About the Book

Book: Delia and the Drifter

Author: Melody Carlson

Genre: Historical Romance (Western)

Release date: February 15, 2021

An arranged marriage to save the family from ruin?

Delia Blackstone knows what her mother is up to—she intends to marry her off to an older man who is all fortune and no future. And Delia’s having none of it.

When a mysterious visitor appears on the family doorstep and offers an opportunity for Delia to travel from Pennsylvania to Colorado, Delia knows it is time for her to strike out on her own and discover a new life. Along the way she encounters a handsome drifter who captures her heart. But is he interested in trading his exciting life of adventure for love?

Two murders, a missing will, and a number of puzzling relationships are enough to unsettle anyone—even smart, capable Delia. Who can she trust? And can she trust her heart in matters of love?

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About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

I love historical stories about women. Particularly ones in the American frontier and old west. Probably because I grew up hearing pioneer stories from my grandparents, whose parents arrived in covered wagons. But contributions made by pioneering females is often overshadowed by their male counterparts. That’s why I enjoy researching and telling these fictional yet reality-based stories of women who lived and loved and did their part to settle the frontier. To me they are the unsung heroes of the West.

My Thoughts

Delia and the Drifter by Melody Carlson was an amazing read. The setting of the book opens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in June of 1884. We are in a post Civil War period and families are still trying to recover. We meet Delia Blackstone. She has been blessed to be able to go to college and has learned a lot thanks to a deceased family member paying her tuition for her. She finds out that her parents plan on marrying her off to and older gentleman. Delia is not thrilled with this idea. Her mother is intent on not telling her the whole truth. Her mother makes it very clear that she has no dowry or fortune to promise to a suitor - so that makes her pickings limited. I felt bad for Delia at this point because it seemed like they were bargaining their daughter for a chance to regain financial loss. She finds out about a stranger that has come calling and she is intrigued.

We also meet Wyatt Davis. He has been staying in Philadelphia, Pa with his aunt and uncle helping in his uncle's boot factory. While he loves his aunt and uncle - he craves open air. So he plans on eventually making it to Alaska Territory.

Both characters are strong in their faith. They meet on the train west. Both are well developed and likeable. The way the author has described the cities in her books makes you feel like you are there. This book can say it can be divided into two parts. Delia and her journey to Colorado to find out what else her parent's have been hiding and her life in Colorado. You will be drawn into this book quickly and not want to put it down.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.