THE CALVARY WIFE

Author: Donna Dalton ISBN: 1601541163 8/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: WILD ROSE PRESS
Time Period: March 1869, Washington, D.C.

A night of too much whiskey, a wrongly-numbered hotel door, and an angry guardian force dedicated cavalry captain Chase Brooks into marrying, despite his vow never to endure another loveless marriage. He reluctantly agrees to take his new wife with him to his remote outpost, convinced the pampered girl won't last two weeks in the harsh conditions of the southwest and will beg to be sent back east. The one thing he didn't count on was his burning desire for his unwanted wife. Callie Grant embraces the opportunity to start a new life far from the controlling hands of her guardians. Enduring the rough environment of the Indian Territories, she transforms from a timid flower into the poised, self-reliant woman she's always dreamed of being. As her gratitude towards the captain turns to love, she resolves to break through her husband's formidable reserve and uncover the passionate, loving nature he tries to hide.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE CAVALRY WIFE begins with an interesting twist. A missing nail and too much whiskey leads to Callie being awakened by a man in her bed-one she doesn't expect to find there! When faced with the prospect of losing his commission or marrying Callie, Captain Chase Brooks chooses to wed Callie, who just happens to be President Grant's cousin. After the "I do's" have been said, the new bride expects she'll at least gain freedom from her guardians, her aunt and uncle. She's upset to learn the captain plans to head west without her, so she convinces him to let her accompany him despite the danger.

This is a romance filled with adventure, a story about finding love in even the most rugged of places and with a man whose commitment to never again trusting a woman with his heart is one vow that seems rock-solid. Even rock, it seems, can be crumbled, and this unlikely couple grow close on the western trail. This novel has an action-packed plot, realistic characters and a heroine who is so down-to-earth she seems like someone we could all know and love. I loved watching these two come together, and although the ending was fairly predictable it was still a satisfying read. Donna Dalton has a winner with THE CAVALRY WIFE. I look forward to reading more wonderful romance from this author.

Kay James