Tumbleweed Fever

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful western uber
Review: A tender love story set in a familiar genre. Sweet as spring water, gentle as desert rain. And if you enjoy this one, I would also recommend mystery writer Nevada Barr's lesbian love story set in the old west, "Bittersweet."

Rating:
Summary: touched my heart
Review: I loved this story especially set in the west just to be different I learned things about the choctaws and have always believed the natives of any country have had a special bond to spirit and a respect for the earth its animals and ancestors that white people have never understood.It made me feel proud of my sexuality by the use of the words not everyone is given a great gift in the way we are.

Rating:
Summary: And looking forward to the sequel!
Review: It's the late 1800s and cowhands in the Oklahoma territory have been finding notes tied to blowing tumbleweed. The notes, apparently written by a woman, ring with a romantic longing and loneliness. Trying to figure out who is the author of these missives, has become a popular passtime at the local saloons and ranch hands who are enamored with the mystery are said to suffer from, "Tumbleweed Fever." One of those ranch hands, or "riders," who has fallen under the spell of these notes is Devlin Brown. Tall, dark and deadly, Devlin is a reformed outlaw who is struggling to leave her past behind.

Much to her surprise, Devlin finds herself coming to the aid of Sarah Tolliver, the recently widowed mother of two children, who is trying to continue on the ranch she and her late husband homesteaded. Intelligent and capable, not to mention stubborn and articulate, the small, blond widow is not what Devlin expects her to be. Indeed, over the year the two women spend working the Double Deuce Ranch together, Devlin finds the attraction she held for the mystery writer of the tumbleweed notes being displaced by her growing respect, attraction, and love for Sarah.

Tumbleweed Fever is Maas's first novel and, as one might have noticed from the characters and the redemption theme plot, it is a more "traditional" uber Xena story than Maas's other novels. In addition to characters, there are a few direct references to the Xena TV show that fans will recognize, including the "soulmate" concept. Interestingly the American West locale is apparently a fairly popular uber setting. This reader knows of at least two other published uber novels set in the 19th century American West.

Of Maas' current three novels, this first effort is not her best work. The plotting is not as tight; there are some odd incongrencies; a few story lines are not as fleshed out as one might wish; and the uber references are sometimes detracting. However, with each novel since Tumbleweed Fever, Maas' storytelling improves. None So Blind and Meridio's Daughter, Maas' second and third novels have much fewer of these faults and are much better entertainment.

Even with these mild annoyances, Tumbleweed Fever is a very engaging novel. One can't help but enjoy the charm of Sarah and her family, to root for the triumph of Devlin over her past, and finally relish the couple's realization that their love is mutual. The plot is fast moving and interesting, including depictions of a band of Choctaws (who remind us that condemnation of women who love women is a Judeo-Christian concept that did not enjoy sway in most Native American cultures). This reader is looking forward to Maas' soon to be released sequel, "Prairie Fire" -- Maas' first unposted novel -- to find out what happens with Sarah and Devlin as they continue their life together.

Rating:
Summary: WONDERFUL!... I WANT MORE!...
Review: THE SYNOPSIS CAUGHT MY INTEREST. I BOUGHT THE BOOK OUT OF CURIOSITY,BECAUSE OF THE TIME FRAME. I COULDN'T IMAGINE WHAT LIFE COULD BE LIKE FOR 2 WOMEN DRAWN TOGETHER WITH SUCH PASSION DURING THE PIONEER DAYS. THE WRITING WAS GREAT, I ENJOYED THE DELVOPMENT OF THESE TWO STRONG WOMEN. THE STORY BACK DROP ALSO INTRIGUED ME. ALTHOUGH I WANTED A MORE FULFILLING ENDING FOR THE TWO(PASSIONATE LOVEMAKING), I STILL RATE THIS A TOPNOTCH BOOK. AND WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SEQUEL I COULDN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON IT. THE IDEA OF A CONTINUING SAGA FOR THESE TWO WOMEN AND THEY FAMILIES WAS BRILLIANT. NOT ALL LOVE STORIES HAVE TO COME FULL CIRCLE IN ONE BOOK.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: This book is very romantic with strong character development.
L.J. Maas has a wonderful ability to create an entire world in
in each book she writes.

Rating:
Summary: Neat story
Review: This book reminded me of a movie I saw a few years ago. The tumbleweed idea wasn't new, but it was a great read. I just loved Sarah and Devlin, and intend to read their ungoing story. I had as much trouble putting this book down as I did, "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons, and almost all of Lindsey's books. I read every day. I would like to do nothing else, and these books are all five big stars.

Rating:
Summary: Romance at its best
Review: Yet another wonderful book from one of my favorite authors. She knows just how to make you wait on the edge of your seat for that first kiss. I loved both Dev and Sarah, I felt their love and devotion, their fears and thoughts. Both womyn are strong and brave and not afraid to show their qulities. Bravo L J Maas!!!