I started out liking this, I was interested in seeing someone gradually recover from being held captive from the ages of twelve to eighteen.

It was going along well enough, I liked that James was treating Millie with kindness and respect, but then all of a sudden this childlike young woman (ten years younger than this man and who knows how much younger emotionally based on how her experience stunted her), initiates sex with him.

And that’s right about where this novella lost me.

Not only did Millie’s desire for James as anything more than a protector or a friend feel out of the blue, I just tend to be uncomfortable with any scenario where someone childlike enters into a sexual relationship. I may have been okay with this had more time been taken with her overcoming her emotional scars, but happening so early on, and the pair not even having a conversation at all about this change in their relationship, it just didn’t sit very well with me.

It also didn’t help that towards the end, even though Millie is still in the picture, it kind of felt like Millie’s voice in the story was lost, you still hear about her but not really from her. ( )

Winter's Camp
4 Stars

In the aftermath of the Civil War, former Confederate Captain James Randall Kirkland wants nothing more than to live a peaceful life on land of his own. However, when he spies a blue-eyed slave girl in an Apache trading camp, he makes a decision that will change his life forever. After surviving years of abuse, Millie is unprepared for the kindness and patience of the man who has bought her. Soon these two unlikely traveling companions forge a strong bond. But what will happen once they return to civilization?

Series note: This is the historical prequel novella to the contemporary Ransom Canyon series detailing the life of the town's founding father, James Randall Kirkland.

James and Millie's story is both heartbreaking yet also sweet and hopeful at the same time.

The details of the harsh and cruel life Millie endures as an outcast slave girl traded from one Native American tribe to another are sad and poignant. James's patience and caring in helping her emerge from her protective shell make him a truly amazing hero. The intimacy between them both physical and emotional is incredible.

In addition to the romance, Jodi Thomas has also created a wonderful secondary cast from the former slave who helps James trade with the Apache to the rangers who assist in finding Millie's family to the men and women he hires to work his land and build a ranch for the coming generations.

Overall, a fantastic romance and an excellent foundation for the series. I only wish there were more historical installments on some of the other characters introduced. ( )

I loved the hero up until the point where he didn't want to marry her.... Have your cake and eat it. Kinda disliked him after that. ( )

This was a touching western romance set in 1870's Texas. I'm a big fan of Jodi Thomas and she packs a lot of character growth into this short story. I think James was a little "too" focused on his ranch goals at times, but looking at his personality at the start of the book, it made sense. He never planned on Millie crossing his path. If you are looking for a quick, romantic read...this is it! I'm looking forward to the series and catching up with the current day Kirkland clan. ( )