I did feel Ballard’s treatment of Candice being a fat heroin was….a little bumpy. Candice had often cried to her grandmother that she wished she were born in the 1800s when “voluptuous” women were considered beautiful. I’ve always hated this notion that a woman can be fat, but only at the right time. Then, when Candice gets to the ranch, all the male ranch hands can’t keep their eyes off her, confirming Candice’s original wish. I guess I’m looking for fiction in which women aren’t turning to men for confirmation of their value. And for that reason, I wish Candice had more personality, or hobbies or acumen, to bring to the novel.

But, perhaps that’s not what Ballard was going for. As a straight forward romance/western/science fiction novel, the author hits all the right notes for an easy, enjoyable read when you don’t think too hard about it.

Check out the full review at https://grabthelapels.com/2021/05/06/once-upon-another-time/