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3.0 out of 5 stars
Sluggish., Jun 15 2004
"Surviving by the hour" in Mineral Springs, Texas characterizes Patricia Rice's PAPER ROSES. Although the story's introduction promised much, that potential quickly turned into a dopey quandary.Evangeline Peyton Howell is a beautiful young woman searching for her past. Who is she? Her answer lies in a sleepy town in Texas. To get there, Evie needs an escort -- a protector of women and children. She needs a hero -- a champion found in her dime novels - a champion living in Evie's fantasies and dreams. Instead she finds sweet-talking, handsome as sin, notorious gambler Tyler Monteigne. It is imperative Tyler Monteigne leave Natchez as quickly as possible. This smooth gambling man has irritated one too many ladies. Evangeline and her circumstance are his much-needed ticket out of town. Tyler can be her dime novel hero, why Tyler Monteigne can be anything this delicious little lady wants. What Tyler Monteigne can't be is a husband, a father, or a dedicated man! Evie's knack for trouble and her ability to escape are at first delightful, but soon her endless troubles begin to weigh on the story's quality. Stagecoach robbers, downcast orphans, and a villainous lawyer break from the story's basis - Evie's plan to understand her beginnings -- to embrace and accept completely. Patricia Rice has a pleasant writing style, punctuated with adequate humor, but in PAPER ROSES she missed the delivery -- what started as noteworthy turned into sluggish. Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.
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