The Marshal's Surrender

by Wendy Galinetti

U.S. Marshal Eli McGraw has never shied away from a protection detail–but he’s never been tasked with protecting a witness like Hannah. She’s independent and sneaky and used to getting her own way. And he can’t seem to ignore the fact that she lights up any room she enters and her mischievous smile turns him upside down.

Hannah Wilson might be a key witness against a notorious outlaw, but that doesn’t mean she can forget about the people who need her. When her plans are constantly thwarted by her gruff and handsome bodyguard, she realizes her only choice is to work together with Eli. But the more she gets to know him, the more realizes there’s a quiet tenderness beneath his tough exterior.

If Eli can’t convince Hannah she’s in very real danger–and focus on his mission–they could both end up six feet under.

*bodyguard/lawman

*grumpy/sunshine

*protector hero

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Novella, Christian, Christian Romance

Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2025

Reviews

[SheLove2Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

TSTL females make me want to scream.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

HANNAH WILSON WAS A WANTED WOMAN

The story takes place in Harper’s Bend, Wyoming. There has been a bank holdup where Sheriff Frank Wilson fatally shot one of the bandits, and was also shot himself. Now, he, along with the US Marshals, are concerned because Morgan ‘The Gray Ghost’ Keller will be back for revenge. Hannah was a witness during the holdup.

After the death of Hannah’s mother, she stepped in, taking care of the home, but more than that, she takes care of the citizens of Harper’s Bend. It could be the new young mother with two other toddlers, or an aging man, Jed, who lives in the run-down part of town. She doesn’t judge, she just does what needs doing. But, with Keller losing, his men in jail, he’ll be back, and it isn’t safe for Hannah.

US Marshal Eli McGraw is to watch over Hannah, but she doesn’t take orders well—and even goes out of her way to sneak out to continue the work she feels she needs to do. Eli is a man with a past and no plans for a future, especially a wife. While he has lived a clean life, he feels he carries tainted blood due to who his biological father and grandfather were. When Eli’s superior, US Marshall Sam Blount, issues orders to Eli, he must obey.

Sam: It’ll set my mind at ease knowing it’s you watchin’ over Hannah while I track down Keller.
Eli: Like I said, I didn’t come here to play nursemaid. Keller doesn’t know me. I can get the drop on him.
Sam: It’s better this way. Safer for you both. No outsider will question you escorting a pretty lady around town. And the folks in Harper’s Bend will feel better knowing Hannah and the sheriff have around-the-clock protection.
Eli: If you think it’s best, I’ll see it done.

“Frank Wilson’s threat still ringing in his ears: Something happens to her, I’m holding you responsible.”

This was a fun, page-turning tale that has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. It is also a great reminder that even a criminal can find and receive forgiveness of their sins and acceptance into the Kingdom of God. The story does have several tense moments, but in the end, good does win over evil, and yes, we do get the coveted happy ending.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that a novella is as well-written as this one was, but I enjoyed every moment of this story! For such a short story, the characters were well-developed with interesting personalities and they felt like real people, which really made me root for them to find their happily ever after.
I loved the dynamics between Eli and Hannah; their interactions were super cute and I loved all their scenes together.
Even the faith elements were beautifully woven in, and I may have even shed a tear as the message of redemption was portrayed through the various characters in the story yes I definitely cried during Jed's arc... that was so beautiful

Overall, a short but awesome and wholesome read! I would recommend it to all lovers of clean, sweet romances.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little novella of a young woman who witnessed a bank robbery from behind the teller's booth. Just as the robbers were about to leave, the gang leader turned and their eyes met. Throughout the rest of the book a marshal was tasked with protecting her until they were caught and brought to trial.

The confusing fact was that there were a number of people that saw that gang in the bank, and knew their names, so why was it she was the only one that was having to be protected? Her father, too, but he was protected in his room with a gunshot wound.

A woman of deep faith, the main character inspired others through her unwavering generosity and by embodying the love of Christ.

Cute for all ages.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her father/sheriff is shot by a known gang member, Eli (U.S. Marshal) is assigned to keep his daughter safe. This proves to be a challenge as spontaneous and determined as Hannah was, always looking on the bright side of things. Opposite in personality, an attraction was unlikely but who knows? A historical western with an original plot that keeps one entertained throughout. Well-written, clean with a CF theme of redemption even for the worst of the worst. Short and sweet fun bedtime read......

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marshall Eli McGraw may have been adopted by the McGraw family but his real pa was a notorious outlaw and he doesn't think he'll ever be good enough for a family of his own because the blood running through his veins is still "outlaw blood". However, when he's tasked with guarding sweet as sunshine Hannah Wilson from a bad outlaw, he starts to think things might be different until her headstrong ways get her into trouble!
I loved these two characters and the way their pasts were overcome! The epilogue was great!

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

The characters were young, charming, and believable. Both have painful pasts that shape their thinking.

This story is a western adventure with a strong Christian bent and a sweet romance.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I hope to read more of her work. I really enjoyed it.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but engaging read. Eli McGraw has hardened his heart because of his heritage but he didn’t plan on being so close to Hannah. Hannah is strong and independent, but Eli has held her heart for awhile. The danger they face show them both how much they care for each other. I enjoyed it very much.

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 5 out of 5]

Western romance filled faith, and features Eli, from A Dangerous Heart - Wind River Mail-Order Brides, all grown up.

I highly recommend this novella, easily read in an afternoon. 106 pages.

I believe this eBook was a free download for newsletter subscribers.

I cannot wait to read the next one.

All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

[Terri Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marshall’s Surrender by Wendy Galinetti was delightful! Gruff US Marshall’s second chance with the feisty, sunrise of a woman! Battling his past identity while she finds herself as more than just a glimpse of her mother, the 2 navigate danger and love, all while threading the wonderful truth of God’s redeeming love. My only concern were the grammatical errors, which were distracting at times. But with No spice, just a few swoon-worthy kisses, this is a story worth reading.

[Sandy Lumb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marshal’s Surrender words paint pictures.

The Marshal’s Surrender kept me wondering how it would all come together in the end. The writer’s descriptions brought the characters to life! From the wetness of her hem - noting she’d been out in the morning grass to the old house where Jed lived. Thank you for a story that swept me away.

[Lore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely 🤗 sweet and amazing

I truly loved Eli and Hannah story....I like the way their relationship went from a uncertainty to the stable ways of true love...Eli was a stubborn man who liked Hannah from the beginning but didn't show and she was a sweetheart but didn't think someone like him will ever saw her...it was a delightful story. I truly recommend it.

[Jan Silvera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good reading…

I truly enjoyed reading this. I enjoyed this whole series. It’s great to get to follow along with family members and watch and see their families grow! I recommend this book and author. 📖📖

[LA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only negative aspect to this story is that it was SHORT!! LOL Once again, Wendy Gallinetti penned a lovely story that keeps readers turning the page. I loved how this story catches readers up with the children from the first novel.

It's intense, but a lovely ending.

[Pam Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

love grows in the midst of danger

Thrust into an outlaw’s vision, Hannah needed protection. Enter Eli, deputy marshal, ordered to protect Hannah. As Hannah fought the confinement, she slowly stopped fighting the protection. Excellent story with wonderful characters!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining

I enjoyed this very much, it took me most of the book to catch the connection to Lacy Williams characters from the Wind River series, which then made it even more enjoyable. I always love when an outlaw is taken down by a clever romantic duo.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

For as many people as I have seen reading this I'm surprised that the "spice" level hasn't been leveled down to tame. Good story, a little bit too far on the religious side for me, and I felt that the ending was rushed.

[Ivonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella. New-to-me author but I believe I’ll be looking for more books of hers.
I loved the redemption story weaved within the story besides the tension of the entire plot. This is my first time a book where the heroine is “captive” in her own home because of being an eyewitness for a crime. Quite the interesting plot.
If you like Christian westerns clean romance this may be the book for you.

[Wendy Klopfenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this novella. If you're a fan of Westerns with a faith thread, this is for you!

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick historical type western.

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. liked the change in Jed. Liked how the town took Hannah as their own. A good ending too. A nice clean read.

[Jane Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I have read of this authors works. I am very impressed. She had my attention and held it throughout the entire book. I will look forward to reading more books written by her.

[Makayla Ledingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every page! I don't really have the words to describe how much I loved it. It was sweet, fun, and had just the right amount of action. And it is just perfect for a fall read!!!

[Debbie Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of forgiveness and seeing people for who they are now and not judging on their past or their family

[Kathy Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet but not too syrupy…

Many of the books I have read seem like just the same story written with a few changes. It was refreshing that this one was not.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and how it resolved. There were many typos which were distracting to the story. With a good editor, this author Will have awesome future books.

[Patricia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I really enjoyed reading this story. This story is full of action and inspiration. It really is a very good story.

[Barbara I McCain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

A good, multiFaceted plot with plenty of action and wholesome romance. I would read this again! Looking forward to another one of her novels

[Katie Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it for what it was, but the romance was really rushed and some things could’ve used more fleshing out. Plus the book was littered with typos and so many missing quotation marks.

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, but overall engaging ish