Signs Of Life
Formats: E-Book, Paperback, Large print
Ages: 18+
Arizona, 1878. When longtime widower Earl finds an injured deaf youth on the prairie, he reluctantly decides to help the boy as compensation for not being there to save his own wife and baby from a Mojave raiding party years earlier.
He lodges the youngster, “Bill”, with a local widow, Laura, whose daughter is deaf. Soon, sign language and shared loss deepen their friendship and begin his healing. Together, they stand firm against the town’s prejudices, led by the boorish Mayor Potter.
But just when Earl believes his life has turned a corner, and he is ready to embrace love for this new woman, he learns the truth about his lost family.
As his dark past threatens to return, Earl must face his guilt and prejudice or risk losing everything again.
Can Earl overcome his past failings and face down danger?
Will Laura’s kindness and faith be repaid?
Can the boy’s mistakes be fixed?
Will love prevail?
Reviews
This is a classic Western story, told with feeling and confidence. There is a real feeling for nature, and for male interaction, elements which make the experience of reading Westerns so satisfying.
This book stayed with me long after reading. It captures 19th century America, with the hardship of life on the prairie. The characters are well drawn, particularly the widow Laura, a strong, determined woman. I loved the gentle romance that grew between Earl and Laura, his awkwardness in expressing his affection felt excruciating at times - but was real and believable. I was invested in all of the characters, especially Bill the deaf and injured teenager, Earl rescues. Prejudice, exclusion, social isolation and community are explored intelligently and with sensitivity. It is an absorbing story. The dialogue and cinematic descriptions of scenes are strong which is no surprise given the author's background in writing for screen. Recommended!
