It's great that these 3 books have been combined into an omnibus: one or more are often hard to find.
TEXAS DESTINY: (4.5 STARS) This takes place soon after the War Between the States.
A soul-weary, ex-Civil War soldier travels to Fort Worth to collect his brother's mail-order bride. Dallas, the intended groom, has broken his leg and cannot travel. Thus, he sends his hideously disfigured brother, Houston, to meet her train.
West Texas has probably 500 men for each woman. However, Dallas feels safe sending Houston because folks can't stand to look at Houston's face (he lost an eye, etc).
Amelia, the bride, is eager to escape war-ravaged Georgia and has corresponded with Dallas for a time -- before travelling to Texas.
TEXAS GLORY: (5 STARS) Dallas Leigh has built his ranch empire, plus created a new town in West Texas. However, he has a problem -- he wants a son. West Texas offers few LADIES of marriageable age.
Dallas also has a problem with some rancher-enemies -- the McQueens. It turns out that they have a daughter and Dallas has the water the McQueens need for their cattle.
Problem solved, right? What a silly thought.
Cordelia McQueen turns out to be a lovely woman who has been kept inside the family home for years -- to "protect" her. She has also been served up large portions of hateful comments about the Leigh family - particularly Dallas. Finally, Cordelia's father has promised her that she would never have to marry!
When the McQueen patriarch "gives" his daughter for water rights to his worst enemy -- we have the makings of a great story!
This is an emotionally-intense book. Bring your hankie! A superb read!
TEXAS SPLENDOR: (3 STARS) The book begins with Austin emerging from a 5 year stint for murder -- for killing Boyd McQueen (brother to Dallas' wife).
First, he goes back home and realizes that things have changed. Becky, the girl he loves, has married his best friend. People whisper that he is a murderer and shun him.
Seeing his life in tatters, Austin leaves home and decides to prove his innocence.
Thus begins a tale that I felt had too many incredulous aspects. I don't care to spoil the story and will stop here.
Don't get me wrong; I'm glad to have read this book (I particularly like that previous characters continued to make a difference in this book). But some parts were too convenient or "off-the-wall" unlikely.
TEXAS DESTINY: (4.5 STARS) This takes place soon after the War Between the States.
A soul-weary, ex-Civil War soldier travels to Fort Worth to collect his brother's mail-order bride. Dallas, the intended groom, has broken his leg and cannot travel. Thus, he sends his hideously disfigured brother, Houston, to meet her train.
West Texas has probably 500 men for each woman. However, Dallas feels safe sending Houston because folks can't stand to look at Houston's face (he lost an eye, etc).
Amelia, the bride, is eager to escape war-ravaged Georgia and has corresponded with Dallas for a time -- before travelling to Texas.
TEXAS GLORY: (5 STARS) Dallas Leigh has built his ranch empire, plus created a new town in West Texas. However, he has a problem -- he wants a son. West Texas offers few LADIES of marriageable age.
Dallas also has a problem with some rancher-enemies -- the McQueens. It turns out that they have a daughter and Dallas has the water the McQueens need for their cattle.
Problem solved, right? What a silly thought.
Cordelia McQueen turns out to be a lovely woman who has been kept inside the family home for years -- to "protect" her. She has also been served up large portions of hateful comments about the Leigh family - particularly Dallas. Finally, Cordelia's father has promised her that she would never have to marry!
When the McQueen patriarch "gives" his daughter for water rights to his worst enemy -- we have the makings of a great story!
This is an emotionally-intense book. Bring your hankie! A superb read!
TEXAS SPLENDOR: (3 STARS) The book begins with Austin emerging from a 5 year stint for murder -- for killing Boyd McQueen (brother to Dallas' wife).
First, he goes back home and realizes that things have changed. Becky, the girl he loves, has married his best friend. People whisper that he is a murderer and shun him.
Seeing his life in tatters, Austin leaves home and decides to prove his innocence.
Thus begins a tale that I felt had too many incredulous aspects. I don't care to spoil the story and will stop here.
Don't get me wrong; I'm glad to have read this book (I particularly like that previous characters continued to make a difference in this book). But some parts were too convenient or "off-the-wall" unlikely.
