Reviewer: Lori Graham
Title: The Heart of a Legend
Author: Amy Lignor
Publisher: New American Library
ISBN-13: 9780976091981
Release Date: September 2005
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1877/New Mexico
Overall Rating: 3.75
Sexual Content Rating: None/Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: None
Amy's Website:
www.amylignor.zoomshare.com
Paulita Maxwell has finally finished "finishing" school and is ready to go home. Her brother arrives to escort her through the territory to get to their home in Fort Sumner. During their travel, Paulita ends up defending her brother and proving to him she isn’t some poor female who needs to be taken care of. Of course, it helps that she had some assistance from a young man who she can’t get off her mind.
Following the attack on their small group, they stop to spend time at Chisum’s ranch. At the ranch, Paulita meets many of the characters of western history from Sally Chisum to the great John Chisum, himself. She also has the opportunity to meet John Henry Tunstall, Richard Brewer, and Mr. and Mrs. McSween. All of these characters were well known in the area and trying to change the way the territory was governed – in particular to defend themselves against Lawrence Murphy and Jim Dolan who were quickly taking over the territory and claiming all of value for themselves.
The most intriguing individual at the ranch, however, was the same man she couldn’t get from her mind – William H. Bonney. He could be incredibly charming, definitely had good looks to spare and even with all of his good characteristics, he could drive her to distraction. When he shows up at their home at Fort Sumner, she finds herself drawn even further into a place she isn’t ready to go.
The Heart of a Legend begins with the retelling of a story many of us have heard especially if we are a John Wayne fan and have watched Chisum. However, the heart of the story takes off after this telling with the further detailing of Billy Bonney’s life and love. Paulita is a very strong female who can easily match Billy step for step.
I found Amy’s characters to be very well rounded and detailed. I also enjoyed the depth of emotion these characters had and how well the females of the story rallied around each other (as depicted by Paulita along with her mother and Deluvina). Amy found a new way to illustrate that even the strongest, toughest men have a gentle side to them and as females we can balance between strength and gentleness as well. She also illustrates that when you find your special someone, not even history can stand in between you.
Lori
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