Delia and the Drifter ~ Melody Carlson

 
• File Size: 2016 KB
• Print Length: 316 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Highway 126 Publishing (August 18, 2015)
• Publication Date: August 18, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc

Purchase Delia and the Drifter here.

An arranged marriage to save the family from ruin? 

Delia Blackstone knows what her mother is up to—she intends to marry her off to an older man who is all fortune and no future. And Delia’s having none of it. 

When a mysterious visitor appears on the family doorstep and offers an opportunity for Delia to travel from Pennsylvania to Colorado, Delia knows it is time for her to strike out on her own and discover a new life. Along the way she encounters a handsome drifter who captures her heart. But is he interested in trading his exciting life of adventure for love? 

Two murders, a missing will and a number of puzzling relationships are enough to unsettle anyone—even smart, capable Delia. Who can she trust? And can she trust her heart in matters of love?

My take on this book:

Delia and the Drifter is a captivating historical fiction read that wont let you put it down once you start reading it!

  Delia Blackstone is a young lady who knows her own mind. On the verge of turning twenty one she hasn't been home long from college, something that is quite unusual for most women in 1884. She has always been taught to respect her parents but when she learns that her mother has been grooming her to marry a wealthy older man, she isn't sure what she will do. When a stranger shows up at her door, sharing a secret about her past, and offering her a chance to travel west she decides she will take the opportunity, even though her parents forbid it. During her travels she meets Wyatt Davis a confirmed drifter who seems to be looking for his next adventure in Alaska. While Delia is drawn to him, she knows life is steering her to Colorado, but when she finally arrives at her destination she finds the situation changed, and danger seems to lurk around every corner. Will Delia find what she is looking for in Colorado, or will she be forced to return home to Pittsburgh, and what about the love she feels for Wyatt? 

To say that I read a lot of historical fiction is an understatement, actually it's probably my favorite genre to read, and Delia and the Drifter is one of the best stories I have read in awhile. Sure there is threads of romance woven into this story, but there is so much more! Delia is a smart, determined young woman who is also very brave. She finds herself headed west into a situation that is daunting to say the least,and then when she arrives she finds that what she had hoped will never be. While she makes the best of things she is thrown into the midst of a situation where it really is hard to figure out who to trust, and what actually is going on. Shootings, murder, and a squabble over water rights makes for some tense times. The suspense and mystery was well done, and I also enjoyed the day to day living of the ranch. Watching Delia transform from a city girl to a rancher, the authors descriptive writing allows you to visually watch the scenes unfold, while also experiencing the various settings, such as the streets of Pittsburgh, traveling by train, or viewing the wide open spaces of Colorado, through the eyes of the characters!  Once I started reading this story I couldn't wait to find out what would ultimately happen for Delia, and I have to say, that I wasn't disappointed. While I enjoyed the characters of Delia and Wyatt I loved the character of Hank! Fans of historical fiction that provides plenty of twists, and very well developed characters will love this book. I for one can't wait to read the next book in the Westward to Home Series!