Written by: Cheryl Pierson, Celia Yeary, Karen Michelle Nutt, Cindy Carrier
Publisher: Victory Tales Press
ISBN: 1463501382
Have: print and e-book
4 stars
Set in the American West, “A Western Saga Anthology” focuses on the McTavish family as they venture to settle and tame the unknown. A poignant set of character-driven short stories promises that the reader will turn the page.
Cheryl Pierson’s “Every Girl’s Dream” finds 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. Enter US Army scout Callen Chandler, who saves her by claiming that Sheena is his wife. Sheena is grateful, but can she find true happiness in Cal’s arms?
Celia Yeary writes “Along Came Will”. William Montgomery passes through Trinity Hill, Texas, when a group of hooligans 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 is attracted to Kathryn. Soon, you will have to make a decision: go ahead or stay. Will you listen to your heart or will you follow the call of the west?
Karen Michelle Nutt thought of “Storm Riders,” a western story with steampunk elements. Samantha and Denny ride through storms using their talents to keep the timeline safe. Assigned to save Ace McTavish, Samantha is attracted to the handsome man, despite knowing that they will never be able to be a couple because they come from two different time periods. Will love find a way to overcome 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 she be caught in a web of lies?
Pierson’s story, “Every Girl’s Dream,” touches the heartstrings of the reader. Sheena and Callen’s sudden but powerful attraction forces them to look deep into their hearts to test if what they feel is real. The plot keeps the reader on the edge of their 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 look at his life and make tough decisions. Yeary captures the rich authenticity of the west with ease. “Along Came Will” is a moving story.
Nutt’s story, “Storm Riders”, is brimming with creativity and imagination. Packed with action and adventure, Nutt isn’t short on romance, either. The chemistry between Ace and Samantha is combustible, but will time keep them apart? “Storm Riders” is a page turn.
Cindy Carrier’s “Safe Hands” is a grim, yet 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 builds up nicely and the ending resolves the story to the reader’s satisfaction.
In general, if you are a fan of the western romance genre, “A Western Saga Anthology” offers a good variety of stories that will leave the reader believing that the power of love was the reason that men conquered the wild and rich waste of the west. American.
Reviewed by: S. Burkhart