Wild Honey

Carolyn Lampman’s award winning novel, Wild Honey needs no kudos from Fallen Angel Reviews; it is a story that has already received many rave reviews. If you are looking for a heart-warming, unforgettable romance, Wild Honey should be at the top of your list.

Alaina Ellinson knew that it was time she saw more of the world. She was eighteen already and had lived in Nerstand for as long as she could remember. Alaina had been given permission to travel to Laraine City and stay with her Godmother, Angel. Angel’s brother, Jared Brady was to be her escort. On the eve of Alaina’s departure, she learnt a devastating family secret. Garrick Ellinson, the huge Norwegian blacksmith that she adored was not her true father, and her mother Becky flatly refused to discuss the past. Instead Becky tore up and burnt the only photograph of Alaina’s true father, Cameron Price, which she had found hidden in a travelling satchel. When Jared calls to collect Alaina, she is barely on speaking terms with her parents and leaves without voicing her love for them.

Jared is an attractive man, but treats Alaina like a child. It is worse when they are joined on the journey by his fiancée, Miss Susan Prescott. Susan presents herself as sophisticated and elegant, but behind Jared’s back, she is manipulative and self-centred. She enjoys making Alaina feel like a country mouse. Fortunately, Alaina has enough on her mind to ignore them both. She is determined to find her father. When she learns that Cameron Price is based at Ft. Bridger, she makes a foolhardy decision to cross the mountain pass on her own.

It is late afternoon before Alaina is missed. Jared believes that it is up to him to bring her back so heads off with two horses and some supplies because a heavy snowfall is likely. As the blizzard sweeps in, Jared loses the pack horse and, frozen and disoriented, stumbles upon a shelter. Garrick Ellinson had taught Alaina many survival techniques. She is quite capable of living out in the elements; her naivety lies with dealing with men. When Jared staggers into her shelter, Alaina is not sure whether to see him as a blessing in disguise. Jared is irate. He has resisted Alaina’s sweet charms for days, now he is trapped in a situation that will force them to deal with each other. He is not sure how long he can hold out before the temptation of holding her is too much.

Jared and Alaina must learn to get along after they are forced into the wilderness, running for their lives as they try to outsmart a band or murdering renegades. Both are headstrong, but they must compromise if they are to survive. Eventually their heated exchanges inflame passions that they are unable to act on...

Alaina has been raised to care for others and help out when she can. She quickly endears herself to all that she meets; it is only with Jared that she loses control. Alaina’s youthful impulsiveness is the cause for many dire situations, but also the cause of humour for readers. Jared is a man caught between two worlds. Marriage to a spoilt high society woman will never let his soul sing in the manner that this humble honest innocent does, but he is incapable of letting either woman down. Many of the characters will learn some hard lessons as the story progresses.

Readers are sure to empathise with both main characters and will find themselves caught up in the emotional turmoil; the misunderstandings and the pure bliss. This is a charming romance of country mouse versus city mouse, set against a backdrop of an exciting adventure. The ever-changing scenery and riveting story felt more like I was watching a movie than reading. It is a page-turning romance that is a definite keeper. Wild Honey is linked to Silver Springs and Meadowlark, but all are enjoyable if read as solo titles. If you have not tried any of Carolyn Lampman’s early American romances yet, prepare yourself for a real treat.

Reviewed by: Naomi