I give this book a five just because it is in the Hawk's Way series. Callen is the daughter of Garth and Candy Whitelaw from The Wranger and the Rich girl. We were also introduced to Callen in her brother Falcon's book The Unforgiving Bride. Callen gets engaged to her fathers neighbor Sam Longstreet, who was also introduced briefly in Falcon's book. Callen's family tries to discourage her from marrying Sam. Callens father Garth tells her that he is just after her money and that he is a dead beat, but Callen has already called off two engagements to two other men because her dad was right about them. Callen refuses to admit she is wrong this time and goes through with the wedding even though she has doubts.

Sam is only marrying Callen to get revenge on her father Garth. Sam blames Garth for his own fathers death. Sam plans on showering Callen with love and at the same time driving a wedge between her and her father. Sam has no intention of falling in love with Callen.

Finally, it is time for Callen to chose between her father and her husband. Personally, I would have liked for her to dump Sam a long time ago. He was driven by anger through most of the book and his motives were not pure, so it is hard to feel anything for that character. This was probably my least favorite Hawk's Way story out of all of them, but it was still a good book. I am sure that those that read the series will enjoy it even if they like or don't like the character of Sam.

This is the spiritual autobiography of a man who inherited the tradition of the famed peoples of the Caucasus Mountains. His search led him to encounters with many remarkable individuals and awakened in him a variety of mystical experiences. Through the telling of his life story he reveals much of the ancient knowledge of the Caucasian people, the secret training of the Bektashi dervishes, a search for buried Ottoman treasure, and his own reconcillation with Christianity and the West.

All three stories were wonderful. Witty, very sexual, etc., but I THOROUGHLY enjoyed 'Sutter's Wife'. It was absolutely wonderful!! I will keep this book in my library and read it again and again. Thank you Lee Magner for a great story.

I found this book to be fun, sweet and even exciting. Took a while for the passion to heat up, but that okay. I enjoyed it. I like sizzling page turners like Lindsey and Cynthia Simmons "Anything, My Love"

This book from the Hawk's Way series is about Cherry Whitelaw, the last adopted child of Zach and Rebecca Whitelaw (from the book The Disobediant Bride). Like all the other sets of siblings in the Hawk's Way series Zach and Rebecca's children are known in Texas as the Whitelaw brats. Cherry always seems to be getting in trouble. She hates to see the hurt and disappointment that she causes her parents, so when she gets expelled from school and almost attacked by her date she decides she does not want to go home.

Fortunately, Billy Stonecreek saves her from her would be attacker and offers to save her from her parents, by marrying her. Billy is also known for his bad reputation, and his mother-in-law plans to use it to take away his twin daughters. Billy needs a wife and Cherry thinks she needs some place to go other than her parents, so they marry.

If you have read any of the Hawk's Way series than you know that the Whitelaw men have tempers. Cherry's dad Zach is no exception. Zach is furious and tries to persuade Cherry to come home. But, Cherry is determined to be a good wife and mother. The ending is really good. I would have liked to have heard about more of the Whitelaws from the other books and I really missed the labor day picnic that always occurs in every book, except this one. It is still a great book to add to all the other Hawk's Way books.

Falcon Whitelaw son of Garth and Candy Whitelaw (from the book The Wrangler and the Rich Girl)never thought that he would get married. Until one day he saw the most perfect woman, but there was just one problem she was married. Falcon notices that her husband is someone that he played football with in school, so Falcon introduces himself. Falcon and the man agree to go for drinks that afternoon at a local bar. The man dies that night when he leaves the bar drunk.

Falcon wants to offer help to his widow Mara and her little girl Susannah. Only Falcon discovers Mara blames him for her husbands death and tells him she hated him. Falcon leaves thinking he will never see Mara again only to have her show up at his doorstep three years later. Mara needs money and she is desperate, so she asks Falcon. Susannah is sick. Falcon learns that most of his money is gone, but he could marry Mara and his insurance would pay for it. Mara hates him, but knows it is her only choice. Susannah is the link that holds these two together. They both care for her so much. Mara is disgusted when she finds herself drawn to Falcon. Falcon and Mara find themselves getting closer and closer. Each of them wondering what is going to happen to the "marriage" if Susannah dies.

Some parts of the book are truely sad, but there is a lot of love and happiness in spite of it. It is another great Hawk's Way book. The best part is that we get to stay in touch with all of the other characters that we have read about in the series.

Garth Whitelaw is the oldest of the Hawk's Way Whitelaws. Garth met Candy three years earlier when she came to the ranch with her father. Candy was only seventeen and head over heels in love with Garth. Garth was much older and pushed her away. Now here she is three years later, a little more grown up, tougher, and a lot more of a woman in Garths opinion. He agrees to ler her stay at Hawk's Way so that Garth can teach her everything he knows about the business. Garth makes it clear that he would like Candy in his bed, but nothing more. Garth has a bit of a rough edge that sometimes made me cring, but we also find out why. Garth is a hardened man after seeing what his parents did to each other. We find out a lot of interesting information on the Whitelaw parents that explains so much. I look back at Garths behavior in the previous books and now I understand his extreme behavior. I am not saying what Garth does is right, but understandable. Candy realizes she is still in love with Garth but she has to convince Garth that he is capable of love. Another great Hawk's Way story.

I found this book to be trite and poorly written. It did not allow for good character development. The "players" were stereotyped. The topography and general situation of the Big Bend were inaccurate and exaggerated. (I speak as one who lives here and has hiked the trail described.) But I do not usually read "romances". This may be pleasant reading for those who enjoy this type of literature.

I recently started rereading the books in this series, and found that even the second time around The Texan captured my heart. It's a little farfetched with the story primarily one of good guys chasing bads, the couple trapped in a desert location (Big Bend) and forced to depend on each other... But Johnston tells the story with warmth and heart. This is the second book in the series, The Cowboy was the first and The Loner is the third. Although it is helpful to have read the first before reading the third, it's not essential - you'll probably want to read it anyway after you finish this one!

This was my first time reading Joan Johnston book. Once I finished it I ran out and bought The Cowboy which I also recommend. Keep up the good work.

Wow! What can't I say about this book? The characters and plot swept me away from the very beginning and didn't let me go until I had finished. Since I have a hectic schedule there isn't much time for reading, but I made time for this one. I turned each page with joyful anticipation. I have been longing for a good Texas romance for such a long time. I related to the main character Callie. Way to go Ms. Johnston. This book is a definite winner. The story line screams sequel and/or movie. I am going to recommend this book to all of my friends and family.

I found The Cowboy to be a great read. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Trace is everything you want a hero to be - compassionate, romantic, hard driven, understanding. The heroine independent, loving, and giving. They both have a stubborn streak a mile long. The question is which one will give in first.

They have been separated for 11 years and when they come together its explosive. You can feel the sexual tension radiating off of them.

Ms. Johnston has written a superb book filled with strong characters, great dialogue,and humor. Anyone who finds this boring or unromanctic, doesn't know the meaning of the word romance.

What a great story. The characters are strong, independent and stubborn as mules. If one says day the other says night.

The sexual combustion between the hero and the heroine ignites sparks every time they come within a 50 feet of each other.

Ms. Johnston breathes life into her characters and makes them come alive. This book is not only a keeper, but a definite reread.