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Texas Legacy #1
Leather and Lace
Casey O'Hare forsakes life with an outlaw gang to start anew in 1884. WANTED posters across the country attribute various crimes to her of which she is innocent. The outlaw leader, Davis Jenkins, and her brother Tim ride in her pursuit, while a stranger by the name of Morgan enters her campsite in the snow-covered mountains of Utah. Under gunpoint, he leads her down the icy slopes to safety, but Casey learns Morgan is using her to get to Jenkins-and vows to escape him, too. Will Casey's past catch up with her, or will she find a place to rest in the arms of love?
318 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2006
44 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
About the author
DiAnn Mills
129 books1,976 followersDiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 25, 2010
Leather & Lace is the first book in DiAnn Mills' Texas Legacy series, released by Barbour. With this novel Mills has woven a powerful tale of one woman's redemption from her past and one man's release from an all-consuming bitterness, through the grace of God having their lives restored and their wounded spirits healed. The theme of this novel reminded me of this passage from the book of Joel that I had come across several years ago when a friend of mine was going through a very difficult time due to illness:
"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten...my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed." (Joel 2:25-27)
This is a novel about restoration, powerfully told. On a purely personal level, I have really enjoyed this story simply because it's a well-written western, loaded with adventure and romance. As a kid I cut my reading "teeth" on the likes of Louis L'Amour and Clarence Mulford, authors who excelled at making the Old West and the people who lived during that time come unforgettably alive. There are quite a few CBA novels out there that simply don't do justice to the source material -- they fall terribly flat and all too often are filled with unbelievable plots and insipid characters. Mills doesn't whitewash the hardships of the time period. She succeeds in creating engaging characters, has a good feel for the time, and most of all writes a rollicking good story. Mills has got a lot of potential and is an author I'll enjoy hearing more from.
"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten...my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed." (Joel 2:25-27)
This is a novel about restoration, powerfully told. On a purely personal level, I have really enjoyed this story simply because it's a well-written western, loaded with adventure and romance. As a kid I cut my reading "teeth" on the likes of Louis L'Amour and Clarence Mulford, authors who excelled at making the Old West and the people who lived during that time come unforgettably alive. There are quite a few CBA novels out there that simply don't do justice to the source material -- they fall terribly flat and all too often are filled with unbelievable plots and insipid characters. Mills doesn't whitewash the hardships of the time period. She succeeds in creating engaging characters, has a good feel for the time, and most of all writes a rollicking good story. Mills has got a lot of potential and is an author I'll enjoy hearing more from.
July 25, 2010
This was a pretty emotional read. I teared up several times.
Casey is a heroine its hard not to like. Since the age of 14, she's been with the Jenkins gang. Following her brother away from an abusive household only to wind up in an even worse situation, Casey longs for a normal life. One day while the gang is away on a robbery, she leaves with plans to get as far away as she can, but on the first night she is stopped by Morgan, a lawyer/bounty hunter bound on seeing Jenkins put away. Even if that means using Casey as bait. The gang turns the tables on the two however, and Casey and Morgan end up being the ones hunted.
Casey eventually gets away from both Jenkins and Morgan and changes her appearance, settling down in a small Texas town, and working as a nurse for an invalid Preacher's wife. She learns about God and eventually gets herself on the right path only to wind up face to face with Morgan once again. Their scenes are heated and emotional and its easy to compare Morgan to a Diana Palmer hero with his actions.
Morgan has a lot of growing up to do himself and he takes it out on Casey every chance he gets. He was a hard character to like. I'm still not sure I'm sold on him. If Casey had left him in the dust it would have served him right and I'd have cheered.
If you're looking for a historical western that's both meaty and emotional, this is a good choice.
Casey is a heroine its hard not to like. Since the age of 14, she's been with the Jenkins gang. Following her brother away from an abusive household only to wind up in an even worse situation, Casey longs for a normal life. One day while the gang is away on a robbery, she leaves with plans to get as far away as she can, but on the first night she is stopped by Morgan, a lawyer/bounty hunter bound on seeing Jenkins put away. Even if that means using Casey as bait. The gang turns the tables on the two however, and Casey and Morgan end up being the ones hunted.
Casey eventually gets away from both Jenkins and Morgan and changes her appearance, settling down in a small Texas town, and working as a nurse for an invalid Preacher's wife. She learns about God and eventually gets herself on the right path only to wind up face to face with Morgan once again. Their scenes are heated and emotional and its easy to compare Morgan to a Diana Palmer hero with his actions.
Morgan has a lot of growing up to do himself and he takes it out on Casey every chance he gets. He was a hard character to like. I'm still not sure I'm sold on him. If Casey had left him in the dust it would have served him right and I'd have cheered.
If you're looking for a historical western that's both meaty and emotional, this is a good choice.
September 30, 2019
This author takes the typical western romance and turns it into a fresh, new adventure! The main character is barely into her teens and riding with an outlaw gang when she is abused. The path she takes is filled with courage and tenderness. I highly recommend this book.
November 6, 2015
Riding with an outlaw gang, Casey has learned to be tough, but she never lowered her standards to match theirs. When she runs from them, she’ll need her wits to survive.
Leather and Lace is a fun Western, filled with outlaws and lawmen, guns and innocent bystanders. It is an adventure, but not one that leaves you looking over your shoulder. Much of the story focuses on the characters and how their circumstances affect them. Watching Casey build genuine friendships with those around her lends credibility to her tale.
Certain aspects of Morgan’s character seemed out of place, especially in light of his personality displayed through much of the story. There was also one situation which was not resolved by the end which left me wondering why it was no longer an issue. But overall, Leather and Lace was a great story, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
(This review was first published on my blog -- sarahruut.com.)
Leather and Lace is a fun Western, filled with outlaws and lawmen, guns and innocent bystanders. It is an adventure, but not one that leaves you looking over your shoulder. Much of the story focuses on the characters and how their circumstances affect them. Watching Casey build genuine friendships with those around her lends credibility to her tale.
Certain aspects of Morgan’s character seemed out of place, especially in light of his personality displayed through much of the story. There was also one situation which was not resolved by the end which left me wondering why it was no longer an issue. But overall, Leather and Lace was a great story, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
(This review was first published on my blog -- sarahruut.com.)
July 20, 2018
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
12/4/2014-
"Waaaaay too many Sexual hints and rememberings. Can I just leave it at that?"
*Main Content-
Lots about brothels, prostitutes, young girls working there, and the men who "visit" them. The main girl's boss forced himself upon her many times starting when she was fourteen (not super detailed, but the mentions of sexual hints, comments and bruises are there); Three detailed kisses, and three semi-detailed kisses; Mentions of Jenkins forcing himself on women.
12/4/2014-
"Waaaaay too many Sexual hints and rememberings. Can I just leave it at that?"
*Main Content-
Lots about brothels, prostitutes, young girls working there, and the men who "visit" them. The main girl's boss forced himself upon her many times starting when she was fourteen (not super detailed, but the mentions of sexual hints, comments and bruises are there); Three detailed kisses, and three semi-detailed kisses; Mentions of Jenkins forcing himself on women.
June 21, 2021
Casey's and Tim's mother had passed and their father was a drunk. Her brother, Tim, left with an outlaw gang with Davis Jenkin's gang. Casey, age 14, chases her brother not to leave her with her abusive drunk father. Casey disguised as a boy and joins the outlaw group and later is discovered as a young woman. Jenkin's sexually and physically abuses her. She takes off on a run to leave her unfortunate life. She is confronted by a man named Morgan Andrews and he wants to use her as hostage to kill Jenkin's. Being a good man Morgan is unable to use Casey as a pawn. With Jenkin's hot on their trail Morgan is shot. Casey is able to get him to a town doctor and saves his life. From there, Casey and Morgan begin to fall in love. Will Casey find a place to call home?
April 23, 2013
Probably a 3.5
The romance was good, and the story line was good. But I do think that it could've been condensed a lot. There was a lot of repetition, and a little preachy in places. At times Morgan was such a jerk, I am surprised that Casey even bothered. I know he had a rough past, but his words were so cruel. Anywho, I'm glad I read it and will read the next one.
Moral Note: Talk of drinking, brothels, rape (nothing too graphic). 1-2 language (heck). Mild to heavy violence.
The romance was good, and the story line was good. But I do think that it could've been condensed a lot. There was a lot of repetition, and a little preachy in places. At times Morgan was such a jerk, I am surprised that Casey even bothered. I know he had a rough past, but his words were so cruel. Anywho, I'm glad I read it and will read the next one.
Moral Note: Talk of drinking, brothels, rape (nothing too graphic). 1-2 language (heck). Mild to heavy violence.
August 12, 2015
Pretty good, really. Just not good enough to get a 5 star rating from me.
April 7, 2020
Don't read again! Hero, Morgan, is untrustworthy. Says he fell in love with Casey while holding her hostage to use as bait to catch the outlaw that molested and murdered his wife. But his stated opinion those few days was "when he hadn't been unconscious, he'd despised her." Then he considers her rare beauty, and decides he has to go after her.
Later, with no additional proof that his feelings are love and not lust, he tells her he loves her. But he follows that with repeated outbursts of accusing her of wanting to be an outlaw and trying to teach others her outlaw ways, which they excuse because he doesn't do it again after he tells her of his wife's death, as if that confession suddenly teaches him she is trustworthy.
Casey has been with the outlaw band because she followed her brother after the death of their mother. And from fourteen years old she has been raped, abused, and had her and her brother's life threatened if she runs, by the same gang leader that raped and killed Morgan's wife. And she is supposed to trust with her legal defense and her love the man who never sees her as another victim, but struggles to excuse her from being an outlaw.
Her lack of trust is blown off as only resulting from her abuse through other men, but that is nonsense. Morgan proves he is untrustworthy by repeatedly blaming her right alongside the outlaws he hates, just because she didn't stop the abuse.
Later, with no additional proof that his feelings are love and not lust, he tells her he loves her. But he follows that with repeated outbursts of accusing her of wanting to be an outlaw and trying to teach others her outlaw ways, which they excuse because he doesn't do it again after he tells her of his wife's death, as if that confession suddenly teaches him she is trustworthy.
Casey has been with the outlaw band because she followed her brother after the death of their mother. And from fourteen years old she has been raped, abused, and had her and her brother's life threatened if she runs, by the same gang leader that raped and killed Morgan's wife. And she is supposed to trust with her legal defense and her love the man who never sees her as another victim, but struggles to excuse her from being an outlaw.
Her lack of trust is blown off as only resulting from her abuse through other men, but that is nonsense. Morgan proves he is untrustworthy by repeatedly blaming her right alongside the outlaws he hates, just because she didn't stop the abuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this western book, as I usually don’t read anything from that genre. I was so emotionally invested in this book and the characters really resonated with me.
The only thing that kind of pissed me off was Casey and how annoying she was towards the end when Morgan was simping after her and she was being a crybaby for no reason (I mean there was a reason, but who cares??). Overall, this was a really good read and I was hooked from beginning to the end, which is why I have given it five stars.
The last few pages of the book were so tragic. It truly is a sobering reminder of how fleeting our life is and how important it is to be right before God when we step into eternity. It’s an interesting comparison between the deaths of Sarah and Tim.
The only thing that kind of pissed me off was Casey and how annoying she was towards the end when Morgan was simping after her and she was being a crybaby for no reason (I mean there was a reason, but who cares??). Overall, this was a really good read and I was hooked from beginning to the end, which is why I have given it five stars.
The last few pages of the book were so tragic. It truly is a sobering reminder of how fleeting our life is and how important it is to be right before God when we step into eternity. It’s an interesting comparison between the deaths of Sarah and Tim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2021
Casey O'Hare labelled as a ruthless murderer and outlaw runs away from the notorious gang she runs with. Meeting Morgan Andrews proves to be dangerous in her life, but at the same time puts her on a path of pardon and redemption. Can Casey really put everything behind and starts life anew as she dreams it? Or is it all too much to hope for? A story of hope, forgiveness, redemption, love and God, Casey story takes us through the Old West to times where life was simpler and harder. A very entertaining read.
April 15, 2025
Leather and Lace is a Christian action/romance set in Texas in the late 1800s. Casey O’Hare and her brother get into an outlaw gang when she is 14 and she finally escapes 7 years later and is hunted by gang leader Jenkins. She changes her name to start a new life and finds work as a nurse and housekeeper for a pastor’s wife. She becomes a Christian and falls in love with a man who was hunting Jenkins for atrocities done to his family. I didn’t think I would like this book, but as I got to know the characters I enjoyed it.
February 1, 2020
Casey O'Hare left her family with her brother Tim & joined up with gangster Davis Jenkins . Casey doesn't commit crimes, but becomes wanted in several states. She leaves Jenkins but soon Morgan finds her. There is a shot out between Jenkins & Morgan with both being injured.
Casey runs & ends up in Morgan's hometown. Casey gives her life to Jesus & ends up tending the minister's dying wife.
Ultimately Morgan & Casey fall in love& the rest is history.
Casey runs & ends up in Morgan's hometown. Casey gives her life to Jesus & ends up tending the minister's dying wife.
Ultimately Morgan & Casey fall in love& the rest is history.
July 3, 2025
Moving Insirational 1884 Adventure- Very Entertaining
Casey O'Hara is a strong woman with challenges and an abusive famous outlaw trailing her. Testing the fiber of her being. Leaving the outlaw life behind and meeting new people as she escapes sure death made this an exceptional read. Just excellent! I highly recommend this story! The hero has much to overcome. I loved the interaction & ups & downs!
Casey O'Hara is a strong woman with challenges and an abusive famous outlaw trailing her. Testing the fiber of her being. Leaving the outlaw life behind and meeting new people as she escapes sure death made this an exceptional read. Just excellent! I highly recommend this story! The hero has much to overcome. I loved the interaction & ups & downs!
March 20, 2022
I'm new to DiAnn Mills' books and Leather and Lace is the first one I have read by her. The plot had potential but the human relationships and interactions were very juvenile and lacked depth. I wanted to give this 2.5 stars because of that, but her descriptive writing was actually very well done and the content was clean, which I appreciate, so I gave it 3 stars.
March 31, 2020
This book is a comfort book that I turn to time and time again. I love the twist of a female outlaw and her having some deep issues she wrestles with throughout the book. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a strong female main character, history, mystery and sprinkled with humor throughout.
December 31, 2022
I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author, but have never read this older series of hers. This historical fiction suspense was different from her modern day stories, but was just as good as those books. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series
February 23, 2025
You can run from the past, but until you reckon with it, yesterday will haunt you.
p. 185
Time has a way of making the past not so important.
p. 194
Yet reality rarely found folks prepared.
p. 274
p. 185
Time has a way of making the past not so important.
p. 194
Yet reality rarely found folks prepared.
p. 274
November 16, 2017
Good story line, exciting plot, very readable and a very strong message of trust in the one you love and total trust in God being in control of your life.
March 7, 2018
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The way Casey went through several feelings & thoughts just like we do in our own lives. A sad but joyous ending. Looking forward to #2
June 22, 2019
Good story line. Enjoyable read.
August 5, 2019
This first book of the series. The characters are well introduced and I have always loved Diann Mills style of writing as I feel I am right there while reading.
September 27, 2019
It had potential, but fell flat. I think this is one of her earlier works and she simply didn’t have as much experience as she does now. Definitely love some of her current stuff.
April 25, 2020
I like everything DiAnn Mills has written. This series is great. I can read them over and over. I love the author’s heart and the way she displays her faith.
July 29, 2022
3.5 a typical romance story but had a hint of mystery which kept my interest
February 15, 2025
heartwarming
A great read. Worked through some difficult stuff for both of them. A lot of good lessons learned. Interesting to see what comes next.
A great read. Worked through some difficult stuff for both of them. A lot of good lessons learned. Interesting to see what comes next.
Read
June 30, 2025DNF
September 28, 2016
Suspense was nice. A bit graphic for a fiction christian novel.
September 7, 2016
A poignant, historical romance set in the West during the late 1800s. In this first book of the Texas Legacy series, fugitive Casey O’Hare tries to forsake the outlaw life for a chance to start her life anew, but she’s pursued by the law and the outlaw gang leader. Both want her dead. Will she ever find a place to call home?
This book was a little slow at first, and I didn't know if I was going to like it since the main female character is a lady gunslinger who ended up with a gang in the old west after leaving her home along with her older brother. But as the story picked up speed, I fell in love with Casey as she tries to become a woman and leave her past behind. The characters who touched Casey's life as she tries to escape her past help her turn into a strong Christian woman who faces trouble head on. Sarah brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of what a strong Christian woman should look like. Morgan's efforts to win Casey's love as well as assist her in clearing her name were admirable even if he did mess up several times due to Casey's fears from her past. A great western romance with lots of action, good characters, and a strong Christian theme that reminds me of Mary Connealy's books.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I blamed God and decided I wanted to heal people's bodies, not their souls. Funny thing, you can't do one without the other."
"The only answer is to turn back to God. He's allowed something to happen in your life, something you can't push aside. Understand the good is from God, and evil is from the devil. And for some things, we won't have the answer's till Judgment Day."
"God doesn't see sin in degrees."
This book was a little slow at first, and I didn't know if I was going to like it since the main female character is a lady gunslinger who ended up with a gang in the old west after leaving her home along with her older brother. But as the story picked up speed, I fell in love with Casey as she tries to become a woman and leave her past behind. The characters who touched Casey's life as she tries to escape her past help her turn into a strong Christian woman who faces trouble head on. Sarah brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of what a strong Christian woman should look like. Morgan's efforts to win Casey's love as well as assist her in clearing her name were admirable even if he did mess up several times due to Casey's fears from her past. A great western romance with lots of action, good characters, and a strong Christian theme that reminds me of Mary Connealy's books.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I blamed God and decided I wanted to heal people's bodies, not their souls. Funny thing, you can't do one without the other."
"The only answer is to turn back to God. He's allowed something to happen in your life, something you can't push aside. Understand the good is from God, and evil is from the devil. And for some things, we won't have the answer's till Judgment Day."
"God doesn't see sin in degrees."
October 30, 2013
Reading a Christian novel, especially a romance one, always surprises me when at the end I realize I've seen new truths in God's word.
I highlighted (this was a Kindle version) several passages -- too many to include here.
This book is about a man who hated the very man that the woman -- a woman he loves -- lived with for YEARS. Why? Can he trust her? She struggles with her new faith. She finds it hard to believe what it means for God to forgive her of the life she has lived in the past.
We learn of a pastor who knows what it means to love God, his church family -- and his wife. And she teaches us what how we can die with God's love wrapped around her.
I will re-read this book again. And seek out the other books in this same series. Yes -- there is a love story connected to this book. A nice one. An enjoyable one.
I highly recommend this book. If you want a lovely old west -- with outlaws and everything -- romance story, the book will satisfy. If you like to read Christian novels, the book will satisfy.
I highlighted (this was a Kindle version) several passages -- too many to include here.
"As a believer ... you can't run anywhere that God won't find you."
"God either takes away the ugliness in our lives or walks with us through it."
"Just listen for the quiet voice of God. Sometimes we are so busy praying that we forget to hush and simply let Him [God] speak."
This book is about a man who hated the very man that the woman -- a woman he loves -- lived with for YEARS. Why? Can he trust her? She struggles with her new faith. She finds it hard to believe what it means for God to forgive her of the life she has lived in the past.
We learn of a pastor who knows what it means to love God, his church family -- and his wife. And she teaches us what how we can die with God's love wrapped around her.
I will re-read this book again. And seek out the other books in this same series. Yes -- there is a love story connected to this book. A nice one. An enjoyable one.
I highly recommend this book. If you want a lovely old west -- with outlaws and everything -- romance story, the book will satisfy. If you like to read Christian novels, the book will satisfy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews