"A story of discovering yourself"

Beth Allen has awoken in a motel in Snowflake Arizona with some injuries, a tote bag with $2,000.00, and a toddler who is calling her Momma. How and why she got there is a mystery to her.

Beth does not let the fact that she has no memories keep her down. She knows she has a child in need of her protection and uses all the resources available to her to find out that Shelter Valley is the best place for her to hide

while she waits for her memories to return.

The one thing Beth hasn't counted on in Shelter Valley is the sheriff, Greg Richards. Greg is attracted to Beth, and refuses to let Beth's reluctance to be forthcoming stop him from forming a tentative relationship.

He wants a give and take relationship...the type where both people help one another with a problem, and share the thoughts of the day. Beth finds this difficult for most of the book, but finally is finding herself unable to resist the sheriff's many charms.

When the climax of the book comes, Greg's true feelings for Beth are pushed to the very limits of love. Beth's feelings become overwhelming for her, and she finds her memories come rushing back. Beth is thankful for her memories, because now she feels she is whole and ready to progress in her life, but worries that Greg won't be able to accept the things she has done. However, Greg, being the type of man he is, loves Beth unconditionally and the happy ending we all strive for is achieved.

THE SHERIFF OF SHELTER VALLEY is the first book in this series that I've read. I have several others in my tbr pile, and look forward to revisiting the people I have met there.

Reviewed by Sandi Shilhanek
Posted November 19, 2002

Summary

Beth only wishes she knew. Six months ago, she woke up in a shabby Arizona hotel room with no memory of her past. What she did have was a bruised face, $2,000 in cash—and a little boy who called her "Mama."

What's her real name? Is she a victim or a criminal? The child's savior or his kidnapper? Until her memory returns and she can answer those questions, Beth knows she has to hide. She's chosen Shelter Valley as her sanctuary.

The town welcomed her, as it welcomes all others, and Beth has begun to fashion a new life for herself and her child. But when she falls in love with Greg Richards, her sense of sanctuary is threatened. Because Greg's the sheriff of Shelter Valley—the one man who could uncover the truth about her past, a truth that might destroy the woman she's become.