Even the peaceful town of Dry Springs is not without trouble.
Author: Kristina Hall
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
About
Even the peaceful town of Dry Springs is not without trouble.
When Eliza McCoslin’s brother sends for her, she exchanges war-torn Mississippi for Dry Springs, Texas. Settling into a new way of life proves difficult though, despite the arrival of the man she’s long admired.
Jesse Carrigan comes to Dry Springs seeking work and a place to start the ranch he’s dreamed of ever since his parents lost their farm. What he doesn’t expect to find is the woman he’d like to court—or his former colonel on the run from a deadly threat.
Given the circumstances keeping Jesse and Eliza apart and the danger looming on the horizon, he and Eliza find themselves facing the loss of future love—and life. When trouble comes to Dry Springs, who will be left standing?
Rating
5 Stars
About
When I heard Kristina Hall was writing another historical, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I knew I’d get a good story–I just didn’t know if I’d get another heart-attack inducing story.
I received both.
***
PLOT
The plot is solid and interesting. Different from most historicals I’ve read. It trots along at a stead pace that allows the tension to build until you’re staring at the pages wondering if everyone who’s supposed to survive will.
SETTING
Hall did well portraying a Wild West town, complete with both lovable and easily-hated characters.
CHARACTERS
I adore Jesse. He’s such a stalwart character, and he’s so humble and honest and just a great hero. I liked how human he was–he wasn’t a superhuman hero we sometimes see who can take on a thirty-man gang and win without breaking a sweat. He’s just a big sweetie who didn’t deserve what happened to him.
Eliza was a dear. I liked how her quiet spirit hid a spine of steel almost no one recognized she possessed. And she’s a bookworm! A double bonus.
The cast of secondary characters were gold as well. Mrs. Reilly kept me snorting with amusement (that woman needs her own book), and her forthright manners and ways created some absolutely hilarious situations. Colonel Burke was set up well for his part in Book Two (which I needed yesterday, please and thank you), and even Peterson grew on me. A little bit. I wasn’t sure what to think of that growly old grumpus at first.
Now, for the villains. Anson was detestable. Downright awful and horrid and nasty and barf. I disliked him more than the “bigger” villain, of whom I was gratified to see receive a fitting comeuppance, but back to Anson. At one point, I had a detailed list of all the ways he should die, complete with being consumed by fire ants. He’s that despicable. I don’t know how Mrs. Reilly, Jesse, or Burke found the grace not to hit him over the head with a shovel, because I certainly would have.
ROMANCE
The romance is clean and sweet, and you’re rooting for it the entire time.
FAITH
As always, it’s my favorite part of books. Hall infused Trouble with a gentle faith that sustained the characters through their difficult times.
CONTENT WARNING
A character gambles (which the MCs don’t condone), a character is shot, there’s general violence, a character is turned into a punching bag, and there’s a fight at the end. Nothing is gratuitous and I doubt it would scare any reader.
CONCLUSION
Hall penned a delightful, engaging tale filled with faith, courage, honor, and sweet romance. I look forward to Book Two. If you are a fan of Christian historical romances, I highly encourage you to read Trouble in Dry Springs.
*I received an advanced copy of this book for potential endorsement purposes. I was neither required to read nor leave a favorable review of this book.
Madi's Musings 