Lixie Miller staat in New Mexico en de wijde omgeving bekend om haar scherpe tong, haar vastberadenheid en om de manier waarop ze na de dood van haar man het leven weer heeft opgepakt. Wat eigenlijk niemand weet, is dat achter dat zelfverzekerde masker een eenzame, naar liefde hunkerende vrouw schuilgaat. Haar masker gaat barsten vertonen wanneer ze op de afgelegen ranch van een vriend wordt uitgenodigd om gastvrouw te zijn voor hoog bezoek. Midden in de woestijn verandert Lixies tot voor kort saaie leventje al vlug in een heus wildwestverhaal. Ze maakt kennis met een sympathieke advocaat, neemt een klein, gewond indianenmeisje onder haar hoede en maakt jacht op een gevaarlijke crimineel. Ondanks alle spanning en het gevaar kan Lixie eindelijk afrekenen met het verleden én vindt ze ten slotte zichzelf terug.
Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 - June 9, 2011) authored 100 books and hundreds of articles. His book, THE LONG TRAIL HOME, (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 CHRISTY AWARD for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, PICTURE ROCK (Crossway Books), THE OUTLAW'S TWIN SISTER (Crossway Books), and LAST OF THE TEXAS CAMP (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists. He spoke at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He was the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah, Michael (married to Michelle), and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on ranches and farms.
I cannot recall where I got The General's Notorious Widow but it was not what I imagined at all.
I loved the opening of the story, a middle aged woman enjoying a meal who is suddenly harassed by a writer wanting to share her story with the world. Not about to be written about Lixie tells the writer where to go every way possible including unladylike ways. I waited the whole story for things to go back that way but they never did. I also was not sure what the story was really about it seemed to have a really weak plot line overall.
The writing at the start was hilarious and smoothly perfect. I did want it to go back to that and while I never struggled with the writing style I craved more flair.
I binge read this book for a Reading Across America Challenge I started to go along with Ryan Trahan's 50 States in 50 Days challenge. I selected this book for my New Mexico read. I found this book at a thrift store just a few days ago and I believe it is the only book I own that takes place in NM. I've never read a book by Stephen Bly. Therefore I also haven't read book 1 of this series. But I wasn't lost and I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed out loud or giggled so many times in this book! The characters were SO likeable! Seriously Lixie is probably one of my favorite FMCs I've ever read. She was a hoot. The romance was spot on. The mysteries were intriguing. And it had adoption in it? With faith themes? 10/10
I love reading books abt the pioneering,western romance style books. I wished I had read this series in order, but my library don't carry all the books
1884, New Mexico Territory. Elizabeth Miller is a widow without children looking for a purpose in her life. Read how Bonita and Carter comes into her life and her heart. Don't forget Paco, who promises he will someday become the governor of New Mexico! I read this 2nd book in the Belles of Lordsburg series last. I enjoyed the series. 231 pages
I did not think this second book was as good as the others in the series, but fans of Stephen Bly will love running into a favorite character from another series.
I thought this was a cute story about the general's widow who is lonely and struggles to help those around her and along the way falls in love with a handsome lawyer who comes to town.