Dakota Set Romance: Under the Summer Sky (The Dakota Diaries, Book 2) by Lori Copeland

Under the Summer Sky
(Dakota Diaries, Book 2)
by Lori Copeland
Copyright 2013
Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 9780736930208

About the book:
This romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland portrays God's miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1893--A man who goes only by the name of "Jones" isn't looking for trouble when he happens across Miss Trinity Franklin at the riverside. He is simply on his way to North Dakota to seek the advice of Tom Curtis, a former CN&W Railroad land purchaser. But when Jones spots a lady who is about to become the victim of a marauding band of thugs, he quickly follows his instincts. A handy barrel and a nearby river seem the perfect getaway solution...how was he to know she couldn't swim?

Thus begins an adventure beyond what either could have anticipated. After Jones again rescues Trinity--this time from the river--they find their destination is the same: a small town in North Dakota. A seemingly coincidental beginning comes to a delightful and charming ending when orchestrated by the One who can put the pieces of any lost and broken life together.


My Thoughts:
I adore a light-hearted romance every once in a while as long as they are well written with a terrific HEA. Lori Copeland's early westerns are some of my favorites, nobody writes a love story like her, unfortunately this wasn't one of my favorites. The first few pages started out with a bang and I was pretty sure that this was going to be an adventure but it fell flat. I did not get the chemistry between Trinity and Jones at all. They skirted around each other for 3/4 of the book, mostly concerned with finding a lock box that contained the deed to Trinity's land. By the time the ending came around the romance felt forced. I did like Mae, Tom, Pauline, and the rascally Benjamin. Benjamin's tenacity when it came to Pauline was the best part of the whole story. The fact that he waited decades for Pauline and didn't give up on winning her tugged at my heartstrings. It was nice but I think when reading a romance you're supposed to care the most about the main characters and unfortunately I did not. If you're looking for a series by Ms. Copeland to read I suggest her Brides of the West series.

~ My Rating: 2 out of 5 stars, It was okay ~

***Special thanks to Ginger Chen @ Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

Happy Reading!