The Wedding Ransom
Orphaned at a very young age, Mary Margaret St. John is taken in by four rogue pirates and raised as their granddaughter.  Young Maggie would do anything for her adopted 'grandpapas', and the same goes for them.  The four elderly scoundrels search the world over for a cure when Maggie begins having signs of premature rheumatism as a teenager.  They find the perfect spot with curative waters for Maggie and establish a health resort there.  Unfortunately, an unscrupulous businessman weasels the property away from the family, forcing them to desperate measures.  The four aging buccaneers seek out the assistance of the greatest thief in Texas, Gentleman Rafe Malone.  Awakened by a cutlass held to his throat, Rafe Malone wonders what the heck is going on.  Its not everyday a retired thief and full time Texas rancher sees pirates inland.  What they wish him to do is something out of an old sea tale.  No matter how preposterous the old gentlemen are, Rafe is intrigued and longs for the adventure promised by their plan.  He agrees to steal back their treasure hoard, hidden in a spot that only a young man can reach.  With the treasure, the resort can be bought back at an outrageous price.  Several factors combine to make Rafe's life difficult . . . Maggie St. John, an old enemy of her grandfathers, and an old enemy of Rafes.  This is the long awaited sequel to Ms. Dawson's The Wedding Raffle.  The story was a scream from page one, right up to the very end.  The four combative and overprotective grandpapas are sweet.  Maggie is a daring and cunning heroine, and Rafe is an adorable rake, whom it is a joy to see tamed.  Ms. Dawson is a fabulous writer who provides nonstop humor in her stories, and leaves her readers eager for more.  This is definitely a book worth waiting for.  Those who loved The Wedding Raffle will not be disappointed.Two thumbs up, Ms. Dawson!  You have a winner here!   Ms. Dawson has a flair for creating humorously witty characters and a talent for keeping the action moving! Ms. Dawson's star is definitely on the rise!  It won't be long before Ms. Dawson is on the bestseller lists!Gloria Lower  --Copyright © 1998 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times