|
Review by Jodi Israel
Gloria Dale Skinner's Juliana falls into the category of book that I call comfort novel: a solid story about men and women who fall in love through actions, not words. Good writing, dialogue, plot, and characters are the attraction in a good comfort novel: the author isn't trying to push the social issue of the week.
Set in the American West in 1878, governess Juliana Townsend has only one responsibility: to protect six-year-old heiress Cassandra Rakefield. It is a charge she takes seriously. When Cass's stepfather tries to kill her, Juliana takes Cass and runs.
Rill Banks just wanted to get to Wyoming Territory to start his ranch. After years of being a drover, he no longer wanted responsibility for others. He is less than pleased to discover Juliana and Cass hiding in his wagon. Discovering that Juliana is wanted for kidnapping does nothing to improve his mood. Despite his misgivings, he allows the pair to stay with him on the way to Wyoming.
Skinner does a wonderful job of building and sustaining the sexual tension -- it's definitely the book to buy if you want to read a good love story. Juliana made me feel cuddled.
Jodi Israel is a member of the Romance Writers of America and can be reached at jodi@tiac.net.
©1997, ProMotion, inc.
Support your