num_pages: 320
description: Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convicta man whos 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 hes in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldnt pay a few fines. Laurels offer might be his only ticket out. Though shes everything he ever dreamed of in a womansweet and tender-hearted yet stronghes determined to remain detached work hard on her behalf and count the days until hes 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 isnt long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. Hes a trustworthy hero whos survived a terrible past. He needs more than just his freedom he needs her love and care too.
language: English
title: An Uncommon Protector
publisher: Zondervan