"This western romance is truly a western."

Analise Silsby Prescott, eight months pregnant, is traveling out west to the Colorado territory to be with her husband, Gareth. However, immediately upon arrival in La Junta she apparently goes into labor. Her first introduction to Lamentation Culver is when he carries her to his sister Rose's boarding house. The baby doesn't come just yet, and Analise ends up spending the days awaiting it's arrival at the boarding house. When Analise asks after Gareth, using a sketch she has of him, she discovers he has been using a different name. Meanwhile, Lam realizes Gareth is the man that was gambling in the saloon some nights ago-- and is fearful he is headed for deep trouble. Trouble is what Gareth finds, and it ends up encompassing Analise and Lam, also. The things Analise discovers about Gareth causes her to be completely disillusioned about the future she thought she might have with him, as she comes to realize that the man she hoped Gareth would be is the man Lam is. Yet, an act of mercy on Lam's part and a man he refuses to forgive may well keep them apart.

THE CANYON LANDS is a wonderful historical romance, but also has the tone and feel of an bona fide western. The action is non-stop and each secret that is revealed keeps you glued to the pages. Lam is what I like most in a western hero--fairly easy going, not an alpha, but certainly strong and sure of himself. Analise is young and perhaps not exceptionally wise, however she's not stupid, and she does learn and mature. She's willing to admit when she's wrong and take sensible advice. Though a few things are a bit unrealistic, it must be remembered that this is fiction. Also a few things are left up in the air, nevertheless this story brings the west alive and is a fascinating and exciting adventure into the past.

Reviewed by Flora Bell
Posted December 22, 2003