MY REVIEW:
In this well-crafted tale loosely based on the Biblical book of Ruth, Heather Blanton offers her readers a change of scenery from her usual western settings. Carolina Homecoming takes place during the Civil War era and features Ruth Grant who has lost her husband in the war. Her mother-in-law Noemie has also been recently widowed and decides to return to her home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ruth chooses to accompany her, hoping they can both find the peace and healing they so desperately need.
Upon their arrival at Noemie’s farm, they discover that things are not what they expected. As they experience one mishap after another, it is apparent that something sinister is taking place and one particular person is at the top of the suspect list. Montgomery Boaze, a wealthy widower does everything in his power to help and protect the two women. Those familiar with the Biblical story will have a pretty good idea where the story is headed but Carolina Homecoming has a few twists and turns of its own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I know I can count on Heather Blanton to provide me with a story that has just the right blend of drama, mystery, action, and romance to keep me happy. Be sure to give this one a look.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Even in the shadows of the Blue Ridge, war will find them.
Widowed by the Civil War, Ruth Grant insists on accompanying her grieving mother-in-law Noemie back to her roots in the beautiful but isolated foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This escape to a place barely touched by war will prove to be anything but peaceful for the two strong-willed women.
Montgomery Boaze is the wealthiest farmer in the upstate. He also happens to be a handsome widower. When distant relative Noemie returns home and butts heads with a mutual enemy, Montgomery appoints himself her and Ruth’s protector. Not such a difficult task since he adores his kin…and finds the beautiful, young widow bewitching.
Together, the three will become entangled in a battle over land, loyalty, and love that has nothing to do with North versus South.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Heather Blanton is the independent bestselling author of several Christian Westerns, including the “Romance in the Rockies” series which was recently OPTIONED for a LIMITED TV SERIES.
She is a former journalist and avid researcher who endeavors to seamlessly weave actual history in among fictional storylines. She loves exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. She has walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw’s note in her hand.
“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER
Her novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets her write about feisty pioneer women who struggle to find love and keep their faith. Like all good, old-fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and often a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in her stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. Her work is inspired by authors like the great Louis L’Amour, Francine Rivers, and Linda Lael Miller, to name just a few.
She grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. Her most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to her daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! Her daddy also taught her to shoot and, trust us, she can sew on buttons with her rifle.
She is a proud member of Western Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers.
