Where Wildflowers Bloom by Ann Shorey

Synopsis:~

The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg-- as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to the Oregon Territory to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns to town, Faith allows herself to hope that her dreams might come true. Does he truly love her? Or could another man claim her heart? Will she find that following her dreams may not mean leaving home after all?

My take:~

An Ann Shorey story always provides readers with a sweet romance,interesting characters and a fascinating historical setting and Where Wildflowers Bloom is no exception. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, Ann's characters' lives epitomise the struggles of the day. Faith Lindberg is trying to maintain her grandfather's store against community opposition, after losing her father and brother in the war, Curt Saxon fights demons in his mind following the trauma of the battlefield and Royal Baxter is desperate to make a future for himself. Steeped in the historical era, Ann deals with issues that we face today, from post traumatic stress disorder to age related dementia.  I enjoyed Ann's character development, especially Curt and Rosemary, along with understanding the prejudice against a woman wanting to take on a commercial responsibility.  I had a moment of frustration due to the ease with which a transfer of affection occurs - it's a little bugbear of mine that pops up often in romance novels.  That said, Where Wildflowers Bloom delivers everything readers of traditional, sweet romances desire.

Available January, 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

With thanks to Revell for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning & The Dawn of a Dream
Character spotlight on Ellie & Matthew
Character spotlight on Molly
Visit Ann's website and blog
Buy Ann's book at Amazon or Koorong