eran una santas.
En esta novela Redención de Carolyn Davidson lo que conseguido es un gran suspiro de decepción. Puede ser que con la edad una se vuelta más revieja o que el movimiento feminista haya calado algo en mis neuronas pero en esta historia la protagonista merecería un buen coscorrón.
Todo empieza cuando Alicia, una maestra de treinta años con un físico peculiar -alta, robusta y no hermosa- va a casa de uno de sus alumnos, Jason de nueve años, a hablar del mal comportamiento del niño. Allí se encuentra por primera vez con el padre, Jake, un viudo desde hace un par de años, que perdió ambas piernas durante la Guerra Civil que asoló el país hace años. Por generosidad, y por sentir cierta pena por la situación de Jason, Alicia empieza a tener más contactos con Jake y su hijo. Pasados unos días desde que se conocen, Jake propone a Alicia que se case con él para así poder darle a Jason una madre, además de tener así alguien que cuide de la casa y de ellos. Vamos, el busca una mujer para todo: enfermera, madre del niño, cocinera, limpiadora... Y evidentemente ella acepta sin dudarlo.
Considerando que la época histórica es muy diferente, la primera impresión es darle a Jake una señal con el dedo pero pensándolo bien casarse no es mala idea, ya que conlleva tener una familia, aunque sea la familia de una mujer muerta. Podía ser peor, Alicia no tiene perspectivas de casarse nunca, así que la propuesta no es tan mala como parece.
Este no es un mal inicio, dos personajes con fuerte carácter que chocan cada cierto tiempo, lo que me molesta de esta historia es que una vez casada Alicia se vuelve un ser muy vulnerable. Cada vez que tiene una discusión o una idea propia y su marido se la rechaza, se pone un mar de lágrimas, o muy sentimental. Además no se siente segura de su aspecto porque él no ha la reclamado en su cama. Y para cerrar el círculo ha dejado de ser maestra y su labor es estar veinticuatro horas cuidando de Jake y Jason. ¿Pero cuál es el problema de esta mujer? El hombre te dijo desde el principio qué tipo de matrimonio quería y tú aceptas de buena gana, ha pasado un día y ya te estás quejando. Pues no haberte casado.
Otra cosa que me irrita mucho es que esta es la típica historia del patito feo que se encuentra con un hombre guapo pero atormentado pero con su bondad y demás lo transforma en un hombre feliz y amable. Aquí Alicia se dedica desde el principio a intentar cambiar a su marido y al niño, y lo hace por su cuenta porque quiere hacerlo, y si los implicados no están de acuerdo pues no importa, porque al final ella se sale con la suya, solo hay que echar un par de lagrimitas y el marido cede.
En fin, yo esperaba una protagonista un poco más realista y que la relación fluyera un poco más, no que cada uno se diera cuenta de que aman al otro como si una revelación divina les cayera encima.
Con todo esto confesar que la novela está bien escrita y es muy fácil de leer pero para los lectores que buscan algo más en una protagonista que se adapta al rol tradicional de buena mujer puede que no sea suficiente. En mi caso, me pregunto dónde están las arpías y las mujeres con muy mal carácter del pasado -porque muchas hay por ahí sueltas ahora mismo- porque parece que antaño todas eran una santas.
May 4, 2025
Not the type of romance book I'd really like, but the writing was so good, and the characterizations of Alicia so good I couldn't resist. Not a fan of the marriage of convenience plot line, and the trope that a wife can fix the man's dark past. Especially since Alicia went from not wanting to marrying at all, especially a man with children, to accepting his marriage proposal in like an hour? I didn't feel like her relationship with Jason (the troubled child) was strong enough to accept such an offer. Which turned out to be true and had many repercussions later in the book. If she had waited longer to marry him things may have been smoother. I really wished they had shown some sort of deliberation, or introspection on her part, even if it had been a few days, other than she was afraid of being poor and alone in the future. Plus Jake was deeply depressed and had a dark, dark, past. Alicia was in waaay over her head accepting this marriage proposal. I did like her sparring and standing up for herself, how adamant she was about continuing her teaching, and liked the disability representation in this book. There was a pretty good erotic scene too. The dialogue was excellent, and the verbal spars were delightful and even funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2018
Es interesante que él sea un veterano de guerra sin las piernas, que necesita ayuda, y que ella sea diferente de lo habitual en romántica: en lo físico y en el carácter. No se deja amedrentar y no es una belleza descerebrada.
Me gustó la historia; le resta puntos que ella sea apresurada con algunas cosas y algo sobre el final, que me resultó un poco "apurado" en comparación con el resto. Anyway, una lectura agradable para pasar el rato.
Me gustó la historia; le resta puntos que ella sea apresurada con algunas cosas y algo sobre el final, que me resultó un poco "apurado" en comparación con el resto. Anyway, una lectura agradable para pasar el rato.
June 28, 2017
I enjoyed the verbal battles between Jake and Alicia. The first half of the book was the best when they were having a battle of words. The second half was not too bad. I was glad Jake came to realize the worth of Alicia.
I did think that Alicia broke her bargain with Jake when she threatened to leave him. In the beginning of their relationship, Alicia told Jake she never broke her word. I also think that if Jake did not want to play the piano or share his music, that was his choice and had the right to be stubborn about it.
what I liked about the book was that it was different. Two characters who were not handsome or beautiful but had a lot of character.
I did think that Alicia broke her bargain with Jake when she threatened to leave him. In the beginning of their relationship, Alicia told Jake she never broke her word. I also think that if Jake did not want to play the piano or share his music, that was his choice and had the right to be stubborn about it.
what I liked about the book was that it was different. Two characters who were not handsome or beautiful but had a lot of character.
September 13, 2024
I really liked this.
The story was simple, but I really liked the fmc. She just had so much love to give. It made me love her as a character.
The romance was emotional as well. I loved that it felt real to me. It was not perfect, but it was a constant effort between the two of them.
I also really liked the development of her relationship with the mmc's son. It felt natural and not forced.
3 stars.
The story was simple, but I really liked the fmc. She just had so much love to give. It made me love her as a character.
The romance was emotional as well. I loved that it felt real to me. It was not perfect, but it was a constant effort between the two of them.
I also really liked the development of her relationship with the mmc's son. It felt natural and not forced.
3 stars.
May 1, 2022
3.5 Domestic Stars
No plot, just one of those books where a slice of life meets romance. I can see how it might be boring but honestly I loved it. It was what I’d been cravin.
The character developments were pretty great to me & it got me thinking how some decisions might translate to real life circumstances (of course I was just being my usual over-philosophical self)
H & h were great together, they complimented one another well only thing is H took donkey years to come to terms w how he feels. Also I’m not a huge fan of ultimatums but I suffered through cause I was hooked.
Don’t know if id read it again. I liked it but I believe it could have been more.
No plot, just one of those books where a slice of life meets romance. I can see how it might be boring but honestly I loved it. It was what I’d been cravin.
The character developments were pretty great to me & it got me thinking how some decisions might translate to real life circumstances (of course I was just being my usual over-philosophical self)
H & h were great together, they complimented one another well only thing is H took donkey years to come to terms w how he feels. Also I’m not a huge fan of ultimatums but I suffered through cause I was hooked.
Don’t know if id read it again. I liked it but I believe it could have been more.
August 13, 2022
Una historia llena de redención, pequeños sacrificios y amor.
Alicia es la "nueva" maestra del pueblos y cuando se acerca a hablar con el padre de uno de sus alumnos, Jake, la trata horrible. Eso no la disuade de dejar de tratar, y esto termina siendo de lo más intrigante para él.
A partir de ese momento sus vidas se entrelazaran cada vez más.
Alicia es la "nueva" maestra del pueblos y cuando se acerca a hablar con el padre de uno de sus alumnos, Jake, la trata horrible. Eso no la disuade de dejar de tratar, y esto termina siendo de lo más intrigante para él.
A partir de ese momento sus vidas se entrelazaran cada vez más.
April 2, 2025
i really enjoyed reading this book. i had read it years ago and had sadly forgot it.
the hero and heroine are wonderfuly people. they disagreements are intesting and they are both stuborn. a very good read.
i did not know that the brother story was also told but not published as a super historical. so i will be looking for that one and book 2.
the hero and heroine are wonderfuly people. they disagreements are intesting and they are both stuborn. a very good read.
i did not know that the brother story was also told but not published as a super historical. so i will be looking for that one and book 2.
August 17, 2019
a very sweet story. both heroes Jake and Alicia were strong headed and smart.
Hae a disabled veteran and former piano concertist, She an almost spinster. I lovef ther interaction and I really felt for them Ialso loved Jason, his 9 years old son.
beautiful story
Hae a disabled veteran and former piano concertist, She an almost spinster. I lovef ther interaction and I really felt for them Ialso loved Jason, his 9 years old son.
beautiful story
April 17, 2020
It's very well written and I <3 the heroine, but the hero is just way too much of a jerk. I don't care if you can play the piano like a dream, dude! And obviously you lost your legs in the war and that's awful! But still.
June 25, 2019
Heroine was hero’s second choice imo.
April 9, 2020
I loved it
It was a beautiful love story. The chat
Secrets were real and the sorrow of a war was so relevant
It was a beautiful love story. The chat
Secrets were real and the sorrow of a war was so relevant
July 16, 2020
I loved the push and pull between the hero and heroine. The banter alone was enough to keep me engaged. This is a slow-build romance with a happy ending.
April 5, 2021
3,5. La historia es bonita, pero, por momentos la novela pierde agilidad.
December 21, 2021
3.5 stars
enjoyable book that hit the same 2 plot points till the end
enjoyable book that hit the same 2 plot points till the end
September 22, 2022
3.5 estrellas. Me gustó mucho, muy tierno y ameno de leer. Ame a todos los personajes.
October 5, 2022
Strange premise and difficult to get through. Too long and too jumpy.
April 7, 2024
An old fashioned, sugary romance.
November 17, 2024
Loved it!!! I don't know why it had a low rating but it was great.
September 20, 2025
Dnf ch 7
June 13, 2019
The Civil War took his legs and pneumonia took his wife; Jake McPherson is a tragic figure. He’s become a recluse; his nine-year-old son Jason has become a problem – at school and around the town. Miss Alicia Merriweather, a thirty-year-old schoolteacher, has come to the McPherson home to talk with the father.
She’s shocked by the angry man she meets; Merriweather is a heavy, not particularly pretty woman who takes no nonsense from anyone. She goes toe-to-toe with McPherson, telling him about Jason’s bad behavior – and telling Mr. McPherson what he needs to do about it!
Before long, Miss Alicia is a regular visitor to the McPherson house and Jake realizes he needs a mother for Jason and a companion for himself. He asks Alicia to marry him and she agrees. However, marriage doesn’t quiet the arguments between the spouses and Jason doesn't become a well-behaved son.
This is a deep, emotional tale of a hermit who takes a chance and is rewarded beyond his dreams. Alicia, the stout woman who thought she’d never marry, is given the chance to be a wife and mother.
The subject of a man in a wheelchair having emotional and physical needs is rather unique in this genre. Carolyn Davidson did a remarkable job of showing Jake’s pain and loneliness. Alicia is a perfect match for Jake because she takes no bull but understands him because she has dealt with pain and ridicule (she’s tall, stout and plain) all her life.
My only complaint was that Jake changed too quickly; I would have expected him to go down fighting harder. However, this is a wonderful story about 3 people (Jake, Alicia and Jason) and how they become a family.
She’s shocked by the angry man she meets; Merriweather is a heavy, not particularly pretty woman who takes no nonsense from anyone. She goes toe-to-toe with McPherson, telling him about Jason’s bad behavior – and telling Mr. McPherson what he needs to do about it!
Before long, Miss Alicia is a regular visitor to the McPherson house and Jake realizes he needs a mother for Jason and a companion for himself. He asks Alicia to marry him and she agrees. However, marriage doesn’t quiet the arguments between the spouses and Jason doesn't become a well-behaved son.
This is a deep, emotional tale of a hermit who takes a chance and is rewarded beyond his dreams. Alicia, the stout woman who thought she’d never marry, is given the chance to be a wife and mother.
The subject of a man in a wheelchair having emotional and physical needs is rather unique in this genre. Carolyn Davidson did a remarkable job of showing Jake’s pain and loneliness. Alicia is a perfect match for Jake because she takes no bull but understands him because she has dealt with pain and ridicule (she’s tall, stout and plain) all her life.
My only complaint was that Jake changed too quickly; I would have expected him to go down fighting harder. However, this is a wonderful story about 3 people (Jake, Alicia and Jason) and how they become a family.
June 20, 2014
****SPOILER ALERT***Bravery on the author's part in having a hero who lost both legs in the Civil War. Nothing sugar coated there. I found that, and the character as written, honest.
I rated the story lower, though, because I just could not get into the characters. Why? Both characters were written with a lot of honesty. The heroine was junoesque and older. I liked both characters well enough, but there was a lack of conflict. Jake's son creates the only real conflict, since they marry early on in the book and Alicia quickly developes romantic feelings for him. Yes, she believes her feelings are unrequited, yet there's hope there. I think the story would have had a stronger connection to me, emotionally, if there had been more conflict. And if they had not married quite so early on. They did go from Alicia coming out to help them to her marrying Jake very fast. I think that was another reason why I didn't connect, though the groundwork was there.
I'd like to read more from this author, though, as I appreciated her honesty in character development.
I rated the story lower, though, because I just could not get into the characters. Why? Both characters were written with a lot of honesty. The heroine was junoesque and older. I liked both characters well enough, but there was a lack of conflict. Jake's son creates the only real conflict, since they marry early on in the book and Alicia quickly developes romantic feelings for him. Yes, she believes her feelings are unrequited, yet there's hope there. I think the story would have had a stronger connection to me, emotionally, if there had been more conflict. And if they had not married quite so early on. They did go from Alicia coming out to help them to her marrying Jake very fast. I think that was another reason why I didn't connect, though the groundwork was there.
I'd like to read more from this author, though, as I appreciated her honesty in character development.
January 5, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I have always enjoyed Carolyn Davidson's books. It's a sweet (with just a touch of heat) historical western romance!
Jake McPherson
NEEDED A BRIDE…
He was a Civil War veteran, wounded in body and soul. And when his wife died unexpectedly, he retreated from life, craving only solitude and his happy memories. But his young son needed a mother's love and guidance—even if Jake wanted no woman himself. So who better to choose than the town's spinster schoolmarm?
Alicia Merriweather
WANTED SO MUCH TO LOVE… She had come to warn Jake his son was running wild. But she stayed because beneath his gruff exterior she saw Jake's pain and loneliness. Having borne the brunt of ridicule all her life, tall, plain Alicia understood both all too well. But could Jake ever learn to share his home and his heart?
Jake McPherson
NEEDED A BRIDE…
He was a Civil War veteran, wounded in body and soul. And when his wife died unexpectedly, he retreated from life, craving only solitude and his happy memories. But his young son needed a mother's love and guidance—even if Jake wanted no woman himself. So who better to choose than the town's spinster schoolmarm?
Alicia Merriweather
WANTED SO MUCH TO LOVE… She had come to warn Jake his son was running wild. But she stayed because beneath his gruff exterior she saw Jake's pain and loneliness. Having borne the brunt of ridicule all her life, tall, plain Alicia understood both all too well. But could Jake ever learn to share his home and his heart?
December 24, 2014
This book was pretty good overall.
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