This is the first book I have read by Joan Johnston, and I will read more! I love Westerns, be it books or movies and not since Calamity Jane have I seen such heroism in a woman depicted in this genre.
Creighton "Cricket" Stewart,a free spirit, at 17 is the youngest of Rip Stewart's three daughters. Rip is a wealthy cotton plantation owner in Texas at the time it was still a young Republic. Rip taught his daughter's all special skills of survival. In Cricket's case thanks to her father, she was so self reliant that she thought she didn't need any man, ever!She could handle whatever came along, Hostile Indians, Mexican Bandidos, she even had wolves for pets.
Enter Jarrett Creed, a handsome Texas Ranger on a secret goverment mission, to expose traitors to Texas, during this time that the republic was under siege from both Mexiacan armies, and Indians alike. Jarrett, who has lived with an Indian tribe is able to save Cricket from a fix she manages to get herself into with the Comanches ... They both infuriate each other as they travel together to uncover a conspiracy, that also unwittingly has Cricket's sister involved. Together they face danger, adventures, and unexpected romantic situations, which get pretty steamy at times.
And just when you think the story is over, Ms. Johnston gives us a sneak preview of "Texas Woman" and "Commanche Woman" (The stories of her sisters) leaving us wanting more.
I read this book while sitting in hospital waiting rooms, thank you Joan Johnston for taking my mind to another time and place. Laurie