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Rating: 
Summary: A Distant Third
Review: Jane Peart's books are ideal for curling up with in a knitted coverlet and a cup of tea. I've also found them great for reading aloud to the elderly. Of course, sex and violence are never troublesome, and a current of quiet Christian faith underlies every story. The heroines turn to the Bible at a crisis, but the books are never preachy. These novels are engaging for several reasons: (1) The heroine is characterized immediately, without lots of history and detail, so the audience can sympathize and identify with her right away. (2) The action of the plot begins so quickly that an audience more interested in action and romance than in character is also captured without delay. (3) Generally, the swift opening is fulfilled by an equally swift progress so that Peart's books, like any good page-turners, can provide hours of uninterrupted entertainment. A Distant Dawn is fourth in the Westward Dreams series and not nearly so good as the others. There is the usual conflict between one love interest with impeccable clothes and manners and another with rough ways--but the attraction to either one isn't very strong in this novel. The story drags, and the most exciting scene doesn't happen until chapter 22 of the 23-chapter book. The heroine's character is never fully developed, and her negative attitude persists for too long throughout the story. One 98-year-old listener called her "hateful"! Jane Peart's Westward Dreams series captivates the reader with spirited heroines who find adventure, challenge and possible love in a fascinating (and rather historically accurate) time of U.S. history. To enjoy them at their best, however, you should start with another title, perhaps Promise of the Valley. Others in the series include Runaway Heart, Where Tomorrow Waits and Undaunted Sprirt.
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