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Monday, February 29, 2016

"on lone star trail" by amanda cabot

Amanda Cabot's gently romantic Texas Crossroads series wraps up with On Lone Star Trail.

A woman without a future. A man running from the past.
One enchanting place where broken dreams are mended.

If there's one thing Gillian Hodge never wants to see again, it's a man on a motorcycle. Her last encounter with one left her right hand crushed, ending her promising career as a concert pianist. Unsure about the next phase in her life, she heads to Rainbow's End Resort for some R&R when a sudden thunderstorm causes a motorcycle to crash right in front of her.

When TJ Benjamin's wife died, he lost more than his best friend; he lost his faith. He has spent the past year wandering the country on his motorcycle, trying not to think about the future. When he finds himself stranded with a busted bike and a reluctant rescuer, he has to wonder about God's sense of humor.

As these broken people collide, they find that a bright future is still ahead--it just might not be the one they imagined for themselves.

On Lone Star Trail is a fitting conclusion to Cabot's series. The book functions well as a stand-alone title (as do the others in the series), so you could easily pick it up without having first read At Bluebonnet Lake or In Firefly Valley.

Both Gillian and TJ are facing the loss of their dreams when they arrive at Rainbow's End Resort. Throughout the novel, they finally come to terms with those losses and get to the point of moving on. I really enjoyed watching their journeys, both together and separately. And, as has been a hallmark of this series, the characters—both main and supporting—are so strong, likable, and intriguing.

One thing that I've enjoyed about this series (and it's especially apparent in this novel) is that Cabot doesn't find it necessary to throw in over the top villains or ridiculous situations to keep the hero and heroine apart. Sure, they face difficulties, but everything feels realistic. In the case of On Lone Star Trail, Gillian has to choose between two suitors, and both are good men and would be good husbands. Neither is a dolt or selfish or mean. So while the reader never really doubts which one Gillian will choose, the other choice would be understandable. (The Hallmark Channel could take notes from Cabot in this regard!)

Overall, On Lone Star Trail is an engaging, character-driven romance, perfect for those who want romance without suspense or drama. 4 stars.

Buy the novel.
Read my reviews of Cabot's At Bluebonnet Lake (3-1/2 stars) and In Firefly Valley (4-1/2 stars).

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, Christmas Roses, At Bluebonnet Lake, and In Firefly Valley. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

2 comments:

  1. Becky -- Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review my book. I'm so glad you enjoyed Gillian and TJ's story. Thanks for sharing your opinions!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Amanda! I've really enjoyed this series!

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