It all began with a woman and a child and it would end with a woman and a child.
Matthew Stuart Taylor had loved his friend Linnea for as long as he could remember. When she appeared with her young daughter upon his ship desperate for aid, he could do nothing other than grant it to her. Fortune did not stay with them though. Her husband arrived and was killed, forcing the threesome to run.
Three years later, Stuart is living as a light keeper with his mute daughter. He is a social outcast who cares for no one except his daughter, Hannah. Then he meets Rachel, the town teacher.
Rachel strikes up a bargain with Stuart; she will tutor his daughter if he teaches her brother how to be a man and pay her a small stipend. Rachel nor Stuart have any idea how their arrangement will effect their future, but know that they cannot give each other up.
Angel and the Outlaw by Kathryn Albright is a historical novel set in 1870 – 1873 coastal California. It is rich in history and full of life and emotion. The characters are well rounded and the pacing is excellent.
The romance is allowed time to evolve. It doesn’t happen overnight, rather over several months. The traits of the main characters remain true, even when it would be easier to have them twist to fit a preselected conclusion.
The resolution is not the simple or easiest conclusion and works well. I’m pleased that the author took the time to add the final 10 pages of the book. This allows the book to come to a natural ending and avoids the trap of a simple, predictable finish.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of love overcoming pain, hurt and hardship.
