The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper
by: Kathleen Y'Barbo
Published by: WaterBrook Press
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Reviewed by: Laura V. Hilton
Eugenia “Gennie” Cooper has a secret addiction to dime novels. And she’s determined to live out a Wild West adventure, just like her favorite dime-novel heroine. Her parents are equally determined to see Gennie happily married to New York’s finest, a banker. But when Gennie’s parents and brother go on tour, Gennie manages to slip away from her betrothed and catch a train to Denver—to act as a nanny to a ten-year-old girl.
Daniel Beck’s young daughter, Charlotte is not exactly what Gennie expects. After all, the child has a strong dislike for baths—and a huge penchant for getting into trouble. But then, Daniel Beck isn’t exactly what Gennie bargained for either. The silver baron has a mind of his own—and isn’t afraid to speak it.
But happens when a man’s empire and a woman on a Wild West adventure collide? And does Gennie’s life belong in the rough-and-tumble west—or back home in civilized New York and the man she’s been promised to since birth?
The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper is a totally fun read, full of the unexpected, laugh-out-loud moments, and passion restrained. I loved this fast-paced story, and it kept my interest from page one until the end. I also enjoyed reading portions of the “dime novel” that kept Gennie entertained, though not as much as I enjoyed reading Gennie’s story.
Gennie is a realistic heroine, though she might have been born in the wrong time period for her adventurous spirit. I also enjoyed getting to know some of the other characters in the book, and I especially enjoyed the humor.
The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper is a great read, and if you are a fan of Cathy Marie Hake or Deana Gist, you won’t want to miss it.
Armchair Interviews says: Another good read from this prolific writer of historical fiction.
Author’s Web site: http://www.KathleenYBarbo.com
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