After actress Lillian O’Day learns that her husband, Jack Halliday, has been accused of murder, she vehemently denies that he could commit such a horrendous crime.  Word that he has struck it rich in the Virginia City silver boom has her leaving her home for Nevada where she hopes to gain enough money to support her son and daughters, especially Annalee who has been diagnosed with consumption. 

Annalee cares for her siblings while awaiting word from her mother, however tragedy strikes and word arrives that Lillian has perished in the harsh Sierra winter.  Annalee packs up her belongings, prepares her siblings, and together they begin their journey to Virginia City.  The harsh winter is not truly suitable for a woman in her condition, but Annalee trusts that God will help her to find her uncle and some news about her father. 

Lawman Brett Wilder wants to find the gunslinger who crippled his father.  As he searches for Jack Halliday, he discovers Annalee and her siblings.  Brett learns they are also looking for their father, and he refuses to leave them alone in these surroundings.  The more time they spend together, the stronger their attraction grows.  But can Annalee trust the man who wants to bring her father’s downfall? 

While the imagery and narrative for DESERT ROSE is rich and exciting, I found the story’s pace to be too slow for my liking.  Annalee is obviously out of her realm, and her illness adds to her problems.  She is a determined heroine, and likeable at that.  Most of the characters are wonderful additions to the story.  The only aspect of the story that I disliked was the pace.  I found the story dragged.  Just when you reached an exciting part and the pace picked up, the story would soon slow again. 

If you are looking for a story that contains rich dialogue, a vibrant setting and delightful characters, and you do not mind a story that has to be savored and not rushed, DESERT ROSE is a great choice!