Revealed, by Tamera Alexander

Setting

1870

Colorado Territory

Synopsis

Annabelle Grayson was rescued from a brothel by a wonderfully understanding man.  However, she cannot remain in Willow Springs with everyone knowing what she used to be.  Her new husband dies soon after their journey to Idaho begins, and the pregnant young widow decides to advertise for someone else to take her there.  Her late husband's brother, a man on the run, takes the job, though he hates everything about her and wishes she and his brother had never met, let alone wed.  Annabelle insists on stopping in every town and refuses to tell Matthew why or let him accompany her, which only causes his distrust for her to escalate. All the while, he wishes to avoid these interruptions for reasons of his own.  As Annabelle and Matthew get to know one another on the trail, he must face his prejudice and own up to mistakes of the past.  Will they come to terms with their emotions in time to build a life together out West?

Review

This book was touching on so many levels.  Annabelle struggles with guilt and being unable to truly love a man, after all she's been through.  Matthew is so full of hate and resentment that he can hardly stand the sight of her.  Yet, as he slowly starts to realize that his perceptions are grossly inaccurate, he is left in even greater agony.  Amid these tumultuous emotions, is a growing attraction and a love that he does not expect, and is hesitant to embrace.  The conflict and tension between these too well developed characters is very moving.  There is so much depth to this story.  I feel that characters who have sinned are so much deeper, believable, and enjoyable to read about than perfect ones.  If you like a book with plenty of romantic tension as well as some suspense, you will probably love this one.  In fact, anything by Tamera Alexander is sure to please.

Edgy Content

1) Prostitution is a prominent theme in this story, though approached in an eventual redemptive, uplifting manner
2) Romances scenes are more heated than many of this genre, but were handled well and added a great element to the story.