Whispers on the Prairie

In this first installment of the Pioneer Promises series, McDonough (Long Trail Home) introduces the Harpers, three grown sons and their parents who run a Kansas stage post near the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail. Youngest son Ethan loves his work and his family but is dealing with misplaced guilt over a recent tragedy when he meets Sarah, a city girl longing to return to Chicago. When circumstances strand her with the Harpers, romantic tension inevitably ensues—complicated by the interference of every eligible male in a 10-mile radius (including Ethan’s brothers), as marriageable women are scarce on the frontier. Secondary characters help Ethan and Sarah reconcile their mutual sense of having failed others, and a clear gospel message is given in an appropriate setting. McDonough skillfully brings to life the rugged scenery of the 1870s West, but the promising storyline fades into blandness for lack of a substantial subplot. And other than the likeable Harpers, secondary characters remain lightly developed. Still, fans of McDonough and inspirational historical fiction should be pleased and anticipate the rest of the series. Agent: MacGregor Literary Agency. (July)