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Luke:
He left without saying goodbye. Now he’s back—injured, weary, and in her care.
In the small northeast Texas town of Tucker’s Gap, Hattie Brooks has fought to overcome the quiet prejudices that shadow her birth and her chosen work. As her uncle’s medical assistant, she’s found her calling—and is slowly earning a place in a community that doesn’t easily forget. But when Luke Dawson—the boy who once rode away without a word—returns after a near-fatal accident, Hattie’s hard-won peace is put to the test.
Luke never planned to return to Tucker's Gap. As a Texas Ranger, he’s built a life defined by duty, danger, and distance from the past. But when an ambush leaves him badly injured, the only road to recovery leads back to the town he once left behind—and to Hattie, the girl he hurt without meaning to, now grown into a capable woman he can't ignore.
Luke's plan is to heal and leave as quickly as he came. But the more time he spends in Tucker’s Gap—watching Hattie work, reconnecting with old ties, and facing the ghosts he never quite laid to rest—the harder it becomes to walk away. Especially when he begins to wonder if the life he’s built is really the one he wants… and if the woman he left behind might just be the home he’s been searching for all along.
In the small northeast Texas town of Tucker’s Gap, Hattie Brooks has fought to overcome the quiet prejudices that shadow her birth and her chosen work. As her uncle’s medical assistant, she’s found her calling—and is slowly earning a place in a community that doesn’t easily forget. But when Luke Dawson—the boy who once rode away without a word—returns after a near-fatal accident, Hattie’s hard-won peace is put to the test.
Luke never planned to return to Tucker's Gap. As a Texas Ranger, he’s built a life defined by duty, danger, and distance from the past. But when an ambush leaves him badly injured, the only road to recovery leads back to the town he once left behind—and to Hattie, the girl he hurt without meaning to, now grown into a capable woman he can't ignore.
Luke's plan is to heal and leave as quickly as he came. But the more time he spends in Tucker’s Gap—watching Hattie work, reconnecting with old ties, and facing the ghosts he never quite laid to rest—the harder it becomes to walk away. Especially when he begins to wonder if the life he’s built is really the one he wants… and if the woman he left behind might just be the home he’s been searching for all along.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2025
9 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Winnie Griggs
68 books246 followersWinnie Griggs grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the very back of beyond. With her two younger siblings and another family of two siblings for playmates, she spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou.
Once she ‘grew up’ she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories. And somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full length stories.
Eventually she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed takes the form of a tractor and whose kingdom is situated in a small rural community that she loves to call home, and together they’ve built their own storybook happily-ever-after. Their lives together expanded to include four now grown children who share Winnie’s vivid imagination and her husband’s steadier influences and are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.
Winnie shares her stories with readers through her writings for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Historical books. You can learn more about Winnie at www.winniegriggs.com
Once she ‘grew up’ she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories. And somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full length stories.
Eventually she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed takes the form of a tractor and whose kingdom is situated in a small rural community that she loves to call home, and together they’ve built their own storybook happily-ever-after. Their lives together expanded to include four now grown children who share Winnie’s vivid imagination and her husband’s steadier influences and are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.
Winnie shares her stories with readers through her writings for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Historical books. You can learn more about Winnie at www.winniegriggs.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 19, 2025
FOR HER OWN GOOD
The new multi-author series, Gun For Hire, is sweet Westerns with romance. It is men who live by their guns—never knowing if this is their last day on earth. They are loners, guns-for-hire, cleaning up the evil, having a reputation as some of the fastest guns in the West. Life changes when they meet the right woman, one who can see past the harshness he faces and gives him hope for a future.
Luke Dawson left home as a teenager and got mixed up with the wrong crowd. Arrested by Sheriff Frank Dawson, he turned his life around and left Tucker’s Gap, Texas, to join the Rangers. He’s been away ten years, and after a life-and-death shootout, his horse was shot, and he went down hard, breaking multiple ribs. He is coming back to Tucker’s Gap to recuperate. When he left, Hattie Brooks was seventeen, raised by her uncle, and the town doctor, Milton Brooks.
Hattie Brooks grew up with Uncle Milton, learning medicine and healing as his right hand. She is knowledgeable in herbal medicine and tends to a garden where she makes salves and healing concoctions. Because of her mother, Hattie, is looked down on by others in town, as if she is less than them. She has Uncle Milton and her godfather, Frank—so that is enough for now.
The story takes place in 1889, and word is that Luke Dawson is coming back to town and needs the help of Dr. Milton Brooks—but just before the stagecoach is to arrive, Doc gets called out of town on an emergency, and instead, Hattie and Frank will be there. Luke is hurt badly, and now it includes a fever, and Hattie must take care of him to pull him through. But what happens when his ribs are mended—will he go back to the Rangers?
The story is a journey of two people, both of whom have faced hardships early in life. Hattie was abandoned by her mother, who never returned, and Luke by his father, who cheated on his wife, creating another family. It is an emotional story of heartache, disappointment, and discoveries. It is two people who have a bond, yet don’t know how to express themselves without causing pain.
“People always leave. Best not to expect them to stay.”
I will have to say that this story was very unique and a page-turning tale. It brings two people back together by happenstance. Luke never planned on returning, but after the shootout and the injury he incurred, he needed to have a doctor he trusted—Dr. Brooks. Hattie is stuck; she only has her Uncle, and he has devoted his life to her and the town of Tucker’s Gap. In many ways, she is trapped. Caught in a situation that she had no part in, yet judged as if she were guilty. One the series Guns for Hire, Luke is a Texas Ranger, not a bounty hunter, like many of the men.
Eventually, these two are now adults, and they even go through a life-and-death trial together at the hands of a killer. But Luke leaves, and Hattie stays. So where will the future lead them?
“Happiness wasn’t about what you outran. It was about who you shared the road with.”
The new multi-author series, Gun For Hire, is sweet Westerns with romance. It is men who live by their guns—never knowing if this is their last day on earth. They are loners, guns-for-hire, cleaning up the evil, having a reputation as some of the fastest guns in the West. Life changes when they meet the right woman, one who can see past the harshness he faces and gives him hope for a future.
Luke Dawson left home as a teenager and got mixed up with the wrong crowd. Arrested by Sheriff Frank Dawson, he turned his life around and left Tucker’s Gap, Texas, to join the Rangers. He’s been away ten years, and after a life-and-death shootout, his horse was shot, and he went down hard, breaking multiple ribs. He is coming back to Tucker’s Gap to recuperate. When he left, Hattie Brooks was seventeen, raised by her uncle, and the town doctor, Milton Brooks.
Hattie Brooks grew up with Uncle Milton, learning medicine and healing as his right hand. She is knowledgeable in herbal medicine and tends to a garden where she makes salves and healing concoctions. Because of her mother, Hattie, is looked down on by others in town, as if she is less than them. She has Uncle Milton and her godfather, Frank—so that is enough for now.
The story takes place in 1889, and word is that Luke Dawson is coming back to town and needs the help of Dr. Milton Brooks—but just before the stagecoach is to arrive, Doc gets called out of town on an emergency, and instead, Hattie and Frank will be there. Luke is hurt badly, and now it includes a fever, and Hattie must take care of him to pull him through. But what happens when his ribs are mended—will he go back to the Rangers?
The story is a journey of two people, both of whom have faced hardships early in life. Hattie was abandoned by her mother, who never returned, and Luke by his father, who cheated on his wife, creating another family. It is an emotional story of heartache, disappointment, and discoveries. It is two people who have a bond, yet don’t know how to express themselves without causing pain.
“People always leave. Best not to expect them to stay.”
I will have to say that this story was very unique and a page-turning tale. It brings two people back together by happenstance. Luke never planned on returning, but after the shootout and the injury he incurred, he needed to have a doctor he trusted—Dr. Brooks. Hattie is stuck; she only has her Uncle, and he has devoted his life to her and the town of Tucker’s Gap. In many ways, she is trapped. Caught in a situation that she had no part in, yet judged as if she were guilty. One the series Guns for Hire, Luke is a Texas Ranger, not a bounty hunter, like many of the men.
Eventually, these two are now adults, and they even go through a life-and-death trial together at the hands of a killer. But Luke leaves, and Hattie stays. So where will the future lead them?
“Happiness wasn’t about what you outran. It was about who you shared the road with.”
July 30, 2025
Luke by Winnie Griggs
(Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance Series Book 10)
He left without saying goodbye. Now he’s back—injured, weary, and in her care.
In the small northeast Texas town of Tucker’s Gap, Hattie Brooks has fought to overcome the quiet prejudices that shadow her birth and her chosen work. As her uncle’s medical assistant, she’s found her calling—and is slowly earning a place in a community that doesn’t easily forget. But when Luke Dawson—the boy who once rode away without a word—returns after a near-fatal accident, Hattie’s hard-won peace is put to the test.
Luke never planned to return to Tucker's Gap. As a Texas Ranger, he’s built a life defined by duty, danger, and distance from the past. But when an ambush leaves him badly injured, the only road to recovery leads back to the town he once left behind—and to Hattie, the girl he hurt without meaning to, now grown into a capable woman he can't ignore.
Luke's plan is to heal and leave as quickly as he came. But the more time he spends in Tucker’s Gap—watching Hattie work, reconnecting with old ties, and facing the ghosts he never quite laid to rest—the harder it becomes to walk away. Especially when he begins to wonder if the life he’s built is really the one he wants… and if the woman he left behind might just be the home he’s been searching for all along.
This is Hattie Brooks and uncle Milton’s story.
This is Luke Dawson’s story.
Hattie is given the task of caring for Luke daily so that her Uncle could tend to the rest of the town.
She's a competent assistant doctor.
Luke is a Texas Ranger.
He came back to town.
Luke need to see Dr. Milton at his clinic.
This is a clean book.
I recommend this book.
Luke by Winnie Griggs s a 5 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Winnie Griggs.
(Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance Series Book 10)
He left without saying goodbye. Now he’s back—injured, weary, and in her care.
In the small northeast Texas town of Tucker’s Gap, Hattie Brooks has fought to overcome the quiet prejudices that shadow her birth and her chosen work. As her uncle’s medical assistant, she’s found her calling—and is slowly earning a place in a community that doesn’t easily forget. But when Luke Dawson—the boy who once rode away without a word—returns after a near-fatal accident, Hattie’s hard-won peace is put to the test.
Luke never planned to return to Tucker's Gap. As a Texas Ranger, he’s built a life defined by duty, danger, and distance from the past. But when an ambush leaves him badly injured, the only road to recovery leads back to the town he once left behind—and to Hattie, the girl he hurt without meaning to, now grown into a capable woman he can't ignore.
Luke's plan is to heal and leave as quickly as he came. But the more time he spends in Tucker’s Gap—watching Hattie work, reconnecting with old ties, and facing the ghosts he never quite laid to rest—the harder it becomes to walk away. Especially when he begins to wonder if the life he’s built is really the one he wants… and if the woman he left behind might just be the home he’s been searching for all along.
This is Hattie Brooks and uncle Milton’s story.
This is Luke Dawson’s story.
Hattie is given the task of caring for Luke daily so that her Uncle could tend to the rest of the town.
She's a competent assistant doctor.
Luke is a Texas Ranger.
He came back to town.
Luke need to see Dr. Milton at his clinic.
This is a clean book.
I recommend this book.
Luke by Winnie Griggs s a 5 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Winnie Griggs.
August 4, 2025
Luke is a historical western story written like all westerns should be written. Winnie Griggs makes this story equally exciting to see if Luke will survive his injury he obtained in the shootout trying to catch a criminal while being a Texas Ranger. She adds a romantic interest to the story by adding the doctor’s niece, Hattie that was left to be raised by Uncle Milton by her Mama at age 4. She had formed a crush on Luke but was too young at the time.
Luke first showed up in Tuckers Gap as the town’s sheriff Frank arrested him. At that time Luke was a mere boy himself and Frank seen the good in him to allow him to work around the sheriff’s office while watching over him. He left Tucker’s Gap to go join the Texas Rangers and Hattie felt he had left her to. A decade later he returns and Hattie is left to care for him while her Uncle Milton was out caring for other patients. They started having feelings for each other but Luke never gave Hattie the idea he was staying. The author adds a bit of suspense when she brings the criminal that escaped to Tucker’s Gap and holds Hattie at gunpoint and forces Luke to walk ahead of them to a dark alley threatening to kill Hattie and Luke. Hattie and Luke over take the criminal but at what cost to Luke’s healing body? Luke decides to go with the Texas Ranger that arrives to take Earl back to jail so he didn’t escape again. We also see that Luke goes back home to see his family after being away for years to see if he could repair the damage that caused him to leave. He learns things that puts his life into perspective and part of his demons are gone. But, is going back to the Texas Rangers the right option for Luke?
Luke first showed up in Tuckers Gap as the town’s sheriff Frank arrested him. At that time Luke was a mere boy himself and Frank seen the good in him to allow him to work around the sheriff’s office while watching over him. He left Tucker’s Gap to go join the Texas Rangers and Hattie felt he had left her to. A decade later he returns and Hattie is left to care for him while her Uncle Milton was out caring for other patients. They started having feelings for each other but Luke never gave Hattie the idea he was staying. The author adds a bit of suspense when she brings the criminal that escaped to Tucker’s Gap and holds Hattie at gunpoint and forces Luke to walk ahead of them to a dark alley threatening to kill Hattie and Luke. Hattie and Luke over take the criminal but at what cost to Luke’s healing body? Luke decides to go with the Texas Ranger that arrives to take Earl back to jail so he didn’t escape again. We also see that Luke goes back home to see his family after being away for years to see if he could repair the damage that caused him to leave. He learns things that puts his life into perspective and part of his demons are gone. But, is going back to the Texas Rangers the right option for Luke?
July 25, 2025
I am pleased to have been on the arc team for this book. This is my honest opinion. The story revolves around a young man, Luke, who had left his home, Tucker’s Gap, after an incident happened concerning his father and another woman. He stayed away for 10 years. Meanwhile, Hattie Brooks had been growing up, being taken care of by her Uncle, who was also a Doctor, after her mother abandoned her when she was 5 years old! She said she would come back to get her as soon as she could; sent her little things in the mail, along with the occasional letter, which her Uncle Milton would read over and over to her. The letters finally stopped and Hattie settled in to the clinic life with her Uncle, learning about all kinds of beneficial weeds and flowers, and set up her own apothecary with healing ointments and salves. Then Luke, now a Texas Ranger, came back to town, almost at death’s door when he arrived at Dr. Milton’s clinic. Hattie was given the task of caring for him daily so that her Uncle could tend to the rest of the town. She had always been in love with Luke, so this was not a burden to care for him. So, this is how their story picks back up… It seems they had much in common but had not thought of it in that way before. This book was so rich and full, with very strong minded characters and I don’t want to tell you any more of it and spoil it. I want you to enjoy reading it for yourself! I highly recommend this book to all! 📕♥️
July 31, 2025
I give this 4 1/2 Stars!
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean historical romance book and part of the Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance series. The main characters are Luke and Hattie. Hattie had a crush on Luke when they were kids then he left. Now he is back hurt and she ends up being the one to take care of him. Will she keep him at arms length? Will Luke realize Hattie is the woman for him? They both had family problems in the past which made them think poorly of themselves and others. Will they be able to heal from their past with the help of each other? When danger comes for Luke but puts Hattie in the middle will he be able to save her and realize it wasn’t his fault? Luke and Hattie make a great couple. I do wish this book would’ve had an epilogue in the future. It had a good ending but I felt like it would’ve been nice to see more of them together as they made their final decisions about things. Overall, this was a great book.
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean historical romance book and part of the Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance series. The main characters are Luke and Hattie. Hattie had a crush on Luke when they were kids then he left. Now he is back hurt and she ends up being the one to take care of him. Will she keep him at arms length? Will Luke realize Hattie is the woman for him? They both had family problems in the past which made them think poorly of themselves and others. Will they be able to heal from their past with the help of each other? When danger comes for Luke but puts Hattie in the middle will he be able to save her and realize it wasn’t his fault? Luke and Hattie make a great couple. I do wish this book would’ve had an epilogue in the future. It had a good ending but I felt like it would’ve been nice to see more of them together as they made their final decisions about things. Overall, this was a great book.
July 28, 2025
I’ve not read a western book in forever and was skeptical when approached about being on the launch team for Luke by Winnie Griggs. I’d also not read anything by her before. However, I am extremely pleased I read the book and I enjoyed it very much.
Winnie brings so many pithy sayings and thoughts that makes the book very interesting to read. You can imagine the characters saying those things in the circumstances.
Both Hattie Brooks and Luke Dawson have similar history, albeit from different sides of the situation. They both have issues with their family hurts and issues. Winnie walks you through their experiences and has them find forgiveness and trust.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.”
Winnie brings so many pithy sayings and thoughts that makes the book very interesting to read. You can imagine the characters saying those things in the circumstances.
Both Hattie Brooks and Luke Dawson have similar history, albeit from different sides of the situation. They both have issues with their family hurts and issues. Winnie walks you through their experiences and has them find forgiveness and trust.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.”
August 6, 2025
I thought that this delightful book was an entertaining and inspirational read. It's about second chances and having the ability to forgive someone who you held a grudge against because you thought they didn't care enough about you to say goodbye years ago. The marvelous characters in this story will grow on you as the book is a real page-turner and will keep you reading until the end. Luke is a romantic book, and a must read for anyone wanting a story that stays with you a long time after. So, pick up your copy and read this late 1880s historical western series by Winnie Griggs for yourself today!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed here are only my honest opinions.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed here are only my honest opinions.
July 25, 2025
Just as the full title states, Luke is a sweet redemptive Western romance. It truly is. I could taste the dust and hear the bees buzzing through the clear descriptions Ms Griggs provided. Fear and distrust were also quite vividly portrayed as the story went along. Personally, I appreciated the 'closed door' and only sweet kisses throughout the book. Nothing to give me pause and many things to give me laughter or tears. The redemptive arc woven throughout the story comes to a satisfying conclusion.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
July 27, 2025
Hattie knew Luke years ago, she had a crush on him but he just left one day to become a Ranger. Now he's back, injured, and she and her uncle are treating him, but she's shut her feelings down for him. Now she's a competent assistant doctor, although not always recognised in town as she's female!
Luke remembers Hattie, he had a nickname for her, which she hated. He's not planning on staying, but the longer he's there the more he enjoys her company.
Will Luke stay?
An emotional read from Winnie
Luke remembers Hattie, he had a nickname for her, which she hated. He's not planning on staying, but the longer he's there the more he enjoys her company.
Will Luke stay?
An emotional read from Winnie
July 30, 2025
I found this to be a heartfelt story with two characters who have the past to deal with. Winnie has had feelings for Luke since she was younger and was hurt when he left. Luke left town on bad terms with his father and began working for the Rangers. When he finds himself injured and in need of of a doctor he trusts, a second opinion, he finds himself in the hands of Winnie. Such a well written, true historical with romance thrown in!
I received an ARC copy of this book but the review is my own.
I received an ARC copy of this book but the review is my own.
July 23, 2025
Wonderful story with great characters! I loved everything about this story, especially the healing of old wounds that only came about with love. The story is well written and quickly draws the reader in. There are a couple of twist in the story that had me holding my breath wondering at the outcome of the story. Entertaining and captivating describes this book!
July 25, 2025
I loved this story about healing, both new wounds and old ones. It was amazing to me that both Luke and Hattie experienced similar events but from different angles. How different their responses to those events were! It is a reminder that we have to put ourselves in someone else's shoes in order to avoid hurting the ones we care about. Thank goodness there was a happy ending.
July 31, 2025
This is a wonderful inspirational historical story about a Texas ranger who is running from his past and a nurse who feels like an outsider because of her past. The two help each other see the truth and thus helping each other heal. I liked the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the story. I would recommend this book to anyone.
August 10, 2025
Luke: (Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance Series Book 10)
This book started out slow I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but the longer I read the more it drew me in. Luke is a hard man and Hattie has loved him for years. This book shows how the two of them have to overcome their feelings of not being good enough. A very emotional story.
This book started out slow I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but the longer I read the more it drew me in. Luke is a hard man and Hattie has loved him for years. This book shows how the two of them have to overcome their feelings of not being good enough. A very emotional story.
August 11, 2025
Best story
Luke and Hattie. Two people who are reacting to what life has given them. Through various trials, they learn just what they can do, who they can trust. Most importantly, they learn to love.
Luke and Hattie. Two people who are reacting to what life has given them. Through various trials, they learn just what they can do, who they can trust. Most importantly, they learn to love.
August 12, 2025
This is such a great story and I loved every minute spent with these characters. It's a slow burn all the way to the end and I love stories like this with such a tender, sweet romance. The author did a great job winding up the Gun For Hire series. You won't be disappointed.
November 24, 2025
A love hard won.
An injured Ranger and a woman,who believes she is flawed because everyone, including her mother, that she loves leaves her. This story is about how together they find wholeness and learn to offer grace.
An injured Ranger and a woman,who believes she is flawed because everyone, including her mother, that she loves leaves her. This story is about how together they find wholeness and learn to offer grace.
August 5, 2025
Loved Luke
I loved this story even though it was slower than the others I am glad Luke did not die and very glad he back for her
I loved this story even though it was slower than the others I am glad Luke did not die and very glad he back for her
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews