I’m a Kansas girl to the core and I absolutely love reading books set in home state, especially when rich historical details are revealed in such a way that doesn’t suffocate the story with information dump.
In Call of the Prairie, Vickie McDonough does just that.
Sophie Davenport fears life is passing her by. Her strict, overprotective parents have kept her close to home because of the severe asthma attacks she sometimes endures. She longs to live a normal life and hopes to marry, but that dream seems impossible. When her aunt has a tragic accident and requests someone come to Kansas to help her. No one is available except Sophie. Her father, tied up with business, reluctantly agrees to let her go. Sophie is ecstatic and sees this trip as her one chance to prove to her parents—and herself—that she’s capable of standing on her own. But things in the small town of Windmill are not as her aunt portrayed. And her aunt’s handsome neighbor, guardian of two of the children her aunt cared for, obviously doubts her abilities. Will the dust, drama, and difficulties prove too much for Sophie? Or will she lose her heart to her neighbor and succumb to the call of the prairie?
Since I’m on a writing deadline, I’m going to keep this as short and sweet as possible.
What I like about the Heroine:
Sarah Marshall knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it.
What I like about the Hero:
A beta hero with strong alpha tendencies, I like that Josh Harper doesn’t pretend he has it all figured out.
What historical aspect I liked:
There are several in this story, but the one I like the most is the boardinghouse for the children so they could attend school. It is something I have never thought about, and I research Kansas history all time for fun!
My favorite supporting characters:
Mikey & Toby, they’re both young boys. They’re both on the wild side. One is Josh’s nephew with a family who loves him, the other has no stability.
The one thing I thought was missing:
I kept waiting for a certain character to appear. I’d tell you but since I’m all about not spoiling the story, you’re just going to have to read it to find out. Sorry
Overall Call of the Prairie is a really good book. And I know I say this about every series I read, but I seriously can’t wait to read the third brother’s story.