Katie had given up her dream of returning to Ireland to make a home in Hope Springs. The town is more divided than ever, and Katie's heart is divided just the same. As winter approaches, decisions have to be made so that all can survive.

This book picks up where the first one ends, which made me glad I had it waiting on my shelf when I finished reading the first. I'd expected Katie's story to be done, but it wasn't. She has even more struggles ahead of her, and though she had made a decision in book one, her heart is not as certain as she thought.

The lowering temperatures make a stark contrast to the boiling hot tempers that clash in the town. Hatred burns ever stronger. It will take persistence on Katie's part to find a way to soften some of the townspeople. It will also take something drastic to get through some of the more hardhearted townspeople who are set in their ways and views.

This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster. There were several times I almost cried for Katie.

For readers looking for an emotional read, this would be a good choice. ( )

There are two LDS romance author extremes in my opinion. There is the Stephanie Meyers standard - which is super duper low. (Sorry twilight fans- but it's just...it's just so bad.) And then there is the Julianne Donaldson- which is beautiful writing, lovable characters, and a solid story line that is there for more than moving the book from one cheesy romantic scene to the next.

Sarah M. Eden bounces around in between these two extremes. I really was not impressed with the first book in this series, but the second book made the first one worth it.


( )

5 STARS

Need lots of tissue with this book. Like life this book brings happy and sad tears. It touched me so much it is hard to express.
The hate and feud between the Irish and the red road was hard to read about and see. So many different groups at different times have this hate in history. Even today in groups of opposites. Made me look at myself and realize that I have felt a little of it at times. We need to stop hating differences where ever they lie and make peace.

The characters seem so real to me. I had lost hope for some of them to ever get along. I loved the ending.
Kate Macauley had such a hard life and so much suffering. She still loved and cared for those around her. She made a big difference in small and big ways. By giving, sharing, hard work and her music.

Tavish made people laugh and lightened their loads. He also helped those he could when he could.

Joseph used his money to help and to try and keep the peace in town. He is a loving and caring father. He understood people's pride. He tried to be seen fair to all and not pick a side.

Their was life lessons for me with all the characters. Some I want to be more like and others to be opposite of them.

The plot the town was divided on two sides. The Irish had to live on one side of the river. Everyone else on the red road. Even the church was divided. So much hate and they were passing it down to the children. Their was even differences in the price of food and supplies. The Hate was growing all the time.

Katie liked both Tavish and her former boss Joseph. She felt torn between two good men.

The setting for this book is Hope Springs, 1870 Wyoming Territory. Small town setting.

I was given this book by Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for purpose of honestly reviewing it. ( )

I've said it before...
and I am going to say it again...

I LOVE SARAH M EDEN'S BOOKS!

I love the way she writes!
I love the stories she chooses!

While this setting is different from her other "proper romances" set in England.

I LOVE the ruggedness of this Wyoming setting.

I love the hardships.

I love the way she portrays the feud between the Irish Road and the Red Road.

I love the determination of one woman trying to bring everyone together even though her life is probably the hardest hit.

Katie gave up her dream to go back to Ireland for she believes that HOPE Springs eternal...

She wants to make her life here...but with whom.

Her heart is torn between two good men.

Both make her happy...but which one is truly 'the one that will make her complete?'

The troubles seem to be escalating...stealing property, burning building, etc.

Joseph is afraid that a life will probably have to be lost before the feud will end.

Can he be right or can Katie help soften hearts and bring the town together at last? ( )