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Lone Star Legacy #1
Frontier Lady
She Learned Too Late On Her Wedding Night That She Had Escaped Nothing-
Deborah Graham's escape from the ravages of the Civil War to the plains of Texas holds more than the promise of a new beginning. She is marrying a handsome young man who will inherit wealth and influence from his cattle-baron father. But the reverberations of a murderer's bullet echo far down the corridors of her life and change everything for Deborah.
From the plains of Texas to the Indian Territories of Kansas, Deborah finds herself faced with all the beauty, savagery, and challenges of the Old West. And along the way a tiny seed of faith is planted and the characteristics that will become her distinctive mark strength, independence, honor and faith in a God who is bigger than the land ever noted for its awesome size will begin to develop.
Deborah Graham's escape from the ravages of the Civil War to the plains of Texas holds more than the promise of a new beginning. She is marrying a handsome young man who will inherit wealth and influence from his cattle-baron father. But the reverberations of a murderer's bullet echo far down the corridors of her life and change everything for Deborah.
From the plains of Texas to the Indian Territories of Kansas, Deborah finds herself faced with all the beauty, savagery, and challenges of the Old West. And along the way a tiny seed of faith is planted and the characteristics that will become her distinctive mark strength, independence, honor and faith in a God who is bigger than the land ever noted for its awesome size will begin to develop.
Library Binding
First published February 1, 1993
28 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Judith Pella
97 books236 followersJudith Pella is a bestselling, award-winning author whose writing career spans two decades. Her in-depth historical and geographical research combines with her skillful storytelling to provide readers with dramatic, thought-provoking novels. She and her husband make their home in Scapoose, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 3, 2015
I read this book when I was about twelves years old. It was my first foray into adult fiction books. My mom had recommended it to me, she had a thing for Christian Historical Romantic Fiction, so of course I read them all too. If you gloss over all the Christian preachy stuff, this genre has some fun stories. I liked this book so much that I actually re-read it a few times in my middle school years. It had epic adventure and a slow-burn romance and lots of cool characters.
I have no idea if this book would hold up now, I haven't read it since my early teens, but I know that when I did read it, I enjoyed it tremendously. I had forgotten the title/author of the series, but could still picture the cover and recalled the basic plot, so I definitely spent a good hour on google searching "Christian historical fiction westerns" to no avail. When I asked if my mom remembered this series, she knew exactly what I was talking about almost immediately. so clearly it stuck with her too.
I think I'll see if I can get my hands on a copy for a reread and see if I still enjoy it. Who knows. But for now, this book gets four stars for all the nostalgia and fuzzy feelings.
I have no idea if this book would hold up now, I haven't read it since my early teens, but I know that when I did read it, I enjoyed it tremendously. I had forgotten the title/author of the series, but could still picture the cover and recalled the basic plot, so I definitely spent a good hour on google searching "Christian historical fiction westerns" to no avail. When I asked if my mom remembered this series, she knew exactly what I was talking about almost immediately. so clearly it stuck with her too.
I think I'll see if I can get my hands on a copy for a reread and see if I still enjoy it. Who knows. But for now, this book gets four stars for all the nostalgia and fuzzy feelings.
September 28, 2021
Well, I read this thinking it would be a fun read about adventures during the mid-1800s. Well, I'm not sure what I think. It was a great story, but I wanted to cry pretty much from the start. Maybe I'll come up with a full, well-thought-out review, but not now. I need something a little uplifting after this journey...
April 4, 2024
I was torn throughout the entire book - torn between wanting to find out what happens, and being bored by the sheer length. Tbh there was so much content in the book that I felt like I was reading a 400-page series😆 there were parts that I really enjoyed, and there were parts that I really didn't. I am, however, invested enough in these characters that I'll definitely be reading the sequel :)
June 13, 2019
Pop Sugar Reading Challenge 2019-A book that includes a wedding.
The second half was much better than the first half. The first half just seemed like a string of events that the author thought she had to get through to get us to the second half. But, even the second half had too much repeat introspection
The second half was much better than the first half. The first half just seemed like a string of events that the author thought she had to get through to get us to the second half. But, even the second half had too much repeat introspection
April 26, 2020
Deborah is the strongest character I have ever read about. She has such amazing character development throughout the story. Also, I met Broken Wing who was the most loving and understanding man ever. Broken Wing stole my whole heart. I really enjoyed this read that was definitely an adventure and a half.
February 24, 2017
my friend had been telling me about this book for some time before I eventually got my hands on it. its one of those books you can't put down! I liked it a lot especially because it wasn't your "average" book. the un expected happened, and then when you think, it would be all ok something else happened. the author added that suspenseful spice that keeps you on your toes. and it does have its happy parts as well not to worry ;) so many things were happening you could barely keep it all straight! this book will definitely capture you from the first page to last!!!!!!!
May 14, 2019
I am usually disappointed in "Christian" fiction as they rarely speak of how the characters relate to God. IN this series, (I've read 2 so far) , some of the characters have sincere relationships with God while others struggle to understand Him. There is so much action that occurs in this series. The history is accurate and well researched. I LOVE this era! At times I was not interested in the history and would skim. For that reason, I'm not sure if it would make a good Audible book or not.
January 20, 2017
This book was so good. It is a long haul, but the chapters seem to fly by once it grabs your attention. I had no idea what to expect, but it still pleasantly surprised me. At the end, I was a bit miffed that it seemed to finish before the story should have, but now I know that there are other books in the series and I am quite excited to read them.
August 3, 2019
Oh my days. I read this book ages ago and I still remember that it begins in medias res with the protagonist, Deborah, being led to the gallows. *Gulp!*
My teenage self loved this suspenseful read, hence the 3 stars. Today, I would probably rate it 2 stars as I am not a fan of historical romances anymore.
My teenage self loved this suspenseful read, hence the 3 stars. Today, I would probably rate it 2 stars as I am not a fan of historical romances anymore.
February 17, 2012
I read the first two Stonewycke books by Judith Pella and Michael Phillips (disliked it) and decided to give Miss Pella a second try. Disliked it, historical fiction or not. WAY too much drama and tragedy for me, thank you.
November 17, 2018
Enjoyed reading the detailed thought process expressed in the book of what this woman experienced with her life circumstances. Trials, tribulations, thoughts, never giving up, strength. Amazing book.
June 12, 2009
Really a delightful read; a good, interesting, and well-written historical novel. I just hope I can find the sequels!
Read
September 27, 2016It was long and had so much sadness, then happiness, then back to sadness. It seemed to take forever to get through it.
July 20, 2017
It was at first a little hard to get into this book but once I did it had me on the edge of my seat.
April 6, 2023
Deborah Graham's escape from the ravages of the Civil War to the plains of Texas holds more than the promise of a new beginning. She is marrying a handsome young man who will inherit wealth and influence from his cattle-baron father. But the reverberations of a murderer's bullet echo far down the corridors of her life and change everything for Deborah.
From the plains of Texas to the Indian Territories of Kansas, Deborah finds herself faced with all the beauty, savagery, and challenges of the Old West. And along the way a tiny seed of faith is planted and the characteristics that will become her distinctive mark strength, independence, honor and faith in a God who is bigger than the land ever noted for its awesome size will begin to develop.
From the plains of Texas to the Indian Territories of Kansas, Deborah finds herself faced with all the beauty, savagery, and challenges of the Old West. And along the way a tiny seed of faith is planted and the characteristics that will become her distinctive mark strength, independence, honor and faith in a God who is bigger than the land ever noted for its awesome size will begin to develop.
November 14, 2024
I'm so glad that I finally found the first and second book in this series.
Book 1 introduces us to Deborah Graham. She travels to Texas to escape the war going on in her own home. She marries a man that has a lot of secrets. It ends up that she hasn't escaped at all.
I enjoyed seeing Deborah's character growth in this book. She was so determined to try to make it on her own, and not rely on a man. I can understand how she felt, given her past.
I was very pleased with how Deborah was able to turn her life over to God and fall in love.
I'm eager to read the next book.
Book 1 introduces us to Deborah Graham. She travels to Texas to escape the war going on in her own home. She marries a man that has a lot of secrets. It ends up that she hasn't escaped at all.
I enjoyed seeing Deborah's character growth in this book. She was so determined to try to make it on her own, and not rely on a man. I can understand how she felt, given her past.
I was very pleased with how Deborah was able to turn her life over to God and fall in love.
I'm eager to read the next book.
September 1, 2025
The book shows how Deborah grows stronger through her struggles. It mixes history, adventure, and faith, reminding readers about forgiveness, courage, and God’s help in hard times. Overall, it is an inspiring story that teaches how pain can lead to strength and hope.
As the story goes on, Deborah struggles to survive in the frontier but also learns to be strong. She faces rejection, danger, and trials but grows into a woman of courage and faith. In the end, Deborah’s hardships shape her into someone who learns about forgiveness, hope, and trusting God’s plan, even after so much pain.
As the story goes on, Deborah struggles to survive in the frontier but also learns to be strong. She faces rejection, danger, and trials but grows into a woman of courage and faith. In the end, Deborah’s hardships shape her into someone who learns about forgiveness, hope, and trusting God’s plan, even after so much pain.
February 1, 2020
Okay, this is a reread. I actually got more out of this now that I am more mature as a Christian. I remember years like Deborah had before she finally surrendered to God. This is a well-told tale of Historical fiction with a Christian world view. Civil war to the 1870s in mostly Texas and Kansas. Her time with the Indians was extremely well done.
March 21, 2023
Tedious
The story has potential. But it is slow and laborious to read. There is lots of telling and very little showing. I would like to feel what the heroine is feeling - not have it stated every page.
The story has potential. But it is slow and laborious to read. There is lots of telling and very little showing. I would like to feel what the heroine is feeling - not have it stated every page.
Read
January 21, 2024I read this in high school, and I remember really enjoying it. However, when I tried to do a re-read recently, it turns out my tastes have changed dramatically. I didn't read past the first chapter, and I'll be unhauling it.
December 4, 2025
There were points in this book that I feel dragged on with religious talking. I understand the importance of it but feel it took away from the story some. This woman has been through a lot and I feel for her. I hope to enjoy the rest of the books.
January 20, 2024
#BookReviewFriday
#2024readingchallenge
#31theamericanfrontier
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 31 The American Frontier
Book: Frontier Lady
Author: Judith Pella
Five stars for Frontier Lady! I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked right from the beginning and immediately invested in Deborah’s story.
This was one woman’s redemption and growth story. At the tender age of 21 Deborah has had more tragedy and disappointment in her life than anyone should have to bear. All of this made her believe God was not real, and if he was, he couldn’t be good.
Mrs. Pella handled the tragedies that befell Deborah and her faith walk so well. Truly one of the best redemption stories I have read. Deborah was believable and relatable. I felt bad for her but I could have easily been her!
The journey to finding God was a bitter sweet one, but I loved every minute of it. Strong supporting cast of characters and beautiful writing, I highly recommend this book and this author. I can’t wait to check out more of her books.
https://www.facebook.com/share/X2VKjT...
#2024readingchallenge
#31theamericanfrontier
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 31 The American Frontier
Book: Frontier Lady
Author: Judith Pella
Five stars for Frontier Lady! I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked right from the beginning and immediately invested in Deborah’s story.
This was one woman’s redemption and growth story. At the tender age of 21 Deborah has had more tragedy and disappointment in her life than anyone should have to bear. All of this made her believe God was not real, and if he was, he couldn’t be good.
Mrs. Pella handled the tragedies that befell Deborah and her faith walk so well. Truly one of the best redemption stories I have read. Deborah was believable and relatable. I felt bad for her but I could have easily been her!
The journey to finding God was a bitter sweet one, but I loved every minute of it. Strong supporting cast of characters and beautiful writing, I highly recommend this book and this author. I can’t wait to check out more of her books.
https://www.facebook.com/share/X2VKjT...
August 28, 2025
also tendenziell hat mir das buch gut gefallen, vor allem in der mitte des buches war es sehr toll aber das ende wurde so langweilig und es wurde soviel über gott geredet
April 9, 2015
After traveling all the way to Texas to get married, not as Deborah expected. She was very badly abused and even blamed for death of her husband. Ready to be hanged for this, and was rescued by a band of outlaws. They were good to her, but always on the run. Seems like her life has lots to bear.
Enjoyed the book and would recommend to others. It ends with questions that I would still like to know the answers to. Hope can find books maybe published after this one. Sure more published after the issue I just read. The one I read was published in 1993.
Enjoyed the book and would recommend to others. It ends with questions that I would still like to know the answers to. Hope can find books maybe published after this one. Sure more published after the issue I just read. The one I read was published in 1993.
Read
November 9, 2007Pella, Judith HB
November 22, 2009
Trilogy of Texas family--loved it.
March 8, 2016
Not my fav book. It seemed like a really long book about nothing. Really. Boring.
March 10, 2016
Great book
Filled with lots of twists and turns. I highly recommend this book.
Judith Miller is a great writer and storyteller.
Filled with lots of twists and turns. I highly recommend this book.
Judith Miller is a great writer and storyteller.
March 13, 2009
Great book. Fun read.
April 4, 2014
I enjoyed reading the frontier lady from beginning to end,It was a really wonderful book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews