There is something undeniably romantic about stories set in the Old West. Riding on horseback into the sunset, long lonely nights on the range, strong women and stronger men – life in the Old West just resonates with romantic possibilities and promise.

It was with these classic images in mind that I picked up Helen A. Rosburg's historical romance Blaze of Lightning, Roar of Thunder. Instead of the swooning women and dashing men I expected, what I got was a powerfully moving story of a woman filled with revenge and a troubled man who shares her pain.

Louisa Rodriguez left Santa Rita one morning to gather fuel for the fire only to return in time to see her family murdered and her entire town left in ruin. Catching sight of the villains who robbed her of everything she held close to her heart, Louisa vowed to avenge her family and friends if it took the last breath she breathed.

Setting out on her own after burying her entire village, Louisa made her way in the desert by capturing criminals with a bounty on their heads. By the time she met Ring Crossman, she no longer called herself by her birth name nor claimed the town of Santa Rita as her birthplace. She had no past, a guarded present and a future containing only one goal - revenge.

Ring Crossman had met a lot of interesting characters in his time, but the nameless girl he found in the desert stirred his heart in a way no other had. He could see pain and fear in her eyes, but had no idea of the cause since she wasn't talking. Knowing he had to call her something while she tended to his friend's wounds, he settled on the name of Blaze. It was a strong name and she most certainly was a strong woman.

Ring had spent years on the range driving horses and had no inclination to settle down, but he thought perhaps Blaze might enjoy riding with him and living a life out in the open. He certainly would be glad to have her company. He had no idea what she was searching for, but he figured there must be some way he could help. Love could help heal her and Ring was falling harder for Blaze every day.

It was only after they ran into the shady man called Bane that Ring saw something new in her eyes. He could see that something about Bane touched Blaze; some sort of shared understanding existed between them. Bane appeared more criminal than human and civility seemed to be a talent he didn't possess. Certainly Blaze would rather be with Ring living an honest life of training horses than hooking up with a criminal, wouldn't she?

Ms. Rosburg has crafted a detailed journey that takes the reader through the emotional lives of the characters one by one. Each person we meet in Blaze of Lightning, Roar of Thunder has a story and every story is told in a fascinating and engaging fashion. From the loss of Louisa's family to the realization by Ring of Blaze's true nature, every moment is charged with emotion.

It is rare for an author to create a novel that brings empathy to the reader the way Ms. Rosburg has done in this historical romance. While Blaze of Lightning, Roar of Thunder does contain romantic elements, be forewarned that it comes with the price of pain as we match the characters step by step through their journeys toward self-fulfillment.

If you are looking for a historical romance which steps out of the mold of the "lovers riding into the sunset" western, I highly suggest you give Blaze of Lightning, Roar of Thunder a try. It is a book well worth your time. 
 
Reviewed By Sabine Maurier
© Sept 2008