Ready to take trip into the not so distant past, where the only skin a good woman showed was her face and hands? It was also a woman’s place to be guided by her family, whether she agreed with their choices or not. There were the men, broad shouldered men who were able to wrestle opportunity from the fast-expanding land. Throw the two of them together and you end up with Song of My Heart, Barbara Baldwin’s new novel.

Rugged Max Grant chases criminals, not the average bad guy but the menace to society types. He evens answers to the President. Still, it is hard for his father, Michael Grant, to ask for Max’s help when a murder, robbery and the disappearance of his eldest son all happen in the space of twenty-four hours. Yet he does, proving to Max that things must be serious if the black sheep is welcomed back into the fold.

Abby O’Brien is old enough to know her own mind and she knew she did not want to marry the social climbing man her parents picked out. Forget reason, they felt they knew best. Her only escape from an unwanted marriage is…to escape. Not thinking it out, she boards a train west only to arrive hungry and penniless in Topeka, Kansas. The Chicago socialite finds herself waiting tables at Harvey House. She decides to go by Faith, just in case her parents are looking for her. More likely they paid someone else to do the deed. Working isn’t that bad, especially when she can look forward to be teased by a certain redheaded Irishman who, despite his banter and engaging accent, doesn’t strike her as Irish.

Max Grant’s search for his brother leads him to Topeka, Kansas and a charming waitress who seems a little too well spoken for the job. His job is to solve mysteries and he would like to solve this one, but the attractive Faith keeps her distance. Then there is his brother. He can’t afford to linger in Topeka hoping to catch Faith’s eye. Except, because the elusive Faith seems to be wearing his brother’s watch around her neck, he’s staying until he can get to the bottom of this mystery.

The book opens with a murder, the disappearance of Max’s brother, and Abby the would-be bride, hot footing it out of town. It doesn’t slow down a bit—it is like a locomotive gathering speed. The initial attraction between Max and Abby has a realistic touch with both of them warily circling each other, cautious, but they keep coming back. Add to the story the O’Briens on Abby’s trail determined to bring her back to her eager groom. Then there is the fact that a murderer is loose.

Song of My Heart is a tightly written, historical romance that gives you a feel for the period. The romance between Max and Abby is fun and sparkling. Add to the story the dark thrill of danger and you have a page-turner on your hands. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a bit of history with his or her romance or simply likes romance.

Reviewed by Morgan Wyatt
© January 2008