Paradise Falls (Berkley Sensation) [Mass Market Paperback]

In 1890 Massachusetts, Fiona Downey is excited that Bennett College, where her father teaches history, has accepted her as a student. When she goes to tell her dad the good news, she finds her greatest moment has become her greatest nightmare as her father has died. Displaced by the college, family friend Professor Norton arranges for Fiona to teach school in rural paradise Falls, Michigan.

Fiona finds her host family quite bewildering. The older son Grayson seems quite considerate of others especially his stroke victim father while the younger son Fleming acts like a prima donna wastrel yet the mother showers her "baby" with all her love while displaying contempt towards her first born. As Fiona gets to know Gray betters, she falls in love with him and he reciprocates, but the townsfolk especially his mother warns her to stay away from him. Several years ago he allegedly ruined a girl who died aborting their child. Knowing him Fiona rejects the notion that he would not marry a lass that he ruined because though he is taciturn he is honorable; still he has never explained the incident from his perspective.

Though Flem is so odious that not even a mother could love him, somehow he incredulously pulls the wool over her eyes. Still, in spite of this, the story line is an enjoyable historical romance that brings to life the plight of single women in 1890 Michigan and to a lesser degree Massachusetts. The players except for Flem are a delightful cast as they enable the audience to see a bygone era inside a warm romance based on Fiona's faith in her man.

Harriet Klausner

Suspend reality a moment and take yourself back to a time when things were much simpler. People lived among nothing that was elaborate and the elements were straight forward.... until Fiona Downey arrives. Suddenly you see the community for what it really is; PARADISE FALLS has class boundaries, adults favor one sibling over another, and physical abuse is hidden in homes.

Fiona arrives in this area of Michigan where stern German families live day-to-day. Young, a New Englander with a deep Irish background and homeless; she takes a job as a teacher in this rural setting. Her father recently died and her mother has gone to live with a sister in Chicago temporarily until Fiona can send for her. She will live with the Haydns and restart the local school that hasn't been in use for three years. While accustomating herself to this new family she finds herself trying to learn everything she can about her students and their families. She wants to make an impression and she does.

Grayson Haydn is the big silent type and is the older brother. Fleming Haydn is the mother's son: free-spirited, handsome and then-some. The two men are as different as night and day and Fiona will learn to love one of them.

I enjoyed this story for what it is: a historical romance with simple but sweet leading characters. I appreciated that Fiona was not the whiney clingy type. She was intelligent and always seemed to find some good in a person. The hero of this story treated Fiona with respect. Guarding himself because he has been hurt in the past he wants more from their relationship but in a good way.

Ms. Langan could have done a little more research to flesh out the setting and time period better and that can cause some people to be put off as one reviewer noted. Also, when a HUGE blizzard arrives it is not going to clear out in a matter of few days. But if you can get past these and a few other niggling particulars and are just looking for a simple story with some fresh characters I think you may like this book. I did.

Ruth Ryan is one of my favorite authors and in this book she is at her best. One review mentioned an error in the travel route, but this slight error should not prevent you from enjoying this terrific book.