Linda Lael Miller - Nadine Miller
Miller, Linda Lael - DANIEL'S BRIDE (Pocket - Reissue 1997) (3)
Another one of those stories where wedding vows save the heroine from hanging. I'm a big fan of this author, but even though the book kept my interest from beginning to end, I would not classify it as one of her best. It was still a good book, but the hero didn't start to care about the heroine until nearly the end. ~Sylvie (s_pepos@videotron.ca)
Miller, Linda Lael - SPRINGWATER CHRISTMAS, A
(Pocket - 10/99) (3+)
In 1863, two young men head off to the Civil War; one eager to get into the fighting, and the other reluctant to leave but determined to protect his brother. They never return home.
Fifteen years later, a drifter who calls himself Jack McLaughlin turns up in Springwater, Montana Territory, hoping to secretly see his parents again...but afraid to tell them who he really is. He takes a room at the empty boarding house owned by spinster Olivia Darling and watches his family from afar, unsure if they will want him back after his dark and troubled past comes to light. Olivia, an outsider in the town of Springwater, is wary of the dangerous-looking stranger who is her first boarder, but she begins to blossom with the happiness and love that he brings into her lonely life.
Although A SPRINGWATER CHRISTMAS tells a familiar story, the charming characters make this book stand out. Jack is first introduced as a hardened loner, but he turns out to be a quiet and gentle person who is hiding behind a facade of toughness. His anguish over his parents is heartfelt, and his growing love for Olivia is warm and tender. Olivia Darling is a more stereotypical character, but she is also sympathetic.
Fans of Linda Lael Miller's Springwater series will probably enjoy A SPRINGWATER CHRISTMAS even more because many of the characters from previous books play a part in the storyline. These characters could be a somewhat confusing distraction for newcomers, but when the focus moves back to Olivia and Jack, the book comes to life. The plot developments are no surprise, but the warmth of the characters makes this an enjoyable read for those who are looking for a heartwarming and sweet story of love and redemption. ~Karen W. (kwheless@rockland.net)
Miller, Linda Lael - TWO BROTHERS: THE LAWMAN AND THE GUNSLINGER (Pocket - 1998) (4+)
For the past eighteen months, Marshal Shay McQuillan has almost constantly remained in an alcoholic stupor as he struggles with the fact that his fiancée was senselessly killed during a stagecoach robbery that he has not been able to solve. When an identical twin shows up, whom he never knew existed, he begins to sober up as they work together to solve the robbery—which they do in spite of the help of Aislinn Lethaby, who wants to protect Shay from harm. Shay and Aislinn confess their love, but their lives remain in danger from a wealthy rancher.
One year later...the other twin, Tristan Saint-Laurent, owns a nearby ranch, but he is restless and wants the same type of relationship that Shay and Aislinn share. One day, Emily Starbuck and her sheep arrive on his ranch. She insists that the spread is hers. In spite of the danger inherent with sheep in cattle country, Tristan risks all to protect Emily. However, he knows that his life as a bounty hunter makes him poor marital material. In spite of falling in love, his past threatens their future together.
Linda Lael Miller has gifted her myriad of fans with a book that is in actuality two novels in one cover (by adding the sequel into the package and selling it as a flip book). Though the first story is the stronger of the pair because of the intrigue and danger imbued throughout the story line, both tales are well written and could have just as easily been sold as separate novels. Fans of western romance will devour this 2-for-1 gift package from the ingenious Ms. Miller. ~Harriet Klausner
Miller, Linda Lael - VOW, THE (Pocket - 1998) (4)
The hero and heroine of THE VOW, Gabe and Annabelle McKeige, are a strong-willed, stubborn and proud couple. They married at a tender age and had two children, Nicholas and Susannah. When their daughter died, Gabe couldn't give his wife what she needed, so she left him. The story begins twelve later...
Annabelle returns home, creating a near riot in town, and finds Gabe in a brothel with his assumed mistress. Annabelle has come to ask him for a divorce so she can marry again. Gabe refuses, stating they made a vow when they married and he intends to keep it. The author takes you on a fun romp with these two volatile characters. Annabelle buys a home in town and keeps Gabe so frustrated he doesn't know which way to turn—she isn't willing to give in or give up. The story twists and turns, with plenty of adventure and surprises in store for its readers, as well as suspense and subtle humor. ~Carol C. (angelca@ibm.net)
Miller, Nadine - DUKE'S DILEMMA, THE (Signet Regency - 1996) (4+)
The Duke of Montford has no inclination to marry, but he is obliged to produce a legitimate heir. When his two aunts remind him of his obligation, he dispassionately requests them to invite the five most eligible young ladies of the season to a house party at his country estate, Brynhaven, so he may choose his future bride.
Lady Lucinda Hargrave is invited to attend, but she has no desire to marry the stern, stuffy Duke, despite pressure from her parents. Emily Haliburton, her plain-faced and penniless cousin, travels to Brynhaven as Lucinda's companion, and she also takes an immediate dislike to the Duke. While Emily is out riding one day, she meets Jared, a handsome, charming rogue who claims to be related to the Duke's father—one of his by-blows, she naturally assumes. Although there is a strong physical resemblance, Jared and the Duke of Montford are as different as night and day. Emily finds herself falling in love with the rogue as their chance meetings continue. After they are caught in a compromising situation, however, she is livid when she discovers his true identity. With her reputation and her heart in shreds, she returns to London—but she will soon get the chance to turn the tables.
Nadine Miller has written the perfect Cinderella story, and from the first page to the last, I was totally charmed. Jared is a solitary man who believes love doesn't exist, but fate has a way of disproving that notion. He comes to realize that the feisty, opinionated, and intelligent Emily would satisfy either a rogue or a noble. Humorous and romantic, THE DUKE'S DILEMMA is a delight through and through. ~June F. (bookbug@oocities.com)
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