Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: A Texan's Promise - 1st in The Heart of a Hero series
Author: Shelley Gray
Publisher: Abingson Press
ISBN-13: 978-1-4267-1459-7
Release Date: October 2011
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1873/Texas/Colorado
Overall Rating: 4.5
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Minimal (Implied)
Shelley's Website/Blog: www.shelleyshepardgray.com
Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the Circle Z ranch loved everything about his job, except his boss. Price Venture was a no-account who married the widow Grant for the money and all that went along with it, including her daughter. When Clayton comes upon Vanessa Grant’s heart-wrenching cries, he’s bound by his word to her father (before he died) that he would protect her and look after her.
Vanessa tells Clayton that Price whipped her, but in truth he did worse than that. Vanessa just can’t bring herself to tell Clayton the full extent of her injuries. With the knowledge Clayton has, he immediately decides to get Vanessa as far away from the Circle Z as possible. With a plan to go to his sister’s place near Colorado Springs, they begin their journey.
During the War Between the States, Clayton was a good, strong leader. His men looked up to him but as with any war, it left its scars, both physically and emotionally. Even at that, there was good that came from it, he made lasting friendships with his men, those that survived. So on their journey, Clayton and Vanessa stopped along the way to visit a few of these men and their families. The first stop they come to they discovered that his friend is now a preacher. With the circumstances of their journey, Clayton and Vanessa are talked into getting married. Though they are strongly attracted to each other they both have issues with their marriage; Clayton is bound to his promise to Vanessa’s father to protect her and he’s failed, Vanessa must deal with Price’s violation.
Reaching Clayton’s sister’s place, they are at a crossroads. Neither Clayton nor Vanessa can quite come to terms with their marriage so Clayton decides to leave Vanessa there, giving them both time to decide their future.
Clayton knows that God has been leading him though there are times he doesn’t understand the circumstances; but does Clayton really understand the direction God wants him to go? Vanessa does love Clayton but can she get past Price’s abuse? Will Clayton be able to understand what his past promises really mean? How will God bring two well-meaning, yet hurting souls together?
I have to say that A Texan’s Promise is a tender-hearted way to begin a new series. It definitely pulls on your emotions nearly to tears as to what both Vanessa and Clayton have had to endure. Shelley Gray’s creativity and imagination help lead you through the “promises”, romance, abuse, doubts and inspirational dawning which gives all her characters depth; a heart and soul that will make you want to become their friend.
I can’t wait to find out just how the next hero’s heart will tug at mine!
Trudy
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