Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: The Ranger and the Redhead
Author: Lynna Banning
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
ISBN: 0-373-29373-9
Release Date: October 2005
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1861
Overall rating: 4.5
Sexual content rating: Subtle
Lynna's Website:
www.lynnabanning.com
Will Bondurant comes upon the remains of an Indian attack on a wagon (that fell behind the others) and after a while notices pieces of lace. A bit here, a bit there. The Indians have kidnapped a woman. Will has had dealings with Indians in the past and knows what they are capable of and he can’t let THAT happen. Tracking down and killing his half-brother will have to wait.
Charlotte Greenfield has been through a lot lately, with loosing her mother and father in a fire, traveling out west on a wagon train and now she’s kidnapped by Indians. Charlotte is grateful to this stranger, for rescuing her but she wonders how she’ll get to Oregon to teach the Indian children. She has promised herself that she will help others, as her parent had and what better way than to teach the Indian children how to be civilized.
Though it’s out of his way and his brother’s trail is getting colder by the hour, Will can’t take her with him or leave her alone to her own devices. Will knows Charlotte is as green as they come when it comes to surviving in the wilds of the west so he decides to take her to Fort Laramie to catch up with the wagon train she became detached from.
Once at Fort Laramie, Will and Charlotte try to find a family for Charlotte to ride with but there doesn’t seem to be any room for her except for an odd fellow who says he’ll share his wagon. As much as Will wants to be back on the trail, he can’t image Charlotte riding all the way to Oregon with Harve Jenkins. And so the adventure begins...
Will and Charlotte start their journey to Oregon. Even though Charlotte is green to the ways of the west, Will has to admire her for her determination. Through the hardships of their journey and all they go through sparks fly and their love blooms. Charlotte has to convince Will that it doesn’t matter that he’s a half-breed or his own half brother killed Will’s wife along with many other horrible crimes. Charlotte is determined that their love will conqueror the past that both have had to endure but can she convince Will? Will has so much baggage that he’s convinced that Charlotte isn’t good enough for him. How does Will and Charlotte end this stand-off?
What a fun story. Lynna Banning writes a romance that grips you from the start, you won’t want to put it down. Lynna gives a sheltered, God-fearing woman, (her father was a minister) the strength and determination to do anything and I mean anything she has to do to reach her goal. Will’s character is also deep, with a past that makes him who he is but also enough morals and values to do what is right, or what he thinks is right, by the woman he comes to love. The characters Lynna creates seem so real, even the secondary characters come to life.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It is action-packed with many bumps that come up for Charlotte and Will. Each one makes them stronger and keeps you guessing as to what’s going to happen next.
The Ranger and the Redhead is well worth the read. Take the time to get to know Charlotte and Will. You’ll be glad you did. Their journey will keep you glued to the page.
Trudy
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Trudy know.
Top
Reviews
Featured Reviews
Archived Reviews