Home Fires

Law (Reckless Angel) exercises an ardent eye for detail and a fine poetic voice in her fourth historical. The story opens with 19th-century New Yorker Amanda Sellington on the run from an abusive husband with her nine-year-old stepson, Daniel. Their only possessions are the clothes on their backs and the precious Sellington diamonds. Heading west on the train, Amy meets Helga von Leigh, who is returning home to New Ulm, Minn. Helga considers it her purpose in life to make a home for German brewery owner Jakob Hall and his mischievous nephew, Nicolaus, whose family was lost during the Sioux uprising. With matchmaking in mind, Helga invites Amy to move into the guest house and sets about pushing Amy and Jakob toward the altar. But Amy cannot tolerate the touch of a man's hand, and Jakob has dreams of a world outside New Ulm. This gentle romance tugs at the heartstrings while offering readers a bird's-eye view of the rich history of Minnesota and the tragedy now known as the Dakota Conflict. Fans of historical romances by Jill Marie Landis and LaVyrle Spencer will find Law's latest their cup of escapist tea. (Dec.)