A Texan's Honor

I love historical novels that are part of a series. What a great treat when you find an author that you enjoy and discover that he/she has a series of books based on characters that float in and out of previous books. The Cowboys series is an example of such a wonderful find. I've only read two books in the series, but as I'm reading them and new characters are introduced, I find myself wondering if the new character will be featured in an up-coming book. The most appealing part of these books for me (aside from the romance part) is that the female characters are strong, independent women. Even if the romance was removed...the story is still engaging. I would recommend the Cowboy Series to anyone who enjoys historical romance fiction---especially those readers who enjoy an Old West/frontier setting.

I loved this book, good story line, I loved Brent and Emily. They were good for each other, Brent kept surprising her at every turn. Emily thought him to be a "greenhorn", not knowing that he was from Texas. I loved it, it was great.

A TEXAN'S HONOR continues "The Cowboys Series" with author Leigh Greenwood introducing his readers to another one of Jake and Isabelle Maxwell's motley crew of orphans. To his credit, the author does manage to write this novel as a "stand alone" story and although, Greenwood does allow some Maxwell family history to flow, he does not drown a "new" reader - "family" control is at a premium. Bret Nolan was born and was raised a proud Texan. His mother had married out of her class and when she died, Bret was a child. A small child who hadn't done anything wrong, but a child no one wanted. His boyhood turned into manhood and Bret finally went to Boston to confront his mother's family, the family who had turned their backs on him. Now, he would prove them wrong; Bret Nolan was worth wanting. For six long years, he slaved behind a Boston desk, trying to impress, trying to be accepted. Finally, he had his chance. His mission: bring Texan heiress Emily Abercrombie to Boston. The conditions: if he failed, stay in Texas! Emily Abercrombie grew up surrounded by love, friends, and acceptance. She had been rich all her life and she had no idea what it was like to be poor and unwanted. Yet, for the first time, Emily faced uncertainty. Her father was dying. With time running out, her loving frail parent wanted her to find a husband, someone who would take care of her. However, Emily wanted love not guardianship; she wanted someone who wanted more than her inheritance! Two very different people, yet two people who were very attracted to each other. Whenever Emily was near, Bret lost control; for the first time in his life someone truly understood him, someone truly needed him. Yet, Emily would never go to Boston and Bret knew he was not the kind of a husband she needed. She was a rich, privileged heiress and he was a poor man with a past. Bret offered Emily support and he made her feel safe. Yet, at the same time, he made her feel guilty for having had an easy life. Emily knew Bret was unsatisfied with his life in Boston, but was he so unsatisfied to remain in Texas? Comments: Author Leigh Greenwood writes a gentle romance, set in 1881 Texas. His character buildup is satisfying and his description skills are remarkable. Emily Abercrombie comes through the pages as a bright, unspoiled heroine and Bret Nolan is the essential romance fantasy. However, A TEXAN'S HONOR does have one large annoying problem: the characters engage in long sessions of self-debate. Leigh Greenwood has the golden gift of storytelling; his story didn't need lengthy pages of character self-doubt. Grade: B- MaryGrace Meloche. Reviewed for Romance Designs. This review is based on an Advanced Reading Copy.

In 1881 Bret Nolan left Texas over six years ago to work in his family's shipping firm Abbott & Abercrombie in Boston. He enjoys the eastern big city, but at times misses the wide open spaces of back home. His odious Uncle Silas Abbott who treats Bret with contempt for being a Texan assigns him with a key task. Apparently, dying Samuel Abercrombie, who lives in Texas, inherited twenty-five per cent of the company's stock last year; he wants his daughter to move to Boston. Silas and his partner Samuel's brother Ezra order Bret to escort his niece Emily to Boston so she does not marry some wild cowboy. Bret agrees as it gives him a reason to return to Texas even for a short respite before returning to Massachusetts. In Texas, Bret realizes how much Emily enjoys her ranch, but still they agree for her to see her father. However, Bret, who admires the courageous young woman, worries about her safety when he learns someone is rustling her cattle. He asks his two brothers to help stop the thieves while he hopes to prove to Emily how much he loves her. A TEXAN'S HONOR is a delightful Texas historical romance starring two likable protagonists who to the readers' pleasure and to the chagrin of Uncles Silas and Ezra (clever first names for this avarice pair) fall in love. The story line is fast-paced and filled with Cowboy- style action. However it is the cast that brings late nineteenth century Western cattle country Texas vividly to life, a trademark of a Leigh Greenwood westerner. Harriet Klausner