It is 1888 and handsome scoundrel Bridger Crandall has escaped from prison. He is eager to plot revenge against the woman who put him there seven years ago, Maggie Blackstone. He assumes a new identity and finds refuge in the lawless, booming silver-mining town of Leadville. Teeming with miscreants and swindlers, newcomers all, it is the perfect place for an escaped convict to blend in and make a new start. A chance meeting with innocent young schoolteacher Libby Talbott facilitates his plans to exact revenge. Convinced that Bridger is a reputable gentleman, Libby unwittingly provides him the information needed to advance his evil scheme. His passionate kisses overwhelm her sensibilities. Soon she is torn between her growing attraction to a man who is merely using her and the amorous attentions of a wealthy businessman from Greeley. Will Libby fall victim to a charming rogue? Will Bridger Crandall be stopped before it is too late?
Amethyst Creek met her husband at the University of Denver. They have two sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law and one adorable granddaughter all living in the Denver area. Amethyst is retired from teaching, loves to garden, is an avid reader and has travelled extensively. She is a member of the Whooping Crane Conservation Association and the PEO sisterhood. She is also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and has been active in her local chapter and the Colorado State Society.
This book has some of the same characters as the previous book. Bridger holds a lot of animosity toward Maggie and Garret Blackstone. He's in prison and can't wait to get out and start getting revenge on the couple. He starts planning his escape and when the opportunity arises,he takes it. He changed his appearance but not his character.Bridger goes to Leadville to begin his revenge plans. Maggie and Garret have moved to Greeley and have two children. Greeley is hiring new teachers and Libby happens to be one. By coincidence, Bridger has made friends with Libby's brother. Bridger sees his opportunity to woo the young teacher to get information about the Blackstones. Libby begins to have feelings for Joseph and he does for Libby, too.Will Bridger be stopped before it's too late? Will Joseph and Libby find their way to love? This book has been well researched and has a lot of wonderful information about Colorado. I'm looking forward to reading more from Amethyst Creek in the future.
I loved this book. I’ve read everything this author has written. Not only does she tell a great tale, but she gives you a fascinating history of the place, the historical times, the culture of that period, and the manners and morals of the day. Each book stands alone without reading the preceding book. The characters are realistic , especially the independent women. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good yarn with great historical tidbits thrown into the mix.