Love's flame burns bright...
Leanna Ryan's hometown in coastal Oregon has been her refuge ever since a traumatic event during her teens. But over time, even the safest harbor can start to feel more like a prison. That's why Lea, a master carpenter and wood sculptor, is moving to Wyoming, a place whose rugged beauty has long captured her imagination. The scenery around Silver Creek is as stunning as she hoped, and her new employer, Logan Anderson, is generous and fair, though his eyes reveal a sadness she recognizes all too well.
Logan immediately knows he can trust Lea with his Wild Goose Ranch remodeling project. Her skill, her dedication--they're as appealing to him as her unaffected beauty. But he has other reasons for unease. There have been disturbing events around the ranch. Then Lea's car is rammed in a hit and run. Logan has already lost so much; now he fears he's jeopardizing not only his property, but Lea too. His dream is to convince Lea to make Silver Creek her home--but first, he'll have to keep her safe...
Terrific book. Lea is a master carpenter and sculptor who learned her trade at her father's side. When she was thirteen, a traumatic event left her wary of men, and her home and work became her whole world. A job opportunity in Wyoming gave Lea the impetus she needed to break out of her comfortable rut. At the same time, her phone conversations with her new employer made her feel comfortable with that decision.
Logan took over running the family ranch when his parents retired. The property has been in the family for generations, and Logan is thrilled to have someone of Lea's skill to do the ranch house's desired renovations. The renovations aren't all that's on his mind, though, as someone is determined to take the ranch from him.
The relationship between Lea and Logan got off to a rough but sweet start. Just as she arrived at the ranch, Lea's truck was involved in a hit-and-run accident. Logan was the first on the scene, and his caring and concern immediately gave her the sense she could trust him. Drawn to Lea the moment he met her, Logan described her effect on him as "Irish fey magic." I loved the way they connected during the ranch tour, bonding over their love of the land and views on the care of it. As they work together on the remodel, a deep friendship forms between them. I loved Logan's sensitivity to Lea's wariness and his respectful treatment of her. The strength of his growing feelings for her surprises him, filling the holes left by his wife and daughter's deaths. He is reluctant to say anything to Lea for fear of scaring her off, so he keeps his feelings to himself. Lea has never had a man affect her the way Logan does. Like Logan, she keeps her feelings to herself, not wanting to endanger what they do have. It takes a serious injury to Logan to break through the walls that keep them silent (thank you pain drugs!), and they agree to see where their feelings take them. Again, I loved how Logan's sensitivity ceded control of their progress to Lea. At the end, a dangerous situation reminded both that life could be uncertain and that love was worth the risk. The ending was romantic and perfect for Lea and Logan.
The suspense of the story was excellent. Logan's conversation with Lea clearly illustrates the problems caused by a man determined to bring fracking to Silver Creek. Knowing about the shady tactics used in other places has Silver Creek residents on their guard. The hit-and-run attack on Lea at the beginning of the book is one more suspicious incident that Logan blames on Polcyn and his attempts to get Logan's land. The sense of impending trouble intensifies throughout the book as small annoyances take on a broader meaning. Things come to a head with a danger-filled confrontation. I loved Lea's part as the fierce protectiveness she felt for Logan and the ranch overcame her caution and wariness. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over. I loved the twist that brought the final resolution.
A big part of this story was the theme of caring for the land. In addition to the issue of fracking, forestry, organic agriculture, and beekeeping were also touched upon. I especially enjoyed the parts about the various groves of trees and their properties. I found the hint of mysticism in the fairy stories and Lea's work with the wood fascinating. I also liked hearing about the community and its care for all of its residents. The tiny houses for the vets, the shelters, and other locally sponsored charities show what is possible when people work together for the greater good.
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