TEXAS PRINCESS

Author: Jodi Thomas ISBN: 0425218252 11/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: BERKLEY
Time Period: Victorian, 1855 Texas

Hiding out from her fiance in her father's barn, Liberty Mayfield can't deny that she made the biggest mistake of her life when she agreed to marry ruthless Captain Samuel Buchanan. If only she could find a way to stop the wedding without risking her father's life... Ever since he defended the Whispering Mountain Ranch as a boy, Tobin McMurray vowed to steer clear of outsiders. But something about Liberty Mayfield makes it impossible to keep his distance. Every minute spent with the vulnerable beauty leaves him hungering for something he swore he'd never have: a wife and a family. Unfortunately, the woman who has ignited his desire is about to marry another man...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

TEXAS PRINCESS tells a story of families, love and commitment. Tobin and Liberty each have reasons for not wanting to become emotionally tangled with anyone, but their hearts-and bodies-aren't listening. It's too bad that Libby is promised to another man. When her father devises a plan that will keep her safe and not force her to marry a man she doesn't love, Tobin finds himself thrown close to this tantalizing young woman. He's managed to stay clear of outsiders for years, but that time has come to an end.

This is the first of Jodi Thomas' books that I've read, but I can promise it won't be the last. Libby and Tobin's story is intricate and well written, as warm and wonderful as any good book could ever be. I loved the way Tobin begins with an almost icy heart and slowly thaws. His first foray from the ranch in search of medicine shows the lengths he'll go to in order to stave off contact with almost anyone not related to him. And given his past, I couldn't blame him, not one bit. It is heartwarming to see his transformation.

Jodi Thomas has given us Western historical romance at its very best, with fluid dialogue, characters that leap from the pages and a story that kept me riveted from beginning to end. Good guys, bad guys and women with creamy complexions and nerves of steel satisfy every craving of this romance reader. TEXAS PRINCESS is a treasure, and Jodi Thomas has a new fan!

Kay James