It's 1893 and Amelia is expected, by her mother, to sell the press/newspaper and return to Denver, leaving the Arizona lifestyle behind her. But Amelia is not one to cowtail to peer pressure and the fact her mother wants the young woman to get married is also a good point not to move back. Instead she is determined to use her experience of working with her father, her journalistic skills and the aide of her father's good friend Homer to run the paper.
Perhaps in particular she would rather avoid being with her mother and her new husband. One Thaddeus Graystone - an utterly and disagreeable man.
Before he died, her father had written several articles about the Great Western Investment Company. The owner, one Owen Merrick, demands a retraction as he believes the articles put the GWIC in a bad light. Amelia reads the articles and knowing her father's ethos of only writing the truth, refuses. But her curiosity is wakened and she begins her own investigations. However, Benjamin Stone, employee of GWIC, is assigned a special task of befriending Miss. Wagner in the hopes that she will print a retraction.
As the friendship grows they bother uncover, not only their attraction for each other, but that there is something that Owen Merrick doesn't want revealed. Information that will have serious implications for Granite Springs. Can Amelia and Benjamin bring to light the truth without any harm coming to them? And how can she avoid seeing the lecherous Thaddeus who may be involved? But more importantly will this story cause the two young people to stray from God's intention.
Cox's love of history resonates loudly throughout the novel. Her brave, vibrant lead, Amelia, is a breath of fresh air in the small Arizona town. But she doesn't have airs or graces, the townsfolk like and respect her and firmly believe she will continue her father's good work. The romance is subtle and never detracts from the main storyline - finding out the truth.
With a gently, easy style of writing and imagery, the book is an easy read. The plot is absorbing and the references to the printing press fascinating. Overall a great book that gives some insight into how difficult it would have been for a woman standing up for what she believes in. A recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.
