MY REVIEW:
“Trouble In Store” is an entertaining western romance that would be a good take-along for summer vacation. The plot gets off to a bit of a slow start but picks up speed as the story progresses. The narrative is filled with adequate drama, humor, romance and even murder and mystery to hold the attention of most readers. Interesting historical details add to the authenticity of the story.
It is obvious that someone in town is up to no good and most of the suspicious action takes place in the vicinity of the mercantile run by Caleb Nelson and Melanie Ross. The problem is, there are several potential suspects – including Caleb and Melanie. With the danger increasing almost daily and the townspeople jumping to all kinds of conclusions, Caleb and Melanie might just have to settle their differences and work together if they and their business are to survive.
I’ll admit that I did not always like Melanie – especially the way she manipulated her way into the mercantile which seemed dishonest to me. I can understand that her actions were those of a desperate person who had suddenly found herself without a job or a home and had no family to turn to after the death of her cousin George. Fortunately, Melanie did prove herself to be a valuable asset both to the store and to the community and everything ended well.
All in all, I enjoyed the time I spent reading “Trouble In Store” and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance with an old west theme.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he’s not about to let an obstinate woman with newfangled ideas ruin all he’s worked for. In hope of turning her interest elsewhere, he determines to get Melanie married off, and luckily, there are many single men in town quite willing to take her off his hands.
The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn’t want her to marry any of them. He’s drawn to her more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store offer unexpectedly positive results.
But someone doesn’t want the mercantile to succeed, and threatening words have escalated into destruction and danger. Will Melanie and Caleb’s business–and budding romance–survive the trouble that’s about to come their way?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play–within view of the family’s front porch. Visit her website at www.authorcarolcox.com.
