Sarah M. Anderson (1)

Book Review
Book Title: Expecting a Bolton Baby
Book Author: Sarah M. Anderson

Introduction: I was craving some ooey, gooey Harlequin styled romance so I decided this book should fit the bill! I also got it from a random garage sale (I know, I know...buy the books from the garage sale don't benefit the author,so the least I could do was review and get the word out about it).

Review:

Normally, I love ooey, gooey, super romance-y type books but for whatever reason I wasn't into this book. Now, hear me out, this book was SUPER AWESOME and it definitely fits the bill of being an amazing Harlequin romance, but personally it just wasn't hitting the notes. Perhaps I thought I wanted to read a romance and I actually needed a different genre, but it just wasn't doing it for me.

All that being said, this book was really good in the romance genre - my distaste for it wasn't because of the book itself, I think I just needed a genre change.

So, remove my negative thoughts from the equation and here's my thoughts:

This is a nice book to read when you don't want some heavy, crime/psychological/horror type novel. It's a smooth read, it moves quickly and it's packed tight with romance. It's over flowing with a beautiful narrative and sappy lines, which can make every romance fan drool with excitement.

Expecting a Bolton Baby is apart of a series, but I didn't have any issue picking up on what happened in the first. It won't leave you confused or lost, but the first book would help connect a few more dots. It can be treated like a standalone for any romance readers who simply need a sappy book to pick up.

Character growth and development was great in this novel as well. I'm not usually expecting much development during a Harlequin romance, but it was there for the picking!! Great job Sarah!!

This book might not seem to be the most realistic novel in the entire world, but it does fit the Happily Ever After sort of build I like to see in novels. I really enjoyed that aspect where it wasn't depressing and sad for the entire novel - it left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This little slice of life book is great to pick up those winter blues!!

Overall, this was a good book! I might not have been feeling the romance genre, but it was a sweet read! I would definitely suggest anyone who's a fan of romance or needs a break from reality to pick up this beautiful book!

Three out of five stars!… (meer)

Terrific book. Madeline is a doctor on a mission - she has brought her skills to the Lakota White Sandy Reservation, committing herself to at least two years as their doctor. She gets a rude awakening when she discovers that the conditions are more primitive than she knew - a lack of supplies, irregular record keeping, and a rundown building, to name a few. She is determined to succeed, despite the interference from Rebel, the tribe's medicine man.

Rebel takes his responsibilities to his people seriously. After years spent running away from his heritage, he returned to the home of his heart. Raised in the traditions of the tribe by his grandfather, Rebel's connection to the land runs deep. Madeline's arrival throws him for a loop, and as much as he wants to believe the tribe doesn't need her, a rash of unexplained illnesses convinces him otherwise.

The first encounters between Madeline and Rebel were tense and intense. Madeline is very much a traditional doctor, relying on science and medicine to help her patients. Madeline is also the latest in a series of doctors who have come to work on the rez, most of whom don't last more than a few months, so it is an uphill battle earning their trust. Rebel is a Lakota medicine man whose methods lean more on the spiritual side and get on Madeline's wrong side when he recommends his methods over hers. Matters come to a head when her patients flat-out refuse vaccinations, and she blames Rebel. It isn't until he explains the history of Native distrust of "government assistance" that she begins to understand.

Underneath the antagonism between Rebel and Madeline is an intense attraction neither wants. Rebel has been burned in the past by a relationship with a white woman, and Madeline prefers to concentrate on her work. But there is no denying the pull between them, as exhibited by the river scene when Madeline chases him down at his campsite. This begins a connection between them as they grow closer in understanding each other's lives. Their chemistry builds, leaving each in a quandary about their future. Madeline is a woman whose life requires a house, while Rebel is happiest living under the stars. Each must consider the compromises they are willing to make for their desired future.

The subject of the mysterious illnesses plaguing the people runs throughout the book. Rebel's visions have told him this is an impending crisis, but he cannot know what it is. Madeline's attempts to progress the traditional way run into delays caused by institutional prejudice. I could feel her frustration and loved her method of getting results. When the crisis hits, it is all hands on deck as Madeline and a few others have to deal with it. The intensity was overwhelming, and I was wholly invested in the outcome. The resolution was almost anticlimactic but still very satisfying.

One of the things I loved most about this book was the natural inclusion of Lakota history and traditions. They were a logical part of the story, from Rebel's explanation about the vaccines to his visions to Grandfather Albert's decisions about his health. I loved getting to know various community members, such as Albert, Clarence, Tara, and Tammy, and learning about their lives and challenges. It was also a realistic look at life and conditions on a reservation, such as poverty, drugs, and alcoholism. I ached for the prejudice that someone like Rebel faced despite his success.… (meer)

Pride and Pregnancy
2 Stars

In the aftermath of a bribery scandal in the South Dakota judiciary, Caroline Jennings is appointed to the bench as a judge who is tough, fair and honest. So when she received a bouquet from a mysterious admirer, the FBI takes notice and agent Tom Yellowbird is assigned to keep an eye on her. A widower, Tom is shocked at his immediate attraction to the young judge and the two soon begin an affair. But can their newfound love withstand the secrets that each is keeping?

Despite an excellent premise, this book ultimately falls flat

The hero is still in love with his dead wife and despite the appearance of being ready to move on and begin again with another woman, it is clear that he hasn't let go of his first love.

The heroine keeps an annoying secret that obviously comes between her and the hero. This plot device is so overused in category romance and serves little to no purpose other than to create unnecessary angst and conflict.

The suspense plot is non-existent and most of the action and resolution in this regard takes place off page.

Not one of Harelquin's better Desire books.… (meer)