Maggie Cayton's husband has died and she and her three children and her mother are deep into a range war to save her ranch. She hires a gunfighter to help her fight but he has problems of his own to overcome, one of which is guilt for killing his father. Love conquers all. A good story. It held my attention and I enjoyed it.
From Literary Times
The White Raven Ranch means everything to Maggie Cayton and her three children and she is determined not to loose it. It is only after her husband is killed, her barn burned, and her cattle poisoned and shot, that Maggie turns, in desperation, to hired gun Seth Sackett. A man Maggie believes has no conscience, Seth takes the job as protector of the ranch, but clearly makes his attraction to Maggie known and promises her they will soon be lovers. Outraged, yet affected by his nearness, Maggie is certain such a prophecy will never come to pass. She is still deeply effected by her late husband's death and will never betray their love. While fighting the rival rancher she believes is responsible for her problems, Maggie also fights her growing attraction for Seth as she learns more and more about the man behind the gun. Seth has his own private demons to conquer, however. His late father was a preacher, but a very sick man. A sinner in his own right, he blamed his two sons and his wife for all evils and saw to their punishment until Seth's brother was dead and his mother badly beaten. His father is the first to die by Seth's gun and, feeling no remorse for his actions, Seth is convinced he too is an evil sinner and in no way good enough for someone like Maggie. The couple's private battles must be won as well as the one against whoever is determined to get their hands on the two big ranches. When the attacks become even more personal, Seth and Maggie fight together to ensure the safety of Maggie's family, and to capture the dream of a love destined to be.
The White Raven Ranch means everything to Maggie Cayton and her three children and she is determined not to loose it. It is only after her husband is killed, her barn burned, and her cattle poisoned and shot, that Maggie turns, in desperation, to hired gun Seth Sackett. A man Maggie believes has no conscience, Seth takes the job as protector of the ranch, but clearly makes his attraction to Maggie known and promises her they will soon be lovers. Outraged, yet affected by his nearness, Maggie is certain such a prophecy will never come to pass. She is still deeply effected by her late husband's death and will never betray their love. While fighting the rival rancher she believes is responsible for her problems, Maggie also fights her growing attraction for Seth as she learns more and more about the man behind the gun. Seth has his own private demons to conquer, however. His late father was a preacher, but a very sick man. A sinner in his own right, he blamed his two sons and his wife for all evils and saw to their punishment until Seth's brother was dead and his mother badly beaten. His father is the first to die by Seth's gun and, feeling no remorse for his actions, Seth is convinced he too is an evil sinner and in no way good enough for someone like Maggie. The couple's private battles must be won as well as the one against whoever is determined to get their hands on the two big ranches. When the attacks become even more personal, Seth and Maggie fight together to ensure the safety of Maggie's family, and to capture the dream of a love destined to be.
