Lovers of thoughtful, lyric, relationship-driven fiction will treasure Reine’s poetic, philosophical style. Frequent aphorisms, like, “It’s an art knowing how to wear a smile fueled by tears” convey a timeless sense of the human condition, offering welcome insight. Although this entry stands alone, readers of earlier novels in the series will have an easier time keeping up with a somewhat dense web of characters and references to the past. Still, Reine creates vivid family dynamics in which each personality displays a clear voice, and the prose sings, especially in descriptive passages: “She faced a horizon hazing lilac and traced a skein of geese crossing the sky.”

While the threat of climate change drives Bryce’s quest, it’s her volatile love with William that proves riveting. After some violations of trust, the couple’s conversations about blame and fidelity become central themes. Bryce shines, vulnerable yet assertive, doctoring a horse one day, then wowing Emirati royals in haute couture evening wear the next. Formerly a competitive horsewoman, she surprises a cowboy by rounding up his cattle before they come to harm in one especially gratifying scene. This marital love story, set against a backdrop of the changing Southwest climate, offers family drama and one woman’s dream of safeguarding her legacy.

Takeaway: Exquisite prose and a marital love story power this drama of a rancher and her legacy.

Comparable Titles: Susan Rebecca White’s A Place at the Table, Claire Lombardo’s The Most Fun We Ever Had.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A