Donovan's Daughter (The Californians, 4)

Lori Wick
Harvest House (2007)
ISBN 0736902570
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (3/07)

“Donovan’s Daughter,” by Lori Wick, was originally released in 1994, but it has been re-released with a revised cover.  This is Book 4, the conclusion of “The Californians” series.

It is 1881 and Marcail Donovan has spent time in Visalia, California, obtaining her teaching certificate, for she desires to be a teacher just like her mother and sister Katie.  Marcail applies for, and receives, an offer to teach in the town of Willits, a five hour ride by train from Santa Rosa where her sister Katie lives.

With excitement, enthusiasm and a bit of apprehension, Marcail takes on her teaching assignment with the seriousness it deserves.  After meeting with Cordelia Duckworth, an embittered older woman whose wealth and influence seem to run the town, Marcail is determined to make a difference in the lives of her students, especially her biggest challenge and the grandson of Cordelia, the youngster Sydney Duckworth.  Even poor Sydney is a victim under the finger of Cordelia, for Mrs. Duckworth forbids appropriate discipline to her grandson.  Marcail must come up with ideas to get through to the troublesome Sydney, despite his unpredictable temper and pranks.

Alexander Montgomery is the widowed doctor of the town who is Marcail’s closest neighbor.  Seeing snow for the first time and assuming it harmless, Marcail ventures outside without a coat to explore the lovely flakes.  The situation turns deadly when Marcail becomes disoriented.  Frostbitten and lost in the blinding snow, Alex discovers Marcail and rescues her from certain tragedy.  Even though both are single and he is aware of the inappropriateness, Alex takes Marcail to his home to nurse her back to health and to make sure she remains safe.  However, the strict town led by the tight-laced Cordelia sees the situation in a different light.  Marcail is now a scorned woman in the eyes of most of the townspeople, for everyone is afraid to believe anything other than what Mrs. Duckworth deems appropriate.  The town will boycott the school.

Heartbroken and wanting to remain in Willits, Marcail reluctantly accepts what appears to be her only alternative other than leaving; accepting Dr. Montgomery’s offer of marriage.  Marcail now faces her own inner turmoil which she fears worse than any snowstorm.  How can she marry and live with a man who is a stranger?  Alex is quite sympathetic to Marcail, and he remains the perfect gentleman.  He feels totally responsible for the predicament Marcail finds herself in, but he also believed his only other alternative was to allow Marcail to perish in the blinding snowstorm, not an alternative in his eyes.

If you are a fan of Lori Wick, you will enjoy this concluding book to “The Californians” series.  It is the typical heartwarming and touching work we have come to expect from the popular author of Christian romance.  The petite and innocent, Marcail Donovan and her new, yet older, husband Alex have many obstacles to work through in becoming husband and wife, but both look to God and family for support and encouragement.  God’s leading of two individuals willing to commit to a common cause is an inspiring journey.  I recommend “Donovan’s Daughter” to all ages of readers.

Make comment on weblog