ODESSA
GINGER SIMPSON
ISBN: 9781615722945/ 9781615722952
February 2011
Eternal Press
www.eternalpress.biz
EBook/ Print
$6.95
183 Pages
Western Historical Romance
Rating: 4 Cups

Odessa Clay is on her way to Phoenix, Arizona, with her Pa when their wagon overturns and leaves her stranded and alone. She is struggling to survive on her own when she meets a savior who is on his way to becoming a criminal.

Zach Johnson has never considered himself a bad person, but he is desperate to save his home. When the opportunity to help his father out comes up through nefarious means, Zach knows it is the only way he can get the money he needs.

While Odessa wants to get to Phoenix and the only family she has left, Zach convinces her to go to Charleston so he can get some “job” done, and he will send her on her way via train. As they begin to travel toward their destination, the two lonely hearts begin to get to know one another, and they find themselves falling in love. But when Odessa finds out exactly what Zach is going to do for a job once he gets to Charleston, will she stay with a man who has turned to crime to survive?

Odessa is like walking straight into a nineteenth century western town and trying to survive. The descriptive words used to explain everything from the smells, to the heat, to the surrounding decorations, and so much more are vividly told through Ms. Simpson’s voice. This is a romance that has a sweet and slow cadence and leaves you watching as Zach and Odessa fight for each other and search for a way to survive life in general. I did find it slightly odd that Odessa came across as strong before she met Zach and then later in the story after Zach leaves for his job, Odessa seems to kind of just wilt as far as her bravery goes. Overall, this is a great western novel full of believability and enough action to keep you reading.

Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More