Twilight in Texas [Mass Market Paperback]

It's perfect that Jodi would write about Wolf Hayward, the big hairy lovable beast who was in her trilogy about the McLain brothers! Jodi became one of my favorite authors after reading the other three books, which, by the way, you should read first before reading this one. Not that this one doesn't stand well on it's own, absolutely the contrary, but you'll understand some of the references about the McLains better this way. The story did have plenty of subplots, but never too many distract you from the main one, just enough to enhance it. The other thing that Jodi does is to leave at least one "unattached" person in her story, that you hope she will write about next. I didn't want to give too much of just a "synopsis" of the book, It's great, and I'll let you find that out on your own. Well, that's my review, my first actually. I hope it helps.

Jodi Thomas is an author who launches her stories by using soothing enticement. Immediately, this writer pulls the reader into her plot. Regrettably, in the past, I found her stories generally limp to the finish line. However, in TWILIGHT IN TEXAS the author leaves 'limp' behind and finishes with a winner.

The American Civil War rages - North against the South, brother against brother, father against son. In a crowded Philadelphia train station two strangers spontaneously embrace and kiss, a moment in time, but a moment so powerful it would carry them through the horrors of war. Call it fate, call it love, or call it survival, but neither party would ever forget. Two strangers touched by love's whisper, two strangers from opposite sides. Benjamin "Wolf" Hayward is a Confederate spy and Mollie Donivan is the daughter of a Union general.

Eight years later, both still live with that cherished memory. Once again, two strangers meet, but in a different time and place. Now Wolf Hayward is a captain in the Texas Rangers; he has a full beard, long hair, and fifty more pounds. Mollie Donivan is a struggling pharmacist/doctor. Wolf immediately recognizes Molly as the vision from his past. Molly regrettably fails to recognize Wolf as her fantasy soldier.

So Thomas begins her love story and this is gentle, soft romance at its finest. Although Wolf is delighted to find his Molly again, he is terrified to reveal who he really is. He is afraid because they once dwelled as enemies; he is afraid because Molly knows nothing of his wartime spying and betrayals. But amazingly, with Thomas' magic, what could have been unreasonably ridiculous turns into spellbinding fascination.

Adding further delight, the author builds her story around exceptional secondary characters. From the adorable child known as Callie Anne, to the gruff old veteran who acts as Molly's protector, Thomas weaves them warmly into her reader's heart.

In the past, I have always liked Jodi Thomas as an author. She has a simple direct style, a tender quality, and great homelike characters. So what made TWILIGHT IN TEXAS a better book? Because this time, Thomas wrote an entire book strongly, not just a few chapters.
Grade: A

MaryGrace Meloche
Reviewer for: Romance Designs

During the Civil War, their eyes meet and remain locked though the train station is crowded. Benjamin admits that he now believes in love at first sight. Molly Donovan is a true believer too. He vows to find her after the war and seals his pledge with a kiss. However, afterwards reality returns with a vengeance and he realizes she is a Union general's daughter and he is actually Wolf Hayward, confederate spy.

Eight years later in Austin, Texas Ranger Wolf is hurt by a falling sign. Dr. Molly Donovan tends to his injuries. He immediately recognizes the woman who has haunted his dreams, but she fails to know he is the soldier that stole her heart. Wolf cannot help but court Molly, who is fascinated by his attention, but struggles to keep her promise to remain loyal to Benjamin. As they fall in love, Wolf worries how Molly reacts to the fact that he and Benjamin is the same person.

Jodie "Texas" Thomas provides her audience with a powerful Lone Star romance that brings to life the decade after the Civil War. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and loaded with tender passion that will entice readers to search out the author's previous novels. The lead characters are a delightful duo whose motivations ring true. Ms. Thomas has written another exciting tale that sub-genre fans will relish for a long time to come.

Harriet Klausner