Silver Lining

Maggie Osborne

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forced marriage

strong female protagonist

historical romance

late 19th century mining town

emotional depth and humor

smallpox epidemic

character development

angst and unexpected twists

complexities of love and responsibility

max mccord and low down

vulnerability and strength

emotional stakes

personal sacrifices

'Silver Lining' by Maggie Osborne is an early American historical romance that follows the story of Max McCord and 'Low Down' Louise. Low Down nurses a town of men during a pox epidemic, and in return, they grant her wish for a baby. However, Max ends up drawing the unlucky marble and has to marry her, leading to a tumultuous relationship filled with angst and unexpected twists. The book is praised for its strong female protagonist, engaging plot, and a mix of humor and heartbreak.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Low Down embodying strength and vulnerability, while Max evolves from duty-bound to loving.

Writing/Prose:

The writing combines emotional depth with humor, effectively conveying the raw experiences of the characters and the era.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows Low Down's unconventional request for motherhood and the ensuing forced marriage with Max, against the backdrop of a smallpox epidemic and personal sacrifices.

Setting:

The setting is a detailed portrayal of a late 19th-century mining town, enhancing the story’s authenticity and atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing effectively balances character development with plot progression, allowing emotional stakes to deepen over time.

Blushing furiously, Low Down scowled at the men saluting her and waving tin mugs of beer that Olaf had brewed for the occasion. As she'd never before been a guest of honor or been cheered, she didn't ...

Notes:

The book is set in the late 1800s in Colorado, during the gold rush.

The main character, Low Down, cared for men during a smallpox outbreak.

Low Down was nicknamed for her rough past and unrefined demeanor.

Max, the male lead, is initially engaged to another woman but ends up marrying Low Down due to a promise made by the men she nursed.

The premise involves a group of men drawing straws to determine who will fulfill Low Down's wish for a baby.

Their marriage starts as a forced arrangement but evolves throughout the story.

The book has themes of pride, obligation, and unrequited love.

It features a strong female protagonist who is tough yet vulnerable.

The story addresses social norms and challenges faced by women of that time period.

Readers appreciate the blend of humor and angst in the relationship between Low Down and Max.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include societal issues related to forced marriage, unplanned pregnancy, and themes of loss related to miscarriage.

Has Romance?

Yes, the book contains a significant romantic subplot as it revolves around the evolving relationship between the main characters.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Hailed as "one of the best writers in the business" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, multi-award-winning author Maggie Osborne delivers hilarious and heartrending tales of resilient women full of grit, pride, and dignity who shine through hard times. Now meet the most irresistible and independent heroine of them all, a woman called Low Down, who never had anything good happen to her until the day she asked for the one thing that only a man could give her. . . .

As scruffy and rootless as the other prospectors searching for gold in the Rockies, Low Down wanted nothing in return for nursing a raggedy bunch through the pox. But when pressed to reveal her heart's wish, she admits, "I want a baby." Not a husband, not a forced marriage to the proud man who drew the scratched marble and became honor bound to marry her. To be sure, Max McCord was easy on the eyes, but he loved another woman and dreamed of a different life. Yet they agreed to a temporary marriage that could end only in disaster. But can this strange twist of fate lead to the silver lining that both have been searching for?

Ratings (32)

Incredible (8)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (54):

Read It (32)
Want To Read (17)
Not Interested (5)

1 comment(s)

twarex024

Liked It

2 months

I am not sure what to think of this book. It was good actually but I cannot help but wonder if MMC’s former fiancée did not turned out to be a cheater I can still be happy about the happy ending of the main couple.

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About the Author:

Maggie Osborne is the author of I Do, I Do, I Do and Silver Lining, as well as more than forty contemporary and historical romance novels written as Maggie Osborne and Margaret St. George. She has won numerous awards from…

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