Signs Of Life
by Chris TowndrowPublish: Apr 04, 2023Historical Romance Western Romance Historical FictionBook Overview
"What time can’t heal, love will."Arizona, 1878. When long-time widower Earl finds an injured deaf youth on the prairie, he reluctantly decides to help the young man as compensation for not being there to save his own wife and baby from a Mojave raiding party years earlier.
He lodges “Bill” with a local widow, Laura, whose daughter is deaf. Soon, sign language and shared loss deepen their friendship and begin his healing. Together, they stand firm against the town’s prejudices, led by the boorish Mayor Potter.
But just when Earl believes his life has turned a corner, and he is ready to embrace love for this new woman, he learns the truth about his lost family.
As his dark past threatens to return, Earl must face his guilt and prejudice or risk losing everything again.
Can Earl overcome his past failings and face down danger?
Will Laura’s kindness and faith be repaid?
Can Bill’s mistakes be fixed?
Will love prevail?
Signs Of Life is a slow-burn Western love story where guilt, prejudice and found family are tackled with hands and hearts.
This book will appeal to those who enjoyed Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of grouchy mid-lifer William Munny in “Unforgiven”. It’s been compared to “Open Range”, and shares that film’s mid-life love story and a central character looking to put his past behind him. It’s also been likened to JoJo Moyes’ “The Giver Of Stars”, which deals with prejudice and boasts a strong female central character.
REVIEWS:
“This did everything that I was looking for in a Western novel, it worked with the time-period. Chris Towndrow has a great writing style for the genre and I was hooked with these characters.”
*****
“This was a quaint, charming book, perfect for anyone looking for a Western fix!” ****
“I don't read very many Western romance novels but I really did enjoy this one. I really enjoyed how the author described the characters, the way of life and the story was full of action and drama.” ****
“This is a very character driven story that is an entertaining read. The scenes of town life felt realistic, and the dialogue also felt appropriate to the period. Earl’s character growth and evolving emotions felt believable and his road to forgiveness is a major theme.” ****
“Everything about this book had me immersed in the story. The authenticity of the dialogue, the descriptions, and the characters all held me right there. I really enjoyed the romance in the story. It was so nice to see the transformation in Earl. A Western with heart that had me invested in the characters and the outcome, too!” *****
“This is not only a gritty Western, it’s a love story. It has everything you could want in a brilliant read and more. It was a book I devoured in two sittings as it took me to another time and place. A book that will surely bring the love of Westerns to a new audience.” *****
“This is a classic Western story, told with feeling and confidence. There is a real feeling for nature, and for male interaction, elements which make the experience of reading Westerns so satisfying.”
- London Literary Agent
“A moving tale about friendship, prejudice, and survival. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. The characters are beautifully drawn and your dialogue is exceptional.
You have skilfully reflected the era, location, and culture in your dialogue and found a clear voice for each of the characters. It will appeal to women readers as much as men. JoJo Moyes’ Giver of Stars is a good comparison to make.”
- ARC reader
