Down in the Valley

Shoup’s Green Valley series launch blends bitter and sweet in a sobering look at two honorable people who have been victimized. In 1881 Virginia, Emeline Wright is in college and in love, but her wealthy beau turns out to be a predator who kidnaps her. After a daring escape, Emeline makes her way back to her family’s ranch; in her absence, the small town has transitioned into a thriving, populous mining mecca. Soon her uncle dies, leaving Emeline alone, impoverished, and vulnerable. When a man attacks Emeline, town newcomer Tommy Medlin intervenes. Emeline seizes the opportunity to protect herself and save her farm by offering Tommy a business partnership. Their hard work provides solvency, while love helps them heal from a collective history of beatings, bullying, and sexual assaults (which are described but never lingered over in a lurid or gratuitous way). Shoup moves assuredly through trauma, family discord, and romantic misunderstandings to capture lovely bits of Americana and a bygone way of life. Agent: Kimberly Cameron, Kimberly Cameron and Associates. (Sept.)