My Review - Call of the Prairie

4 out of 5 stars

CALL OF THE PRAIRIE is the second book in the Pioneer Promises series from Vickie McDonough. 

Sophie Davenport has been treated like an invalid her entire life.  Because of her asthma, her parents have controlled her every move.  When a beau she has corresponded with proposes, she arranges for him to come to St. Louis to meet her parents.  Her parents completely sabotage Sophie’s relationship and any hope she has of having a normal life.  In a twist of fate, and against her father’s better judgment, Sophie goes to the city of Windmill to attend to her ailing Aunt.  When she arrives, she finds her aunt’s condition more dire that expected and tries to do what she can to help her.  She also inherits the care of five young children that her aunt cares for.  When she encounters Josh Harper, the uncle of two of her charges, their meeting is anything but polite. 

Josh Harper is president of Windmill bank, but his heart is still at home on his family’s ranch.  He’s only taken the banking position to help with financial worries at home.  He’s also agreed to watch over his niece and nephew so they can go to school in town.  When he meets Sophie Davenport he is less than impressed with her skills to handle young children.  But, the more Josh gets to know Sophie, the more he’s attracted to her. 

Sophie’s time in Windmill is nothing as she imagined.  Her aunt is very ill, she had five rambunctious kids to take care of, and she allows her head to be turned by not only Josh Harper but Wade Barnes as well.  But she’s never felt better.  For once, she is taking care of herself, doing her own cooking and cleaning, and finally feeling as if she’s really living.  If only her heart wasn’t so fickle.

I really enjoyed CALL OF THE PRAIRIE.  You could feel Sophie’s frustration and rooted for her to continue her life in Windmill.  I liked her feistiness and unwillingness to give in to circumstance. And of course, Josh made for a great hero.  My only complaint would be Sophie’s constant belaboring of the point regarding her circumstances.  We all knew her history so to be reminded of it time and time again was a bit distracting.  But, that’s not enough to deter me from looking forward to the next installment in the Pioneer Promises series.

            Book provided for review purposes.