Once and Again

Rating:
Summary: Midwest Book Review - Old West flavor in an adult romance
Review: Carla Dalton's first published book is an appealing western romance with characters in keeping with the genre. The Wyoming Territory of 1876 is a vast expanse of land, and the people living there are cut from a rugged cloth. Nature, native Indians both good and bad, and the land itself all figure prominently in this tale, but what really makes Once and Again work is the characters.

Lance McCoy is the prodigal son returned after ten years' absence. At age twenty-six, memories of his abusive, alcoholic father still rankle. The return home after his father's death is bitter tinged. In his mind, he's still the outcast son of the local drunken womanizer. That his father nearly drank and gambled away his mother's cattle ranch adds further reluctance to his homecoming. Lance hopes for a swift return to New Orleans and his successful life there, but feels an obligation to help his mother Charlotte save her birthright. He carries with him a lock of auburn hair, a pocket knife, and near forgotten memories of a girl he once adored.

Jenny Sterling is the hard working daughter of a wealthy and successful cattle rancher. Since Jack Sterling's stroke a year before, Jenny has taken on more responsibility than any young woman of means should have to bear. Despite her father's standing in the territory, Jenny is an outast herself. Nine years earlier, she bore a daughter out of wedlock. Only pride, courage, love of her daughter, and her father's support keep Jenny going. Lance McCoy's return brings back old memories, ones she tries to smother down.

The reader guesses straight off who fathered Jenny's child. Old feelings simmer just below the surface with Lance's daily presence in Jenny's life. That desires thought long forgotten erupt into mature passion is inevitable. Lance is no longer an abused and introverted boy. He's a man of the world who knows what he wants, and he wants Jenny. She's proud, headstrong, more beautiful than any woman Lance has ever known, and afraid of being hurt by love again. Lance will kill in cold blood to protect her and even willingly face his own death before book's end, all in the name of love.

The flavor of the Old West as it used to be is strong in this book. And the characters created by Ms. Dalton are realistic and fascinating. I've barely scratched the surface in my review of this tale. You'll have to read the book to get the full effect.

Recommended for adults and mature adolescents due to strong sexual content.

Rating:
Summary: Midwest Book Review - Old West flavor in an adult romance
Review: Carla Dalton's first published book is an appealing western romance with characters in keeping with the genre. The Wyoming Territory of 1876 is a vast expanse of land, and the people living there are cut from a rugged cloth. Nature, native Indians both good and bad, and the land itself all figure prominently in this tale, but what really makes Once and Again work is the characters.

Lance McCoy is the prodigal son returned after ten years' absence. At age twenty-six, memories of his abusive, alcoholic father still rankle. The return home after his father's death is bitter tinged. In his mind, he's still the outcast son of the local drunken womanizer. That his father nearly drank and gambled away his mother's cattle ranch adds further reluctance to his homecoming. Lance hopes for a swift return to New Orleans and his successful life there, but feels an obligation to help his mother Charlotte save her birthright. He carries with him a lock of auburn hair, a pocket knife, and near forgotten memories of a girl he once adored.

Jenny Sterling is the hard working daughter of a wealthy and successful cattle rancher. Since Jack Sterling's stroke a year before, Jenny has taken on more responsibility than any young woman of means should have to bear. Despite her father's standing in the territory, Jenny is an outast herself. Nine years earlier, she bore a daughter out of wedlock. Only pride, courage, love of her daughter, and her father's support keep Jenny going. Lance McCoy's return brings back old memories, ones she tries to smother down.

The reader guesses straight off who fathered Jenny's child. Old feelings simmer just below the surface with Lance's daily presence in Jenny's life. That desires thought long forgotten erupt into mature passion is inevitable. Lance is no longer an abused and introverted boy. He's a man of the world who knows what he wants, and he wants Jenny. She's proud, headstrong, more beautiful than any woman Lance has ever known, and afraid of being hurt by love again. Lance will kill in cold blood to protect her and even willingly face his own death before book's end, all in the name of love.

The flavor of the Old West as it used to be is strong in this book. And the characters created by Ms. Dalton are realistic and fascinating. I've barely scratched the surface in my review of this tale. You'll have to read the book to get the full effect.

Recommended for adults and mature adolescents due to strong sexual content.

Rating:
Summary: Well written
Review: ISBN: 1-58851-119-7
Title: Once and Again
Author: Carla Dalton
Publisher: AmErica House
"Once and Again" action oriented debut novel by Carla Dalton, draws readers back in time to Texas in 1876. Lance McCoy left Rock Creek at the age of sixteen, fleeing from an angry abusive father. Now his father is dead and his mother needs help to keep from losing the family farm. Lance intends convincing his mother to sell the property and move back east leaving him free to continue his life as a blackjack dealer in New Orleans. His plans crumble when his mother refuses to sell.
When Lance applies for a job at the Sterling Ranch, he is hit in the face with memories of a one-time friendship with a now angry and unfriendly Jenny Sterling. Dalton enchants readers with a series of new twists penned into a classic plot. Dalton's dialogue rings true as does her story line. "Once and Again" will keep readers turning the pages through to the final happy ending. Carla Dalton is a gifted writer and I am sure we will hear more from her in the near future. Congratulations, Carla.
Beverly J Scott author of "Righteous Revenge" and "Ruth Fever." Reviewer for Intriguing Authors and Their Books at http://www.funeralassociates.com/authors.htm

Rating:
Summary: Well written
Review: ISBN: 1-58851-119-7
Title: Once and Again
Author: Carla Dalton
Publisher: AmErica House
"Once and Again" action oriented debut novel by Carla Dalton, draws readers back in time to Texas in 1876. Lance McCoy left Rock Creek at the age of sixteen, fleeing from an angry abusive father. Now his father is dead and his mother needs help to keep from losing the family farm. Lance intends convincing his mother to sell the property and move back east leaving him free to continue his life as a blackjack dealer in New Orleans. His plans crumble when his mother refuses to sell.
When Lance applies for a job at the Sterling Ranch, he is hit in the face with memories of a one-time friendship with a now angry and unfriendly Jenny Sterling. Dalton enchants readers with a series of new twists penned into a classic plot. Dalton's dialogue rings true as does her story line. "Once and Again" will keep readers turning the pages through to the final happy ending. Carla Dalton is a gifted writer and I am sure we will hear more from her in the near future. Congratulations, Carla.
Beverly J Scott author of "Righteous Revenge" and "Ruth Fever." Reviewer for Intriguing Authors and Their Books at http://www.funeralassociates.com/authors.htm