Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: The Shepherd King
Author: Shirley Raye Redmond
Publisher: Vintage Romance Publishing
ISBN: 0-9785368-1-9
Release Date: July 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1891/New Mexico Territory
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: None
Shirley Raye's Website:
www.readshirleyraye.com
Serene Partain had a hard life. Growing up as a prostitute’s illegitimate daughter has left it marks on Serene. When a stranger, Mr. Samuel T. Fickett, entrepreneur, presents an opportunity for Serene to become someone else, she can’t resist. Serene doesn’t like the deceit of pretending she’s the long-lost Caroline Brunswold but for a better life she accepts the offer. The only thing she’ll have to do is find the ancient maps of the legendary Cities of Gold as payment for this chance of a lifetime.
Joseph Brunswold, known as the Shepherd King by those that work for him, is excited that Caroline has been found. His only remaining family has been brought home to Bella Vista, the massive sheep ranch in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico Territory. Joe is distraught at the hard life Serene has had (with a little embellishment, most of the things Serene tells Joe are true) and vows to do anything in his power to make things easier for her.
After Mr. Fickett delivers "Caroline" and leaves Bella Vista, life settles down on the ranch. Joe begins teaching Serene about ranch life and the dangers that sheep ranchers have. There are mountain lions, coyotes and wolfs as well as some two-legged animals. It’s during this time that Serene discovers that she’s fallen in love with Joe.
After receiving a letter from Mr. Fickett, she knows she must give him what he wants or he’ll never leave her alone. But she’s searched everywhere and no maps are found. The only thing close is a book describing some of the Cities of Gold. Joe’s father had even made marginal notes in the book. She doesn’t know what this means but she can’t bring herself to write Mr. Fickett with the little she has discovered. The guilt of her deceit is weighing heavier and heavier on her heart. She loves Joe, Bella Vista and those that reside there. How can she betray this love and their trust and kindness?
When Serene receives another letter from Mr. Fickett, she becomes very anxious. She knows she must tell him something or he’ll never leave her alone. Apparently Mr. Fickett can’t stand the wait and shows up at Bella Vista, desperate for her news. When she tells him there are no Cities of Gold, he doesn’t believe her and gets back at her by telling Joe everything.
What will Joe do, send her packing or has expose his feelings for Serene?
The story of Serene and Joe was intriguing and kept me turning the pages. These characters and most of the secondary characters are strong, kind and compassionate. I found Ms Redmond’s writing to keep my interest wondering what would come next. I also enjoyed the historical description of the shepherds and how they lived on the massive ranches. The joys and trials of a shepherd’s life were intriguing.
A couple of things I found distracting were the references of the family relationship between "Caroline" and Joe. By these references, I couldn’t figure out if they were cousins or niece and uncle as both were mentioned. The other was that the story wrapped up very quickly. Since this is a trade publication and has fewer total words than other publications, an epilogue would have been nice to find out how life was for Serene and Joe.
With this said, Serene and Joe’s story was an enjoyable read. This subtle romance makes you feel good, as there’s no real violence, sex or bad language, which I appreciated. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read The Shepherd King and will look forward to more from Ms. Redmond.
Trudy
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