Historical
The Horseman's Bride
By CinLee
Feb 7, 2010 - 2:04:22 PM

Clara Seavers has always loved horses. When her parents offered, she turned down their offer of a college education so she could stay on their ranch to raise and train horses. She has always been at her happiest when working with them.

Jace Denby is on the run from the law. He is wanted in Missouri for the murder of his brother-in-law, who abused Jace’s sister. He refused her offer to step forward in his defense. Jace has ridden west on the stallion that belonged to her husband. His need to protect his sister is now at odds with finding his own happiness.

Clara is riding Foxfire, a colt she has hand raised and is still training, to her Grandmother’s farm. Just barely in time, she sees that someone repaired the fence between the properties. She stops Foxfire just in time before he is severely injured, and she ends up being reprimanded by a man she has never met before. Clara is stunned to learn he is working for her Grandmother, doing repairs on her property.

She doesn’t believe him, but her Grandmother confirms his story while he is out doing more repairs. While they are visiting, two men come on the property, intending to do harm to the two women. When they threaten to take Foxfire, Clara threatens them with a paring knife, but Jace comes back just in time to disarm them and send them on their way. Before they leave, however, one pulls a hidden knife and stabs Jace in the shoulder.

The women tend the wound, but it becomes infected. While caring for Jace during a storm, Clara begins to develop feelings for him, but he pushes her away, saying he can’t offer her a future and she deserves better. She also discovers a long buried secret about her family that turns her world upside down.

During a trip to town, Clara wanders into the marshal’s office to glance through wanted posters, certain that Tanner, which is the name Jace gave her, is hiding something. She is startled to discover the poster stating he is wanted for murder, but she knows he’s not a cold-blooded killer and decides to confront him. Unfortunately, the deputy catches her reaction to the poster.

Clara is a strong heroine who instantly feels like a friend and Jace comes to a life as the perfect protective and loving hero. He puts Clara’s safety before anything else. Every character is important in THE HORSEMAN’S BRIDE, a great ensemble piece. If you enjoy Westerns, you won’t want to miss this one.