Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona

FERRELL, MIRALEE
LOVE FINDS YOU IN TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA

Second chances aren't easy to come by in a town named Tombstone.   When Christy Grey receives an urgent summons to Tombstone, Arizona, she reluctantly leaves her new life in California for an uncertain future. The trip goes from bad to worse when masked men hold up Christy's stage. She finally arrives in Tombstone to find her mother ill and her brother trapped in a life of gambling. Desperate for money to support her family, will Christy bow to pressure from local saloon owners and return to a life she thought she'd given up for good?

Nevada King has problems of his own. He's been dodging bullets for years and wants nothing more than to settle down and get married. But he's on the run from outlaws bent on revenge, and the one woman who captures his interest recognizes him from the stagecoach holdup. Will Christy turn Nevada in to the authorities, or will the outlaws on his trail catch him first?

My Review:

The historical setting really shapes this story and Ferrell obviously did extensive research. Her notes at the end of the book are fascinating and I was surprised to find how much realism she slipped into her novel. It really provided a strong structure from which the story could unfold. The Tombstone she created within the pages of her book definitely jived with the images I've had in my mind of this legendary town. I love how Ferrell used it as a backdrop for her tale of redemption and faith.

Her characters are flawed but not without hope. Christy,s struggle to rise above the squalor she came from isn't so different from Nevada's drive to leave the past behind and start fresh. Their unorthodox arrival into Tombstone nearly dashes all their hopeful expectations. I especially felt for Christy who faces one insurmountable obstacle after another and fell for Nevada as he can't stop himself from caring and trying to help. That caring soon grows into something deeper, but Ferrell doesn't make it easy for these two find their happily ever after. That's what makes this such a rollicking read!

This is one of ACFW's book Club reads. Discussion starts on May 20th so you still have time to grab a copy of Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona and join in.