The Outlaw's Bride by Catherine Palmer

Title: The Outlaw's Bride

Author: Catherine Palmer

Publisher: Steeple Hill 2010

Genre: Christian historical romance

Pages: 277

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Summer Romance - Historical Fiction

Isobel Matas's hope of marriage to her betrothed depends on recovering her dowry from the outlaws who killed her father and stole her inheritance. But, while traveling in New Mexico territory, she witnesses a murder that changes everything. Suddenly, her own life is threatened—until she's rescued by fast-talking cowboy Noah Buchanan. Isobel's only chance for survival is to marry the rugged trail boss—who needs her to fulfill his own destiny. As the mismatched newlyweds unite against Lincoln County's tumultuous violence, Noah's deep faith challenges Isobel's quest for vengeance. And will lead them on a journey neither ever imagined.

Not a horrible romance, but definitely not one of my favorites.  My main issue with this one: the main female character.  Isobel Matas was just too annoying.  I couldn't get over her annoying persistence for revenge to the point of danger.  The male lead, Noah, was a much more endearing character.  I liked him, but her, no way.  And that was the problem with the book.  I couldn't get overally excited about the book because I couldn't connect to the character.

Other than that, the story was fairly decent.  It was more of an adventure than a straight romance and that was the part that I liked.  I just couldn't get into it completely without the character connection.  Really that's all I have to say about this book...

The Maverick's Bride by Catherine Palmer

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.