Women of the West: Promised Sunrise

Rating:
Summary: an enjoyable read with wonderful characters
Review: Robin Lee Hatcher has written some wonderful civil war era books.This story, Promised Sunrise, is in that era although it isn't quite as good as some others. Disillusioned by the war between the states and seeing his beloved twin willows plantation go to unscrupulous carpetbaggers, tucker branigan, an ex-confederate soldier takes his family west. Upon losing everything his father Farrell hung himself leaving his wife and children berift and emotionally devastated. The journey west for a new life is filled with the usual pioneering stories of tough times and stout hearts. Enroute they take in 2 orphaned gals, Maggie and her younger sister Rachel. They are running from a mean, abusive uncle and Tucker and his mother Maureen help them learn to trust people again. The story of a wagon train of strangers filled with various emotions and experiences facing peril and becoming caring friends is always a warm journey. This book would have been better if tucker and maggie had shared more of their backgrounds and feelings with each other. The mother Maureen keeps a journal which is complete with her feelings and adds a poignancy to this otherwise standard fare.