"Highly enjoyable, beautifully written story of love and friendship."

For two years, Jonathan Blair has mourned the deaths of his beloved wife and son. On his way to California, he stops by the Bendalin ranch to visit his best friend, Lawrence. He's not looking forward to seeing Lamar, Lawrence's cowardly brother, who left Lawrence for dead on the battlefield. Once he meets Eliza Kate, Lamar's daughter, he knows he's in trouble.

The attraction is mutual, but Eliza Kate is almost engaged, and Jonathan doesn't want another wife. Then Jonathan loses a horse race (on purpose) so that he can request a rematch, which gives him a good reason to remain in the Bendalin house longer.

As the rematch grows closer, Jonathan and Eliza Kate fall in love. She knows she wants to be his wife, but Jonathan can't help feeling he should leave before he brings any more tragedy into her life. Once he realizes he can't live without her, Jonathan returns to the ranch until the race.

After spending the night in each other's arms, Jonathan and Eliza Kate decide to marry but not mention it until after the race. However, the outcome of the race brings financial ruin to Lamar. Jonathan then comes up with a plan to save the ranch and also make Eliza Kate his wife.

In this highly enjoyable read, Ms. Conn has written a beautiful story of love and friendship. I took an instant dislike to the villains and cheered when they got their due.

Reviewed by Tammie Ard
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted December 10, 2003