The people of Martin's Crossing, Texas, are shocked when a
schoolgirl is hit by a car. Oregon Jeffries is the mother
of young Lily, and the townsfolk help her get her daughter
to hospital. Duke Martin, who owns a welcoming grill
place
across the road, is early on the scene and insists on
taking Oregon, who is distressed. So it's in the hospital
that Duke learns he is Lily's father.
THE RANCHER TAKES A BRIDE continues as Duke comes to terms
with the consequences of his youthful indiscretions a
dozen
years ago. Consequences more for Oregon than for him,
obviously. Duke went off to the army and served in
Afghanistan, then drank heavily for a while - he's had
plenty on his mind. The ranch he and his brother now own
has a dilapidated house which he's doing up gradually, but
he lives in a small cottage with no stairs. Just right for
a kid with a broken leg. Duke decides to put this cottage
at Lily and Oregon's disposal.
Lily is furious when she finds out that the truth has been
kept from her. But Oregon wasn't sure that Duke was a good
man when he returned from the army. She thought it might
do
more harm than good to open her mouth, and concentrated on
selling her handmade clothing. Duke has since straightened
out and got on with life - it's just lucky for everyone
that no further family complications occurred. But where
do they go from here?
Amusingly I could see Duke suddenly becoming less
lackadaisical and more responsible now he has a girl to
consider. Like, should he buy her a horse or would that be
trying to buy her affection? Who is that wandering
homeless
guy in town that nobody minded previously? While Oregon
has
other issues that explain why she wanted to live near
Lily's father - just in case. I liked the characters in
this book and saw the town filled with friendships and
families.
THE RANCHER TAKES A BRIDE is second in the Martin's
Crossing series by Brenda Minton, who has written
great
historical and contemporary romances set in Texas. She
sets
the scene for us with barbecue food and a kindly welcome
so
we feel we could step into the town. The drama is personal
in nature and as this is an inspirational tale, the
characters also reflect on the lessons of the scriptures
and whether God is helping them to lead good lives. This
is one for modern romance fans who think there is more to
love than bed-hopping.
Duke Martin is a father! The former army medic is stunned
when old love Oregon Jeffries tells him the news. Given
his troubled past, the hardworking rancher and diner owner
understands why Oregon kept his daughter a secret for
twelve years. But now Duke desperately wants to make up
for lost time. As he sets out to be a true father to
Lilly, he soon realizes his feelings for Oregon are
growing stronger. When Oregon's health falters, he's ready
to care for her and prove that he's worthy of her love.
Could this be Duke's second chance with the woman he never
should have let get away?
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