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Blog Entry 22 of 65 The Front Range Reader
Books, books and more books. In my spare time, I write book blogs/reviews for websites specifically devoted to books and readers. Although I have an advanced degree in Comparative Literature (specialty in Medieval Studies) I love to read all sorts of books from medieval to modern literature, from light reading to literary.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~Merrimonbooks

Lost Souls, a Pink Volkswagen bug, a love potion

Contributed by: Merrimon Crawford   on 4/13/2007

A stunning second novel in the New McKettrick Men trilogy packed full of emotion, humor and lost souls. Despite a rushed ending, this contemporary romance in unforgettable.

In this second romance of the New McKettrick Men trilogy, Linda Lael Miller creates memorable characters with emotional depth mixed with delightful humor that far surpasses most books in the genre. Although the ending ties too many threads together too quickly, McKettrick's Pride is worth the read.

Since the death of his wife, Rance McKettrick has thrown himself into his work with a passion. At least these transglobal flights and business deals hold down the overwhelming grief even if his two daughters suffer from his absence. Julie's mother Cora is there to pick up the pieces... and stir things up as well with the love potion she bought before Echo's move to Indian Rock .

When her fiance Justin leaves her at the altar, Echo Wells packs up and moves her bookstore and online business to Indian Rock, Arizona. From the very beginning, the residents are drawn to her including the mangy, wet, muddy lost dog that she names Avalon and shelters in her newly detailed VW Bug and names Avalon. When she runs smack into a handsome businessman who has parked his gas-guzzling SUV just a little too close to her Pepto-Bismal pink Volkswagen bug, the sparks fly. Can electricity turn into real love between a spooked skittish woman and a handsome man with a heart just as wounded as hers?

The first half or three-quarters of this book is one of the most moving romances I have read. The reader feels the pain of the characters as well as the electric energy between them. Even the hurt of Rance's two little daughters and their innocent exuberance for Echo Wells and pink Volkswagen bug grab the reader's heart throughout the story. Other than the animal abusers, every single character enchants the reader and creates a longing for a world like Miller's where lost souls no longer ring out like an echo in their emptiness but instead find their heart and family.

The ending of this romance disappoints. Miller tries to tie too many threads in too short a space and without enough preparation for the minor characters. Except for the ending, this second book in the series far surpasses the first in emotional depth. The first book, McKettrick's Luck was fantastic but the unforgettable characters in McKettrick's Pride reach into the reader's heart and don't let go.

This is a difficult book to rate. I would rate the majority as a five or above and the ending as perhaps a three. Regardless of the rushed or unfocused ending, I would recommend this romance becasue this book really grabbed me. When I read, I like to mark passages in some of my favorite romances. The characters and descriptions are so exceptional that I found myself wanting to underline or mark more passages in this novel than even in my all time favorite novels. Despite the ending, the portrait of lost souls in this novel has made me add Linda Lael Miller to my list of "Must Read Romance Authors."

Additional notes
Many romance authors use their writing to support worthwhile causes. Having adopted a dog that was previously abused or abandoned, I applaud Linda Lael Miller for her choice. The note from the author at the beginning discusses ways to prevent having one's pet turn into a stray, lost animal and ways to support relief organizations. Throughout the book, the dog Avalon, allows her to present these topics as well as discuss animal abuse. Miller accurately describes the heartlessness of those who abuse animals. Unfortunately, at end, in perhaps a desire to bring completion to all the various threads in this romance, the fate of the abuser is one thread she might have been better off to keep dangling.

Other McKettrick romances
McKettrick's Luck (Book 1)
McKettrick's Heart (Book 3)
Sierra's Homecoming
(the older generation: historical romance)
High Country Bride
Shotgun Bride
Secondhand Bride
McKettrick's Choice


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Merrimon Crawford

Arvada , CO

Merrimon Crawford has posted 65 blog entries and 17 comments since joining on 12/15/2006. Merrimon Crawford 's average blog rating is 4.82.
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