It’s a great sign when I stay up until 3am to finish a book, and Peril in Dry Springs had me doing just that. I loved the first book, but getting to know Ira Burke and follow his story was something else.
Here’s the Goodreads blurb for more information:
Dry Springs hasn’t seen the last of trouble.
Ira Burke is surviving—just barely thanks to an injury that about stole his ability to hold down a job. The fact that the new saloon owner finds him a threat further complicates matters, as does the town matchmaker’s attempts to marry him off to the woman who helped him during the war.
Patience Ashbee arrives in Dry Springs to care for the younger sister she hasn’t spoken to in six years. What she doesn’t expect to find is an acquaintance from the war—or the dangers that follow her all too closely.
Because peril has once again come to Dry Springs.
From Kristina Hall, author of women’s Christian fiction, comes a historical novel featuring high stakes, faith, humor, and a hint of romance.
Ratings for Peril in Dry Springs
Story: 5/5
Worldview: 5/5
Story
First things first, I think there’s something wrong with that saloon, haha. We get the hint of trouble when a new owner takes up the establishment and threatens Ira Burke. Ira was a great side character in Trouble in Dry Springs, and I really loved following him as he dealt with the new realities of his life after getting shot. He was level-headed, stubborn, proud, and honorable, and seeing himself struggle with what it meant to live was just heart-wrenching. I just loved seeing that he never let his condition stop him from doing the right thing, even when it was extremely difficult for him compared to most.
Patience was a great counterpart, especially in how she interacted with Mrs. Reilly. One thing I really loved was how both Ira and Patience are older, in their forties, and they really did act like it. The characters aside, the plot was tense and the story moved along at a great pace right up to the end!
Worldview
The worldview was phenomenal. I loved seeing Patience learn to be, well, patient. She’s older, so she’s not one to respond hotheadedly in general, but she still has a tendency to speak harshly. She had to make the decision to treat others with grace even when she was treated poorly. I really liked that message, since Patience was humble and considerate. She did struggle with bitting her tongue at times, which I can definitely relate to. Burke’s determination to face life head-on was great, always trying to see the upside or keep growing stronger. Also, I liked that he repeatedly refused drugs to dull his pain, asking Jesus for strength to keep going. Not that medicine is bad, but he knew his own weaknesses and didn’t want to open a door. I also loved that the characters consistently prayed to God for help, guidance, and patience.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, I loved this book and I can’t wait to see how their story continues! I’ll be waiting (patiently haha) for the next installment! In the meantime, I’ve got a few more of Kristina’s books sitting around on my Kindle and I’ll be sure to pick them up soon.
If you haven’t read Trouble in Dry Springs, I highly recommend you read it first. You can read the books out of order (the plots are standalone), but there are spoilers for book 1 if you start with book 2.
Book Information
Title: Peril in Dry Springs (Dry Springs Chronicles #2)
Author: Kristina Hall
Release date: November 6, 2024
Genres: Historical, Western, Fiction
Age range: 14+
Content warnings/notes: Violence (fistfights, mentions of bruising and cuts), gunshots (in the background, and threats of shooting characters), alcohol (but the main characters don’t drink, nor do they accept it), gambling (painted in a negative light), and chronic pain. Characters are said to curse but none are written on page.
