This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
Metta of Mira Loma by R.L. Lee masterfully captures the essence of a classic Western, weaving together the rugged landscapes of the New Mexico Territory, cattle ranch life, the untamed spirit of wild horses, and the lurking threat of outlaws. Romance elevates the story, adding depth and an emotional stake, softening the harsh realities of life on the Mira Loma ranch. Marcus Scott did not get where he is by mere luck, but through ruthless determination and unyielding traits that enabled him, an immigrant, to carve out a cattle ranch in the New Mexico Territory. Of his three daughters, Metta seems to be the only one who has inherited her father's fire, yet she wields it with a passion for freedom, seeking to preserve what her father aims to destroy. When a new foreman, Niall Cammaran, enters the picture, Metta finds herself intrigued. Soon, her father’s actions force her to take drastic measures, which ultimately change her life forever.
R.L. Lee’s vivid descriptions of the landscape detail the harsh realities of ranch life in the 1850s New Mexico Territory. This setting becomes almost like a character itself, constantly influencing the actions and decisions of the central figures in the story. The reader follows the thoughts and motivations of each of the protagonists through backstories that reveal their past struggles, ambitions, and defining moments. Metta’s yearning for freedom may be linked to the unyielding nature of her father’s personality, which led to her mother's departure. This event seems to have sparked a deep desire for autonomy in Metta, teaching her that submission to tyranny is not the only option. There is much to admire and adore about Metta; her determination and resolve are nothing short of revolutionary, especially in an era when women were expected to comply with patriarchal expectations. If you enjoy stories of strong-willed characters, sweeping Western landscapes, and powerful themes of freedom and choice, Metta of Mira Loma is a must-read.
