An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray

I've been a woman on the go lately!  So many appointments with the kids where I have plenty of time in car rides and offices for reading, which is a good thing.  I was in a rush and and asked my son to choose a book from my stack.  He brought me this one:

According to  my son there is no guy making "cow eyes" at the lady and there is a solider in it so it probably has "more action than kisses".  Life with a nine year old to keep me on the straight and narrow is always fun.  From the back:  Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.

The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.

When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.

Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.

But when cattle start dying and Laurel’s life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom—he needs her love and care too.

Sooo the good news is that my son didn't read the book or he may have changed his mind.  Let me state that I really love a good romance interwoven into a really good story line.  this book fits the bill. A rich story line and beautiful historical detail.  The way Ms. Gray uses her descriptions you feel as if you are right there in the story walking beside the characters.

Christianity is woven through the tapestry of the storyline and the characters with all their flaws that make them seem so real.  I love it when authors nail this aspect.  It really makes the book so much better.

Thomas and Laurel are a wonderful match.  Their romance builds throughout the story.  It isn't rushed.  The way we see them grow throughout the book, the suspense, and an altogether beautiful story kept me coming back for more.

So pick up your copy of An Uncommon Protector!  Happy Reading!