Give Me A Texas Ranger-Jodi Thomas, Linda Broday, Phyliss Miranda and DeWanna Pace

Give Me A Texas Ranger
Jodi Thomas, Linda Broday, Phyliss Miranda and DeWanna Pace
Zebra, Jul 1 2010, $6.99
ISBN: 9781420111743

“The Ranger’s Angel” by Jodi Thomas. In 1870, former Army nurse Annaline Barkley comes from DC to assist her brother the physician with his practice. However she and three men are trapped inside a stagecoach station surrounded by Randolph Thorn and his gang. She persuades Ranger Wynn McCord to take her with him as he flees into the night seeking to find help. ZSuoerbstorytelling

“Undertaking Texas” by Linda Broday. In 1883 Ranger Stoney Burke arrives in Devils Creek where his best friend’s widow Texanna Wilder raises her six years old son while struggling with the demands of her odious late husband’s half brother Marcus LaRoach. Marcus demands Texanna marry him so she will give him the undertaker/barber shop business she runs. Stoney intercedes on her behalf out of his respect for the late Sam. A gret romance

“One Woman One Ranger” by Phyliss Miranda. In 1881 suspended Ranger Hayden McGrew arrives in Buffalo Springs seeking a new copy of his orders that he will pick up at Molly Louis Tavern. When a lynch mob goes after Ella Patience Stevenson, Hayden intercedes insisting she is his wife. Justice of the Peace Scott makes them sign as married in the register as required by the law; which means they are married. Soon he gets involved with stopping a bootlegging operation that endangers his wife. Exciting!

“The Perfect Match” by DeWanna Pace. In 1896 El Paso, like all the Rangers, Thomas Longbow is assigned to prevent the boxing match between Pete Maher and Bob Fitzsimmons. Thomas notices Pete sneak into town stopping at the leather wares shop. Pete orders from owner Laney O’Grady customized boxing gloves as his trainer lost his. Thomas believes Laney knows where the fight is going to take place so he tries to coax it out of her. Refreshing and enjoyable short story

As with the previous Give Me A Texan anthology, these are four enjoyable post Civil War nineteenth century Texas romances starring strong lead characters and solid settings.

Harriet Klausner