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The Women's West #4
Painted by the Sun
A Woman On A Desperate Quest
Working as a traveling photographer, Shea Waterston is following the path of the orphan trains west, searching for the son she was forced to give up ten years before. She pays for her search any way she can, including setting up her camera to photograph a hanging. When that lands her in Judge Gallimore's jail, Shea never dreams that soon after, she'll have the chance to save the judge's life.
A Man With A Terrible Secret
Colorado Territorial Judge Cameron Gallimore is a strong, just man who damned himself years before with one fateful decision. Only this mysterious stranger from Denver truly touches the empty hidden places in his heart. Then, with nothing more than a chance photograph and the haunting familiarity in a young boy's smile, they both find the past catching up with them. But will its secrets drive them into each other's arms? Or out of each other's life forever...
Working as a traveling photographer, Shea Waterston is following the path of the orphan trains west, searching for the son she was forced to give up ten years before. She pays for her search any way she can, including setting up her camera to photograph a hanging. When that lands her in Judge Gallimore's jail, Shea never dreams that soon after, she'll have the chance to save the judge's life.
A Man With A Terrible Secret
Colorado Territorial Judge Cameron Gallimore is a strong, just man who damned himself years before with one fateful decision. Only this mysterious stranger from Denver truly touches the empty hidden places in his heart. Then, with nothing more than a chance photograph and the haunting familiarity in a young boy's smile, they both find the past catching up with them. But will its secrets drive them into each other's arms? Or out of each other's life forever...
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2000
About the author
Elizabeth Grayson
16 books18 followersElizabeth Grayson fell in love with historical novels in the third grade. Her teacher read THE GOLD LACE COAT, by Helen Fuller Orton, to her class in preparation for their trip to Fort Niagara—and Elizabeth was hooked. She’s been reading and writing historical novels ever since.
aka Elizabeth Kary
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
and Karen Witmer
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
aka Elizabeth Kary
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
and Karen Witmer
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 24, 2013
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
All of us have secrets: things we choose not to share with other people. But what happens when those difficulties morph into something that is crippling? And then years go by before the circumstances burst forth and affect everyone? PAINTED BY THE SUN is about those very secrets: moments of time buried long ago.
Shea Waterston was heading west with a much older companion/friend. She was a gifted photographer that took portraits. At the same time she was on a mission: to find the son she surrendered to an orphan train years ago.
For those that don't know, the 'Orphan Train' movement was a supervised welfare program in the U.S. that occurred in the latter 1800s. Orphaned and/or homeless children from crowded eastern cities were placed in homes located mostly in rural areas of the midwest. Some of the children were eventually adopted into loving families; others were treated, at best, as indentured servants.
Now, back to the story.....
The heroine of PBTS went head-to-head with Judge Cameron Gallimore when she attempted to take a photo of a hanging that the arbitrator had presided over. Instead, after they clashed, she found herself in jail. She was freed the next day and moved on but the two were soon reacquainted under a dubious happenstance. From there on out, the pace of the story picked up.
There were plenty of interesting secondary characters in this 'American West' romance and enough secrets to give the narrative a bite of suspense. The townspeople kept the story flowing when Shea and Cameron weren't being discussed. And, as in most western romances, there was a villain.
For the most part, I found all of the townspeople very likable. There was also an interesting secondary story concerning Cam's younger sister and the town doctor. There was one bodice ripper moment that I personally thought wasn't necessary and a few times I wanted to shake some common sense into the hero. But, all in all, it was another four star story by Elizabeth Grayson.
All of us have secrets: things we choose not to share with other people. But what happens when those difficulties morph into something that is crippling? And then years go by before the circumstances burst forth and affect everyone? PAINTED BY THE SUN is about those very secrets: moments of time buried long ago.
Shea Waterston was heading west with a much older companion/friend. She was a gifted photographer that took portraits. At the same time she was on a mission: to find the son she surrendered to an orphan train years ago.
For those that don't know, the 'Orphan Train' movement was a supervised welfare program in the U.S. that occurred in the latter 1800s. Orphaned and/or homeless children from crowded eastern cities were placed in homes located mostly in rural areas of the midwest. Some of the children were eventually adopted into loving families; others were treated, at best, as indentured servants.
Now, back to the story.....
The heroine of PBTS went head-to-head with Judge Cameron Gallimore when she attempted to take a photo of a hanging that the arbitrator had presided over. Instead, after they clashed, she found herself in jail. She was freed the next day and moved on but the two were soon reacquainted under a dubious happenstance. From there on out, the pace of the story picked up.
There were plenty of interesting secondary characters in this 'American West' romance and enough secrets to give the narrative a bite of suspense. The townspeople kept the story flowing when Shea and Cameron weren't being discussed. And, as in most western romances, there was a villain.
For the most part, I found all of the townspeople very likable. There was also an interesting secondary story concerning Cam's younger sister and the town doctor. There was one bodice ripper moment that I personally thought wasn't necessary and a few times I wanted to shake some common sense into the hero. But, all in all, it was another four star story by Elizabeth Grayson.
July 8, 2019
This was an interesting story, there were a number of serious themes throughout the story, including the orphan trains and the traumatic aftermath of the war and how it affected people. I liked the main character of Shea Waterson, she hadn’t had an easy life but she was determined to make the best of her situation. Shea could also be relied on to help others when possible. Cameron Gallimore, was likeable but I felt he didn’t always treat Shea as he should. There were a number of interesting characters in this story and I found it to be an engaging read. I received a copy from eBooks Discovery and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 20, 2015
The title of the book comes from a quote by Ambrose Bierce “Photography is a picture painted by the sun”. It’s a story of Shea Waterstone, a photographer and a widow, traveling with her partner through vast lands of the Colorado Rocky Mountains in 1875. “Working in what must have been nearly impossible conditions, she had made magic with contrasts, the shapes, the poetry of the high country”. But photography is not the main reason for her travels. It’s a way to finance a search for her son, one of many Orphan Train children. (The orphaned and homeless children were transported from crowded Eastern cities of the United States to foster homes located largely in rural areas of the Midwest.)
The photography or rather wanting to photograph a hanging of a convicted man is also what brought Shea to the attention of Cameron Gallimore, Colorado Territorial Judge. Their first meeting turned into a rather dramatic encounter which ended Shea in jail. Their path was unexpectedly crossed again when Shea saved Cameron’s life.
Both characters carry secrets, fears and regrets which are slowly revealed thought out the story.
I normally like the author but, for some reason, the story didn’t capture my attention. I caught myself skimming pages and getting bored with the narrative. The main characters, although very fine human beings, were lacking something for me, some connection, some depth. And these incredible coincidences just really strained credibility for me. If the author is new for you, you may want to try her other books first.
The photography or rather wanting to photograph a hanging of a convicted man is also what brought Shea to the attention of Cameron Gallimore, Colorado Territorial Judge. Their first meeting turned into a rather dramatic encounter which ended Shea in jail. Their path was unexpectedly crossed again when Shea saved Cameron’s life.
Both characters carry secrets, fears and regrets which are slowly revealed thought out the story.
I normally like the author but, for some reason, the story didn’t capture my attention. I caught myself skimming pages and getting bored with the narrative. The main characters, although very fine human beings, were lacking something for me, some connection, some depth. And these incredible coincidences just really strained credibility for me. If the author is new for you, you may want to try her other books first.
November 19, 2018
Lovely
Such a strong story about love, guilt, determination and pride. Why is it that forgiving ones self is always the most difficult of tasks? We can forgive others just about anything, but to forgive ones self takes courage and soul deep honesty. That trends us apart.
Such a strong story about love, guilt, determination and pride. Why is it that forgiving ones self is always the most difficult of tasks? We can forgive others just about anything, but to forgive ones self takes courage and soul deep honesty. That trends us apart.
February 13, 2011
What a wonderful story! I loved it!!! Very smooth and flowing writing with great secondary characters. Lots of angst and PTSD here, but none of the "big misunderstanding" type thing, thankfully. Great emotions that will pull you right in and make you feel as if you are in the story and that you know these people and understand them.
This story is set in the 1870s Colorado. Shea Waterston is a traveling photographer who is searching for her son that she had to give up 10 years prior while living in NY. When her circumstances changed, she went back to get her son, he was no longer there and after investigating, she found out he was sent west on an orphan train. After her husband died, she went west to look for him with Owen Brandt, her elderly friend and assistant.
While in Colorado trying to take a picture of a hanging she is stopped by the Judge, Cameron Gallimore. Later, she gets shot while coming across a scene where Cam was about to be hanged by some bad guys. She saved him, but was severely wounded. Cam takes her to his house to recover where she gets to know his family and Dr friend. Lots of plot twists and turns, very engaging.
Shea and Cam both have dark secrets that are destroying them and these secrets could also destroy everyone they care about.
This story is set in the 1870s Colorado. Shea Waterston is a traveling photographer who is searching for her son that she had to give up 10 years prior while living in NY. When her circumstances changed, she went back to get her son, he was no longer there and after investigating, she found out he was sent west on an orphan train. After her husband died, she went west to look for him with Owen Brandt, her elderly friend and assistant.
While in Colorado trying to take a picture of a hanging she is stopped by the Judge, Cameron Gallimore. Later, she gets shot while coming across a scene where Cam was about to be hanged by some bad guys. She saved him, but was severely wounded. Cam takes her to his house to recover where she gets to know his family and Dr friend. Lots of plot twists and turns, very engaging.
Shea and Cam both have dark secrets that are destroying them and these secrets could also destroy everyone they care about.
September 14, 2017
This may be my favorite romance novel I've read. The characters are just fantastic.
July 31, 2017
PROS:
Good story. Great characters. Secrets and misunderstandings/miscommunications not dragged out. Narrative and dialogue also were smooth and internally logical.
CONS:
Still, very lovely novel, with Shae being the standout. Historical romances could do with more female characters like her.
Good story. Great characters. Secrets and misunderstandings/miscommunications not dragged out. Narrative and dialogue also were smooth and internally logical.
CONS:
Still, very lovely novel, with Shae being the standout. Historical romances could do with more female characters like her.
July 17, 2019
Shea Waterston is a photographer traveling west to Denver. While traveling she comes upon a near hanging of a man. Gunfire breaks out and Shea is shot, and injured seriously.
The man who was almost hung is Judge,Cameron Gallimore. He takes Shea into his home and tends to her wounds.
Lily, Cameron's sister is a nervous wreck. She is so concerned about their secret being revealed.
Cameron has taken a liking to Shea Waterston. Everything about her he admires. She is a strong and determined woman. Shea has a deep dark secret of her own, though she does not know how to tell Cam.Shea is a afraid she will break up their happy family,and Cam's feelings towards her would change.
She cannot take that chance.
Cam's got other things to worry about if Wes Seaver is back in Denver.
A bank robbery takes place, innocent people are shot down and killed. Judge, Cameron Gallimore is presiding over the bank robbery case,and there is going to be another hanging in town.
Well written and strong characters. What a suspenseful driven story.Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. My first book by this author. Look forward to more. I received this book for free from Ebook Discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
The man who was almost hung is Judge,Cameron Gallimore. He takes Shea into his home and tends to her wounds.
Lily, Cameron's sister is a nervous wreck. She is so concerned about their secret being revealed.
Cameron has taken a liking to Shea Waterston. Everything about her he admires. She is a strong and determined woman. Shea has a deep dark secret of her own, though she does not know how to tell Cam.Shea is a afraid she will break up their happy family,and Cam's feelings towards her would change.
She cannot take that chance.
Cam's got other things to worry about if Wes Seaver is back in Denver.
A bank robbery takes place, innocent people are shot down and killed. Judge, Cameron Gallimore is presiding over the bank robbery case,and there is going to be another hanging in town.
Well written and strong characters. What a suspenseful driven story.Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. My first book by this author. Look forward to more. I received this book for free from Ebook Discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
July 18, 2019
Shea, a widow, is capturing moments of western life to sell to newspapers back east. Shea is also looking for her ten year old son who was taken west on the orphan train. After overhearing a hanging, Shea is grateful that Judge Cameron Gallimore stopped her from seeing and capturing the hanging. When Shea saves Cam's life and gets hurt herself, Cam takes her home. I don't want to spoil the story by describing it further. I received a free copy of this book from eBook Discovery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This book is a western combined with a romance of the two main characters. It is a slower read than I am used but it is has well drawn characters and a deeper story than most. The effects of war, especially the guerrilla warfare carried out in Missouri, PTSD, loss, guilt, outlaws, and secrets are all contained in this story. There is even a scene that touched me deeply enough for me to tear up, which I don't do often. I really like this book.
June 22, 2019
Secrets of the past impact the present and future. The story set in post Civil War America is wonderfully wonderfully written with main characters Shea and Cam trying to navigate their chance relationship despite secrets each other has. What’s the chance that these two characters with such an important common person would really meet- especially in the way they did? I really enjoyed how some of the hidden elements evolved and eventually were revealed. The final secret revealed at the end was also a pleasant surprise. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
July 18, 2019
Shea is a lady photographer who is searching for her long lost son. While following the path the orphan train went, she's paying her way through with her photography. At a particular place she intended to photograph the hanging of a condemned man, she came in contact with Cameron, who stopped her from taking the photograph by throwing her in jail, though she was later released. Their paths crossed again when she came to his rescue when some men tried to kill him but in the process she herself got injured... The book is very interesting and engaging. "I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".
July 22, 2019
This story touches the heart. A man who is empty because of a decision years ago that cause harm to his own family. A woman who gave away her baby when she became homeless and now searches along the orphan train that took her baby away. These two come to love each other filling the emptiness with each other. This story is filled with a lot of tragedy, but also a lot of hope. This story is about two mature people who find that they need each other in their lives, but circumstances will find them coming to odds. The characters are compelling and the story draws you in til its conclusion.
July 8, 2019
An amazing book, the characters are amazing, great backstory and plot. Gives an interesting views into Midwest live, war and outlaws. If you've never heard of or read about orphan trains this books gives a pretty good description about it that gives reader a clear picture about it. Cannot wait to read more books by this author.
I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
July 19, 2019
Wow!! I give this a solid five stars, Elizabeth Grayson is a gifted writer, her writing flows well with descriptive scenery that take the reader into the lives of the characters. Intriguing and witty dialogue kept this reader turning the pages till the end! I highly recommend reading this, it’s like a trip in the Wild West.
“I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.”
“I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.”
October 30, 2017
Good western love story...
Like this author's books and her writing style. This is the second book that I have read and it's certainly not boring. Ms Grayson has nice sexy love scenes with real emotions that that makes everything so life like. Will definitely read more books from this author.
Like this author's books and her writing style. This is the second book that I have read and it's certainly not boring. Ms Grayson has nice sexy love scenes with real emotions that that makes everything so life like. Will definitely read more books from this author.
June 22, 2019
This is a very interesting portrayal of a woman photographer in the old west. The story is filled with a mixture of secrets, guilt, regrets, and romance. It draws you in right from the start and makes you feel like you are part of the story. I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
June 20, 2017
Basically boring.
July 21, 2017
Easy to read
I felt the story was a bit contrived but it made everyone happy. The characters were believable and complex. It was an enjoyable experience
I felt the story was a bit contrived but it made everyone happy. The characters were believable and complex. It was an enjoyable experience
July 17, 2019
This is an all-around good book. The author is gifted at making emotions and scenes come alive. I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
September 24, 2019
I thought this would be just a silly western romance but it was well written with depth and meaning. I enjoyed the entire book from beginning to the ending!
May 1, 2019
This historical romance takes place in the Colorado Territory of 1875. The title refers to photography ("A photograph is a picture painted by the sky" -- Ambrose Bierce). This refers to the occupation of the female lead - Shea Waterston, a traveling photographer.
This is a story about old secrets that affect the main characters' current lives. Cameron Gallimore is the judge of Denver, Colorado. He is a tough, hanging judge who doesn't enjoy hangings. He's a lawyer and judge who dreams of another way to spend his life.
All of the secondary characters add a great deal to the story; these are people that you wished were your neighbors. They are stubborn but honest; caring of others, but living in terrible emotional pain.
When Shea Waterston arrives on the scene, she causes the other characters to interact with each other in new, uncomfortable ways. She is determined and spunky - and a worthy catalyst to the ensuing story.
The two children, Rand and Ty, are integral to the conflicts between the other characters. The emotions the author describes are realistic and age-appropriate. Grayson also places her story in an interesting time-frame that seems accurate and is important to the plot.
This is a well-written treat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
This is a story about old secrets that affect the main characters' current lives. Cameron Gallimore is the judge of Denver, Colorado. He is a tough, hanging judge who doesn't enjoy hangings. He's a lawyer and judge who dreams of another way to spend his life.
All of the secondary characters add a great deal to the story; these are people that you wished were your neighbors. They are stubborn but honest; caring of others, but living in terrible emotional pain.
When Shea Waterston arrives on the scene, she causes the other characters to interact with each other in new, uncomfortable ways. She is determined and spunky - and a worthy catalyst to the ensuing story.
The two children, Rand and Ty, are integral to the conflicts between the other characters. The emotions the author describes are realistic and age-appropriate. Grayson also places her story in an interesting time-frame that seems accurate and is important to the plot.
This is a well-written treat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
June 24, 2019
I love a historical western romance that features a child in peril and Painted By The Sun certainly delivers! That's just one of the many reasons that this poignant story pulled at my heartstrings and kept me riveted from beginning to end. Cam and Shea are both looking for absolution for what they consider unforgivable transgressions in their pasts and both are afraid they'll never find it. Their journey and the way it affects others in their lives makes for an unforgettable and thoroughly engaging story, which I whole heartily recommend. I received this book from ebook discovery and I voluntarily give it my honest review.
October 5, 2015
Super writing in my opinion
I think this is the third or fourth book that I have read so far. All have been different stories and not rehash of the others. That is refreshing when it come to reading books by same author.
Some of everything in this story. Bad guys,good guys and lovely passionate romance w/o Being graphic. Wonderful author!!!!
I think this is the third or fourth book that I have read so far. All have been different stories and not rehash of the others. That is refreshing when it come to reading books by same author.
Some of everything in this story. Bad guys,good guys and lovely passionate romance w/o Being graphic. Wonderful author!!!!
May 19, 2015
l just love Elizabeth Graysons books! They have all the good stuff.
May 14, 2014
Solens avbild.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews