Wild Roses

Delightful secondary characters and witty dialogue contrive to keep Howell's latest offering afloat. An heiress, the beautiful and spunky Ella Carson flees Philadelphia and her conniving uncle when she discovers he intends to kill her and seize her fortune. In fear for her life, she escapes to Wyoming and her feisty aunt Louise for protection. Her safety is short-lived however, when Harrigan Mahoney arrives on the scene to return her to her grasping uncle. When she realizes she can't convince him of her uncle's wicked intention's, Ella has but one recourse--escape or seduce him--and she isn't having much luck escaping. Aunt Louise and Harrigan's friend George, add the spice for the sub-plot that positively saves the day. Not Howell's best work but it's entertaining. (June)