Reviewer: Trudy
Title: Abbie's Outlaw
Author: Victoria Bylin
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
ISBN: 037329350X
Release Date: April 2005
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1888
Stand Alone but connected: Sequel to West Of Heaven
Overall rating: 4.5
Sexual content rating: Subtle
Victoria's Website:
www.victoriabylin.com
Victoria Bylin has once again has created another romance that touches the heart.
Abbie’s Outlaw tells the story of John Leaf (from West of Heaven) and Abbie Windsor. John and Abbie shared a past some 15 years ago. Though it was a short-lived relationship, it ended with Abbie pregnant and John never knowing. Once she returns home, her father, ashamed, arranges a marriage with a Washington politician.
John’s past was on the wrong side of the law. Once he got out of prison, he met a man who led him to the Lord which is how John came to be a preacher. John’s past has made him who he is, not perfect, but he knows that everyone has a past.
Abbie and John meet again when the daughter John never knew he has; due to horrible circumstances, runs away from home to find her real father. Abbie finds John in New Mexico, though their daughter has traveled a different route, back to the place where John’s nightmares and great regrets started.
Abbie and John wait together, knowing their daughter will find them. It’s obvious from the start that their love never really died. But over the last 14+ years, Abbie, now a widow, was in a cruel, abusive relationship. She has trouble trusting, wanting, or even allowing herself to have a romantic relationship even with John. John’s past from childhood haunts him as he lived an abused life until he couldn’t stand it anymore. After so much turmoil in their lives, John and Abbie have a past that neither feels comfortable sharing with each other.
John’s crimes that he went to prison for are catching up with him. Can he risk loving again knowing his family is in danger? Can Abbie trust and love John enough to give them the family they all really deserve? Can their daughter learn to forgive?
From the first pages, Victoria grips you with the story. She has given the characters so much depth. The emotions are so deep. At one point, tears came as I read Abbie’s abusive past. There are happy times, too, as both John and Abbie come to realize they can trust and love. They do have something to offer each other and others too.
Victoria also gives John and Abbie something in common. Not just their daughter, but the past that only they can share with the compassionate understanding and love that can grow when two people know exactly what it’s like to endure abuse. I rooted for Abbie . . . "trust John, he won’t hurt you. You know you love him and he loves you." John has issues also as he needs to understand that he is not his father. It’s amazing to see how both John and Abbie evolve to trust not only God but also each other.
I enjoyed the way Victoria weaves God, His love and forgiveness into her story. Through all of the hurt, Victoria gives the healing that God and love can bring.
Thank you, Victoria, for sharing the story of Abbie and John. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book with so much depth of emotion. I highly recommend this book and I hope those who see this review will be inspired to read Abbie’s Outlaw.
Trudy
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Trudy know.
Top
Reviews
Featured Reviews
Archived Reviews