"Exciting western romance"

In 1855 Texas, Walks in Shadow rages over his sister Bubbling Water's abduction and rape by a white. Following her death due to measles, he raised his infant nephew Little Spring for awhile. However, he keeps his deathbed promise to Bubbling Water, who reminded him he was born white; he gives the infant to the Timberlake family who took in his sister following the rape, but vows to come back one day for the child.

Five years later, Holden Walker arrives at the Timberlake Ranch albeit to tame a wild stallion, but more to see how his nephew Little Spring, now called, Guy, is doing. Samantha Timberlake and Holden are immediately attracted to one another and she realizes how good he is with horses and with her "brother". She needs a husband to fulfill a stipulation in her late father's will or the bank will select her spouse for her and they have a rich candidate in mind. The banker cares not for Samantha's desires only to fulfill Hiram's concern over the safety of a single woman in Texas. Will Holden fill the bill or will he walk away into the shadows?

This exciting western romance will thrill sub-genre fans as Holden struggles between his love for Samantha (and her need of a husband) and Guy in opposition to his obsession to avenge his sister's rape and death. The lead couple rules the story line as the independent Samantha wants to keep her freedom just like the special horse that she hopes Holden can tame without breaking the steed's spirit. Though the villains pale next to the dynamic lead, Joyce Henderson provides a strong tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 26, 2005