Laurel (Seven Brides)
The new sheriff of Sycamore Flats has a reputation as a gunslinger and a killer.  Laurel Blackthorne doesn't want to have anything to do with him even though she should be grateful to him for saving her and her son Adam from the rest of the Blackthorne clan.  Her husband is dead, but his family believes Adam should be raised with them and Laurel isn't going to let her son go.  Laurel has never relied on any man and she doesn't intend to rely on Hen Randolph, or let Adam have anything to do with him.  As far as she's concerned, Hen is no better than her husband was - or his family is.  Hen is a loner who believes he's just as bad as his reputation.  He's kind and gentle with Laurel, but he thinks he's empty inside-- unable to love and certainly not worthy of anyone else's love.  He admires Laurel, how she stands up to the people in Sycamore Flats who label her and Adam, the way she takes care of herself.  Hen also likes Adam and tries to convince Laurel that Adam needs a man in his life to look up to.  But he doesn't think he has anything to offer Laurel and Adam, although they have become so important to him.  Laurel realizes that her first impression of Hen was wrong.  He is a good man who does what he has to do to keep himself, and the people he cares about, from getting hurt.  She knows she loves him, but she can't let herself hope for a future with him.  As a sheriff, Hen is always in danger and Laurel can't stand the idea of losing him.  When the Blackthornes threaten revenge on Hen, Hen's brothers arrive to help him defend the town.  Because of Laurel's love, Hen finally understands how important family is and how much his brothers care about him.  Hen begins to think he may be worthy of Laurel's love and be able to offer her a better life and be a father to Adam.  But the Blackthornes aren't going to let him go without a fight and Hen has a responsibility to the town.  When it's all over, he intends to find a way to be with Laurel -no matter what it takes.  Fourth in the Seven Brides series, Laurel is well-crafted, wonderfully written and as entertaining as the first three books! Leigh Greenwood is a remarkable talent in the field of romance! I can't wait for the next book! A rip-roaring good time!  The characters define  'wild west'! Leigh Greenwood never fails to enthrall readers and leave them yelling for more!Kristina Wright  --Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times