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Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Anya’s Song by Laura Mills is a beautifully sweet historical romance set in a small Californian town in the 1880s. When Anya and Robert Redding’s parents were gunned down in a bank robbery, the siblings were determined to continue their parents’ legacy and ensure their orange farm was successful. In the absence of a will, Robert was given charge of the property. He hired a drifter, Joseph, part Shoshone Indian, to assist with the annual orange harvest and ensure the continued success of their farm. After their parents' deaths, though, Robert left most of the work to Anya and Joseph, while he found solace inside a bottle and with the town’s loose women. When the attraction between Anya and Joseph becomes obvious, there is certain to be a showdown between Robert and his sister, not to mention the reactions of the townsfolk to any relationship between a white woman and an Indian. Somehow, the pair must find a way through the prejudice to fulfil their joint destinies.
Anya’s Song reminds us that we are all human beings with common feelings, dreams, and aspirations, regardless of our race, creed, or upbringing. Laura Mills reminds us that love, above all else, has the power to break down barriers of prejudice. What I appreciated most was the wonderfully descriptive passages, which transport readers back to those orange groves, the clean, crisp air, and even the scent of the ripening fruit. The characters are perfectly drawn, especially Anya, who, although a strong, independent, and intelligent woman of her time, still understands her need for the strength, comfort, and security that a man like Joseph could bring into her life. This is a beautiful love story, and the author perfectly captures the sensuality of the romantic scenes. Every so often, it is wonderful to read a gentle novel, reminding us that in a rough and tumble world, there is always the possibility of love to cushion us against life's travails. I enjoyed this romantic break very much and highly recommend this book.
