Caught in the Middle
Anne Tillerton is a rough-and-tough, sure-shot buffalo hunter in Indian Territory in 1883, but when the depot cook decamps, her boss sends her to Garber, Texas, to bring the woman back. Nicholas Lovelace is a successful if somewhat dandified young businessman who is planning on making a fortune with his lumbering business by providing timber to build the railroads as they push west. They meet on a train during a robbery when Anne saves Nicholas by shooting  in the foot the outlaw who is holding a gun to Nicholas’ head. Finding the missing cook turns out to be the start of Anne’s real difficulties. The erstwhile cook, intent on running away, abandons her baby, Sammy, to Anne’s care. Not knowing what to do with a kid, Anne decides to find Sammy’s father, which means she still can’t hunt buffalo. Political machinations abound as Nicholas’ only client maneuvers to have him appointed county commissioner. Then when he hires Anne to help him in the office, Nicholas begins to see his ambition in a different light. With its nonpreachy depiction of vulnerable but strong characters wrestling with right and wrong, Jennings’ entertaining romance will please readers who enjoy tales that embody Christian values as well as readers who like a good, wholesome story. --Diana Tixier Herald