A historic American Western story about second chances in life and love.
U.S. Marshal Jameson “Jake” Reid has been searching for the notorious outlaw, Harmon Elwood for nearly a year after he robbed the Midtown Lincoln Stage. From horse raids to train rides, every clue to finding Elwood has led Jake to the small mining town of Deadwood. Upon his arrival, he is immediately met with resistance and suspicion and no further at catching the elusive Elwood.
Newly widowed Emily Taylor is doing everything she can to save her farm. Deep in debt, and unable to tend the farm on her own, she is forced to hire a farmhand. Little does she know that the man who answered her ad is really an undercover marshal. When he begins to stir up trouble and the truth comes out, her way of life is threatened as well as her heart. Emily struggles to choose between living the life she had fought for or losing everything she has.
As Jake and Emily become close, Jake finds himself surrounded by conspiracy, blackmail, and a town full of secrets. Can he solve the mystery looming over this town and finally bring Harmon Elwood to justice or will his heart and senses get tangled in a web of lies?
Award-Winning Author A.K. Holthaus is stretching her wings in the publishing world with her first ever American Western Romance featuring her newest hero, U.S. Marshal Jameson “Jake” Reid in her new series, The 1880 Deadwood Diaries.
Review by Twinsie Kelly
Hope and tumbleweeds in the wild west!
“The PAST is like a slow death. It’s something no one can change or hide from.”
Sometimes embracing your past and moving beyond is the roughest thing someone can do.
When Jake and Emily’s paths cross they have no clue how intertwined their lives actually are. Both have a past with many secrets. Jake tries to keep a low profile so that he can catch the elusive Harmon Elwood, but is unable stay to himself once he uncovers the truths that are happening in Deadwood. There is an intensity between Jake and Emily that you know is going to explode but the author does a fabulous job of keeping it tamped down so as not to take away from the plot and story.
In full disclosure, I am not a fan of historical romance, but I am a fan of the Wild West. This story does not disappoint! I look forward to continuing the series.
Writing historical romances across the ages…
April Holthaus is a certified genealogist, a visual communications account manager, an all-season sports mom, and a self-published, award-winning author of Historical Romances. From the Scottish Highlands to the dirt roads of the Old West, April’s stories are noted to be well written, rich in historical details, and full of tension, suspense, and slow-burning romance.
When she’s not absorbed in researching her next story, she loves spending time outdoors with her family. Born and raised in Minnesota, you will always find her outside pitching baseballs, tossing the football around or skating on the ice playing hockey with her boys. She is currently plotting several more romance stories in the coming months.
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