MY REVIEW:

A Desperate Journey is a well written western historical romance set in the mid 1800’s. There are several layers to the plot, interesting and developed characters, and a well described setting The journey from Kansas to Texas is a tough one for the characters, just as I imagine it would have been back in that time. It was a dangerous ride through Indian territory, suffering through hunger, dangerous water crossings, illnesses and injuries, bad weather, and at times, hopelessness among other things. There are a lot of likeable characters and the story kept my attention to the end. A recommended read!

This is the first book by Debra Parmley that I have read. It is also the first novel she had published (2009). I first met her and her books via a Facebook event/party (love those, I meet so many new authors and discover new books!). I was gifted A Desperate Journey through that party (I believe it was Christmas in July party). Next up for me from Debra is Trapping the Butterfly, the first in her 1920’s Flappers series.

BLURB:

Sometimes a journey of the heart is the most dangerous journey of all. Sally Wheeler learned the hard way that men aren’t always what they seem. Now she will stop at nothing to track down the bigamist husband who stole her child and abandoned her on their failing Kansas farm. Even if it means traveling with a handsome maverick who could change her mind about men. Free after spending seven years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Rob Truman aims to balance the scales of justice on the man who sent him there-Luke Wheeler. His quest doesn’t include falling for the one woman who will lead him to his quarry, but Sally’s courage in the face of her fear touches his soul. Through dangerous days and nights on the trail, neither Sally nor Rob can ignore their growing feelings for each other. Yet both are haunted by the poor judgment that, in the past, led them down the wrong road. Love-and trust-are luxuries neither of them can afford. But as the bullets start flying, love may be all that saves them-and Sally’s son. Warning: This title contains ornery mules and ornery men. Get ready to see how the West was really won – one relationship at a time!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Debra Parmley spreads love, one story at a time. Fascinated by fairy tales and folktales ever since she was young, she has always ended her stories with a happy ever after. Damsel in distress stories are some of her favorites and you will find this theme in many of her stories. Her westerns have been described as gritty.

Debra enjoys writing, reading, playing a medieval lady in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and world travel. Her work as a travel consultant gave her the opportunity to visit many countries and her luggage often carried home folk tales from the countries visited. Her three favorite things are dark chocolate, visiting the beach and ocean, and hearing from her readers. Each card, letter and email is a treasured gift, like finding a perfect shell upon the beach.

For more information about Debra, please visit her website at http://www.debraparmley.com. You can also listen to her live Internet radio show “Book Lights” at 8:30pm EST on Tuesday evenings at http://www.readersentertainment.com where she interviews authors of fiction.