Today I am reviewing Heart of Beauty by Danielle Grandinetti.
Book Description:
Discover the origin of Crooked Tooth Ranch in this 1870s western retelling of Beauty and the Beast
How can a beauty save a beast?
Blue Spruce, Montana, 1871—When Caleb Orson’s prize stallion escapes his ranch, Sal Beauregard rides to the rescue, revealing her true identity as a one of the few eligible females in town. She’d do it again if it meant saving an animal from the cruel retaliation of Brendan Doran. The man has no respect for women or God’s creatures.
But the sun’s early setting strands her at Caleb’s ranch. Worse, Sallie’s father unceremoniously leaves her there under Caleb’s protection. However, Doran refuses to lose again to Caleb—first a horse, now a woman. He wants Sallie as his wife, and not even the reclusive ogre of a cowboy can stand in his way. No matter Sallie’s opinion.
Choosing to make the best of a difficult situation, Sallie takes over the gentling of Caleb’s stallion. She believes she can reach Caleb as well. Only, the first blush of friendship grows into something … more. Something that threatens the desires of Caleb’s enemy. And if Doran cannot have a beauty like Sallie, neither can a beast.
A Tale of Tenacity, Romance, and Peace
Book Review
Thanks to Just Read Tours for my reader copy. I have the book on pre-order and will edit according once I receive my copy.
This is my first book by Danielle, and it won’t be my last. I enjoyed the book right from the start. The book starts with Sal (short for Sallie) Beauregard and her father going to town. Sallie has been disguising herself as a boy since she was little for her own safety. Once in town a runaway stallion comes through the town out of control. Sallie jumps on her horse not thinking of anything except she has to stop him and calm him. She has always been better with animals than people.
The local Saloon owner wants to stop the stallion once and for all and she is going to save him. The owner, Caleb Orson is also in pursuit of the stallion. When she has the horse and the men close in is where she speaks and her identity if found out. This leads to drama and her under Calebs protection.
I loved Sallie’s confidence with the horses how she had no fear and while she scared others, she knew what she was doing. She also has a deep faith which helps her through the tough moments. Of course, the Saloon owner isn’t going to give up on her and will cause drama which leads to some tense scenes. Caleb is also a hurting soul who feels unworthy of love and forgiveness. He was in the Civil war, and we see how it affects men.
The book doesn’t lag, and the tension and drama increase as the story plays out. I could have kept reading this story as I didn’t want it to end. All the books in the Hearts of the West multi author series that I have read I have enjoyed and have discovered some new authors.
If you like historical fiction and books set in the West give these books a try.
