Book Review Till My Last Day

 

With an opening line, “I am terrified.” it was just enough to hook me right into Deborah Swenson's new book “Till My Last Day,” a historical romance western. It's the second book in her Desert Hills trilogy series. Swenson's series employs a “time travel” element which sets it apart from the usual western-themed novels. Using her deft writing skills she seamlessly weaves two different centuries together. It's a page-turner for sure that reads at a breathtaking speed. Carefully crafted words create an impending sense of danger immediately drawing the reader into the action. Vivid descriptions of the place bring the reader's experience right into a desert setting.

In Book One, “Till My Last Breath,” readers meet Dr. Emily Sweeney a twenty-first-century trauma physician in Seattle with a promising career. A tragic accident seals her fate when Emily finds herself transported back into the nineteenth century to Yuma Territory, in 1880. She comes upon an injured man, Caleb Young, in the desert. He has been shot and left for dead. As the story develops so do their feelings for each other.

Book One sets the stage for Book Two “Till My Last Day.” The storyline shifts to Caleb's sister Rebecca Young Akerman from Boston. Finding herself in an abusive relationship with her husband Elliot, Rebecca has come to the realization women in the late nineteenth century have no rights. After receiving a telegram from Emily letting her know that Caleb's health was declining, Rebecca decides to take control of her life. With her two young boys and Irish maid Pearl, they flee from Boston to Yuma, AZ. Each page captures Rebecca's emotional desperation to escape an abusive relationship and to be reunited with her brother. When her husband employs a private investigator, Nathanial (Nate) Burns, to follow her and report her whereabouts the action intensifies as well as her terror being followed.

The narratives between main characters switch off with different chapters so readers get to know characters better and understand their motives. Swenson's skilled use of “stream of consciousness” throughout the story with Rebecca and Nate's imaginary conversations with their mothers using them as a 'voice of reason' was an interesting use of the literary technique.

Swenson's experiences in the medical profession as a registered nurse and an advanced nurse practitioner serve her well in this series. It's evident Swenson's meticulous research on early medical practices and medications, craftsmanship of medical instruments, and natural medicines add realism to the story.

While the story is filled with secrets and deception, it's also a story filled with heartwarming moments of endurance, faith, finding love, and the chance to start life anew. The appearance of Maeve Sweeney O'Reilly, M.D. at the end of the story sets the stage for Book Three, “I Can Love You The Best,” This book can't come soon enough for me.

Mark your calendar as "Till My Last Day" will be available in late January or early February.  

Deborah Swenson is an award-winning author who writes from an island in the Pacific Northwest. After an extensive and rewarding career in health care, she now focuses on writing Western Historical Fiction and adding a dash of romance and time travel, a pinch of suspense, and a skosh of medicine. When she’s not writing, she spends time with family and friends, spinning fiber, traveling, (glamping), quilting, and reading. She is a member of the following: Women Writing the West, Western Writers of America, and Pacific Northwest Writers Association.

Deborah loves to hear from her readers. Connect with her online.

Website: https://deborahswenson.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborahswensonauthor

Email: deborah@deborahswenson.com