The Civil War changed Johanna’s life in ways she never could have imagined. Gone was the carefree childhood protected by a loving family. The security of the peaceful land they all worked hard on and were gifted a comfortable living in return was all but a distant memory. The heartbreaking moment she learned of her husband and one of her brother’s deaths is etched in her very being and it is with a heavy heart that she must resign herself to never truly being happy again. Since that time when everything changed Johanna can only cling to the things most important to her now – her surviving brothers. She could not bear to lose another and would fight with her very being to keep them safe. When she hears that her brother Drew has become entangled in a criminal investigation in Mexico, she races to his aid, propriety be damned. The Mexican authorities may not take any notice of an American woman but Johanna has friends in high places who are going to learn soon enough that when it comes to her family’s safety, no price is too high.

When Rudolfo hears of his beautiful childhood friend’s dilemma, he spies an opportunity to get just what he wants – Johanna’s hand in marriage. He will gladly use all his power to influence her brother’s situation if it means he can keep his eye on her during such dangerous times. He thought he had missed his chance when she married so young but seeing her now, lost in her grief, he longs to protect her. Never before has a woman captured his body, mind and soul so completely. He is pained to see that Johanna has closed herself off from ever feeling anything again and is determined to free her from her heartache once and for all. Johanna’s life is once again taking an unexpected turn as she sets off on a journey in which she will learn as much about the woman she is to become as the man who seems to speak to her very core.

Halfway to Forever is a sweeping tale that captures the reader with a rich, detailed settling and a strong cast of characters hardened by the grim reality of post war tensions. The comparisons between Johanna’s  life before her tragic loses and after her world is shattered is seen through her eyes as well as through Rudolfo and his sister Isabel’s, giving the character depth. The misunderstandings between Johanna and Rudolfo as they develop as individuals as well as a couple are endearingly frustrating but ultimately satisfying as the realization of what they have together begins to dawn. Rudolfo is a deliciously masculine, down to earth character who doesn’t understand is own feelings but is able to come to terms with them and chase what he wants with unyielding determination. There were bursts of activity intermingled with periods of rest and anticipation as the plot found its rhythm and my enjoyment increased as more pieces of the puzzle in Johanna’s life was put together, with exciting results.