"Heartfelt historical western"

As the war ends, Laurel Covey knew that she had promises to fulfill.As a nurse, she had taken down the last words of dying soldiers with the promise to relay them to grieving families.She makes it her personal mission to visit these families in hopes of offering them some comfort from their loved ones last words.During her travels she meets Creede Forester, father to one of the soldiers.

Creede Forester is a man who has lost much and is seeking answers about his soldier son. He meets up with Laurel and decides to accompany her on her quest. He feels the need to see to her safetly.

During their travels Creede finds out what the war has really cost Laurel. She is a kind and caring woman but, all she has seen and is enduring has taken an emotional toll on her. He realizes she is suffering from the affects of the war.

Creede and Laurel have many issues that they help each other deal with. As they slowing fall in love they learn that love can help heal their hurt.

A REASON TO LIVE is a emotional historical western from a fresh angle. Maureen McKade touches upon the realistic repercussions of what can and does happen at the end of a war. She creates characters that have human flaws and easy to connect with. As always, no matter what Ms. McKade writes it is sure to become a favorite with her readers!

Reviewed by Tami Sutton
Posted October 11, 2006

Summary

How could I refuse the wish of a dying man?

May 30, 1865: During the War, I watched over too many young boys in the hospital, comforting them as they cried out for those they loved, as they whispered their final thoughts to me. Keeping a record of their names, families, and last words seemed a small tribute to their sacrifice—until the war ended, and I found a new mission in life.

I would visit the loved ones of those poor soldiers and deliver their messages so that some comfort could be found even in grief...

But Laurel Covey never expected to find a man like Creede Forrester—an ex-gunslinger who rode all the way from Texas to Virginia in the hope of finding his son and ended up saving her from a band of ruffians. It pains her deeply to tell him of his boy's death, and she believes that in his heart, Creede blames himself for driving his son away. But there is something more to this rugged, weary man. Something that draws Laurel closer to him...something she cannot resist...