A widow with two small children is threatened by a neighboring rancher, until a stranger shows up claiming to be her dead husband.
To Have and To Hold is a western historical romance originally published in paperback in 1997 by Kensington Books. Released as an e-book by Tirgearr Publishing January 31 2013.
A woman without a prayer…
A widow with two children, Tempest Whitney had to mortgage everything to repay the money her husband had stolen. But even as she struggles to hold onto her Utah homestead, a scheming rancher buys up her debts, demanding she either get off his land or marry him. Then a dark-haired stranger shows up, claiming to be her dead husband…
A man without a past….
Buck Maddux spent two years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Now a death bed promise has brought him to Tempest’s dugout. A man without roots, he doesn’t plan to stay—or to feel so fiercely protective of this feisty beauty he saves from a forced marriage. Suddenly, Buck yearns for a home, a family, a lasting love. But what can he offer Tempest? The surprising answer lies in the forbidden canyons of an ancient Anasazi tribe, where fortune and danger await—along with a passion more precious than gold…
Excerpt
Riding up to the house, he called out a hello and dismounted. Surrounded by barking dogs he proceeded to water his horse at a well built over a natural spring. From beneath the wide brim of his Stetson he searched for some sign of life. Finally he headed to the house, spurs jangling in his wake. His fist was raised, ready to knock, when the rough plank door swung inward and the business end of a Henry repeating rifle met with his nose.
"Judas!" He jerked back and stumbled over his own big feet. A cat screeched, letting him know he had mangled its tail. The critter got even by climbing Buck’s leg. Yelping and dancing while he tried to extract the cat, he trampled two or three more felines. Easy to do; half a dozen littered the yard, along with pigs and a flutter of chickens.
"Whoa there, ma'am." He held up a hand. "Don't mean you any harm."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
The cat took off, kinked tail in the air. Buck checked for damage and decided he’d live. "That's a mite awkward to explain." He took off his hat, wiped his brow on his sleeve and replaced the hat back, buying time while he studied her.
She wasn't much to look at. The braid hanging to her waist appeared as though crows had been pecking at it. Dun-colored strands fluttering about her head gave her a wild look that belied the delicacy of her face. A strong chin balanced her large eyes and a mouth as stubborn as the mules in the pole corral. A patched apron hung to her scuffed boots and hugged her legs snugly enough hint she wasn't wearing skirts. He was wondering what might be under the apron when she spat, "Spill it, mister. I haven't got all day."
Professional Reviews
Memorable in every way
An exciting plot, unforgettable characters, a heart-melting romance, and historical detail that's so real, you'll feel like you've been transported to the old West. What's not to like? Get this book and read it. You won't be sorry. ~ Mary J. Meier, Amazon
Wonderful Characters
As usual, the author has crafted an awesome story with not only compelling romantic characters, but a riveting plot. Great work! ~ Kate Andrews, Amazon
A lusty western adventure!
If you love a good western with a big dash of spice, then this is the story for you! Buck says to Tempest, "I'm afraid with you, I'll always want more." So it is with a Charlene Raddon story--this writer leaves you wanting more! Zebra--get with the program and print more copies of To Have And To Hold! Lovely cover; lovely writing. ~ Reader, Amazon UK
