"A thought-provoking novel"
In 1876 Yuma Territorial Prison, Arizona Pinkerton Agent
Casey Walker visits his brother Mark who was convicted of
murder. Casey vows to get his sibling free, but needs
money to hire the best lawyer available to properly defend
Mark's self defense plea. Casey agrees to a deal with
winery owner T.J. McAllister to bring his client's five-
year-old grandson Tommy to him in exchange for three
thousand dollars in advance. T.J. informs Casey that his estranged son died on a cattle
drive after marrying a whore Belle Parker. Though he
ignored the existence of his grandson until now, he demands
his heir be brought to him without the prostitute mother.
Casey learns that Naomi of Naomi's Pleasure Palace has
corresponded with Isabelle Henderson of Placerville,
Oregon. Believing Henderson is Belle, Casey heads north.
Instead of a fallen woman, Casey finds Belle to be a good
mother and a hardworking restaurant owner. He quickly
respects and falls in love with her leading to a moral
dilemma because what is best for his brother is not best
for Belle or Tommy. A LOVE TO CHERISH is a deep historical romance that
contains a strong ethical quandary that leads readers to
keep going until a resolution occurs though that denouement
is too simplified for the honorable lead male protagonist.
The action-packed story line enables the audience to see
inside the gentle yet protective Belle and caring decent
Casey. Though the outcome is too easily facilitated for
such a complex morality tale, fans of Americana romance
will want to read Connie Mason's well-written cerebral tale. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 6, 2002
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