Texas Books

This intriguing and fast paced book held my attention until the end. I immediately sought more of her books but the local bookstore had none of them. I particularly like the main characters as they seem to come from my immediate surroundings, which prompted me to keep doors and windows locked while reading. Refreshing and very real.

This intriguing and fast paced book held my attention until the end. I immediately sought more of her books but the local bookstore had none of them. I particularly like the main characters as they seem to come from my immediate surroundings, which prompted me to keep doors and windows locked while reading. Refreshing and very real.

When E.J. Pugh discovers the bodies of her next door neighbors and the four-year-old who witnessed it she is horrified. After she finds out that she has been named Bessie's guardian, she worries that the child could be the next target of the killer. When she also finds out that the police think that Mr. Lester killed his wife, child and himself she becomes determined to clear his name and protect Bessie. I couldn't put down this fast paced and high intensity start to the E. J. Pugh series.

I am glad I am not her neighbor!! This was the first book I read from Cooper, and the friends/neighbors deaths were shocking to me. Cooper managed to pull it out and the book was a good read. Can't wait to read more to see how the family is coping and what danger is lurking around the corner for the Pugh's.

I started this book and was hooked from the very beginning. I cried with E.J. Pugh, the protagonist, at the death of her friends and neighbors--the whole family except for one little girl. I could feel for E.J. and her family dealing with: inability to believe and cope with the idea that a beloved friend could committ a brutal murder like this, the difficulty in taking a child so emotionally injured by this incident and trying to adapt her into a new family, with E.J. trying to solve this murder. One of the very best mysteries I have read. I already love and reccommend Susan Rogers Coopers series about Sheriff Milt Kovack, an Oklahoma lawman, as a superior series. But I wonder, after this book, how will she ever be able to keep the suspense this high again. I hope E.J. Pugh and her family are around for a long time.

Hey, this is one great story! Rule Cordell is a fascinating character, one I hope we get to read more about in future books by Cotton Smith. It captures the agony of the end of the Civil War in a way that is as moving as Cold Mountain. No lie! Powerful stuff. I wanted it to go on and on.

This was a very moving book! There is so much change on many levels. I didn't want to put it down! If you need a good Christmas or birthday gift idea - here it is!

This book hit me hard. I'n not a "western" fan as such, but this was recommended to me by a friend, who had read it three times already. You shouldn't miss it! I hope there's another Rule Cordell book in Cooton Smith -- or two!

Pray for Texas was excellent...from the colorful characters to the fast-paced storyline. I was riveted! I would recommend this book to anyone --western buffs or not!

I really enjoyed Pray For Texas adn thought the writing was as good as, if not better than "Cold Mountain" and "War to Live on." The characters in this book will stay with you and you may not feel the same way about the Civil War again. Quite a feat of writing. Looking forward to the next book from Mr. Smith

Someone gave me this book back in the early 90's I read most of it before my sister STOLE it! Once I got it back I finished it and then one day while on the bus a lady asked to see it, we got to talking about the book and she got off the bus with the book in her hands..... yes, it was stolen AGAIN! I had no clue who the lady was, I only hope that she read it. Over the years while visiting book stores I have always inquired about it but I wasn't sure of the name or author. Well low and behold one day my sister and I were talking about books (we always share the good ones)and she told me that the BEST book she had ever read was Racehoss: Big Emma's Boy. Yes, the one she stole, since then I have been on a quest to replace it. I just bought it on Amazon.com! I can't wait to read it again. It was EXECELLENT! and as I remember, definitely worth reading twice! I am so sorry that I missed the interview with the author that other reviewers have mentioned, I would love to have been able to see the REAL Racehoss!

I read this book for the first time back in 1997 and continue to find this book to be among the very best that I have ever read. Mr. Sample delivers his story in a hilarious yet touching manner. I recommend this as a must read for pretty much everyone.

In the mid 1980's I tuned into a repeat program on the local NPR affiliate in Washington D.C. Diane Rehm was the host of a repeat broadcast of an interview with the author. It was such an absolutely compelling interview with the man, now obviously (at that time) an elderly gentleman--that I had to go out right away and purchase the book. It was and still remains a book that embodies everything "Classic" literature is. King must have read this before writing "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption"--and as good a short story and subsequent movie as it was--Race Hoss:Big Emma's Boy is the ultimate real deal. Having heard the interview with the author, I am at a distinct advantage to analyze both the man and his writing. There are simply no superlatives to describe either. God Bless Albert Race Sample--thank you for a book that hopefully be filmed just as it is written. If approached honestly, it would be the finest portrayal of prison life as well as life as a young black man in the Deep South to date.

I am looking for this book which is now out of print I believe. Ordinarily I might overlook this subject matter... but, I was listening to NPR's Diane Rehm 25th anniversary show, in which she played various excerpts of past programs. Diane prefaced... "and the most moving interview for me was with Albert Race Samples" and then I heard this smallish quivering voice with a light Texas accent talking about his time in "the hole" in prison, about how one day (or night?) in the absolute blackness around him, a loneliness and desperation of the soul came upon him... he called out to God and was answered with a glimmer of light right in front of him... from then, he knew he was not alone. I was moved, as Rehm had been... and determined to try to find his book. I could only wish it would be available on CD and read by Mr. Samples himself.

If anyone had an excuse to go into a life of crime, it was Albert Race Sample, known as Racehoss because he was interracial. The son of a prostitute and grandson of a grandfather who murdered his (Racehoss') grandmother, Albert followed his destiny and ended up in a tough Texas prison, which is darker and starker than anything I've seen in books. In fact, I agree with another reviewer who suspects that Stephen King, and perhaps others, used Sample's book as a model for their prison stories and scenes. Read this book if you're thinking about going to prison--it'll change your mind real quick.

L. King Perez's REMEMBER AS YOU PASS ME BY beautifully combines the sensitive issue of race with the historical Brown vs. Bd. of Education decision. Add zany characters and the Texas tall-sky setting for a compelling read, a retrospective romp long remembered. Presented at the MidSouth Reading and Writing Institute conference, this book received acclaim from both teachers and librarians. It is a must-read historical novel for middle-graders; a must-read memoir for adults; a wanderlust for all into a day gone by.

As a girl who is around Silvy's age, "Remember As You Pass Me By" was especially insightful. This book beautifully recreates a time my generation has never known. Throughout the story, Silvy struggles to find her place; in her family, in the black/white community, and in the rapidly changing times. I think "finding ones place" is pretty much the definition of growing up. In this way, Silvy is a character easily related to by all kids and teens. I have heard the story of Brown vs. The Board of Education many times and studied it in school, but never in such a way. By peering into the life of a young girl, living in Texas, I've more fully come to understand how this huge milestone in history came to affect people (kids, adults, blacks, whites) around the world. By far the best part of this book, is the quirky sense of humor with which it is written. Although, extremely playful, L.King Perez, has managed to beautifully balance funny anecdotes with deep, sensitve themes, and here is the greatest achievement of this book.

Am I glad I read this book? Would I want my 12 year old niece to read this book? YES!
From the first page, I was drawn into the book by the author's storytelling techniques. The use of dialogue not only tells the story, but as a descriptive tool it makes the book flow seamlessly.
The story of Silvy, the main character, is set in a small Texas town during the early years of the civil rights movement. Do the times influence Silvy or does Silvy influence her times?
Ms. Perez shows us that a book can be fun to read, while at the same time enlightening. As I get to know Silvy, I find I get to know myself just a little bit better.
I like to read a good story. Remember Me As You Pass Me By is a good story. However, it's not often that we read a book that is not only engaging, but shares with us characters who give to us a better understanding of ourselves as well as our cultural history.
Does this book leave you wanting more? Hopefully, there's a sequel somewhere out there in the works.

A remarkable book that should be required reading in all middle schools! This book offers a true to life picture of the south in days before and during Brown vs the Board of Education. The story of growing up and losing your best friend despite your best efforts is one that will resonate with all of us. The social pressures that were a part of this time make the story all the more sad.

"Remember As You Pass Me By" has themes which resonate far beyond East Texas and the turmoil between races provoked by "Brown vs. the Board of Education." This is a story of how relationships stressed in the face of change can transcend or fail, often at the same time. How faith can be restored amid confusion, and love endures for better or worse. How families shape and make us who we are and friendships often define us. This is all told with a straight, matter-of-fact sense of humor and narrative so real you can smell the baloney frying in the pan.
The main character, Silvy, is the kind of friend I wish I had when growing up . She knows how to throw a knife, ride trees, harbor fugitives, and, most importantly, look hypocrisy square in the eye. The world she lives in and her interactions with it are detailed and authentic. She is an original with loads of heart and buckets of crackerjack wit.
I will not forget "Remember As You Pass Me By." I am sure I will read it many times and recommend it both to children and adults. Do not let it pass YOU by!

I seldom am touched enough by a book to write a review but this book is remarkable. The relationships are tender and meaningful - perfect examples of what grandparents and parents as well should be to children. Humor abounds as well as sentiment and good sound thinking, living ,and loving. All that and the story line fascinates.

Ruby and the Stargazers is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who grew up in a small town in the fifties. Elvis, a Thunderbird, and colorful characters make this engaging tale come alive for the reader. It's a folksy, funny, and heartwarming tale which leaves the reader with an excellent message about the importance of family.

Marci Henna is a fireside and her warm heart flickers on the pages of this novel. She has a talent for penning the small, almost incidental details, of life that hold all of the big emotions that we are sometimes afraid to feel and express. A heartwarming read for anyone.

From the moment I picked up this book the cover drew me in like
no other that I recall. I had to know what was inside. They say you can't go back home - but Marci Henna takes you there and
it's a most delightful journey. It reminded me about alot of
childhood memories and values that I was happy to have brought back to life. I loved the line - "My life had felt so full, but now I knew it was simply busy" and "Autumn" on page 15.

Having grown up in Texas near the same era the book is set in, I found myself identifying with the colloquialisms and small town living. Reading the book, I anxiously turned pages wanting to uncover the secrets that drove a wedge between Juliet and her sister. I hope there is a sequel!

I could not put it down. I can't wait to read the second in the series, Dead Copy.

This novel was a bit longer than my normal cozy fare, but I finished it in the same amount of time. The author really did keep my interest the entire time. I actually found the mystery itself to be a little boring and farfetched, but, in the end, none of that seemed to matter. The heroine was very real and likeable. I also apprecite that the heroine actually has a job, as a journalist, that is conducive to a mystery series. It's plausible that this character could actually stumble over a dead body or two.

Scoop has it all - a Texas twang - bad guys, funny women, and parrot - what more do you want for pure entertainment? Seriously this book is smart, really fast paced (I didn't want to put it down) and gave me one of my favorite lines from a book I've ever read (I'm going to quote it often!). Kudos Kit, now hurry and write some more!

Author is exhibiting a fresh approach and hope more books are coming.

Cauley MacKinnon might just be the sexy, less jaded, Texan younger sister of Kinsey Millhone that we've all been hoping would show up as Sue Grafton's series winds its way through to Z. Kit Frazier's a talented newcomer with a sharp pen and intriguing setting far from the over-worked burbs and suburbs of New York and Los Angeles. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next one.

"Soldiering For Freedom" by Herman J. Obermayer.
Subtitled: "A GI's Account Of World War II.
Texas A& M University, Military History Series, 98. (2005).

This book is a personal memoir that is different from most. Herman J. Obermayer, at the age of eighteen, was drafted in June 1943. From his entry into the Army at the New Cumberland Army Reception Center, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania until his return from Europe to the United States on the ship, "Colby Victory", he wrote his parents. His last letter is dated March 30, 1946. These letters, collected during the war years, formed the foundation for this book. At first, I thought I would not like the format of printed edited versions of Obermayer's letters, but then, I found that the author has woven the letters into a sort of personal and contemporary commentary on the events that were occurring at the date of each letter. So, for example, you will find his letters from the College of William and Mary, where Obermayer trained in the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP), intertwined with a rather detailed explanation of the Army Specialized Training Program, its goals, and that the fact that some 150,000 GIs were assigned to some 222 colleges and universities as ASTP students, and, for completeness, a brief history of the College. Due to his high score on the Army General Classification Test, Herman Obermayer was initially assigned to ASTP, so the former Dartmouth student entitled this chapter as "Back To College As A Soldier".

Basic training, troopship crossings and awaiting combat are all dealt with in individual chapters, which, again, mix Obermayer's contemporary correspondence with succinct summaries of the status of the war in the European Theater of Operations, ETO. An interesting chapter deals with the war against the French, our nominal allies, who were robbing gasoline from the American pipelines. On pages 100-101, the author gives an incidence of the French actually sabotaging a train, resulting in the death of some 200 American soldiers. "Censorship kept the news of this event out of the U.S. press." Even today, the there is little written about it.

The author has provided B&W contemporary photos of himself, his friends and some of interesting events he describes in the book. Additionally, the author has prepared an interesting map, showing his World War II trek across the ETO, and then marking the places he visited, including Paris, the Riviera and Geneva, Switzerland, where he was a student after the end of hostilities. This is an interested and very detailed book.

Soldiering For Freedom, a collection of letters to his parents, describes what World War II was like for G.I.'s whose logistic support made possible the effectiveness and heroism of front-line combat troops. Obe was one of thousands who maintained and protected the pipe line that fueled the spectacular advances of Patton's Third Army. Well-written, a "good read"...his writing brings long overdue recognition to the unsung role of "back area" veterans. Obermayer is gifted with a seeing eye and a feeling heart. His vivid 1944-46 descriptions of France and Germany and his reactions to what he witnessed reminds us that French anti-Americanism was reciprocated by the average G.I., and that black marketeering and fuel theft was greatly responsible for prolonging the war.
This excellent book is a "coming of age" memoire of a patriotic Jewish G.I. from an affluent "Ivy League" background becoming a natural and inevitable part of the American community, that unique bonding of diverse citizens learning to work together sharing a love of country and flag.
These letters remind veterans of the daily "Mail Call's" ability to sustain family bonds in wartime...maintaining contact with the "real" world. Sixty years later in "Soldiering For Freedom" Obermayer wins his personal battle with Time by gathering up and preserving memory. history

Mr. Obermayer's book is an excellent read. The chapters feature a summary and then copies of Mr. Obermayer's letters to his family during World War II.

What makes Mr. Obermayer's story interesting is that he was a young man who didn't like the Army, but did his best to serve his country.

Every since the movie "Saving Private Ryan," and the book "The Greatest Generation," the public has viewed WWII veterans as people who were on a crusade. "Soldiering for Freedom" brings back the facts of 1940 military life we've forgotten. He describes:

* The hurry up and wait so common to military operations.
* The dependence on rumors for information and the concurrent frustration of not knowing what's happening.
* The forming and training and then re-forming and retraining. He goes through a dizzying number of programs and units: college based technical training, Combat Engineer battalion, Airborne Engineer battalion, a medic in a Fuel line detachment, and legal clerk.
* The senseless and unfair rules: officer only facilities of higher quality than the enlisted men were provided, censor ship of his mail, working for officers and noncommissioned officers who had less intellegent and/or education than him, etc.
* The resentment and lack of support from liberated French people for the war effort.

This is a part of the Army and the war that use to be shown in the television show "Sergeant Bilko" or the "Sad Sack" comic books--Civilians with an uneasy alliance to military life who often spent their time in uniform doing the best with what little the Army gave them.

Mr. Obermayer brings vividly alive a GI's life in the final years of World War II in Europe and the occupation that followed. But he also finds lessons in that period that inform us today-- especially his insights into the ongoing conflict between the United States and France that had fertile roots in 1944 and 1945.

I cannot praise Mr. Obermayer too highly. So much of what we think we know we learn from the media these days--and so much of what we think we know about World War II and 'the greatest generation'-- is so much hogwash. When we get discouraged at how things are going in Iraq or elsewhere these days, it is fascinating to learn how people--and our soldiers--really thought about things during the last years of "the good war." He is (and was--as a young man) a wonderful writer.

I read Darkness Peering after reading about it in the New York Times (one of that year's best mysteries). Her stunning writing in that novel led me to buy her short story collection. I must say that this collection really drew me in. They are the type of stories that lingered in my mind long after I'd read them. When I've experienced that before, I know the stories have affected me greatly. Will we be hearing more from Miss Blanchard in future? I hope so.

What a great book of stories! Again I marvel at Ms. Blanchard's gorgeous prose and deft sense of character! Encore!

I bought this on a whim over a year ago and finally got around to reading it. I must say I was impressed. Blanchard uses words as a painter uses colors and the result is often a strikingly vivid portrait, be it the overview of the environment we are entering or a wafer-thin slice of life. I found most of her characters to be refreshingly brash, usually fighting for their independence yet always under-equipped (whether they realize it or not). This is an excellent collection of short stories, right up there with Raymond Carver. Actually, her writing reminds me more of Thom Jones and Susan Minot. But Blanchard certainly has her own distinct voice, which I hope to be hearing more of.

After reading "Darkness Peering" and loving it, I ran out and picked up a copy of Blanchard's short story collection. I wasn't disappointed. I'm not a huge fan of short stories, but these grabbed me from page one. There is an emotional spine running through all the themes that makes them feel strangely connected and almost novel-like. Her early writing is eerie, darkly poetic and yet hopeful. I highly recommend this for anyone's library.

I bought this after reading Blanchard's novel, "Darkness Peering," and it is a fantastic collection of short, often disturbing, always challenging stories. I have no doubt in my mind that Alice Blanchard is a writer of great talent who will soon be a fixture among the great American writers of our time.

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (8/06)

It is a rare and brilliant find that captures a reader from the moment they open a book until long after the covers are closed. With an inscription that reads, `To small towns, where we learn life's big lessons' I was captivated before I had even reached the first page.

"Summer of Champions" takes the reader to the small town of Roswell, New Mexico in 1956 and the life of 11 year old Joe Don Miller. Inspired by his fifth grade homeroom teacher he is determined to become a champion over the summer by seeking excellence in all things as the ancient Greeks had done. For Joe Don excellence includes winning the All-Star Little League baseball team, helping his Mom, a widow since his dad's death in the Korean War, and winning the school spelling bee. As the novel opens it appears Joe Don is well on his way to becoming a champion. However, things soon happen which send Joe Don further and further away from his dream. As he struggles to find his way back, he learns life's hard lessons and emerges "a better man".

The novel powerfully portrays the complexity of relationships, the impact of events, and the struggle to see clearly when emotions take over. It is a powerful reminder that in life what is important is not always clear, and what seems clear is not always important.

A beautifully refreshing `coming of age' story, "Summer of Champions" takes the reader on a journey to the days when life seemed simpler, but the lessons felt harder. It is a novel that will move you to laughter, have you longing for redemption, and cheering for the champion within. With deeply rooted lessons on the true meaning of being a champion, it is an inspiration for adults and teens alike.

Mr. Connell has told his 5th Grade home class to work hard--to become champions. Joe Don idolizes Mr. Connell, and decides to follow the teacher's suggestion. So, as Dewey Johnson's SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS opens, in January 1956 in Roswell, New Mexico, Joe Don has made a good start. He presents his mom with a straight-A report card.

But don't be fooled. As Joe Don endeavors to meet his goal, he's no Mr. Goody Two-Shoes. Dewey Johnson sees to it that Joe Don does all the things a boy might between excelling in school and working a Saturday job. Joe Don wonders what girls are like, clowns in church, and tangles with his principal. He has a back yard fort, and two friends with whom he sneaks out after dark to hunt Martians.

Altogether, his life seems placid, punctuated only by bad knock-knock jokes, and kid angst--like will he make the Little League All-Stars, or will Janet Mitchum one day be his girl friend?

However, Joe Don's life isn't totally smooth. He barely remembers his father, who died in the Korean War. His mother makes little money. Then Mr. Connell does something horrible, and goes to jail. No one will quite talk about what happened, except to say that it involved some 6th Grade boys.

Believing these kids made up stories about Mr. Connell, Joe Don punches a couple of them in the nose. His grades slip, bullies make his life impossible, girls start chasing him, a good friend dies in a fire, and suddenly he's fighting with his mom. Overwhelmed, he decides he'll never be a champion. Then he receives a letter from Mr. Connell, with one more piece of advice about reaching that objective.

Anyone who has ever survived growing up will love Dewey Johnson's SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS. Johnson touches on feelings and needs that both boys--and girls--have as they leave childhood. Writing in the first person through Joe Don's eyes, Johnson catches moments to which everybody can relate: a first kiss, a narrow escape, a moment outsmarting mom, a moment in which mom outsmarts a kid.

SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS is also filled with incidents, language, and ideas that anyone will instantly recognize, if they reached their teens in the late 50s and early 60s . However the story will appeal to anyone who has lived through puberty, because in some ways, growing up in 1956 was no different than growing up at any other time. Today's kids may dodge different bullets, but they have the same feelings and needs their parents and grandparents had. That realization is the best message that SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS and Dewey Johnson leave on the book's last page.

Remember "Indian Burns", "Big Chief" writing tablets, and storing school supplies in cigar boxes? In the "Summer of Champions", Dewey Johnson reminds us of what life was like in a simpler time. Kids took responsibility for themselves, playing outside until their moms called them for dinner, and riding bikes all over town. His novel, set in the 50's, tells of people in a small town watching over each other. He shows how we are meant to live as a community. A great read for those who want to remember a less stressful time.
Sandia Ladies Bookclub

Set in Roswell, New Mexico in the 1950's, "Summer of Champions" takes a profound look at the idea of championship. Joe Don, the story's eleven-year-old hero is not into "profound". He is into baseball, and school, and girls, and aliens but not necessarily in that order. He is creative, funny and charming. His love of jokes and humor make him unforgettable.

The plot is filled with action, and daily life. It is beautifully written and brilliantly plotted.

If you don't mind laughing out loud while considering weighty issues, this is your cup of tea.

"Summer of Champions" is refreshing. Read just for the story, it is an entertaining look at the 1950's through the life of a young boy, his single mother and their friends. Read more deeply, it has spiritual guidance for dealing with the curves life throws, making moral decisions, the value of caring for one another, and the importance of community. A book with character and richness. When finished, you feel refreshed.

Description from the back of book:

Forbidden Territory

That was where Maddie Garret was leading him-not just through the wilds of Texas, but deep into the secret reaches of his heart. But could Texas Ranger Jonah Danhill, half Comanche and all lawman, accept the tragedy of his people's past and still embrace a joyful future spent in her arms?

Maddie knew that her last hope of rescuing her kidnapped sister lay with Jonah. Possessed by a passion for justice, though haunted by sorrows of his own, he was exactly what she needed-a man of strength, a man of courage, a man who could awaken the woman she was meant to be!

* I pretty much loved this book. My one & only complaint is that I thought there were too many bad guys to keep track of. It was hard remembering who was who & what their connection to Maddie was. I loved Maddie & Jonah but I found myself more drawn to Boone & I really wish he had a book of his own. The 3 of them together had me laughing so many times. What a fun book. Highly recommended.

This very enjoyable, quick and easy read is everything one loves in a historical Western tale!

Don't pass it up!

No one does dialogue better than carol finch. This book is no exception. Our alpha male (Jonah) meets Maddie when she barges into his room while he's (more or less) in a tub........She is running from bad guys and wants this texas ranger to help her. Right from the beginning they spar verbally. And Maddie is one heck of a woman. Definitely no shrinking violet in any way. If you're looking for a pulitzer plot, this isn't it. It's pretty much your typical bad guy-good guy western, but I've put it on my keeper shelf to re read just because the characters were so great and the dialogue so sharp and entertaining. This is a 'makes me smile' book......with characters with depth. I really liked it......

From the first page you are sucked into this adventure! When Maddie bursts into John Danhill's room and announces that he better not tell the two men chasing her that she is there. She then goes on to tell him that she got in his room because she told the clerk that she was his wife. From that point on you can't put the book down. It is a book with wonderful characters and good dialog between the characters. Maddie is quite a spitfire and he admires that about her. I also enjoyed the friendship between John and Boone. I would have given this more than 5 stars. It is a keeper on my shelf. I highly recommend it!! You won't be disappointed.

Jonah Danhill is half Comanche and all lawman. He is a member of the famed Texas Rangers.

Jonah has his bath interrupted when Maddie Garret bursts into his room claiming his protection and him as her husband.
Two men chasing her tell Jonah that she as stolen their money. Who to believe? Jonah is not a trusting man.

Maddie Garret is determined to save her sister, Christine, who has been kidnapped and solve the problem of her rustled cattle.

Jonah is determined to ditch Maddie as soon as they reach Fort Griffin. No way was he traveling any further west.
But intrigue and fascination bond Jonah to Maddie. Then they hit the trail together, each trying to push the other away. Until another incident.

Jonah tries to hire Kiowa Boone to take Maddie further west to her ranch, the Bar G. Then decides that he can't trust Maddie with Boone and they ride together.

Yup! they are being followed. Action packed and with a bit of humor from Boone as he understands Jonah's problem with the past and Maddie.

Maddie almost has her heart broken when she realizes the tragedy of Jonah's people and how it must have affected him.
Jonah is dumbfounded at Maddie's reaction.

Then he meets and learns of Maddie's two suitors, Wade Tipton and Avery Hansen and wonders how they are involved in her troubles.

Action, mystery and suspense with a bit of Boone's humor lead to a fascinating story. You get hooked from the very first page and begin to meet all of the characters.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED --M -- and definitely a keeper.