Review of Shadow of Danger by Jeanne Marie Leach

Be sure to read my interview with Jeanne posted 2-17-08 on this blog, where she offers great advice and writing resources for 19th century writers.

I’ve read several books over the past few weeks, but one of my favorites is Shadow of Danger by Jeanne Marie Leach. I felt a connection with heroine Rachel Ringold from page one, a young lady raised in an orphanage who is awakened in the dead of night and instructed to flee as far away as possible to avoid an undisclosed danger. Confused and frightened, Rachel makes her way to Colorado and the only friend she has ever known, Seb Jameson.

Seb is happy to see Rachel, although angered by the circumstances that drove her from the orphanage and shocked to see the little girl he remembered is now a young woman. He is engaged to another, but becomes torn as his fiance’s true colors fade against Rachel’s sweet innocence and gentle spirit.

Kind and trusting Rachel, who sees only the good in everyone, is unaware she is caught in a love triangle. Her sensitivity and compassion expose her to heartache, which she faces with the strength of her faith in God. She yearns for a home and family, but her dream of such stability slips away when she discovers Seb’s heart belongs to another.

Seb’s feelings for Rachel intensify when she disappears. That disappearance renews the reality of the harm that can come to her, as well as Seb and others she has befriended in Leadville. All dreams of happiness now seemingly beyond her grasp, Rachel flees to Denver, trusting God to help her lead the life He has planned for her, although empty and heartbroken over the loss of the man she has always loved.

Rachel is a sensitive, tender, and yet strong young heroine who delights the reader with her faith in God and her willingness, despite personal misfortune, to trust solely in Him. Seb proves to be a hero worthy of admiration and respect when he realizes he has let Rachel down and sets out to make things right.

The setting is delightful to any reader who enjoys 1800’s historical work. Jeanne presents the mining town of Leadville and the growing city of Denver with authentic and colorful detail. Follow Rachel’s journey of faith in 1800’s Colorado today.