Pioneer and early western women were an intriguing breed
unto themselves. It is quite clear that without these women
the development of the ranches would have suffered. Having
said that, it is also true that these
industrious women lived with a pallor hanging over their
heads -- they were literally at the mercy of men (brothers,
uncles, fathers, and of course husbands). If they managed to
survive the elements and the
dangers posed by the Indians these women faced home grown
violence and worse.
Bethanie was faced with a most
difficult and impulsive decision. Stay in the home of her
lecherous uncle or take off for parts unknown with a
stranger -- albeit an exceptionally handsome stranger who
had won her trust in just days. Josh was heading back to
his ranch to assist his brother Ben who was increasingly
worried over suspicious events involving neighboring
ranches. Although rather protected nestled within mountains,
Ben was uneasy. Even with a slew of ranch hands, he still
lost cattle at an alarming rate. Indian raids were
prevalent and so the safety of everyone on the ranch was of
concern. Bringing Bethanie, her aunt, and cousin along on
this trip was the last thing Josh planned on but with the
recent events at home and the escalating danger to Bethanie
there was no choice.
There was no way Josh was going to
leave Bethanie behind after witnessing her uncle's
disregard for this young woman supposedly under his
protection. Not only was Josh drawn to this beautiful woman
but he recognized her as the daughter of an angel who
nursed him back to health as a soldier. Fate had somehow
brought them back together. Their trip to the Weston Ranch
only served to bring them closer and by the time they
arrived their lives were destined to be intertwined. But
they find that everything changes due to circumstances that
are beyond their control. For Bethanie, Ben, and Josh life
was going to prove to be complicated beyond belief. It was a
good thing that Bethanie was a strong minded woman with
compassion and intelligence. These strengths were going to
be put to the test.
Jodi Thomas managed quite creatively to follow the life of
a woman who embodied all the characteristics of a survivor
and yet still made her compassionate and vulnerable - quite
a dichotomy. This is a story rich in details that draws you
in from the first page and manages to create quite a few
surprises along the way.
Texas Ranger Josh Weston is a complete stranger to
Bethanie Lane, and her only chance to escape from her
uncle’s grasp. Without hesitating, she strikes a deal with
the rugged lawman to take her with him when he leaves San
Antonio. And on the journey to his family’s ranch near
Fort Worth, they forge a bond as powerful as it is
unexpected.
When Bethanie’s dream of a future with Josh falls apart,
she’s forced to make a harrowing choice. Yet through every
danger and revelation, one thing remains—a love worth
living and dying for…
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