Audrey Sheridan and her brother were left on their own by the time she was seventeen. The only support group they had was the good people of Defiance. But the big problem was that group was diminishing daily as the town slowly died. Towns die from neglect but this town was dying in the face of violence that seemed unaffected by the presence of the sheriff. Audrey was becoming increasingly aware that the sheriff was actually the catalyst for much of the violence that roamed the streets and was basically creating a ghost town. But Audrey had no choice but to stay put. As fate would have it she now found herself fostering several children with demons of their own. Knowing her Achilles heel the sheriff decides to use her as a pawn in his dealings with sheep rancher Julian McCaid. There has always been a range battle between those that keep cattle versus sheep and the sheriff is not above using that angst to his advantage. So in order to keep out of jail Audrey is sent to the McCaid ranch as a cook but her real task is to keep Julian distracted so the road would be clear for the sheriff's plans. What the sheriff didn't count on was a growing attraction between Audrey and Julian. Once Audrey begins to realize how truly desperate her situation is she sees her only salvation in escaping not only the ranch but Defiance. But with her children's safety at risk she has no choice but follow the path set in motion which will leave her totally compromised as a good woman in the eyes of her friends, the townspeople and most destructively Julian. As much as he is attracted to Audrey, Julian just can't seem to get to trust her although time and time again she displays her worth to his ranch. He knows in his gut she is playing some game but he has no idea of the price she will pay if she loses. Neither one is likely to show their hands. So the big question is who will ultimately win in this game where the losing is unfathomable.

No need to mince words -- Elaine Levine is a find. Categorizing AUDREY AND THE MAVERICK as a western just doesn't do it justice. A bright, intelligent and insightful look at rough times in America where people survived by defying the odds and those with guts and determination reached unimagined levels of success. Don't expect to get anything else done once you begin this book and expect to feel remiss when it's done. But keep your spirits high -- there is to be another installment in the saga about the town of Defiance. This book should be on everyone's short list. Enjoy.