Treasure in the Sun by Christina Dodd is technically categorized as a Western Historical Romance. However, if you are thinking cowboys and cattle rustlers and ranches this isn't it.( The copyright is 1991/437 pages. ) The setting is California before it was a part of the United States. Katherine, originally from Boston, is living at the De La Sola's. She was widowed one week after her marriage to Tobias. ( A Spaniard) He was stabbed to death in what looked like a random robbery. Tobias's best friend and ally- a Spaniard named Damien, took Katherine in, gave her a job. Damien intended to marry Katherine after her year of mourning , but Katherine has other plans. Damien knows there is more to Tobias's death than a random robbery and it has to do with the rumor of abandoned gold. Before Katherine and Damien can focus on their relationship they have to search for the gold or they will never be safe. So, the story is sort of a mystery/ adventure/ love story. It deals with what in modern times we would term an "interracial" relationship. Katherine is American, Damien a Spaniard. They have many differences that threaten to destroy the relationship. Katherine is headstrong, and too sensible to allow her emotions to take charge. Damien in hot blooded and proud and doesn't understand Katherine's need for independence. Damien is overly aggressive and seductive at times, and I never really warmed up to him until the last few chapters where he more than redeems himself for being too controlling. Katherine's character is more likable, but I also got irritated at how easily she allowed Damien to control her until she was in danger of losing everything that made her who she was. She realizes this about herself though and fights to maintain her own identity. The two go through harrowing adventures, betrayals and find true friendships and loyalty as well as true love. The writing style of some romance novels published in the 80's and 90's can be irritating in the ways the H/H behave, but putting that aside it was a very interesting story and unique in that I think this is the only Western Historical Christiana Dodd has ever written and may be HTF. If you run across it somewhere, by all means give it a try.