An Uncommon Protector (Lone Star Hero, #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.


The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.


When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.


Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.


But when cattle start dying and the squatters damage a barn, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero who’s survived a terrible past. He needs more than just his freedom, he needs her love and care too.

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About The Author

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.

Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.

Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.

Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.

I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.

Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.

http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com 


My Review

This is the second book in this series, and just as good as the first one The Loyal Heart, and you might consider reading this one too, but you don’t have to have read the first to enjoy the second.
Thomas Baker as a mother I wanted to grab and hold that poor boy, and things don’t seem to get much better for him when he ends up a Confederacy Prisoner, and our dear boy has a temper, not that I blamed him, but he sure does get whipped for it.
What put these two together is kindness and belief in God, when on a hot day in Texas Laurel Tracey offers a drink of water to the prisoners fixing her fence, the sheriff is helping her out. Our boy is there and that meeting might just save both of their lives.
I loved the compassion, even in adverse conditions of these people who lived their faith, and the help they received from people who are not related, but love God. Why would people kill innocent animals, greed sad to say? You will be wrapped up in this time and period in no time, and I can’t wait for more, as there are more friends here.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.