Beneath a Silver Moon [Mass Market Paperback]

The characters are unique and intriguing and interact in such a fresh way that I was immediately interested in them. Sinclair Readford is the woman I sometimes let myself be, riding off half-cocked with a full mission. Jefferson is the dream man every woman would want, except for his emotional unavailability (typical of men who have been hurt in the past). The supporting characters are funny, plain talking folk and perfect sounding boards for the surprising emotions shared and revealed by Jefferson and Sinclair.

I loved how the story starts off like a wild horse bucking captivity and the way Schneider keeps that horse on a loose reign throughout the book, leaving the ending as unpredictable as Sinclair herself. In the first chapter, Sinclair starts out as a privileged, well-educated young woman with a cocky confidence that leaves her in her undergarments taking a ride from a cowboy she has never met, but must trust with her immediate welfare.

A humorous, enjoyable read for any book lover, this story will make you feel like you have had a fun, adventurous ride on a fast horse when you are through. I enjoyed it so much, I am reading it again. Yeehaw!

Sinclair reaches the Blue Willow, which is not quite what she expected since the place is a whorehouse. She learns Aunt Tilly is on extended vacation and apparently is the Madam of this cathouse. Shocked, Sinclair climbs out a window to escape the bordello, but lands in the lap of rancher Jefferson McCloud. He takes the scantily clad Sinclair with him to his ranch as they agreed where she could stay for now if she becomes the teacher caretaker to his sister Maddie. As they live in close proximity, they fall in love, but she is boisterous east and he is taciturn west leaving both of them and Maddie to wonder if that is enough.

BENEATH A SILVER MOON is an entertaining western romance that captures the attention of sub-genre fans from the moment the heroine nose dives in her "failed" attempt out a third story window. The story line vividly describes the old west while the lead couple is delightful opposites. However, the tale belongs to Maddie who steals the hearts of the audience. Deborah Schneider's character driven plot provides pleasure to those readers who prefer a strong cast starring in a western romantic cozy.

Harriet Klausner

Jefferson needs help, and he figures Sinclair is either Heaven sent or right from the Devil. His little sister Maddie is a troubled child who has chased away every caretaker in the state already, so he is at the end of his rope.

Sinclair has nowhere to turn in the middle of Montana, where she knows no one and her funds have been stolen. But one look at the poor, neglected child, and she is determined to stay and help out. Unfortunately, Jefferson is a stubborn mule and makes it nearly impossible for Sinclair to do her job. His past interferes and she must help him overcome the ghosts that haunt him. The only problem is that Sinclair is Trouble with a capital T and every where she goes, disaster follows in the form of kidnappers, fires, and horses that won't behave.

I love this book and I can't wait for the Ms. Schneider's next one!