Blonde-haired, green-eyed Jade Mackenzie was an out and out tomboy. Not surprising considering she was only six-years-old when her mother died. Tragedy had struck her again when, at the age of ten, she watched helplessly as her father drowned. Now at the tender age of eighteen, Jade and the man she planned to marry traveled from Texas in search of fortune in the gold fields of Deadwood. At least that was what she thought.

Unwittingly cuckolded, the handsome Landon Burdett discovered that his new wife was already three months pregnant when he married her. He had made a vow to accept and look after the child, regardless of bloodline, but a man had to die in order for his child to live. Eight years was a long time to feel accountable for an innocent man's death. Eight years was a long time to bear the shame of a faithless wife. Would the shame and burden ever pass?

The first time that Jade and Landon ever met, Jade was only ten to his twenty-one. Tragedy struck which would affect them both right up to the time they met again. Eight years later and they had both changed. Discovering that their growing feelings for one another were not wrong, they did have a number of hurdles to overcome. A wayward wife, a would-be husband, and a sensitive disabled child. Would they ever learn to trust each other?

THE SWEETEST GIFT is a beautifully written tale dated around Custer's last stand. Janet Mills has taken the era and painted it so expertly, you could almost feel the breeze blowing through the grasses, see the sparkling water as it flowed on down through the river. THE SWEETEST GIFT is a tale about accountability to those whom you care for the most. It's about taking responsibility; it's about taking risks in the search of happiness and love. Ms. Mills has aptly demonstrated her skill as a writer with flair. I look forward to reading more works from this author.

Reviewed by Emilie Spargo
(c) September 2004