Written by: Cheryl Pierson, Celia Yeary, Karen Michelle Nutt, Cindy Carrier
Publisher: Victory Tales Press
ISBN: 1463501382
Available in: Print and eBook
4 stars
Set in the American West, “A Western Saga Anthology” focuses on the McTavish family as they venture to settle down and tame the unknown. An exciting set of character-driven short stories promise to make the reader turn the page.
Cheryl Pierson’s “Every Girl’s Dream” finds the heroine, Sheena McTavish, in dire straits. Abandoned by her parents when they discover she is pregnant, Sheena travels west to have her baby with a distant aunt and uncle. Sheena’s stagecoach is attacked and Sheena fears for her life. She enters US Army scout Callen Chandler, who saves her by claiming that Sheena is her wife. Sheena is grateful, but can she find true happiness in Cal’s arms?
Celia Yeary writes “Along Came Will”. William Montgomery is passing through Trinity Hill, Texas, when a group of vandals attack him. Will is injured and found by the local school teacher, Kathryn McTavish. She takes him to the doctor to treat his injuries. Will finds himself delayed, attracted to Kathryn. He will soon have to make a decision: go ahead or stay. Will he listen to his heart or follow the call of the west?
Karen Michelle Nutt thinks of “Storm Riders”, a western story with steampunk elements. Samantha and Denny ride the storms using their talents to keep the timeline safe. Assigned to save Ace McTavish, Samantha finds herself drawn to the handsome man, despite knowing they can never be a couple because they come from two different time periods. Will love find a way to beat time?
“Safe Hands” is written by Cindy Carrier. Elisabeth McTavish Franklin is a widow who saves a young man, Lane McBride. Will Lane help Elisabeth learn to trust again, or will he get caught in a web of lies?
Pierson’s story, “Every Girl’s Dream,” touches the heart of the reader. Sheena and Callen’s sudden but powerful attraction forces them to look deep into their hearts to see if what they feel is real. The plot keeps the reader on the edge of his seat. “Every Girl’s Dream” proves that dreams come true in the most unexpected ways. An endearing read.
“Along Came Will” sparkles with intrigue and is full of sweet romance. Will is a true gentleman, but his attraction to Kathryn forces him to analyze his life and make difficult decisions. Yeary captures the rich authenticity of the West with ease. “Along Came Will” is a moving story.
Nutt’s story, “Storm Riders” brims with creativity and imagination. Full of action and adventure, Nutt is not short on romance either. The chemistry between Ace and Samantha is fuel, but will time keep them apart? “Storm Riders” is a page turner.
Cindy Carrier’s “Safe Hands” is a somber but character-driven story that focuses not on romantic love, but on a broader love that encompasses respect and trust for humanity. The flow and pace of the story is a bit unnerving at times due to the present tense narration, but the suspense is built very well and the ending resolves the story to the satisfaction of the reader.
Overall, if you are a fan of the western romance genre, “A Western Saga Anthology” offers a wide variety of stories that will leave the reader believing that the power of love was the reason why men conquered the wild and rich spending of it. american west.
Reviewed by: S. Burkhart