A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?
Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.
Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.
When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is she villain or victim?
Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.
Review
Whenever I get a novel by Karen Witemeyer I know I’m in for a treat. Here’s why:
What I liked:
Stone. I do not want to give it away, but somehow Ms. Witemeyer is able to make westerns come alive in her character of Stone (and some other men). I just loved the story surrounding Stone. It just brought the novel to an extra layer of cuteness.
Charlotte. She’s a heroine who has a hard time trusting others. Usually, this kind of heroine rushes around doing things that are not helpful, they don’t take advice, they don’t listen, they jump to conclusions. Not Charlotte. She may not trust easily, but she’s not idiotic and I loved her for it.
The romance. Stone and Charlotte are a bit older than the usual hero and heroine (think late 20s, mid 30s) and so there was a level of maturity to their relationship. But I enjoyed every minute of it.
The children. Generally speaking, I’m not a fan of children in books. It’s not that I don’t like children, it’s just that they sometimes aren’t utilized well. They’re utilized well here. I loved the children and found them to be an added bonus to the story.
Spiritually, the characters pray often, asking God for wisdom. There’s a lovely theme that if God gives us a gift, we have to cultivate it; standing on the promises of God; and trusting in God and not being in fear.
What I didn’t like:
There is nothing that I didn’t like about this novel. But if I compare it to my favorite novel by Karen Witemeyer (To Win Her Heart), it does not come out on top. I think the problem is that it’s cute, it’s light, it’s fluffy and it’s fun. Nothing wrong with that, but it just doesn’t stick with me as much.
Romantic Scale: 8
Overall, so cute. Read it!
**I received a copy from BethanyHouse. My opinion was not affected in any way.**
remaininhislove 