I have never read a book by this author previously, but very much enjoyed this one. At 93, Carrie Ann Benton looks back at her life, at her loves and regrets. Her mother died when she was 2 and she was mostly raised by Maria, a Mexican woman who was both housekeeper and lover to her father, Judge Horace Benton. The judge claimed he loved Maria and would marry her, but kept putting it off because of hopes of eventually running for governor and the prejudices (he thought) of the voters. Meanwhile Carrie and half Mexican Rodney Buchard, have been best friends since they were 12 years old, but becasue of her father, they must meet secretly. Rodney finds them a secret meeting place at the top of Fire Mountain, where a giant cactus grows. Her father meanwhile schemes to get rid of Rodney, as he wants Carrie to marry Earl Remington, the son of the richest rancher in the area, someone who Carrie loathes. The story is woven with adventure, suspense and "clean" romance all with historical accuracy. I reluctantly had to put it aside when my life interfered, or I would have read it straight through. I received a free copy from Netgalley.com for an honest review. The only negative thing I can say about this book, is that the copy that I received was not formatted correctly for a Kindle. I assume that the other editions are formatted correctly.

The Place Where the Giant Fell is a wonderful book written by author John Henry Hardy. The story is told through the eyes of a ninety plus year old woman. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.