"Fine contemporary ranch romance"

Following her divorce Kayla Price, accompanied by her eight years old daughter Megan and her dad master winemaker Boyd, leaves Oregon to return to her hometown of Homestead, Texas because she sees a chance for a better life for her asthmatic child. The dying town is using the innovative Home Free program that provides people with a plot of land to get new and former residents to settle there. Kayla plans to open up the Stony Hill Vineyard here.

Though the incident that shaped him happened years ago, rancher Ethan Ritter still feels guilt for his part in Angela's death. Somewhat to ameliorate his disdain of himself he establishes a special riding program aimed at handicapped children. Kayla wants her daughter to join, but fears for Megan's health from the dust. Megan wants to join and own a horse. As Ethan and Kayla fall in love, they find in common their need to help others and each other. She assists him with his dark feelings and he tries to ferret out who is sabotaging her vineyard to the point of harming Megan.

Though the assaults add unnecessary suspense (the economics of a new business that will take three years for the vines to grow is a stronger showstopper), fans will appreciate the efforts of two adults trying to overcome an adversary while hoping to forge a loving relationship when neither originally wanted that. Kayla and Ethan are nice people struggling with an undesired attraction as their pasts haunt each. Her father and daughter and his elderly ranch hand pal enhance understanding of the demons that bite at the lead couple. Fans of contemporary ranch romances will want to read the latest visit to the misnamed Loveless County.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted October 15, 2005