High Plains Bride

Very disappointing from an author that's a reliable favorite for me in her suspense novels. The historical mood wasn't well portrayed, plus there were many illogical things that didn't make any sense in the time period. For instance, the wagon going off on its own further along the trail without the rest of the wagon train...this would have been highly unusual because there was no map and they needed the train leader and wouldn't have deviated from their assigned spot in the line without some massive tragedy that delayed the wagon. Plot points didn't seem to remain consistent, with her mother suddenly recovering from a long-term chronic illness.

I also had issue with the girl flipping between almost worshipping her “dear, dear mother” and then blaming her for refusing to leave her husband to protect her children. They were country people from rural Missouri and somehow she has a progressive 1970s view on marriage, to the point that she would blame her mother for not being that progressive? And then the situation with the Indians was illogical and odd, with them somehow stalking her right out there when the town was staging a manhunt for two missing kids.

So overall too many character, plot, and setting issues to enjoy the rest of the story.