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Heart of Texas
“If you’re wise you’ll load up and keep going ‘til you’re clear of this place.”
That was the terse advice of the dangerous-looking stranger who’d helped haul her wagon out of the muddy waters of the Brazos River. But Casey Hamilton had nowhere else to go, no place but the Spanish Spur ranch to make a new home for herself and her little brother and sister. And when none of the local men would work for her, when trouble seemed to dog her steps, she had no choice but to hire the loner with the low-slung guns strapped about his lean hips. She knew he was part Comanche, a man who’d fought his share of battles; was he a gunslinger as well? Was that why the past seemed to haunt him? Either way, his silver eyes held secrets too deep for telling; his warm lips whispered warnings she dared not ignore; and his hard arms promised that in his stirring embrace she would find the true…Heart of Texas.
That was the terse advice of the dangerous-looking stranger who’d helped haul her wagon out of the muddy waters of the Brazos River. But Casey Hamilton had nowhere else to go, no place but the Spanish Spur ranch to make a new home for herself and her little brother and sister. And when none of the local men would work for her, when trouble seemed to dog her steps, she had no choice but to hire the loner with the low-slung guns strapped about his lean hips. She knew he was part Comanche, a man who’d fought his share of battles; was he a gunslinger as well? Was that why the past seemed to haunt him? Either way, his silver eyes held secrets too deep for telling; his warm lips whispered warnings she dared not ignore; and his hard arms promised that in his stirring embrace she would find the true…Heart of Texas.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2004
138 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Constance O'Banyon
54 books199 followersEvelyn Gee was born on 1939 in Texas, USA. She makes her home in San Antonio with her husband, Jim and their son, Jason.
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 10, 2022
Rating: bored o'clock / 5
DNF at about 30%
*yawns* As sweet(?) as this starts off, for the most part it's just kind of boring and standard, and rather insta-romance. I'm sure there might be some substance in there somewhere if only I was in more of a benign mood to discover it, but for now, I'll say a polite pass on this one.
DNF at about 30%
*yawns* As sweet(?) as this starts off, for the most part it's just kind of boring and standard, and rather insta-romance. I'm sure there might be some substance in there somewhere if only I was in more of a benign mood to discover it, but for now, I'll say a polite pass on this one.
August 11, 2014
Forgettable western romance. Moving on.
December 12, 2024
Excellent story
This is one of those stories that leaves you with a warm warmth in your stomach, yet at the same time you are saddened that it is over. Not telling the author what to do, but I feel like we need to have Sam's story and then little Jenny's with one or both of them marrying from the Comanche tribe. A Comanche warrior may be the only type of man that could handle little Jenny.
Sam, I will leave you to you.
This is one of those stories that leaves you with a warm warmth in your stomach, yet at the same time you are saddened that it is over. Not telling the author what to do, but I feel like we need to have Sam's story and then little Jenny's with one or both of them marrying from the Comanche tribe. A Comanche warrior may be the only type of man that could handle little Jenny.
Sam, I will leave you to you.
June 12, 2017
Amazing.
Gabe is such a kind hearted man. Even after having the dad that he had. Casey Hamilton is so strong and determined to make her home in Texas. Most people would turn back after their father died. She forged forward, taking care of her brother and sister.
Gabe is such a kind hearted man. Even after having the dad that he had. Casey Hamilton is so strong and determined to make her home in Texas. Most people would turn back after their father died. She forged forward, taking care of her brother and sister.
May 10, 2020
A fine western romance. This book was published in 2004 but reads like toned-down 80s? Also there was a lot of commentary about native Americans that wasn’t overtly racist but made me feel weird. I liked the romance and the family and the silly western-ness.
April 20, 2023
Bruh! She held out on marrying him because he wouldn’t say “I love you” even when she knew she was pregnant with his kid and he was going to leave and didn’t even tell him. And he only stayed because he inherited his father’s ranch. Definitely not the most romantic ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
Ugh! Boring! The heroine is a moron. They fall in love after like 2 conversations? I kept reading hoping it would get better. Nope! And totally anti climactic thank goodness I borrowed this book and didn’t buy it.
January 13, 2017
Great read
This book was interested how aunt snuggle to keep her family together even when it seems hopeless. A good family read.
This book was interested how aunt snuggle to keep her family together even when it seems hopeless. A good family read.
August 21, 2017
A nice western romance but a bit lacking in action. Still sweet however!
May 1, 2019
Texas
I loved this story , I recommend every one to read her books, I look forward to reading more of her books KATTIE.
I loved this story , I recommend every one to read her books, I look forward to reading more of her books KATTIE.
August 1, 2020
Great Read
As usual this author made me care about her story .. her characters and how things were going to go .. twists and turns galore .. held my attention to the end!
As usual this author made me care about her story .. her characters and how things were going to go .. twists and turns galore .. held my attention to the end!
November 29, 2021
I enjoyed the read
I enjoyed the story line and the characters and the imagery was very well done. I loved the ending, the heroin was strong.
I enjoyed the story line and the characters and the imagery was very well done. I loved the ending, the heroin was strong.
May 17, 2025
Great book.
Very good book, could not put it down. Wish there was a sequel. Have read many of your books, all great
Very good book, could not put it down. Wish there was a sequel. Have read many of your books, all great
March 23, 2017
Absolutely amazing
Loved this book. Hoping there are many more I can read like this. If you are on the fence about reading it I can assure you this is the right one. William there was more..
Loved this book. Hoping there are many more I can read like this. If you are on the fence about reading it I can assure you this is the right one. William there was more..
March 17, 2024
A slow burn, sweet historic western
Not the best but not the worst historic western. I thought the plot was pretty good, but I could see the main conflict from miles away. Nothing was really too surprising. But I still liked both characters. I do wish Casey listened to him more and didn't jump to conclusions...but then we wouldn't have conflict.
Not the best but not the worst historic western. I thought the plot was pretty good, but I could see the main conflict from miles away. Nothing was really too surprising. But I still liked both characters. I do wish Casey listened to him more and didn't jump to conclusions...but then we wouldn't have conflict.
June 12, 2019
HEART OF TEXAS is about a family that has lost so much during the Civil War and is trying to start over in Texas. On the way from Virginia, Mr. Hamilton is killed in an accident and 3 children are left on the wagon train.
The youngsters think that is the worst that can happen until they find that the owner of Casa Mesa wants their land and water rights. Unfortunately, Cyrus Slaughter is willing to do anything to get what he wants.
Along comes a drifter and tries to help Casey and her siblings. This shows just how resourceful people had to be before the law became powerful enough to combat men who thought they were above the law.
The youngsters think that is the worst that can happen until they find that the owner of Casa Mesa wants their land and water rights. Unfortunately, Cyrus Slaughter is willing to do anything to get what he wants.
Along comes a drifter and tries to help Casey and her siblings. This shows just how resourceful people had to be before the law became powerful enough to combat men who thought they were above the law.
September 6, 2010
A western historical set a few years after the end of the American Civil War, two children and their elder sister, Casey are orphaned during their journey with a wagon train ride to claim their inheritance of a deserted ranch in Texas.
Upon their arrival, they meet up with Gabe who helps them - and goes on helping them even as no one else will since their property is desired by Cyrus Slaughter, a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He threatens Casey and her family and nearly kills them for their land.
The characters and story is very well crafted, a good balance of history and setting is skillfully woven into the plot. There are plot twists, and though I could see the biggest twist coming, that didn't detract from it.
The romance and the attraction between Gabriel and Casey was believebale and emotionally right, and I thought the sexual scenes were just graphic enough without being over the top.
There were some funny moments, thanks to Casey's younger sister - I especially liked her putting the flower behind Gabe's ear upon meeting him and telling him he's "pretty." The story is emotional, and I was quickly sucked in. I liked the real touches, such as how chickens had taken over the house. And the addition of Kate, Flint and Omous, as without those characters, the success of the Hamiltons and Gabe would not have been believeable.
I'm having a hard time coming up with any criticism - rare for me, yes - and though it has nothing to do with the story, the only thing I would say is that the publisher should be more careful with the cover art. The back of the book features a Saguaro which are native to the Sonoran desert of Arizona, parts of Mexico and small parts of California and New Mexico, but not Texas. It's a little thing, but I did notice it when I picked up the book.
This was one of the best western historical romances I've read. I will be on the search for more books by Constance O'Banyon after reading this, and I'm sure I'll read it again. Really good read.
Upon their arrival, they meet up with Gabe who helps them - and goes on helping them even as no one else will since their property is desired by Cyrus Slaughter, a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He threatens Casey and her family and nearly kills them for their land.
The characters and story is very well crafted, a good balance of history and setting is skillfully woven into the plot. There are plot twists, and though I could see the biggest twist coming, that didn't detract from it.
The romance and the attraction between Gabriel and Casey was believebale and emotionally right, and I thought the sexual scenes were just graphic enough without being over the top.
There were some funny moments, thanks to Casey's younger sister - I especially liked her putting the flower behind Gabe's ear upon meeting him and telling him he's "pretty." The story is emotional, and I was quickly sucked in. I liked the real touches, such as how chickens had taken over the house. And the addition of Kate, Flint and Omous, as without those characters, the success of the Hamiltons and Gabe would not have been believeable.
I'm having a hard time coming up with any criticism - rare for me, yes - and though it has nothing to do with the story, the only thing I would say is that the publisher should be more careful with the cover art. The back of the book features a Saguaro which are native to the Sonoran desert of Arizona, parts of Mexico and small parts of California and New Mexico, but not Texas. It's a little thing, but I did notice it when I picked up the book.
This was one of the best western historical romances I've read. I will be on the search for more books by Constance O'Banyon after reading this, and I'm sure I'll read it again. Really good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2022
I can easily read what's the plot is idk its easy to read tbh and about Casey's and Gabe situation they lack with communication that's why they always cant arguing with something but the author did a good job for them to be able to control their self and learn just to appreciate each other. The Autor really knows how to drive reader in to deep and I as a reader love the author's work.
January 1, 2023
To love your family and fall in love.
Good book enjoyed reading it .A lot of love and care.heartache .A lot of Pain and hate in book.keeps you wondering what's going to happen next.Casey is a strong and loving sister and daughter.Gabe comes along and helps them.Their is a mystery to Gabe and Casey will be am very angry with Gabe.
Good book enjoyed reading it .A lot of love and care.heartache .A lot of Pain and hate in book.keeps you wondering what's going to happen next.Casey is a strong and loving sister and daughter.Gabe comes along and helps them.Their is a mystery to Gabe and Casey will be am very angry with Gabe.
July 26, 2014
A great western romance
This is the first book I have read by this author but I plan to read more of her work. Heart of Texas is a sensual western romance with a lot of action. Couldn't stop reading once I started it.
This is the first book I have read by this author but I plan to read more of her work. Heart of Texas is a sensual western romance with a lot of action. Couldn't stop reading once I started it.
October 4, 2014
Nothing new here. Except maybe for the fact the heroine was a fool most of the time. She started out okay but then things went downhill fast. The writing seemed very amateurish and the story lacked depth. It was an easy read, but one I will forget by tomorrow.
June 5, 2013
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11958861
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11958861
June 27, 2014
Such a great read!
I loved this book, the characters came to life and the book was well written. It was hard at first but I got so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down!
I loved this book, the characters came to life and the book was well written. It was hard at first but I got so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down!
September 5, 2014
Typical love story, but very enjoyable.
The one thing that surprised me was how mean the father was. Also the fact that the heroine was very worldly despite her age.
The one thing that surprised me was how mean the father was. Also the fact that the heroine was very worldly despite her age.
June 19, 2015
Awesomeness
Hard to put down. Trials turned into happiness. Lots of plot, love, hurt, forgiveness. A lovely ending. Very good Texas story.
Hard to put down. Trials turned into happiness. Lots of plot, love, hurt, forgiveness. A lovely ending. Very good Texas story.
February 29, 2016
Excellent read!!!!!
Very good and interesting story. Well done. I like this author and have read many of her books. I have never been disappointed.
Very good and interesting story. Well done. I like this author and have read many of her books. I have never been disappointed.
June 25, 2016
Really good story
I really love Constance OBanyon. This book was especially great. I loved everything about this story. This was written a great author.
I really love Constance OBanyon. This book was especially great. I loved everything about this story. This was written a great author.
June 26, 2016
Good read
Sweet and suspense riddled. Journey to TX with young settlers as they face land war dispute and family struggles amidst first love.
Sweet and suspense riddled. Journey to TX with young settlers as they face land war dispute and family struggles amidst first love.
June 27, 2016
Great read
This book is a great read for anyone that like to read about long ago. I love it entirely. Thank you
This book is a great read for anyone that like to read about long ago. I love it entirely. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews