A charming and captivating tale, Jodi Thomas’ Texas Blue, is a western romance that is all heart. Readers searching for a novel that will delight and enchant need look no further than this latest installment in the Whispering Mountain series.

Lewton Paterson is a gambler with a dream. He wants the house, kids and a loving wife to come home to, but has lost all hope that a man like him can ever find it. When his friend Duncan tells him of his three young cousins in need of husbands, Lewton decides he might just give the chance of making his own family one last shot. Letting go of his gambling persona, Lewton takes on the disguise of a sweet gentleman in order to persuade one of the three young ladies to marry him, but it’s the quiet female ranch hand that captures all his attention.

Emily McMurray is distressed to discover her cousin Duncan has sent three strangers on to her ranch in order to court the McMurray sisters. Emily is strongly convinced she will never marry and has no desire to meet the young men. Emily thinks all her problems are solved when she convinces a friend to stand in her place as the elegant McMurray sister, while she continues to take care of the ranch. What she doesn’t expect is the mysterious Paterson fellow to follow her around and break down the walls of her heart. Though they have lived most of their lives alone, they soon realize the other may be the one person they cannot be without.

The best words to describe this novel: simply stunning. The romance between these two characters is a true treat to read. It is not at first sight or immediate, but rather developed through the course of the novel in an absolutely charming and intriguing way. You have Lewton, who has such a tender and caring heart with so much love to give, if only he could find the woman to share it with. He acts the persona in which the world sees him, but this completely contradicts the person he truly is and wishes to be. It is hard to resist such a simple man with so much to give and such a kind heart.

Although he may not know it, Emily is the person who deserves that love. She has shut herself off from the attention of men, convincing herself that love only results in misery and pain. She is independent and resourceful, never seeking anyone’s help. Yet somehow, Lewton breaks into the barriers she has constructed around her heart. She begins to see her life and her ranch in a different perspective, which ultimately scares her. I found her to be a very interesting heroine. She wasn’t the romantic or fanciful type yet gave small glimpses of the passionate and loving side she fought so hard to hide. Both characters are such contradictions of your typical romance types, which is why I adore them so much. They broke the mold of my expectations and gave a new face to Thomas’ stunning Western atmosphere.

Texas Blue is the sweeping, tender love story Thomas fans have come to expect from this well seasoned author. In this novel, she creates such sensitive and spectacular characters who work their way into your heart and never let go. Extremely intimate, you discover the emotional impact of these uniquely authentic characters who you can’t help but love. This easily makes Texas Blue a book to cherish. Her style of writing and well-executed story is what certifies why Western romances are so extraordinarily dazzling. This novel is a tale of unexpected love discovered in the most unusual and fascinating places which is what makes the story so exceptional.

Thomas’ writing is addictive and emotionally moving. She draws readers in with her luscious description, hooks them with her fabulous characters and leaves them breathless at its conclusion. I adore this novel and the precious characters making this a worthwhile read for any reader who wants a little flair of the Wild West with their romance.

Reviewed by: Lisa