Lily and the Lawman by Erica Vetsch
A desperate aunt and a duty-bound sheriff—thrown into marriage by necessity, driven by danger, and risking everything to rescue a child…and their hearts. All Lily Whitman wants is to open her bakery and provide a good life for her sister and infant niece. But when her niece is kidnapped by a ruthless gang, Lily is frantic to get her back. The only one who can help is the new acting sheriff, Trace McConnell. Though she’s sworn never to trust a man again, she finds herself forced to rely on this quiet lawman—worse, she’s forced to marry him to protect her reputation during the search. Trace McConnell, a man who sees the world in black and white, does everything by the book, and keeps his feelings to himself. He’s dreamed of being a real lawman his whole life, not just a temporary replacement. When a U.S. Marshal arrives with news of a child kidnapping ring, Trace sees his chance to prove himself worthy of the badge. But his new “wife” keeps throwing his carefully laid plans into chaos with her determination to help—and his growing feelings for her threaten to compromise his focus on justice. Can two people burned by past betrayals learn to trust again in time to save an innocent child? Or will their fears cost them not only their chance at love, but the life of the baby they’re desperate to rescue? Originally published at part of the Brides of Money Creek series.
My Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced western! It’s a quick and fun read, with lots of twists and turns, a kidnapping, and a high stakes search for Lily’s niece. The theme of trusting God in hard times is vibrant, compelling, and realistically portrayed between all the characters. The romance is sweet and simple, and Lily and Trace are extremely dynamic characters. I’ve read several of Erica Vetsch’s books and have always appreciated her work in developing amazing characters! One of the little things I particularly liked was Vetsch’s use of western similes. Many of the strange comparisons made me laugh and added a dynamic of comedy in the intense moments of the plot. I have yet to read the first book in the series, and I had no difficulty reading this one as a standalone. The main characters from book one are mentioned by name as well as hinting to a continued plot thread of cattle rustling throughout the series. But, it’s super easy to follow and doesn’t require you to read them in order, for readers like me who tend to jump around in a series! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a quick western read.
I received a copy through Celebratelit to read and review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.
More from Erica
Lily and the Lawman has one of my favorite opening lines that I’ve ever written.
No man should have to arrest his own father—at least not more than once a month.
And so begins Trace McConnell’s adventure to lasting happiness. Trace is a lawman, and his father is the town drunk. He heads out on the trail of some bad men who have kidnapped a baby girl. He doesn’t go alone, the child’s aunt goes with him. Mayhem, danger, and love along the way happen, hopefully leading to a satisfying conclusion for everyone but the bad guy.
But I wanted to talk about first lines in fiction. First lines have to do some heavy lifting! So much responsibility! If you are a writer, you have to consider so many things when writing that first line. Does it set the tone of the book? Does it reveal something up front about the character? Does it make the reader ask a question? Does it make the reader want to continue on to see what happens next?
When I’m writing a new story, I often put in all capital letters in the first draft: WRITE A GREAT FIRST LINE HERE. Then I go on with the opening scene.
You see, there is something intimidating in starting a new story, seeing all the blank, white space where words need to go. And it’s worse when you know how important a first line can be. So I put in a place holder. Often I don’t know what the first line should be until I’m into the story a ways. Only rarely do I know what the first line will be, and even then I often change it later.
When I need inspiration, I peruse my bookshelves to read first lines. Here are two of my favorites, both from the late secular writer, Dick Francis
From To the Hilt: I don’t think my stepfather much minded dying. That he almost took me with him wasn’t really his fault.
From Longshot: I accepted a commission that had been turned down by four other writers, but I was hungry at the time.
Do you have a favorite first line?
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway. Click the link below to enter:
https://promosimple.com/ps/3d287/lily-and-the-lawman-celebration-tour-giveaway
Happy Reading!
