Author: Catherine Anderson
Publishing Date: January 2010
Genre: Western
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my friend.
Early Dawn is book 10 in Catherine Anderson's Kendrick/Coulter/Harrigan series. This is my first in the series. I have only read Annie's Song by Anderson and I loved it. My friend had this book in her TBR pile and loaned it to me. It caught my eye because of the back cover. On it said that Eden Paxton was kidnapped and Matthew Coulter whose own wife was murdered at the hands of this terrible gang and he couldn't resist saving Eden. I was immediately hooked. I can't resist a kidnapping/rescue story.
I have to say that I thought that Early Dawn was a very solid story. Eden and Matthew are fully developed characters whose connection and love story develops very believably throughout the book. The things that Eden goes through are not for the faint of heart. Matthew's past is just as challenging. Both characters have a lot to overcome if they are going to get over their past and begin to love again.
There are times when I thought that the story dragged a bit. In the beginning it takes a while before Matthew and Eden meet. Eventually, though the fact that so much time is spent on Eden and Matthew developing their relationship and the fact that it moves slowly is a benefit to the story. It helps the believability factor considering all that they have been through.
There is a bit of sequel references. I don't feel that it detracted from Eden and Matthew's story. If anything it made me want to go back read about the other characters. I enjoyed this Western and feel that fans of Westerns will want to give this one a try.
7 comments:
LOL - you've hit two authors in a row I've totally given up on. I used to read and love Catherine Anderson, but her books slowly started giving me serious saccharine overdoes. She lost me for good at one point in the particular book I was reading - don't remember which one anymore - but the hero started talking to bunnies and gave off a blue glow whilst in the throes of passion if you get my drift and all I could think of was a giant smurf. That was the moment Catherine Anderson's books died for me.
While when it comes to food; I'm all for the sweet, in my books I like lots of tart and she just doesn't write that kind of book.
Interesting review, Jill. I haven't read this one. Although I think that her historicals are less sugary than her contemps so this was a good choice to start with :)
Kristie - LOL, I have heard that about this author, that she is overly sweet. This book was not like that. I quite enjoyed it a lot. It is a western... am I tempting you yet, LOL!
Nath - This one wasn't really sugary at all. Actually, the things that happened to Eden were quite horrific, although the author let's the reader's imagination do the work rather than actually describe what happened. So it isn't graphic, but it does have serious subject matter. I didn't realize Anderson wrote contemporaries. Sounds like I may have to think about it before I try those.
I too didn't realize Anderson writes contemporaries. I've read a few of her historicals and then my friend borrowed me Phantom Waltz. I think it's part of this series. I loved it even more than I love her historicals, so I'll definitely try more from this series.
I read a few of Anderson's books quite a while back, but haven't given her a shot for a long time because of the previously mentioned "over-sweetness." But this book sounds interesting Jill.
Maija - I do plan on trying more by Anderson. Have you read Annie's Song. It is the other book by her I have read and it blew me away. REALLY good stuff!
Hilcia - I have heard a lot of people say that about Anderson's characters, them being overly sweet. I did not get that impression in this book. If that is what is holding you back, then have no fear.
Yes, Annie's Song is one of the books I've read from her. Loved it! :)
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