Title: Bright Eyes
Author: Catherine Anderson
First published January 1, 2004
419 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780451212160 (ISBN10: 0451212169)
Rating: 4.18
Overview
After purchasing a ranch next to Natalie Patterson’s property, Zeke Coulter had no plans of settling down. However, Natalie’s presence, along with her wacky family and troubled children, soon changes his mind.
When her son accidentally vandalizes Zeke’s property, the cowboy offers him a job to pay off the debt. In the process of helping the boy, Zeke finds himself drawn to Natalie, who has a beautiful voice but lacks confidence in herself and her dreams.
Determined to help her believe in herself, Zeke sets out to seduce her while also earning her trust. But just as their relationship blossoms, a sudden twist of fate threatens to tear them apart forever.
About the Author
Adeline Catherine, a romance author, was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, USA. She always aspired to be a writer like her mother.
Her dream came true when one of her professors asked if she could use samples of Catherine’s creative writing on an overhead projector to teach. In 1988, Catherine sold her first book to Harlequin Intrigue, and after writing three more, she tried her hand at a single-title historical romance.
She went on to write nine books before her first single-title contemporary.
Catherine married Sidney D. Anderson, an industrial electrician and entrepreneur.
They had two sons, Sidney D. Jr. and John G.
In 2001, they purchased a central Oregon home on a ridge with breathtaking mountain views and surrounded by forestland with trails. Catherine named it Cinnamon Ridge due to the huge ponderosa pines on the property that sport bark the color of cinnamon.
In 2014, Catherine lost her husband to a long-term illness. Despite this, she has kept Cinnamon Ridge as her primary residence but divides her time between there and her son John’s farm, where she has the support of her loved ones and can enjoy his horses, cows, and raise her own chickens.
Catherine loves animals and birds, both wild and domestic. At present, she has two Australian shepherds, six cats, and a very old canary.
She is also very family-oriented. Her older son has lived in Japan, Australia, and now resides in New Zealand.
Catherine and her stateside family will celebrate Christmas on the north island with Sidney, his wife Mary, and their two sons, Liam and Jonas.
Editoral Review
Bright Eyes by Catherine Anderson is a heartwarming romance novel that tells the story of Zeke Monroe, a rugged and handsome cowboy, and Bright Eyes, his loyal and intelligent mare. First published in 2004, the book is a classic of the genre and has delighted readers with its touching love story and vivid depiction of life on the ranch.
Anderson is a well-known author of romance novels, having written over thirty works in the genre. She is best known for her Mystic Creek series, which explores the lives and loves of the inhabitants of a small town in Oregon.
Her works are known for their emotional depth, strong characters, and richly detailed settings, and Bright Eyes is no exception. Set in the wilds of Montana in the late nineteenth century, Bright Eyes immerses readers in a world of cowboys, ranches, and rural life.
The story centers around Zeke Monroe, a man who has spent his whole life on the range, and his beloved horse Bright Eyes. When a devastating injury threatens to end Bright Eyes’ career as a valuable ranch horse, Zeke is faced with a difficult decision: should he put her out to pasture or try to heal her and risk losing her for good?
The plot is filled with both emotional and physical conflict, as Zeke struggles to come to terms with his feelings for Bright Eyes and for the lovely doctor who treats her. The characters are well-drawn and complex, with their flaws and quirks making them all the more relatable.
The setting is also beautifully rendered, with the rugged beauty of the Montana landscape serving as a backdrop to the story. Anderson’s writing is rich and evocative, capturing the essence of life on the range with ease.
Her characters are fully realized, with their struggles and triumphs ringing true to life. The pacing is steady, with enough action and emotion to keep readers engaged throughout.
Some readers may find the romance to be somewhat predictable, but the characters are so engaging that it hardly matters. Additionally, the novel is a bit longer than some romance readers may be used to, but this allows for plenty of character development and a satisfying resolution.
Overall, Bright Eyes is a beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of romance, historical fiction, and anyone who loves a good story. Anderson’s masterful writing and keen eye for detail make this a standout work in the genre, and readers will find themselves fully immersed in the world she has created.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a heartfelt and engaging read. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
