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Heart of a Hero #2
A Texan's Honor
Texas, 1874. Years ago, Will McMillan had fought in the open, next to his Captain, Clayton Proffitt. Now, in book 2 of The Heart of a Hero series, he’s waging another war undercover, pretending to be a member of the notorious Walton Gang.
But when a hostage situation goes awry and an innocent woman is in the middle of the fray, Will knows he must protect her no matter what happens. Even if they risk being killed by his gang or by the lawmen on their trail. Even if the woman he’s risking everything for will never love him back. Even if all he's left with is his faith.
But when a hostage situation goes awry and an innocent woman is in the middle of the fray, Will knows he must protect her no matter what happens. Even if they risk being killed by his gang or by the lawmen on their trail. Even if the woman he’s risking everything for will never love him back. Even if all he's left with is his faith.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
39 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Gray
13 books280 followersalso publishes under the name Shelley Shepard Gray (Amish fiction, Christian fiction).
I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.
Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.
Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.
Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.
I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.
Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.
I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.
Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.
Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.
Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.
I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.
Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
May 12, 2020
Jamie, too poor to afford first-class tickets, is apparently rich enough to ruin a taffeta dress (party quality) by wearing it on a long train ride. Outlaws board the train and pick her as their hostage. She panics...
There is a gorgeous guy though! Kind and thoughtful. She gets flutters! Maybe he isn’t with them...maybe he isn’t actually treating her with “so much kindness”!
Here’s a excerpt for free:
But instead of a gentle touch, he closed his fingers around her wrist. ‘Calm yourself or I’m going to strip you here and slice the ribbons of your corset.’
His voice was little more than a thin whisper, but Jamie had no doubt that he meant every single word. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on breathing.
When she followed his directives, his lips curved slightly. ‘Good girl,’ he whispered.
Because a corset totally is “supposed” to be sliced. If an author is more interested in ripping bodices than in researching historical dress material and what corsets were actually used for, then I don’t need to give any more time to this book. Never mind that apparently Jamie has transparent lids and can see what a man’s lips do while her eyes are closed...
There is a gorgeous guy though! Kind and thoughtful. She gets flutters! Maybe he isn’t with them...maybe he isn’t actually treating her with “so much kindness”!
Here’s a excerpt for free:
But instead of a gentle touch, he closed his fingers around her wrist. ‘Calm yourself or I’m going to strip you here and slice the ribbons of your corset.’
His voice was little more than a thin whisper, but Jamie had no doubt that he meant every single word. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on breathing.
When she followed his directives, his lips curved slightly. ‘Good girl,’ he whispered.
Because a corset totally is “supposed” to be sliced. If an author is more interested in ripping bodices than in researching historical dress material and what corsets were actually used for, then I don’t need to give any more time to this book. Never mind that apparently Jamie has transparent lids and can see what a man’s lips do while her eyes are closed...
February 19, 2017
Years ago, Will McMillan had fought in the open, next to his Captain, Clayton Proffitt. Now, in book 2 of The Heart of a Hero series, he’s waging another war undercover, pretending to be a member of the notorious Walton Gang. But when a hostage situation goes awry and an innocent woman is in the middle of the fray, Will knows he must protect her no matter what happens. Even if they risk being killed by his gang or by the lawmen on their trail. Even if the woman he’s risking everything for will never love him back. Even if all he's left with is his faith.
This book is a true western in the grittiness and lawlessness it reveals that were such an element of the time period after the Civil War. Will and Scout both had Christian backgrounds but felt that they had committed sins beyond what God could forgive them. Jamie and Kitty both serve as sources of redemption for Will and Scout. I love the strength that both of the women showed in spite of their equally desperate situations. Will and Scout both found their inner gentleness and compassion due to the two women that come into the care of each of them. Both Jamie and Kitty chose roads to follow when life finally opened a new door for them, but only one chose the road that God would have them follow. I look forward to seeing what happens to both Will and Scout as they choose new roads for themselves.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "One day, I want to do something of worth. More than simply surviving. That doesn't seem enough anymore."
"Few men were aware of the extent a woman would go to protect what was right."
"Faith in what?" "Faith that there's something better around the corner than we know about. There's got to be. And that God is watching over us. Otherwise life is just too hard."
"Heaven is open to all of us, I think. For those who believe...and for those who repent."
This book is a true western in the grittiness and lawlessness it reveals that were such an element of the time period after the Civil War. Will and Scout both had Christian backgrounds but felt that they had committed sins beyond what God could forgive them. Jamie and Kitty both serve as sources of redemption for Will and Scout. I love the strength that both of the women showed in spite of their equally desperate situations. Will and Scout both found their inner gentleness and compassion due to the two women that come into the care of each of them. Both Jamie and Kitty chose roads to follow when life finally opened a new door for them, but only one chose the road that God would have them follow. I look forward to seeing what happens to both Will and Scout as they choose new roads for themselves.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "One day, I want to do something of worth. More than simply surviving. That doesn't seem enough anymore."
"Few men were aware of the extent a woman would go to protect what was right."
"Faith in what?" "Faith that there's something better around the corner than we know about. There's got to be. And that God is watching over us. Otherwise life is just too hard."
"Heaven is open to all of us, I think. For those who believe...and for those who repent."
January 23, 2016
A TEXAN’S HONOR is the second in The Heart of a Hero series by Shelley Gray. I haven’t read much from this author, but she is quickly grabbing my attention. I read A TEXAN’S PROMISE and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I moved on to A TEXAN’S HONOR to see if the author would continue to hold my interest. And I can say, she most definitely did.
Jamilyn Ellis finds herself it the middle of a catastrophe. As the only female passenger aboard a train being held hostage by a band of renegades, she knows her purity and her life are most certainly over. Not wanting to experience the pain of what it is like to be taken forcibly by a man, she asks one of the more sympathetic bandits to kill her before the more dangerous men get a chance to use her. Struck by her bravery, the bandit does one better . . . he helps her escape.
U.S. Marshall Will McMillan finds himself in a very dangerous predicament. He had spent the last two years infiltrating the Walton Gang in order to procure inside information. Now, faced with the possibility of seeing an innocent woman become a victim of rape, he must decide between sacrificing his own life or her innocents. Knowing he can’t stand by and allow Jamilyn to be victimized, fellow bandit, Scout Proffitt, helps him to escape the train with Jamilyn in tow. Knowing the Walton Gang will hunt him down for his betrayal, he has little time to get Jamilyn to safety.
I thoroughly enjoyed A TEXAN’S HONOR. I loved the characters and the grit Shelley Gray infused into the dialogue. Even though this book was about Jamilyn and Will, Scout and his journey after he too decides to leave the Walton Gang kept the tempo of the book fast paced. Both Will and Scout’s lives and choices had a distinct parallel and I found myself wanting nothing more than for them both to see they still had a choice, and could leave their sordid pasts behind. Great storytelling, a wonderful setting, and deep characters add up to a enjoyable book. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Jamilyn Ellis finds herself it the middle of a catastrophe. As the only female passenger aboard a train being held hostage by a band of renegades, she knows her purity and her life are most certainly over. Not wanting to experience the pain of what it is like to be taken forcibly by a man, she asks one of the more sympathetic bandits to kill her before the more dangerous men get a chance to use her. Struck by her bravery, the bandit does one better . . . he helps her escape.
U.S. Marshall Will McMillan finds himself in a very dangerous predicament. He had spent the last two years infiltrating the Walton Gang in order to procure inside information. Now, faced with the possibility of seeing an innocent woman become a victim of rape, he must decide between sacrificing his own life or her innocents. Knowing he can’t stand by and allow Jamilyn to be victimized, fellow bandit, Scout Proffitt, helps him to escape the train with Jamilyn in tow. Knowing the Walton Gang will hunt him down for his betrayal, he has little time to get Jamilyn to safety.
I thoroughly enjoyed A TEXAN’S HONOR. I loved the characters and the grit Shelley Gray infused into the dialogue. Even though this book was about Jamilyn and Will, Scout and his journey after he too decides to leave the Walton Gang kept the tempo of the book fast paced. Both Will and Scout’s lives and choices had a distinct parallel and I found myself wanting nothing more than for them both to see they still had a choice, and could leave their sordid pasts behind. Great storytelling, a wonderful setting, and deep characters add up to a enjoyable book. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
June 10, 2021
What I Loved
A Texan's Promise introduced me to the Heart of a Hero series. I knew I'd love the second book immediately. On the very first page there's a damsel in distress, and, yes, this can become cliche, but Shelley Shepard Gray knows how to craft a delightful heroine that counterbalances the hero's strength. So from the opening scene in A Texan's Honor, we have a train robbery and a hostage situation. The perfect combination for this Western-loving girl, who was flipping pages as fast as she could!
Besides the sweet strength Jamie learns and the way Will fights to protect her, there's more from the characters I grew to love in book one. For one thing, we get to meet Scout at long last! I really hope he gets his own book soon...A tragedy takes place toward the end of the book and Scout is caught right in the middle. I remember staring at the words, thinking I-can't-believe-that-happened. Oh, my, I loved how this plot and these lovable characters pulled me right in!
Why I Recommend This Book
In addition to the wonderful story and the real people that populate the pages is the strong Christian message. This is a book that not only entertains but doesn't shy away from being inspiring. I love that and look forward to the next book by Shelley Gray that I get to read!
June 22, 2025
Pretty good book. I like the characters. Very fun read.
November 21, 2012
Will McMillan jumps a train with the Walton Gang with the intent to rob the train. They emptied the train of it's passengers with the exception of a few men and one woman. They normally would not have held a woman hostage but it was too late to set her free. Will did not like the idea of keeping the woman. She was being man handled by one of the gang when Will stepped in and removed her to another car out of harms way. The young woman was frightened almost to the point of hysterics. Things go wrong with the hold up and the gang start killing the men hostages. Will decided he needed to get this woman off the train and away from the gang.
There is another character in this book whom seems like a Billy the Kid type. He shows that even though he is a hired killer he has a tenderness about him. He does what he can to help Will get the woman off the train.
This is an adventurous story with secrets, love, faith and honor. Will's character is quite the gentleman bandit. The young woman puts her trust in this stranger in hopes of staying alive. She later can't seem to help the fact that she is developing feelings for Will.
When is it lie not a lie? How would that hamper ones budding relationship? You will have to read the book to find out.
I highly recommend this book.
I have rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I was provided a digital copy of this book from Abingdon Press via Netgalley.
I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.
There is another character in this book whom seems like a Billy the Kid type. He shows that even though he is a hired killer he has a tenderness about him. He does what he can to help Will get the woman off the train.
This is an adventurous story with secrets, love, faith and honor. Will's character is quite the gentleman bandit. The young woman puts her trust in this stranger in hopes of staying alive. She later can't seem to help the fact that she is developing feelings for Will.
When is it lie not a lie? How would that hamper ones budding relationship? You will have to read the book to find out.
I highly recommend this book.
I have rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I was provided a digital copy of this book from Abingdon Press via Netgalley.
I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.
April 17, 2012
This is a condensed version of my review. To see my review in its entirety, please click here.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: First off I'd like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this novel. I absolutely adored reading this one. I hadn't read the first in this series, but I never felt lost.
The characters in this novel were amazing. I loved learning more about Will and Jamilyn. From the very beginning, I was drawn to their personalities and the way they handled the situation that life had thrown at them.
And then there was Scout. I absolutely loved reading about him. He is definitely a character that I loved hearing about and enjoyed seeing his progression.
I love historical fiction and I love adult christian romantic suspense--this novel combined those two elements. The book moved at a fast pace and I really enjoyed reading it.
Shelley Gray is definitely an author that I will be keeping tabs on.
In Summary: A compelling fast-paced read with enough romance, suspense, and intrigue to keep me thoroughly entertained. A novel that was brilliantly written.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: First off I'd like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this novel. I absolutely adored reading this one. I hadn't read the first in this series, but I never felt lost.
The characters in this novel were amazing. I loved learning more about Will and Jamilyn. From the very beginning, I was drawn to their personalities and the way they handled the situation that life had thrown at them.
And then there was Scout. I absolutely loved reading about him. He is definitely a character that I loved hearing about and enjoyed seeing his progression.
I love historical fiction and I love adult christian romantic suspense--this novel combined those two elements. The book moved at a fast pace and I really enjoyed reading it.
Shelley Gray is definitely an author that I will be keeping tabs on.
In Summary: A compelling fast-paced read with enough romance, suspense, and intrigue to keep me thoroughly entertained. A novel that was brilliantly written.
June 2, 2012
So the irony of me reading this book is that I was overwhelmed by the Christian theme in book #1 in this series, A Texan's Promise, and yet when I saw A Texan's Honor come up in a book list, all I remembered from A Texan's Promise was that it was an interesting Western with a sweet romance - so perhaps it wasn't as heavy handed as I felt it was initially. That said, while there was a Christian theme in this story, it was well-integrated and appropriate for all readers. It was quite a sweet love story embedded in an even better Western, with a recurring theme of what is honorable and if everyone is redeemable.
I loved Will and Jamilyn's characters, as individuals and together. I love the circumstances of their meeting and why they bonded. And later revelations, make it even better! And Scout Profitt, who we were first introduced to in book #1, was one of the most intriguing and endearing characters I have read about in a long time. I cannot wait to read more about him for book #3!
For readers that enjoy Western, historical fiction, and clean romance, you're certain to enjoy this book and this series.
I loved Will and Jamilyn's characters, as individuals and together. I love the circumstances of their meeting and why they bonded. And later revelations, make it even better! And Scout Profitt, who we were first introduced to in book #1, was one of the most intriguing and endearing characters I have read about in a long time. I cannot wait to read more about him for book #3!
For readers that enjoy Western, historical fiction, and clean romance, you're certain to enjoy this book and this series.
March 21, 2013
This is my first book by Shelley Gray. I really enjoyed it and liked the characters of Jamie,Will, and Scout. It caught my interest early on and continued to keep me interest.
August 24, 2017
.
This book was not as exciting as the first one in this series, but I still liked it.
This book was not as exciting as the first one in this series, but I still liked it.
September 4, 2016
I loved it but I really want to hear Scout's story.
December 8, 2018
Interesting read, likeable characters, only a little editing needed
I am an editor at heart. This book could use a little editing, but it isn't enough to distract from the very interesting story.
I was cheering for all four of the main characters, which says a lot. I will definitely read the next book. I think reading the first book in this series added to the depth but was not at all necessary.
I am an editor at heart. This book could use a little editing, but it isn't enough to distract from the very interesting story.
I was cheering for all four of the main characters, which says a lot. I will definitely read the next book. I think reading the first book in this series added to the depth but was not at all necessary.
February 21, 2019
This book jumped right into action!
Jamie is held captive by the Walton Gang. She doesn't know if she will survive or who to trust. But when things get worse, Will McMillan takes matters in his own hands. He abandons his Gang to save Jamie. Together they must determine if this is the best or worst thing to happen in their journey.
Jamie is held captive by the Walton Gang. She doesn't know if she will survive or who to trust. But when things get worse, Will McMillan takes matters in his own hands. He abandons his Gang to save Jamie. Together they must determine if this is the best or worst thing to happen in their journey.
September 11, 2019
An interesting read. US Marshall Will McMillan is undercover with the Walton Gang when they robbed a train and took hostages. One was of hostages is Jamie Ellis. Will is determined to save Jamie the best way he can. Will he be able to protect her? Will they manage to escape? Will she be able to return to a normal life?
January 9, 2021
This is the second book in the Heart of a Hero Series. In this book Will is working undercover as a gang member. When an innocent women becomes involved in a hostage situation on a train Will knows he must protect her even if his cover is blown. Will forces them to jump the train and try to get to the closet town so he can protect her and then try to get home to his family Clayton.
January 1, 2017
Never been one to read western type novels but this was well written. Enjoyed the story and the characters.
February 20, 2019
Great ending.
Read
January 25, 2022Didn't like.
May 31, 2022
Read it in one day. I enjoyed the first but this one kept my interest with ease.
Looking forward to # 3.
Looking forward to # 3.
May 23, 2023
Christian Historical Western Romance
So much was going on, I'm not sure where to focus, but apparently in this gang of outlaws, there's at least a couple of men of honor!
More tragedies like in book 1, horrible abuses, and possible abuse, but much more focus on how to heal or survive, than on the horrors themselves. I don't feel the pastor was proper in his judgment at the funeral, but otherwise I really enjoyed these complicated characters. Again, the narrator did a wonderful job!
So much was going on, I'm not sure where to focus, but apparently in this gang of outlaws, there's at least a couple of men of honor!
More tragedies like in book 1, horrible abuses, and possible abuse, but much more focus on how to heal or survive, than on the horrors themselves. I don't feel the pastor was proper in his judgment at the funeral, but otherwise I really enjoyed these complicated characters. Again, the narrator did a wonderful job!
March 7, 2022
My least favorite book in the series. Wish I had known this was a series when I picked one of them up at the library and read them out of order!
April 21, 2012
"A Texan's Honor", by Shelley Gray, is a superbly written, thrilling historical western romantic suspense work. I was enthralled with the story line from the opening line all the way through the final sentence, which was just two words, but very meaningful words. After losing both her parents, and having to leave all she has ever known in Denver, CO, young Jamilyn Ellis boards a train to begin a new life with two maiden aunts in Kansas City, KS. There is also a possibility of an engagement with her aunts' neighbor, Randall, with whom Jamie has been corresponding. The train journey proves to be both fateful and eventful, as the train is captured by the Walton Gang, one of the most deadly band of outlaws the West had ever known. Jamie ends up the lone woman hostage, and she is in fear not only for her life, but of a fate worse than death at the hands of the vicious gang. One of the gang members stands out from the rest. Will McMillan, tall, cool and quiet-spoken, becomes Jamie's protector. Even though she senses that Will is no less lethal than his cohorts, she also sees that there are hidden depths to the man, and she realizes that he is her only hope of survival. Unknown to Jamie, Will is an undercover US Marshal, secretly working to bring down James Walton and his criminal empire. A Civil War veteran, Will has seen all the ugliness that life can offer, and he is struck by Jamie's innocence and vulnerability. Yet he also sees that beyond her youthful beauty and lack of worldliness, there is a kindred soul, something he never expected. As the situation on the train becomes more intense and hair-trigger nerves are itching for action, Will knows that the only way to save Jamie is to get her off the train. In a daring escape, they jump from the train and begin a perilous trek to safety. Will loses his heart to Jamie almost from the first moment, but he feels that he is unworthy of her, and he decides he must get her to a safe place and walk away. Jamie, who has low self-esteem due to her parents' indifferent attitude, wants to trust Will, and her heart tells her that she wants to be with him. All the while Jamie and Will are making their way to safety, they are being tracked by one of the Walton Gang, Scout Proffitt. Dressed always in black from head to toe, with eyes darker than midnight, Scout Proffitt strikes with the lethal speed of a rattlesnake. He and Will have a mutual respect, almost a friendship, and neither realizes that they are connected by Scout's older brother Clayton Proffitt, who was Will's captain in the war. As many times as Scout has dealt with the Devil, his soul is not completely lost, and he is conflicted by his lifestyle and his mission to kill Will and recapture Jamie. As he continues his hunt, Scout's life takes twists and turns he never saw coming, and his reunion with Will is not what either man expects. When Jamie is finally brought together with her aunts, her life also takes an unexpected turn. Will hearts be united and spirits granted the salvation they seek? Shelly Gray will take hold of you from the first page, and you will not want her to let you go! Westerns and trains are made for each other, and this book is as exciting and involving as any great Western film you ever seen. It's so vividly written that you are right there in the story line as it unfolds! "A Texan's Honor" is the second book in Shelley Gray's "The Heart of a Hero" series. I also highly recommend the first book, "A Texan's Promise", and I fervently hope that there will be more books to come in this wonderful series.
Review Copy Gratis Abingdon Press
Review Copy Gratis Abingdon Press
March 28, 2012
When I started reading this I forgot it was book two in a series, but I don’t think it mattered. The main character of the first book didn’t play a part in Texan’s Honor but did appear in flashbacks. The story didn’t play out as I had expected it would and it had a couple surprises and twists in it.
Will McMillan survived the Civil War under the command of Clayton Proffitt (the main character of the first book) and now in 1874 finds himself as an undercover agent who has successfully infiltrated the notorious Walton Gang. For almost two years he has been a part of the band in order to bring them and those that aid and abet them to justice. He’s very close to fulfilling his mission when a train robbery does not proceed as planned and a woman is held hostage.
As third in command Will takes charge of Jamilyn Ellis, the young, innocent and pretty hostage. Scout is second in command and while a deadly killer, he doesn’t cotton to killing or abusing innocent women and children, so he backs Will up and keeps her from the other gang members. He even hints that Will should escape with her to protect her from the others when the situation on the train starts to get dicey.
One reviewer thought this a rather dark story with lots of bad guys. I didn’t find this to be the case though. It is a poignant tale of the depths of human depravity and the transforming power of love, forgiveness and grace. Only problem though is that it’s not God’s love, forgiveness and grace that does the transforming, but rather a woman’s. Which isn’t exactly realistic and likely.
Now I’m not saying that a woman can’t inspire a man to be a better man. After all Proverbs 30:18-19 (NIV84) says, “There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:… the way of a man with a maiden.” In Wild at Heart John Eldredge’s thesis is that “in the heart of every man is a desperate desire for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. … There is nothing so inspiring to a man as a beautiful woman.” (p. 9 & 15)
But in the end it is only God’s transforming grace that can be the catalyst for the type of transformation we see begin to take place in one guy’s heart. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NIV84)
Another message that the story makes clear is that everyone has worth and matters. Several people struggle with this in different ways and the author does an excellent job showing that. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read book three because that story will be about Scout who played a big part in this book. Overall a fun, clean, adventure packed read.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.
Review first posted on my blog: http://rinasreading.blogspot.com/2012...
Will McMillan survived the Civil War under the command of Clayton Proffitt (the main character of the first book) and now in 1874 finds himself as an undercover agent who has successfully infiltrated the notorious Walton Gang. For almost two years he has been a part of the band in order to bring them and those that aid and abet them to justice. He’s very close to fulfilling his mission when a train robbery does not proceed as planned and a woman is held hostage.
As third in command Will takes charge of Jamilyn Ellis, the young, innocent and pretty hostage. Scout is second in command and while a deadly killer, he doesn’t cotton to killing or abusing innocent women and children, so he backs Will up and keeps her from the other gang members. He even hints that Will should escape with her to protect her from the others when the situation on the train starts to get dicey.
One reviewer thought this a rather dark story with lots of bad guys. I didn’t find this to be the case though. It is a poignant tale of the depths of human depravity and the transforming power of love, forgiveness and grace. Only problem though is that it’s not God’s love, forgiveness and grace that does the transforming, but rather a woman’s. Which isn’t exactly realistic and likely.
Now I’m not saying that a woman can’t inspire a man to be a better man. After all Proverbs 30:18-19 (NIV84) says, “There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:… the way of a man with a maiden.” In Wild at Heart John Eldredge’s thesis is that “in the heart of every man is a desperate desire for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. … There is nothing so inspiring to a man as a beautiful woman.” (p. 9 & 15)
But in the end it is only God’s transforming grace that can be the catalyst for the type of transformation we see begin to take place in one guy’s heart. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NIV84)
Another message that the story makes clear is that everyone has worth and matters. Several people struggle with this in different ways and the author does an excellent job showing that. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read book three because that story will be about Scout who played a big part in this book. Overall a fun, clean, adventure packed read.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.
Review first posted on my blog: http://rinasreading.blogspot.com/2012...
September 10, 2016
Miss Jamilyn Ellis was taken hostage by the notorious Walton Gang when her train was hijacked for its cargo of silver. While it is apparent that some members of the gang would like nothing more than to do her harm, Will McMillan steps in to protect her, with the permission (but not the approval) of Scout Proffitt, the gang’s second-in-command (and the younger brother of Clayton, from A Texan’s Promise). After Will and Jamie escape from the train, Scout is sent to find and silence them, but his search is distracted by Kitty, who has suffered years of abuse from her stepfather.
Similar to the characters in A Texan’s Promise, Will is another person who has been deeply affected by the war, someone who perceives that the war and the choices he has made have broken his character. This made me wonder about the current war - how many young men and women of good character are being broken by the things they are seeing, and what affect will this have on their futures? Will appears different to the other gang members, as though he is hiding something. Again, this made me think of the consequences of war, of having lived through a time so difficult and dangerous that making a living as a train robber almost seems like a moral improvement.
Overall, A Texan’s Honor is a darker book than A Texan’s Promise, as the story focuses on two men who have made bad choices. Call me shallow if you like, but I usually prefer the lighter stories. It is a testament to Shelley Gray’s ability as a writer that I actually found both books equally good, equally enjoyable and equally challenging. I especially liked her sensitive way of dealing with some difficult themes, without sensationalising them or being unnecessarily graphic in her descriptions, but at the same time, not diminishing the abuse or glossing over the damage it caused. She struck an excellent balance between horror and restraint, particularly as these books are (I assume) quite different to her previous books, which were set in the Amish community.
A Texan’s Honor is the second book in the Heart of a Hero series, following A Texan’s Promise. Thanks to Abingdon Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
Similar to the characters in A Texan’s Promise, Will is another person who has been deeply affected by the war, someone who perceives that the war and the choices he has made have broken his character. This made me wonder about the current war - how many young men and women of good character are being broken by the things they are seeing, and what affect will this have on their futures? Will appears different to the other gang members, as though he is hiding something. Again, this made me think of the consequences of war, of having lived through a time so difficult and dangerous that making a living as a train robber almost seems like a moral improvement.
Overall, A Texan’s Honor is a darker book than A Texan’s Promise, as the story focuses on two men who have made bad choices. Call me shallow if you like, but I usually prefer the lighter stories. It is a testament to Shelley Gray’s ability as a writer that I actually found both books equally good, equally enjoyable and equally challenging. I especially liked her sensitive way of dealing with some difficult themes, without sensationalising them or being unnecessarily graphic in her descriptions, but at the same time, not diminishing the abuse or glossing over the damage it caused. She struck an excellent balance between horror and restraint, particularly as these books are (I assume) quite different to her previous books, which were set in the Amish community.
A Texan’s Honor is the second book in the Heart of a Hero series, following A Texan’s Promise. Thanks to Abingdon Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
March 28, 2012
A compelling western tale, about growth and making new beginnings.
Will McMillan is an undercover Marshal, pretending to be part of the infamous Walton Gang. But when a train robbery doesn't go the way they planned, and a innocent young woman is caught in the middle of an ugly hostage situation, Will risks everything to keep her safe.
Scout Profitt is known as a fearsome outlaw to cross, and after Will does just that Scout follows close on his trail, determined to catch them before they are out of reach.
A Texan's Honor is a fast paced book, with characters that leap off the page. Corded with tension, Ms. Gray has woven together an exhilarating western adventure, filled with characters so complex that you can't help but believe them to be real. Though Will and Jamie were great, my favorite character was Scout. It's not often that I like the (sorta) bad guy, but Scout was imperfect, yet there was a man of honor in there somewhere! Scout was complex, and he grew by leaps and bounds throughout the book. It's easy to see that Scout was really smart guy, and he really was challenged to rethink his way of life. I think that the next book should be about Scout!
Though this is something of a sequel, I would say that this book also works well as a stand alone. The only connection to the first book is that Scout is the brother of Clayton, the hero in the first book, but they haven't seen each other in years, so there's very little tying A Texan's Honor to A Texan's Promise, especially because this book was mainly about Will.
Overall, this is a fast-paced western, with wonderfully complex and conflicted characters, that come to life before your eyes, with a tension filled plot. I loved every minute of this book, and am eagerly awaiting the second in the series. I would highly recommend this book to historical fiction lovers of every kind! Thanks :)
Final Rating: 5 out of 5
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It was not required that I give a positive review, but only that I give my honest opinion. Thank you.
Will McMillan is an undercover Marshal, pretending to be part of the infamous Walton Gang. But when a train robbery doesn't go the way they planned, and a innocent young woman is caught in the middle of an ugly hostage situation, Will risks everything to keep her safe.
Scout Profitt is known as a fearsome outlaw to cross, and after Will does just that Scout follows close on his trail, determined to catch them before they are out of reach.
A Texan's Honor is a fast paced book, with characters that leap off the page. Corded with tension, Ms. Gray has woven together an exhilarating western adventure, filled with characters so complex that you can't help but believe them to be real. Though Will and Jamie were great, my favorite character was Scout. It's not often that I like the (sorta) bad guy, but Scout was imperfect, yet there was a man of honor in there somewhere! Scout was complex, and he grew by leaps and bounds throughout the book. It's easy to see that Scout was really smart guy, and he really was challenged to rethink his way of life. I think that the next book should be about Scout!
Though this is something of a sequel, I would say that this book also works well as a stand alone. The only connection to the first book is that Scout is the brother of Clayton, the hero in the first book, but they haven't seen each other in years, so there's very little tying A Texan's Honor to A Texan's Promise, especially because this book was mainly about Will.
Overall, this is a fast-paced western, with wonderfully complex and conflicted characters, that come to life before your eyes, with a tension filled plot. I loved every minute of this book, and am eagerly awaiting the second in the series. I would highly recommend this book to historical fiction lovers of every kind! Thanks :)
Final Rating: 5 out of 5
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It was not required that I give a positive review, but only that I give my honest opinion. Thank you.
December 1, 2013
The Heart of a Hero series,book #2"A Texan's Honor"by Shellie Gray
Shelly writes her characters rugged but loveable..I like trains and this story takes place mostly on a train that gets stopped by the bad guys wanting the silver on board...
US Marshal Will McMillan is with the Walton gang as undercover and he does it so well that he himself begins to wonder who he is??
Things go from bad to worse when the gang keep a woman on board and one female among many men is not a good equation.
It seemed like time stretched forever when a posse surrounded the train and ordered that the hostages be let go.
Sam Walton the head of this gang was as mean as they come and he was not giving up all the silver on board yet they just might have been a small shred of decency left in him where the girl was concerned. He trusted Will completely and let him take her into another car away from one bad man"Kent" who was ready to rape her as soon as he could, he almost salivated from the hunger on his face...Will knew in time something was going to happen on this train and it was not going to be a good thing.
Jamie was on board headed to live with her aunts now that she could not live alone, she had been writing a friend of the aunts that seemed like he wanted to meet Jamie and possibly marry should they get on. Her future was settled until the train was stopped and she was the sole woman on board with all these dirty unkempt men, she was so afraid that her body trembled just looking at them. She had no way of knowing that Will was a good guy under cover and when he tried to help her she was even afraid that he might be going to hurt her.
Scout was another of the gang that seemed to still have a small shred of goodness left in him and he told Will he had better do something quick if he wanted to save this woman.
You will enjoy reading this story and finding out how Will and Scout survive the train holdup and get out of the Walton Gang. I am anxious to read book #3 to see happiness come into the lives of these hard men when they are given a second chance.
Shelly writes her characters rugged but loveable..I like trains and this story takes place mostly on a train that gets stopped by the bad guys wanting the silver on board...
US Marshal Will McMillan is with the Walton gang as undercover and he does it so well that he himself begins to wonder who he is??
Things go from bad to worse when the gang keep a woman on board and one female among many men is not a good equation.
It seemed like time stretched forever when a posse surrounded the train and ordered that the hostages be let go.
Sam Walton the head of this gang was as mean as they come and he was not giving up all the silver on board yet they just might have been a small shred of decency left in him where the girl was concerned. He trusted Will completely and let him take her into another car away from one bad man"Kent" who was ready to rape her as soon as he could, he almost salivated from the hunger on his face...Will knew in time something was going to happen on this train and it was not going to be a good thing.
Jamie was on board headed to live with her aunts now that she could not live alone, she had been writing a friend of the aunts that seemed like he wanted to meet Jamie and possibly marry should they get on. Her future was settled until the train was stopped and she was the sole woman on board with all these dirty unkempt men, she was so afraid that her body trembled just looking at them. She had no way of knowing that Will was a good guy under cover and when he tried to help her she was even afraid that he might be going to hurt her.
Scout was another of the gang that seemed to still have a small shred of goodness left in him and he told Will he had better do something quick if he wanted to save this woman.
You will enjoy reading this story and finding out how Will and Scout survive the train holdup and get out of the Walton Gang. I am anxious to read book #3 to see happiness come into the lives of these hard men when they are given a second chance.
February 21, 2017
A Texan's Honor
This was an edge of your seat novel. I had a hard time putting this one down. Love and Honor, you have to read. Love this series.
This was an edge of your seat novel. I had a hard time putting this one down. Love and Honor, you have to read. Love this series.
May 3, 2012
3.5 Stars
Jamilyn was on a train to go live with her aunts because her parents had died. The train was captured by the Walton Gang and she was taken hostage. Jamie feared she was going to die or be violated. When Will who is one of the gang steps in and keeps her from harm she is not sure if she should trust him or hate him.
Will is a U.S Marshall and deep undercover in the Walton Gang. He takes it upon himself to keep Jamie safe and finds along the way that his heart is slowly falling for her. Will these two walk away a live and will they find true love along the way?
This is one of my top 5 favorite authors and I love her books but I did not like this book as much as I had hoped.
What I liked: This is a western historical novel and I always enjoy reading about this time period. It was interesting to read about a gang. I was particularly interested in Scout.
What I did not like: To me this was kind of a dark novel. Lots of bad guys. I had trouble connecting with the two main characters and found myself more interested in Scouts story then theirs. The chemistry between Jamie and Will seemed mediocre.
Over all this book was just okay to me. I did enjoy reading it but did not get attached to the main characters which made it a little harder for me to read. I did find myself very interested in Scout and I am hoping the third book will be about him. The book was well written but the story was just not what I had hoped but I am looking forward to the third book of this series due out later this year. This book is getting very high reviews from others and is very well written. So please be sure to read other reviews as well. I really wanted to love this book but like I stated above this story line was just not as interesting to me.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
Jamilyn was on a train to go live with her aunts because her parents had died. The train was captured by the Walton Gang and she was taken hostage. Jamie feared she was going to die or be violated. When Will who is one of the gang steps in and keeps her from harm she is not sure if she should trust him or hate him.
Will is a U.S Marshall and deep undercover in the Walton Gang. He takes it upon himself to keep Jamie safe and finds along the way that his heart is slowly falling for her. Will these two walk away a live and will they find true love along the way?
This is one of my top 5 favorite authors and I love her books but I did not like this book as much as I had hoped.
What I liked: This is a western historical novel and I always enjoy reading about this time period. It was interesting to read about a gang. I was particularly interested in Scout.
What I did not like: To me this was kind of a dark novel. Lots of bad guys. I had trouble connecting with the two main characters and found myself more interested in Scouts story then theirs. The chemistry between Jamie and Will seemed mediocre.
Over all this book was just okay to me. I did enjoy reading it but did not get attached to the main characters which made it a little harder for me to read. I did find myself very interested in Scout and I am hoping the third book will be about him. The book was well written but the story was just not what I had hoped but I am looking forward to the third book of this series due out later this year. This book is getting very high reviews from others and is very well written. So please be sure to read other reviews as well. I really wanted to love this book but like I stated above this story line was just not as interesting to me.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
January 25, 2015
The aftermath of the Civil War left many men aimless, homeless and violent. People dealt with the pain and trauma in different ways. Will McMillan served under Clayton Proffitt (Book 1 in the Texan series).
Will is working undercover to bring outlaws to justice in the wild West. He has joined a group of crazy unlawful but with some 'honor' because they leave women and children alone. But everything goes wrong on a train robbery and they take Jamie (Jamilyn) Ellis as a hostage so that the marshals don't blow up the train. Will McMillan instantly feels something for Miss Jamie because she is everything that he is no longer. In a matter of hours he feels so strongly that he decides to save her by jumping off the train and to run for their lives.
The introduction of Scout Proffitt (probably the next book in the Texan series?) was natural and interesting. I was worried that he was going to fall in love with Kitty, but it was an interesting turn of plot and redemption. He really need to help someone to learn that life wasn't only about selfish needs and survival. He need to learn that there was more then a violent life. I felt that the bible references and Christian themes were lighter then in the first story. A Texan's Promise
This is a Historic Western Christian romance, that has a lot violence and mentions of rape and other abuse. 'A Texan's Honor' is the second book in the Texas series by Shelly Gray, A Texan's Promise was about a retired Civil War soldier who helps heal and protect an abused girl from her evil Stepfather.
This as free for kindle in May 2012, 320 pages.
Will is working undercover to bring outlaws to justice in the wild West. He has joined a group of crazy unlawful but with some 'honor' because they leave women and children alone. But everything goes wrong on a train robbery and they take Jamie (Jamilyn) Ellis as a hostage so that the marshals don't blow up the train. Will McMillan instantly feels something for Miss Jamie because she is everything that he is no longer. In a matter of hours he feels so strongly that he decides to save her by jumping off the train and to run for their lives.
The introduction of Scout Proffitt (probably the next book in the Texan series?) was natural and interesting. I was worried that he was going to fall in love with Kitty, but it was an interesting turn of plot and redemption. He really need to help someone to learn that life wasn't only about selfish needs and survival. He need to learn that there was more then a violent life. I felt that the bible references and Christian themes were lighter then in the first story. A Texan's Promise
This is a Historic Western Christian romance, that has a lot violence and mentions of rape and other abuse. 'A Texan's Honor' is the second book in the Texas series by Shelly Gray, A Texan's Promise was about a retired Civil War soldier who helps heal and protect an abused girl from her evil Stepfather.
This as free for kindle in May 2012, 320 pages.
June 23, 2012
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
When Jamie Ellis boarded the train to go live with her aunts, she never dreamed of the detour her journey would take. Being held hostage on a train holdup? Never in a million years did she think this would happen to her.
When Will McMillan joined the Walton Gang, he never intended to hold a woman hostage. This throws danger signals and threatens secrets Will wanted to keep secrets. But Will had to do everything he could to protect Jamie from the other men on the train manhandling her so he takes her to another car for protection. The only one he trusted with Jamie was Scott Proffitt.
Wow, another awesome read from Shelley Gray! Shelley creates a cast of characters, puts them in the setting of a train robbery with the horrific Walton Gang, and writes a story that will make your head spin! I really felt so sorry for Jamie, but I enjoyed seeing the tender side of Will, and Scott. Being he hard-hearted men they were, never caring about anyone’s feelings, I was in tears as I read the different situations with Will and Jamie, and with Scott and the girl he removed from the saloon and her abusive family.
This book is so very well written and intense, I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen to Jamie. And I loved the tease of romance throughout the book, which was another draw to keep reading the book, because I had to find out how things would turn out!
Overall, this is an incredibly amazing book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. One I will keep on my bookshelf so I can read all of the series at one time! And I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I appreciate Abingdon Press for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a postitve review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
When Jamie Ellis boarded the train to go live with her aunts, she never dreamed of the detour her journey would take. Being held hostage on a train holdup? Never in a million years did she think this would happen to her.
When Will McMillan joined the Walton Gang, he never intended to hold a woman hostage. This throws danger signals and threatens secrets Will wanted to keep secrets. But Will had to do everything he could to protect Jamie from the other men on the train manhandling her so he takes her to another car for protection. The only one he trusted with Jamie was Scott Proffitt.
Wow, another awesome read from Shelley Gray! Shelley creates a cast of characters, puts them in the setting of a train robbery with the horrific Walton Gang, and writes a story that will make your head spin! I really felt so sorry for Jamie, but I enjoyed seeing the tender side of Will, and Scott. Being he hard-hearted men they were, never caring about anyone’s feelings, I was in tears as I read the different situations with Will and Jamie, and with Scott and the girl he removed from the saloon and her abusive family.
This book is so very well written and intense, I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen to Jamie. And I loved the tease of romance throughout the book, which was another draw to keep reading the book, because I had to find out how things would turn out!
Overall, this is an incredibly amazing book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. One I will keep on my bookshelf so I can read all of the series at one time! And I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I appreciate Abingdon Press for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a postitve review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
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