What does it take to survive the early days of Yellowstone National Park? In Regina Scott’s novel Nothing Short of Wondrous, widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine has a better idea than newly arrived Calvary Lieutenant William Prescott. And he knows it. Which is why he enlists her as her guide.
Kate knows just how dangerous Yellowstone can be. She lost her husband and the father to her son to its wilds. But she’s also determined to save its wonders, including it’s mud pots, geysers, and animals. However it all depends on whether she can prove her hotel is worthy of one of the prized licenses to operate within the park. Because losing would mean leaving her home behind.
Will knows he can never atone for past mistakes, but he is determined to be a different man. An honorable, dependable man. With the U.S. Cavalry patrolling the park, Will is given a detachment to patrol the area around Kate’s hotel. He immediately recognizes Kate’s skill in knowing the pitfalls and dangers of the park, and the places to look for poachers. He negotiates a deal for her help. A deal that quickly includes his heart.
I enjoyed Nothing Short of Wondrous. Kate is a strong woman who speaks her mind and is determined in her path, necessary traits if she is to keep her home and business while keeping her son safe. She has no trouble standing up to men who think they know what’s best, especially if their actions endanger the park she holds so dear. I love that Will didn’t fight her on this, but instead enlisted her expertise. Even if their meeting was not so friendly.
The suspense and mystery seemed predictable to me, but it didn’t take away from the interpersonal dynamics between the characters, the part I loved most of all. Plus, the author attempted to capture the wonder of the park with her words, a challenging task considering the setting is definitely nothing short of wondrous.
If you love fun characters tasked with a difficult job in a beautiful locale, definitely pick up a copy of Nothing Short of Wondrous. It’s a delightful read. And, if you like this book, check out of the first book in the American Wonders Collection, A Distance too Grand, it’s one I also enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.