"Engaging western romance"

Lilla Traften saves Violet Dalton from a life of prostitution, sending the troubled lass to live with her father Miles in St. Louis. For the next three years, Miles treats Violet as if she really was his daughter, showering her with love and respect. However, in spite her host's kindness and nurturing, Violet carries loads of baggage that leaves her thirsting for vengeance against the person she detests most, her father who sold her like cattle. Eventually she flees ready enact revenge via bank robberies with her father being the accused.

A worried Miles sends Gregory Kline to find his "adopted" daughter though he has doubts about this once contemptible person who he fears might hurt his beloved Violet. Gregory finds Violet and tries to get her to go home, but she is not pliable and refuses to adhere to his desires. As they fall in love, Gregory wonders how to prevent her from committing an act that he believes she will regret forever while residing behind bars.

Ronda Thompson can make silk out of a cow's ear as she recreates a whore and a rat into lead protagonists with redeeming qualities that remain true to their personalities described as secondary roles in DESERT BLOOM. The story line grabs fans wanting to observe how Ms. Thompson has succeeded in the transformation while enjoying an engaging western romance.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 1, 2002

Summary

Although Violet Mallory was raised by the wealthy, landowning Miles Traften, nothing can remove the stain of her birthright. She is the child of no-good outlaws, and one day St. Louis society will uncover that. No, she can never be a city gal, can never be truly happy but she can exact revenge on the man who sired and sold her.

But being a criminal is hard. Like Gregory Kline - blackmailer, thief, and the handsome rogue sent to recover her Violet longs for something better. Gregory is intent upon reforming her, and then his kiss teaches her the difference between roguishness and villainy. She sees that beauty can grow from the muddiest soil, and Violets don't always have to be blue.