Trouble in Dry Springs

Author: Kristina Hall
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: The Dry Springs Chronicles #1
Pages: 274
Release Date: May 24, 2023
Publisher: Kristina Hall

Even the peaceful town of Dry Springs is not without trouble.

When Eliza McCoslin's brother sends for her, she exchanges war-torn Mississippi for Dry Springs, Texas. Settling into a new way of life proves difficult though, despite the arrival of the man she's long admired.

Jesse Carrigan comes to Dry Springs seeking work and a place to start the ranch he's dreamed of ever since his parents lost their farm. What he doesn't expect to find is the woman he'd like to court—or his former colonel on the run from a deadly threat.

Given the circumstances keeping Jesse and Eliza apart and the danger looming on the horizon, he and Eliza find themselves facing the loss of future love—and life. When trouble comes to Dry Springs, who will be left standing?

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Reviewer: Diana Varela

Trouble in Dry Springs really had a lot of Western action. It felt like I was living in this time.

I would have liked more romance. It felt like the characters were going on old flames. Those flames kept burning, but it never left me feeling happy that their romance had finally blossomed. It needed more. However, this does not mean that I was not anticipating when they could finally be together. I was like this is it. And was disappointed when it wasn’t. But it left me glued to the pages. I really felt for Jesse that he was put through that, but he made it look so worthwhile. Honestly, Jesse was my favorite character. I anticipated his scenes.

Anson really made things interesting. I did not know what to feel about this character. I had mixed emotions, but I was satisfied when he finally came to his senses! 

I received a pdf copy courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review.

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Reviewer: Erin Stevenson

Trouble in Dry Springs is book 1 of the Dry Springs Chronicles, set in Texas in the mid-1860s. Five characters comprise the main cast: Eliza and Jesse (whose love story is beset by numerous obstacles), Eliza’s brother Anson, her maid Mrs. Reilly, and Colonel Burke, a man from Jesse’s and Anson’s past.

I enjoyed the book, and the cover is beautiful. It kept me engaged, but I had trouble connecting with the main characters for some reason and wasn’t “rooting” for them like I usually do with a hero and heroine. The story was told from two POVs, Eliza’s and Jesse’s. When there were scenes with multiples of the same gender, the repeated use of “he” or “she” was difficult to sort out and, as a result, took me out of the story.

I did love the story and was anxious for a happy ending, but some of the various conflicts did not resolve. Book 2 is coming, and I suspect it’s more of a continuation than a sequel. I hope all the characters will get their happy ending by the end of the series.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

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