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April Williamson’s heart calls her across the frontier, but only one man—a handsome army scout with a tormented past—can get her safely to freedom.
The author weaves an interesting piece of historical fiction with many a
nod to real people and events. Not being from the USA – and having left
school in the UK before we touched on anything relating to non-European
history (except Ancient Egypt) (and French history lessons were only
interested in their own colonies) – I am only vaguely aware of these
parts of American history. In fact, most of my knowledge about this
period comes from documentaries / films (and who knows how historically
accurate those are!) that I’ve seen over the years. With Kentucky
Green, the author gives a glimpse of what life could have been like for
the colonials when neither the Americans nor the British were at their
moral best. The British because they were fairly double-crossing the
Indians and the Americans because they were pretty much invaders
stealing the land from the native inhabitants. I particularly
appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from some of the more
historically accurate points, choosing political correctness over
historical truth. She wasn’t afraid to include a racist side to this
story. All too often these days you see authors who are pretty much
walking on eggshells in order to avoid such controversial topics. But
that’s not how it was back in those days. Racism was a part of the norm
and this story embraces that, working with it rather than skirting
around it. I think that the book is that much the better for it; it
wouldn’t have felt as authentic without it. This is the classic tale of
boy meets girl, boy pisses off girl (and vice versa), boy is required to
spend significant amount of time in girl’s company, boy ends up
developing feelings for girl that he tries to ignore (and vice versa),
boy can no longer ignore said feelings, some form of drama befalls boy
and girl – can they come out on top? It’s a tried and true formula, and
obviously it works. My one… not qualm but thing I want to comment on I
guess… is that April is a young widow. It soon emerges that she was
merely given the position of wife in order to protect her after the
deaths of both of her parents. She is never touched by her husband. This
keeps the character “unspoiled” for the “love of her life” that is to
come in the form of the hero of the story but I personally would have
preferred a different approach here. I’ve never understood the appeal of
having a window character with no sexual experience. As a widow she
should be able to match the hero for his knowledge rather than still
being cast in the role of swooning heroine. Maybe that’s just me?
Ms. Blain writes this historical romance with strong, believable
characters. The author's portrayal of this story is historically correct
and I was amazed at how will it was written. Recommend for all who love
a good historical romance. This review is based on a complimentary copy
which was provided for an honest review.
achickwhoreads
Posted August 3, 2012
I usually prefer my historical novels to be set in Europe, but something about the plot of this novel drew me in and I'm glad I read it. I really thought it would be a lot of cowboys and Indians, but it wasn't and I was totally thrilled to have the characters traveling through Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, which just received its name in the year that this story takes place!
April is a very strong heroine, but not in an overpowering sort of way. She knows what she wants and she does everything in her power to get it. The conflict between April and Dan wasn't as convincing as I'd have liked, they got together a little to fast for my taste. I wanted a bit more of a struggle between the two personalities.
I kept thinking about how things in the preset day are so different from the time period of the novel. It is a seven hour drive from Philly to Pittsburgh on the turnpike, by wagon it took them about 2 weeks to make the journey! Wowzas!
The villain in this story is George Wyckford. I don't quite understand him. Essentially he has a gripe with Dan because he won a horse from him in a shooting contest? And he hates all Americans and Indians, and Dan is a quarter Shawnee. He does a lot to make the trip from Philly to Kentucky impossible for Dan, Scotty and April, and he doesn't stop there either. I had a hard time with why he hated Dan so much.
Over all, I enjoyed the characters and their relations
When two hearts meet that recognize each other how do you say no? Do you refuse to let them melt each other and end up spending your life alone or do you take a risk and jump in with both feet? April Williamson is bound and determined to make it all the way to Kentucky but she is thwarted at every turn until she meets Daniel McKenzie. McKenzie does not want to be the one to guide her all the way to Kentucky but ends up not having a choice. Now, they both find themselves on a journey that not only spans miles and miles of wild frontier land but one that their hearts are trying to lead them both in the same direction.
If you enjoy historical romances then this is the book for you. Terry Blain has done her research and can pen characters so believable you would expect to turn to them and say something and realize that they only exist on paper. A true joy to read and find yourself immersed in!
THESELF-TAUGHTCOOK
Posted July 28, 2012
April Williamson has never forgotten her childhood home in Kentucky. Although taken to Philadelphia when her father was killed in an Indian attack at Blue Licks, she has been waiting her entire life to return home. Her only means of transportation is Dan McKenzie, an army scout who has a commission to carry supplies to the Kentucky frontier. Dan is apprehensive regarding taking April. Not only does he consider the trip too arduous, but he knows that when she learns the secret of his past, she will have nothing more to do with him. Thrown together on the journey west, the two find out whether or not their feelings for one another are strong enough to overcome the secrets of the past.
Kentucky Green is a light, historical romance. It is obvious that the author has researched the time period and the history of the area. The time period represented, post-Revolutionary War 1794 is an era rich with historical significance, and she highlights it well. For those who have a preference, this novel contains what could be described as moderately explicit sensuality. Personally, I did not find it offensive; I am basing this on the Sensuality Ratings Guide found at All About Romance. This would make a nice beach read.
4 stars
Overview
April Williamson’s heart calls her across the frontier, but only one man—a handsome army scout with a tormented past—can get her safely to freedom.