Title: The Maverick's Bride

Author: Catherine Palmer

Publisher: Steeple Hill 1988

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Pages: 272

Rating:  4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library

I don't usually pick up these series romances.  But for some reason, I grabbed this one.  It intrigued me.  And I found that I liked it!

The basic setting, Africa during the 1880s, fulfilled my exotic locations desire.  I like far-flung locations.  Africa during the 1880s was a time of colonization and exploration.  Fittingly the main female character, Emmaline, was a proper British loyalist espousing pro-colonist sentiment.  Until her views were changed by the American cowboy Adam King and his friends, mostly African natives.  As a part of the story, they touched on the man-eater lions of Tsavo, an actual event.  So right there I liked the setting and atmosphere of the book.

As to the plot, it was predictable, as they mostly are, but I was okay with it.  The predictable plot was tolerable because of the strength of the characters.  While Emmaline was whiny at times, I understood why she was whiny.  Adam was secretive, but understandably so based on his history. And Nicholas was a thoroughly despicable character from the beginning without being a cartoon version of himself.  I found them likable.  And the side characters of Soapy, Linde, and Tolito added to the overall atmosphere.

One of the big problems I usually have with Christian historical romance is the sermonizing.  This book had a nice balance of witnessing and general conversation.  I didn't feel like the entire book was centered around "saving" someone.  It was a good balance that didn't upset me.

Overall, I think an enjoyable quick read.  I read it in a day.  I think I'll be adding Catherine Palmer to my interesting authors list.