Crossings

Vivid imagery and a fine sense of time (1860s) and place (Nevada Territory) dominate Holm's latest historical. After her father's death, Helena Gray is alone in a man's world, trying to keep her family's general store and Pony Express station afloat. When she is denied the supplies and credit necessary to run her business, she turns to the only man who can help her: a dangerous recluse named Jake Carrigan. Jake agrees to marry Helena and act as her husband for six months in exchange for a parcel of land Helena owns. A plethora of problems arise when it becomes apparent that would-be friends are not to be trusted and that someone is out to eliminate Carrigan and put Helena out of business for good. Readers expecting Holm's (Snowbird) usual lighthearted tone and style may find this dark tale a bit of a disappointment. (Jan.)