Hey who doesn't love a strong cowboy. Donna Alward knows that characters need a strong backbone. In THE TEXAN'S BABY Alward combines strength with caring an enviable combination. Alward gives her characters lovable personalities so that you can't help feel their angst. Joyous dialog and unerring humor complete the package.

So the saga of the Baron family commences. We caught a glimpse of this powerful wealthy oil, ranching, rodeo family in the first of this series which was actually a prequel. Dominated by an at times harsh and demanding father, Brock, this family grew, prospered and weathered problems along the way. The first Mrs. Baron Delia left town. Really that's what she did -- left a note and said she couldn't stay any longer. Of course it probably was a lot more complex than that but so far that's what we are led to believe.

After three marriages there are several more siblings added to the Baron bunch. All raised to believe in hard work and excelling in what you do. Each child has somehow found their own niche, not always with their father's approval but there's no denying that for the oldest siblings their psyche was clearly affected by the abrupt department of their mother. Some form of angst has a firm grip on their feelings of worth and colors their choices in life.

As the oldest Elizabeth also known as Lizzie grew up quickly after Delia's departure. She was good at her job at Baron Enterprises but continually felt that she had to prove herself to the good old boys on the board. Just being Brock's daughter didn't smooth the path -- that was hers to conquer. But living life for the corporation didn't leave much time for a social life so when the opportunity showed itself Lizzie decided to have fun for a change. A one night stand was definitely a departure for someone who lives with plans, deadlines and responsibilities. Well wouldn't you know thanks to a faulty condom Lizzie's well-ordered life is now going to face challenges.

First Lizzie decides to find the man who inspired her to let her hair down. Chris Miller turns out to be quite more than just a rodeo bronco rider and candidly surprises Lizzie with his welcome. Then she drops the bomb and still this man keeps surprising her. Chris is of course dumb founded but Lizzie is far more concerned about her family's than this stranger.

But here's where the fun begins. Watching Lizzie maneuver around the truth is captivating. She even manages to get Chris to support her efforts to gently expose her condition especially to her family whose faith in her would be greatly shaken.

Brock is hampered by injuries from senior rodeo event. But nothing will stop Brock from armchair quarterbacking his family. He doesn't understand the concept of relaxing. Right now he is focused on the person temporarily at the helm of his corporation -- none other than Lizzie.

Poor Lizzie is filled with doubts but strangely her source of support is Chris.

The Baron's are risk takers. The stakes are high but they are up for the task.

Donna Alward does a masterful job setting the stage for this series by creatively segueing the story line to include a hidden agenda -- finding Delia. Brilliant. In THE TEXAN'S BABY we begin to see the direction Alward is taking to develop a spunky group of high achieving risk takers that are missing an important piece of their lives. To find love you have to open your heart and mind and learn how to trust. THE TEXAN'S BABY is all about letting your heart rule your head -- don't overthink -- enjoy and embrace the opportunity.