The Calamity Janes: Lauren
Sherryl Woods
Mira, Jul 28 2015, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778317883
Only twenty-eight, Hollywood romantic comedy
movie superstar Lauren Winters has had a string of critically acclaimed box
office smash hits, but feels her Southern California life as shallow especially
after two failed marriages and a rejection of a face lift. She misses her family ranch (though sold by
her parents at her encouragement) and her Calamity Janes’ girlfriends (Gina, Emma, Cassie and Karen); so
she rushes home to Winding River, Wyoming whenever she can, which
recently has been frequent.
In return for room and board, Karen and her
husband Grady hire Lauren to work with fractious horses like Midnight; as she
is incredible with skittish steeds. New
ranch wrangler Wade Owens almost has a heart attack when he spots Lauren
rubbing dangerous Midnight though he admits to himself he also is jealous. Unaware who she is except as a friend of his
boss, Wade and Lauren fall in love.
Nevertheless, her movie fame and particularly her wealth proves an
impediment; since raised by a single mom and ignored by his wealthy, married
and cheating father, Wade loathes the money gentry.
The fifth Calamity Janes romance (see the recent reprints of the
first four romances originally published approximately fifteen years ago) is an
engaging tale of love not being enough to overcome the emotional trauma and
bias Wade has towards the 1%; as the adult is the child. Readers will relish Lauren’s storyline in
spite of its predictability mostly because of Wade’s bone marrow deep distrust as
well as a chance to catch up with the four other Janes.
Harriet Klausner