"Comanche Woman" by Joan Johnston is an enjoyable and engrossing romantic Western novel. It is the 2nd in the Sisters of the Lone Star series. The first "Frontier Woman", focused on the youngest of the Stewart girls, the rough and tumble "Cricket" who meets her match in Texas Ranger "Creed". This one now turns it's focus on Bay, the quieter middle daughter, who was captured by the Indians at end of the first story, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to her. Bay's time spent living among theCommanches changed her completely. She is now strong and self reliant. The second part of the story, takes a turn and,although we still get some action, it may seem to be more a steamy soap opera,then a western adventure. I think I would have like to read more about the actual events of the Texans escape from the Mexican prison, which is also part of the story. MissJohnston also gives us a good look at the traditions and ways of life of the Native American during the 1800's.
Many of the characters from the first story return and all have good stroylines in this one as well. The gruff patriarch, Rip Stewart, Cricket and Creed with their new arrival,Jonas Harper, Bay's first love, who really adds an unusual twist to the story, Sloan, Luke Summers, what's his secret? and of course, the oldest sister Sloan, who was left pregnant and betrayed inthe first story, what will become of her. That's next her story is the soon to be released "Texas Woman", which I also looking foward to reading.
I personally enjoyed "Frontier Woman" a little more than this one, probably because it was more on the adventurous side. But this one was definatly an enjoyable read, and as she has done before Miss Johnston has taken me away to another time and place for a while I would also suggest that "Frontier Woman" be read before this one, as that is where you will get to know allthe characters.
enjoy.... Laurie