4.5 Wine Glass #Audio #Review of Bright Montana Sky by Debra Holland

 

Title: Bright Montana Sky
Series: Montana Sky #8
Author: Debra Holland
Narrator: Lara Asmundson
Format: Unabridged Audiobook (7 hours and 49 minutes)
Published: March 14, 2018 (Debra Holland)
ISBN: ASIN: B07BGD4HWJ
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Audible
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 Wine Glasses

Jilted seamstress Constance Taylor travels to Sweetwater Springs to live with her estranged father, the livery stable owner. She plans to open a dressmaking shop and bring sophisticated clothing styles to the uncouth frontier town.

Angus Cameron is a young doctor, who’s bitter and discouraged from his work with upper class Londoners and the wretched poor in the East End slums. He arrives in Sweetwater Springs to share the medical practice of his brother, the town doctor.

Although Constance and Angus don’t want to live in Sweetwater Springs, both are determined to change the town in ways they think are important. They clash over her fashionable creations, which Angus knows are unhealthy, and Constance refuses to change. They deny their attraction to each other until Constance falls ill from the arsenic used in her favorite purple and green fabrics, and Angus must fight to save the life of the woman he’s come to love.

Your Thoughts:
Dr. Angus was dedicated to the poor served by London’s East End medical clinic. Discouraged after losing a woman giving birth slums, Dr. Angus firmed his resolve to join his brother in Sweetwater Springs:
“I need to flee to the new world, to a new life, to clean air and blue skies and to wide open spaces. Perhaps there I can make a difference.”
--- 

Meanwhile: Constance has found her way to her father in Sweetwater Springs:
“I’m here to stay, Papa. I’ve sold Aunt Hannah’s house and stored most of the contents in my neighbor’s attic for now.”
He halted and gave her a searching look. “Are you sure about that, Connie-girl? No more traipsing around the world?”
“For the last few years, I’ve had more than my share of traipsing. I’m looking forward to settling down in one spot.”

Debra Holland transports her readers back to Sweetwater Springs, Montana in Bright Montana Sky. I know that when I pick up one of Debra’s books, my present day cares will take a back seat to the wondrous vistas and day-to-day goings-on in the small town of Sweetwater Springs. This is the darling story of two new arrivals to Sweetwater Springs: dressmaker Constance Taylor, Mac’s daughter, and Dr. Angus Cameron, Dr. Cameron’s brother.

When Constance lost her Mom, she’d essentially lost both parents as her father had sent her off to stay with her Aunt Hannah. Though they’d corresponded, she’d not seen her father again until she arrived in Sweetwater Springs, surprising him with her presence along with her ten trunks and crates. Being a dressmaker, she prided herself on staying up with the latest fashion, including tight corsets.

Our forthright Scottish hero did not share Constance’s appreciation of popular fashion trends. To say that they floundered their first awkward meeting is an understatement.  Thankfully, they were both amendable to second chances and delightfully discover a mutual attraction providing many laughable and heartwarming moments.

Fans of the series will enjoy catching up with previous favorite characters including Pepe, Lucia and many more.

Following please find a few lines from Bright Montana Sky that I loved:

Hank pointed up the mountain. “If you keep going up the road, about a half an hour’s climb, you’ll hit the Swenson place.”
“Swenson,” Constance echoed. “Do they have beautiful little blonde girls?”
“Got that right. Nicest family you ever met.”
She shifted so she that she could see all three of them. “I saw five of the girls in the sweet shop once. They were so adorable; I wanted to adopt them all.”
With a raised eyebrow, Angus gave her a curious glance. “Trying to steal away the girls from their parents, eh?”
She slanted him a Cheshire cat smile. “The thought might have flitted through my mind.”
--- 

The trees opened up. They drove into an Alpine meadow where a few horses and foals grazed. Grassland dotted with flowers sloped to a small blue lake that reflected the puffy clouds in the sky. Beyond was a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks.
“Oh,” she sighed. “How lovely.” 
As the surrey drew closer, Constance could see that the lake didn’t end, but took a bend to the right. Two swans floated on the placid water. A canoe lay upside down on the shore. She released a pleased breath. 
--- 

“Constance, I do not think I can go on without kissing ye. Will you allow it?
Her heartbeat kicked up. “You didn’t ask before.”
“I’m trying to be a gentleman here, but you’re making it verra difficult.”
 
Lara Asmundson returns to narrate Bright Montana Sky. Lara never fails to produce a polished performance that is a true pleasure to listen to. Her voice is clear and easy to understand. Her selection of voices is appropriate for the characters and consistent throughout -  making it easy to discern who is speaking at any one time. Her pacing is spot-on and she exudes the expected emotions. If you are an audiophile as I am, you cannot go wrong choosing the audio edition of this book.

Debra is a storytelling genius. Her Montana Sky books always lift my spirits and sweep aside my doldrums. As a plus, this charming installment includes many interesting historical facts regarding the fashion of ladies of this period including the medical concerns regarding the corset. I love learning while being thoroughly entertained! Angus’ and Constance’s happy-ever-after is a sweet and enchanting tale and a lovely addition to this captivating series.



Suggested Reading Order: 
WILD MONTANA SKY (Book #1)
STARRY MONTANA SKY (Book #2)
STORMY MONTANA SKY (Book #3)
GLORIOUS MONTANA SKY (Book #4)
HEALING MONTANA SKY (Book #5)
MYSTIC MONTANA SKY (Book #6)
SINGING MONTANA SKY (Book #7)
BRIGHT MONTANA SKY (Book #8)