Review of Oliver & Mia

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 26 Oct 2022, 13:01

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Oliver & Mia" by Riano D. McFarland.]

4 out of 4 stars

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It was the late 1870s, and Oliver Blackstone, former U. S. marshall, would be leaving Virginia City, Nevada, in a few days. He was going to Boston to propose to his long-time girlfriend. Oliver had been highly successful in mining for gold over the last five years and was ready to return to claim his bride. His plans were slightly altered when he found himself involved with a frightened seven-year-old little girl whose parents had been attacked and killed by hired outlaws. Mia Hampton, the little girl, hid in the woods all night to escape the outlaws. They were in town now and had seen her, so Oliver took temporary custody of her. He planned to deliver her safely to her Uncle Peter in Boston. However, plans can change.

Oliver fell in love with Mia. She was a delightful, well-mannered child who won his heart. Uncle Peter wasn't at the train station in Boston. Oliver had sent two telegrams to Peter but had yet to receive a response. Once Oliver and Sarah were reunited, he introduced Sarah to Mia. Sarah was ecstatic when she met Mia and insisted Mia was to stay with them at her father's house. Oliver notified the local authorities and gave them information to reach the Virginia City sheriff. Uncle Peter was dead, and someone in Boston was planning to kill Mia. What would happen to Mia? Would Oliver be able to save Mia and her land? Would Oliver and Sarah finally get married?

Oliver and Mia by Riano D. McFarland is a beautiful love story set in the western United States during the gold and silver rush of the 1870s. It is a Wild West novel with all the trimmings. There are outlaws, shootouts, revenge seekers, and thieves. Mia's father wouldn't give up his land to his devious neighbor, who hired several shooters to kill the whole family, but Mia escaped. The death of her parents didn't stop the devious neighbor. He wanted Mia dead, also.

I loved the bond between Oliver and Mia. Mia won the heart of everyone she met. She was an intelligent and savvy young lady who could hold her own with the adults. When Sarah and Oliver returned to Virginia City to see the land Oliver had purchased for their home, he took Mia with them to check on the land left to her and to make sure no one had stolen any to sell to the railroad.

There wasn't anything I disliked about this book. It is a sweet and touching story with memorable characters. The book appears professionally edited, with few errors and infrequent profanity. The book has a three-way love story that will satisfy the romantic side of readers, and yet there is plenty of gunslinging action for the reader seeking action and adventure. For those reasons, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I found no reason to deduct any stars.

I recommend this book to historical fiction fans who enjoy a combination of the Wild West outlaws and a beautiful romance wrapped up in the same story. Although there is some profanity, the book is suitable for ages sixteen and beyond.

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Oliver & Mia
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Faisal Kurfi · Post by **Faisal Kurfi** » 28 Oct 2022, 08:49

What a great review! I am not a big fan of romance, but your eloquent review of this novel highlighted many sub-themes and plot twists that piqued my interest. I would love to read this book. Well done!

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 28 Oct 2022, 15:35

Romance is not my favorite, but action and adventure are. Anyway, most of the story seems to revolve around Oliver and Mia like the title says.

FFSXKT · Post by **FFSXKT** » 29 Oct 2022, 11:44

Hello friends it's my pleasure to be here and reviewing about books

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 03 Nov 2022, 12:24

Faiso wrote: ↑28 Oct 2022, 08:49 What a great review! I am not a big fan of romance, but your eloquent review of this novel highlighted many sub-themes and plot twists that piqued my interest. I would love to read this book. Well done!

Thank you for your kind words! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 03 Nov 2022, 12:30

Amy Luman wrote: ↑28 Oct 2022, 15:35 Romance is not my favorite, but action and adventure are. Anyway, most of the story seems to revolve around Oliver and Mia like the title says.

Yes, most of the story does. The romance doesn't start immediately, and even when it does, it is centered around Mia! It's a good, old-fashioned, heart-warming book, but there is still action! Oliver means business when he protects Mia! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Michaeleedsy · Post by **Michaeleedsy** » 07 Nov 2022, 18:06

One noticeable theme is love. This book revolves around Mia, and I'd love to know the reason why outlaws are coming for her. The storyline of this book is quite unique and intriguing. Thanks for your honest review.