Charlene Whitman’s first novel, Colorado Promise, reveals that she is a promising novelist with a firm grasp of the historical western romance. Her research is impeccable and her understanding of the morals and social conventions of the late 19th century American West is obvious throughout.
Whitman’s weaving of several very disparate stories into one fascinating narrative is skillful and compelling. First, there is Emma Bradshaw, daughter of a wealthy New York businessman, whose plans for college at overruled by her father’s insistence that she move to Colorado with the rest of her family. Then there is Lucas Rawlings, the Colorado veterinarian who has not yet remarried after the tragic deaths of his wife and child. There is the half-Cheyenne Sarah Banks and her sons, whom some of the locals despise for their Indian heritage, making multiple attempts to drive them out of the community. And there are many others: Emma’s parents, brother, and sister-in-law. Randall, her would-be but reluctant suitor. Her friend Violet. Her rival Lily.
Each character’s story is laid out clearly, and each is well-rounded and complete. The result is a tightly woven, intricate tale of love, healing, hate, and personal triumph. A tale that is hard to put down. And, ultimately, a tale of miraculous survival in a strange and sometimes hostile place.
(I received a review copy of this book from the author.)