This book begins in 1872 in the Idaho Territory describing the neighboring families King, Lachlan and Dewitt. This is the tale of Lulu King and Tony Dewitt, declaring the feelings they have for each other in a last night before he heads off for college. He loves her, but selfishly and against his families teachings, sees no reason why she should go to college, when she could marry him at this point and be a wife and mother. She loves him but has no intention of giving up her future plans, especially once she sees that he doesn't at all understand her dreams. She turns his proposal down.

They next come together years later, in 1883, unexpectedly, in another town not far away. Tony is an engineer and hired to develop and build up the booming area with a telephone system, electricity, and bridges, along with any other jobs his boss might decide the town needs. The railway has just been completed to Hailey, making the town a central point in the area. Lulu, after graduating from college, focused on the fight for human rights, whether Chinese, Negro, or Womens, and is currently working for the American Woman Suffrage Association. Deep inside they still love each other, but Lulu, in wanting to suppress her feelings for Tony, attempts to drive away any possible shred of friendship that might have survived their years of separation, by blocking him out of her life. Faced with her feelings for him but not wanting to relent, she tries to withdraw, to reinforce that there is no place in her life for husband and family. It takes a very serious fire, and her having to doctor Tony, to allow her to give in and open up. The time together while Tony heals, enables him to share his innermost feelings with Lulu concerning his past life, the experiences he lived through, the failures he agonizes over. In the situation of having to physically touch Tony, to treat his wounds, Lulu in a moment of weakness lets her desire free for this man, for this one night. She insists that that it will remain at only this night and will never again happen. But she learns that decision can be taken out of her hands, and that sometimes what one wants and expects in life can change at the spur of the moment.

This author used obviously a lot of time for research as this book is full of detail and the feeling is intense for this time in history. The fears, the ignorance, the small-mindedness, having to live each day with uncertainty and fear in regards to your acceptance, in society. I liked the way the author portrayed the adoptive and natural parents, extended family, godparents, and friends as being very open for the time period, very strong in the belief that all, whether male or female, should advance their education, and all were encouraged and supported in any endeavor they might undertake. I saw the tidbits from the newspapers and magazines as a great addition, without having to write them in, and possibly complicate, the story.

I don't want to give away the storyline by saying too much. I must admit that this story is not light easy reading, but for anyone enjoying historical romances, it is very much worth the read.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Glenda K. Bauerle
June 30, 2005