**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

About the Book

Book: Delia and the Drifter

Author: Melody Carlson

Genre: Historical Romance (Western)

Release date: February 15, 2021

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?

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About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

I love historical stories about women. Particularly ones in the American frontier and old west. Probably because I grew up hearing pioneer stories from my grandparents, whose parents arrived in covered wagons. But contributions made by pioneering females is often overshadowed by their male counterparts. That’s why I enjoy researching and telling these fictional yet reality-based stories of women who lived and loved and did their part to settle the frontier. To me they are the unsung heroes of the West.

My Review

As a teenager, Melody Carlson was perhaps my first introduction into the world of Christian fiction... or at least was certainly the reason I fell in love with it to begin with. Obviously, this is a love that has continued and grown tremendously as I've gotten older. One thing remains though-- regardless of the genre, I am ALWAYS excited to have the chance to read something by this author! Delia and the Drifter was no exception. While I tend to be a little pickier on western romances, I knew this was one I had to read. I was not disappointed.

In this story, we meet Delia as her parents are trying to get her to marry and older gentleman... one of whom she has absolutely no interest. When she learns a secret from her past, she decides to head out west to learn more about her past...and to escape an unwanted future. Along the way, she meets a drifter named Wyatt and despite her hesitations finds herself drawn to him. What follows is a fantastic story filled with mystery, adventure and yes, romance!

While I so enjoyed the romance between Delia and Wyatt, it did take a backseat to the mystery in this story for me. After all, through most of the story, they aren't even in the same location. (Though that longing certainly enhanced their romance!) I couldn't wait to find out what was going to be revealed next. I must admit I guessed at the whodunnit fairly early on upon their introduction, but even so found that there was enough suspicion thrown elsewhere and enough unanswered questions as to the how and why of it all that it kept me intrigued to the end anyway.

If you love western romances and mystery, this is certainly one book you'll want to add to your TBR!