Innocent and Sweet
In this episode Tiffanie, Jamie, and Melissa discuss The Messenger’s Mischief by Julia David. This is the first book in her Wells Fargo West series.
Miss Elaine Balderhoff is as sweet and innocent as they come. As the new schoolteacher in Virginia City, she works hard to maintain propriety while showing her students the love of Christ.
Not everyone in town has honorable intentions towards her. In fact, her boss is quite sleezy. Thankfully, she resides at the widow house, and they help keep her safe. Along with her hero Sawyer Roth.
Sawyer is a shot gun rider for Wells Fargo. He isn’t educated like Eliane, but he doesn’t let that stand in the way. Especially when she gets herself into predicaments and he must save her. Check out this scene snippet.
“Only you would hit the only nest in the only tree in miles.” He took her wrist and pulled them to standing. “Watch. . .oh no. . .they’re not happy.” Sawyer pulled her closer to the water’s edge and yanked off his boots.
Laney could not believe her eyes as the swirl of buzzing darkness came closer. How could so many bees come from that hive? “This is your fault!” she grabbed his shirt as they tried to weave opposite the swirl and swarm coming closer.
“In the water now!” Sawyer drug her in, the cold water soaking her moccasins and skirt layers.
“No, Sawyer!” Laney panted, clinging to him. “I can’t swim!”
He pulled her further, the water covering her waist. “You don’t need to swim.” He leaned to the side, and the bees bussed inches from them. “Get under!”
(Julia David, The Messenger’s Mischief, page 128)
This is just one of many mishaps Miss Elaine Balderhoff endures on her way to love. She is character most of us can relate to. Tiffanie, Jamie and I share experience we’ve had that are similar to our damsel in distress, Laney.
If you need a laugh, you’ll not only enjoy this episode, but you will enjoy reading Laney’s adventure in The Messenger’s Mischief by Julia David!
Until next time happy and blessed reading!
