Salt of the Earth

This is the second in a series of books about the Marshall men of North Carolina. The first book, "A Very Special Favor" was about the oldest son, Adam. This one is about the youngest, Tag, who is the only one in the family not interested in the law or banking. Actually he's not really sure what he's interested in or who until he takes a trip to the family's ranch in Texas purchased for a tax write off. He doesn't make a good impression on the girl at the feed store who certainly catches his eye. The rumor is that he's been sent to Texas by his unhappy father as punishment for living the life of a playboy and not settling down. True, his father isn't happy with his lack of a commitment to anything or anyone but the choice to come to Texas was all Tag's. He just needed to get away and think about what to do with his life. When he met Julie at the feed store, there was an instant attraction for both of them. Tag didn't waste any time trying to get to know Julie, but she wasn't as thrilled because she believed the rumors and wanted no part of that kind of man. The story is touching and heartfelt with Tag's frustration at Julie's negative feelings at times and certainly tugs at the heart when Julie goes to her parents' graves at the end looking for answers. I especially liked it when Tag and Julie went back to North Carolina to meet the family. I can't wait to read the final book in this series about the middle brother, James, called "The Letter Of the Law."