Home Mountain

Award-winning western novelist Williams ( No Roof But Heaven ) here presents a historically detailed, neatly constructed, charming romance in which intelligent, beautiful heroine Katie MacLeod sets up housekeeping on the family ranch with a handsome cowboy. In 1881, 16-year-old Katie and her younger brother and sisters arrive in Arizona to carry out their dead parents' dream of building a horse ranch and dairy farm. Bill Radnor, the cocky cowboy who meets them on the trail, comes up with the idea that Katie can play her harp and sing in return for the townspeople's aid. Descriptions of the dramatic landscape alternate with amusing, sensitive accounts of the budding romance between Katie and Bill as they set up shop in Home Mountain Ranch. Katie's troubles aren't over, though: Ed Larrimore, owner of a neighboring ranch, threatens to take over Home Mountain and gain custody of the younger MacLeods unless Katie agrees to move in with him and raise his daughter, Hallie. Katie's difficulties in asserting authority over her siblings and her recurring doubts about her parentage add to her load; her conflicts and triumphs create a real and sympathetic character. (Dec.)