Living under the name of Selma Nelson after running away
from her
husband, Sam Dunaway, Celine Boudreau has made a new life
for herself as a
dressmaker and owner of a dry goods store in Kenton Valley,
Texas. Her
wretched and secret past has caused her to take flight to
protect the husband
she loves from embarrassment after an acquaintance threatens
to reveal her
past. His reputation as a U.S. Marshall in Austin, Texas
dictates the
protection of her husband.
Awaiting trial of an outlaw who killed the Sheriff Tate's
first wife and unborn
child, the Marshall showing up to help conduct the trial is
none other than the
man Celine has run from. Heading to the Sheriff's farm to
help his wife and
her friend, Starling Tate, Celine gets more than just
evading her estranged
husband, but delivers a baby and uses her wit to save the
innocents as she
plots against the outlaws holding them all hostage in return
for the release of
their fellow outlaw. Never learning the reason for his
wife's secret and sudden
departure, along with all his savings, Sam is intent on
arresting her when he
finishes his current assignment. Showing her strength and
acute mind in a
crisis, Celine shows this husband exactly what she's made of
and what he'll be
giving up.
If it's excitement you like, this is the story for you.
Celine is one courageous
woman in hard times, making her way in a world of hard men
and huge
obstacles. Thinking he hates Celine after what she has done
to him, he still
has to admit his undying love for this runaway and lying
wife. This story has a
wonderful weave that kept me completely engrossed to the
very end. I
thorough enjoyed MASTERING THE MARSAHL. Marie-Nicole Ryan
has an abundance of creativity in not
only her characters, but also in the plot. Even though I
have never read any of
this author's works, I will do so in the future.
When U.S. Deputy Marshal Sam Dunaway arrives in Kenton
Valley, Texas, for a murder trial, the last thing he expects
is to run into his late wife Celine. The one who supposedly
died in a boarding house fire shortly after she ran off with
his life savings.
Despite her Plain Jane disguise, Sam isn’t fooled. As soon
as his business with the trial is finished, the woman who
broke his heart will pay.
Three years ago, Celine had good reason to use Sam’s money
to go into hiding—and it’s a secret she must still keep,
even if it means certain arrest and imprisonment. Because
coming clean risks crushing rejection.
In spite of themselves, the embers of love roar into a
passionate inferno, leaving Sam with a hell of a choice. To
stick to his principles…or follow his heart.
Warning: This story contains a woman with a sewing basket
full of secrets, and a highly pissed-off U.S. Marshal who
wants her dead or alive—though alive is better. Just sayin’.