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Customer Reviews

A look back in time

2001-03-11
Michelle Black pens a sturdy novel worth acknowledgement from those that adore the years of the gold rush. I am one of those people infatuated by anything that brings those early days of gold rush fever to life. This story takes place in the high hills of Colorado, called Leap Year. In separate stories, the old days are revealed through letters written by Darcy Close's great aunt, Grady. Aunt Grady has died, but in a surprise gesture, willed ownership of the entire (ghost) town of Leap Year to Darcy. When Darcy explores the historic old home on her first visit, she becomes aware that the place has been ransacked in the aftermath of her aunt's death. An intriguing secret makes itself known in the letters Grady has written to Darcy, unfortunately, many pages are lost and tangled in the chaos left behind by the persons responsible for breaking into the home. Darcy begins to question alot of the events that occurred long, long ago, and the circumstances of her aunt's death in the very home she is in.

Therefore, two stories are weaved together. The lust for knowledge of the days long ago are satisfied. Wonderfully described are the harsh, freezing Colorado winters, and the methods of survival by these tough minded, original folk that literally make their own rules in the high elevations of Colorado. Darcy's city ways begin to take a backseat to the prospects of a new love interest and lifestyle.

A look back in time 2001-03-11
Michelle Black pens a sturdy novel worth acknowledgement from those that adore the years of the gold rush. I am one of those people infatuated by anything that brings those early days of gold rush fever to life. This story takes place in the high hills of Colorado, called Leap Year. In separate stories, the old days are revealed through letters written by Darcy Close's great aunt, Grady. Aunt Grady has died, but in a surprise gesture, willed ownership of the entire (ghost) town of Leap Year to Darcy. When Darcy explores the historic old home on her first visit, she becomes aware that the place has been ransacked in the aftermath of her aunt's death. An intriguing secret makes itself known in the letters Grady has written to Darcy, unfortunately, many pages are lost and tangled in the chaos left behind by the persons responsible for breaking into the home. Darcy begins to question alot of the events that occurred long, long ago, and the circumstances of her aunt's death in the very home she is in.

Therefore, two stories are weaved together. The lust for knowledge of the days long ago are satisfied. Wonderfully described are the harsh, freezing Colorado winters, and the methods of survival by these tough minded, original folk that literally make their own rules in the high elevations of Colorado. In contrast, Darcy's city ways begin to take a backseat as the prospects of a new love interest, western lifestyle and unique personalities reveal new possibilities for her. She finds herself becoming comfortable in the small town, yet there is danger in Darcy being in Leap Year.

Couldn't put it down! 2000-08-07
A wonderful blend of mystery, romance, entertaining characters, and accurate locale portrayal. What a treat to be privy to the real reasons behind the facts of ancestors' lives--something the present-day heroine isn't even totally privy to, as we can never know the real stories of our parents, grandparents, etc. And, like the main characters, I moved from the Philadelphia area to a small old goldmining town (pop. 270) in the Colorado Rocky Mts. five years ago. If you're drawn to this area, read this book!! It is an accurate representation of living "at altitude" and in a small town filled with "characters"!

It's a different world above 10,000 feet-and you'll love it 2000-01-25
Mingling the past and the present makes for an intriguing tale of murder, deceit, survival and love. Pure Rocky Mountain Magic!

no rules above 10,000 ft 2000-01-25
excellent book! bought it on a whim, 3 years ago and i read it again every winter. the characters are delightful and very believable, the story will pull you along through the book, and the setting (colorado) is very accurate. i just loved it. michelle black is a great storyteller.