Typically I don't care for wild west stories that involve dance hall girls but this one is different. The heroin of this story is a young woman who is the result of a single mother that lived a low life in the dance hall environs. But Louisa managed to be in the environment (or in that world) and yet not of it. She managed to keep herself pure and free of the encumbrances of what usually befell young women whose livelihoods involved work in a dance hall or saloon. She sang. She sang beautifully. She dressed in the elaborate, colorful, silky finery of the stage. And that is all.
But it came to an end when another took her place on the stage that was more compliant with demands placed on her. So Louisa left and traveled to Fort Reno. And how she took on the role of governess and teacher when she had very little education herself is a funny and interesting story.
The territory is unsettled with Indians and cowboys at odds with one another and the Mennonite missionaries and the US Army trying to keep things calm. The antics of Louisa's brother and the Major's youngest daughter coupled with the aide assigned to the Major will keep the reader totally having a blast of fun.
I enjoyed this book and can easily recommend it.
About the book: When dance hall singer Louisa Bell visits Fort Reno to see her brother, she is mistaken for the governess that the harried Major Daniel Adams is waiting for. Between his rowdy troops and his two daughters, he has more responsibility than he can handle alone. Eager for the opportunity, Louisa sets out to show the widower that she is a perfect fit.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own and are freely given.
Great review, Vera!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun read.
ReplyDeletegreat review. this looks like a lot of fun
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