St. Louis, Missouri – 1880 to 1886

Gabe Getty is a happy man in 1880 when he becomes a lawyer and marries the beautiful Letitia, but how could everything go so wrong? Letitia is dominated by her mother, addicted to laudanum, and in 1886 dies when she tries to abort their baby. Letitia’s mother blames everything on Gabe. He packs his bags and moves back to a small room at the local school to decide what to do with his life. When he receives a note from his best friend, Billy, inviting him to his farm for a visit, Gabe decides being with his friend and family is exactly what he needs.

Solace Monroe has always been a tomboy, loves working with horses, but thinks she is not attractive enough to attract the man of her dreams. She is at Billy’s farm training her two horses. Solace’s sisters, Grace and Lily, have been attending school in St. Louis, but Grace has come to the country to be a governess for Billy’s three children. The ladylike Lily, who reminds Gabe so much of Letitia, continues working at the school. Secretly, Solace has been writing dime novels and children’s stories and is thrilled to be a success as her stories are snapped up by a publisher.

Gabe is delighted to be part of such a warm family at the farm. He tries to keep his mind off of the unhappiness of his marriage, and looks forward to a new beginning. Solace has always had a soft spot for the handsome Gabe, and he admires her honesty and friendliness. He is touched and amazed when he sees Solace’s acrobatics and beauty while working with her horses. He hears a voice telling him he could love Solace, but he brushes it aside -- he is still grieving, confused, and must find a new direction for his life.

Will Gabe and Solace find what they most desire?

Gabe is a good hearted man who wanted a loving wife and family, not realizing that his choice was a poor one. Although he is attracted to Solace, he is ten years older, and he thinks Solace, at eighteen, needs to find her way without his interference. Solace’s sisters are so ladylike and proper that it makes Solace feel less confident in herself. Lily and Solace are both attracted to Gabe, but he doesn’t want to be caught in the middle of their bickering over him. Billy is a wonderful secondary character, a good friend who dotes on his three mischievous children. God is a prominent member of the households in GABRIEL’S LADY, and the book should be labeled inspirational with a touch of paranormal.

Although GABRIEL’S LADY begins on a sad note, it becomes an uplifting tale as Gabe and Solace find so much caring from their friends and family in their hours of need. It is an interesting story and a satisfying read. Many of the characters have been featured in the author’s previous novels, but this story can stand alone. If you enjoy a sweet, heart-warming historical romance, you will enjoy this one.

Marilyn Heyman