The Tender Texan

I really enjoyed this book! Since others have already given a synopsis of the story, I'll just say that I thought the main characters were well-developed and the plot was plausible. I loved the fact that the author made BOTH characters young for a change, as so many make the male 10+ years older than the female. You felt like these two were truly reaching adulthood and growing together. Chance Wyatt was tough out of necessity, but sweet by nature. Anna Meyer was conditioned to be guarded because of such a horrid upbringing, yet ultimately willing to trust her heart (after much struggle with her mind) when love came calling. You could really feel each character's desire to belong--to have love and a family and a place to call home. I thought it was especially nice the way the author brought secondary characters into play as "extended family." You could just picture everyone growing closer an forming life-long friendships as they settled down and worked their land together. I recommend this one!

The Tender Texan is an excellent historical romance that starts with the German immigrants arrival in Galveston, Texas, and their travels to claim land in Fredericksburg. When Anna arrives in Galveston, after losing her cruel husband during the passage to America, she realizes that she will be unable to claim land as a widow. Wanting nothing more than a home and land of her own, but realizing a woman won't be given land at the settlement, she must find a husband - and fast! Holding her head high, she walks in the middle of a campsite full of rough Texans and offers to pay $100 to any man that will be her husband in name only for one year, until she can gain the land... with a promise to leave after the year is up. Only one man is willing to take Anna up on the offer... and for the next twelve months the tension these two create when they are near each other is bound to keep anyone glued to the pages of this book! There are many more conflicts that keep things interesting... such as the reason Anna fears all men, the conflicts of her past, the name Chance keeps calling in his sleep, and the reason he's seeking revenge, along with many other daily factors that continue to build up in their one year long relationship. There isn't a dull moment in this story. I would have given it five stars except for the words Chance whispers in Anna's ears of love. These words are a little too flowery, and they just don't fit the character, in my opinion. Otherwise, its the perfect historical love story, with a Texan flare.There are little things that hint to a future book, as some major details are never resolved, and one villain continues to roam free from his sins.