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Long, Tall Texans #0.5, 25
Long, Tall Texan Legacy: The Founding Father / Justin
Justin Ballenger was jilted by Shelby Jacobs, privileged daughter of the Jacobsville fortune, for a wealthy playboy. After six resentful years, Shelby returned, penniless and alone. It was Justin's turn to sneer, but honor wouldn't allow it. He was sure he could never trust her again, but that old flame burned hotter than a three-alarm brush fi re-and Shelby had a secret that only fanned the fl ames.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2007
92 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,038 books3,098 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 25, 2009
Two stories that I thought were really good.
The first story is about John Jacobs and the beginning of Jacobsville. John needed a railroad that reached out to his ranch so that his cattle business would be more successful. He heard that the rich Mr. Terrance Colby was trying hard to find someone to marry his clumsy and unattractive daughter, Ellen Colby. John decided that he would try hard to win the affections of Ellen and Terrance so that he could marry Ellen and all the wealth her father would provide. It turned out that Ellen and John had a lot more in common than they thought and were soon married. Ellen, who was once sheltered and pampered with anything money could buy, easily adjusted to living on John’s poor ranch. She helped build the Jacob fortune and in the years to follow a small town was formed which was named after John, Jacobsville. Soon the county was named after John Jacobs and the Jacobs family became one of the richest families around.
The second story is about Justin Ballenger and John Jacobs granddaughter Shelby Jacobs. Shelby came from a rich family but her father was in so much debt that when he passed away Shelby was left with nothing. Justin took her in and married her so that Shelby could have a better life even though he was so angry with her. He’s had a grudge against Shelby for many years because she broke off their engagement and left him for another man. Justin doesn’t know that Shelby was saving him from her father who had threatened to ruin Justin if Shelby married him. Her father didn’t want her to marry a man who was poor. So instead she agreed with her father’s false tale that she was seeing another man. Now years later Justin won’t believe the truth no matter what Shelby says. He can’t accept that Shelby has loved him all these years. Even though he loves Shelby more than anything, he’s bitter and jealous and deep inside he can’t believe that a beautiful girl like Shelby could love an unattractive man like himself. It all works out at the end.
The first story is about John Jacobs and the beginning of Jacobsville. John needed a railroad that reached out to his ranch so that his cattle business would be more successful. He heard that the rich Mr. Terrance Colby was trying hard to find someone to marry his clumsy and unattractive daughter, Ellen Colby. John decided that he would try hard to win the affections of Ellen and Terrance so that he could marry Ellen and all the wealth her father would provide. It turned out that Ellen and John had a lot more in common than they thought and were soon married. Ellen, who was once sheltered and pampered with anything money could buy, easily adjusted to living on John’s poor ranch. She helped build the Jacob fortune and in the years to follow a small town was formed which was named after John, Jacobsville. Soon the county was named after John Jacobs and the Jacobs family became one of the richest families around.
The second story is about Justin Ballenger and John Jacobs granddaughter Shelby Jacobs. Shelby came from a rich family but her father was in so much debt that when he passed away Shelby was left with nothing. Justin took her in and married her so that Shelby could have a better life even though he was so angry with her. He’s had a grudge against Shelby for many years because she broke off their engagement and left him for another man. Justin doesn’t know that Shelby was saving him from her father who had threatened to ruin Justin if Shelby married him. Her father didn’t want her to marry a man who was poor. So instead she agreed with her father’s false tale that she was seeing another man. Now years later Justin won’t believe the truth no matter what Shelby says. He can’t accept that Shelby has loved him all these years. Even though he loves Shelby more than anything, he’s bitter and jealous and deep inside he can’t believe that a beautiful girl like Shelby could love an unattractive man like himself. It all works out at the end.
November 17, 2010
A great back-story about John Jacobs and Ellen and the story about his grandchild or great grandchild, Justin. (Part of the Justin, Calhoun and Tyler medley)
if you want a background story on Jacobsville, TX and that story this is a good read. Hence it will be part of my Diana Palmer Collection.
if you want a background story on Jacobsville, TX and that story this is a good read. Hence it will be part of my Diana Palmer Collection.
October 17, 2023
My first Long, Tall Texan novel is a bind up of the first two. The first one is a novella. The founding father is the story to start a good series. The threed story is Justin, but the second in this bind up. They flow and start the series off to a great start. If you can find this bind up, pick it up. It's a good place to get your feet wet in the long, tall texans.
July 13, 2025
Shelby and Justin
At long last, love ❤️. These two take a long time to get it right. With her shyness and his reticence, seems like it will never happen. This is not my first rodeo reading this book, and it won’t be the last. Diana Palmer is genius.
At long last, love ❤️. These two take a long time to get it right. With her shyness and his reticence, seems like it will never happen. This is not my first rodeo reading this book, and it won’t be the last. Diana Palmer is genius.
September 12, 2017
I Loved This Book. Another Great Book By Mrs. Palmer. Palmer Knows How to Make The Sparks Fly. It Was Such A Heartwarming Book. I Highly Recommend It. Great Read.
December 7, 2024
A great story
I like this story, and that everyone should should read it. The story was well planned in written very well. That kept my interest.
I like this story, and that everyone should should read it. The story was well planned in written very well. That kept my interest.
November 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
I enjoy all of her books, well worth reading. This enjoyable book to read. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
I enjoy all of her books, well worth reading. This enjoyable book to read. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
October 20, 2015
Combination of the Prequel and Second Book in the Series
This book combines two books in the Long, Tall Texans series.
FOUNDING FATHER is the prequel to the series and tells the story of Big John Jacobs, a rancher. He has great ambition for his ranch after coming to Texas after the Civil War. He wants a railroad spur for his ranch so that he can transport his cattle. He decides to court the uncourtable daughter of a railroad magnet in order to fulfill his ambition. He meets Ellen Colby and realizes that he likes this woman who wants something more than a society life. I really enjoyed this story although it was short and at times it didn't feel like a romance. It did feel like a real story, however, and I appreciated that. What could have been a painful story ended up being a grown up story of two people who agree to build a like together. I really liked Ellen who typifies a women of the American frontier. Rating: 4 stars.
JUSTIN: Justin Ballenger has loved Shelby Jacobs for years. Since she broke their engagement six years ago telling him that she was sleeping with another man and used their engagement merely to make that man jealous, Justin as hated her as well. Justin has never forgiven Stacy for her actions, but has never stopped loving her either. When Shelby's family loses everything, Justin gets her to marry him to protect her. The question is whether Justin and Shelby can ever overcome their past to build a future. This is the second book in the Long, Tall Texans series. I really liked the angst in this one. Ultimately, however, I was annoyed by the deception of what happened in the past. Shelby is angry with Justin for not believing her but she perpetrated the lie upon Justin. I did like that it took time for these two to overcome their past. They have a special connection but I was annoyed with how long it took the truth about the past to be believed. Rating: 4 stars.
This book combines two books in the Long, Tall Texans series.
FOUNDING FATHER is the prequel to the series and tells the story of Big John Jacobs, a rancher. He has great ambition for his ranch after coming to Texas after the Civil War. He wants a railroad spur for his ranch so that he can transport his cattle. He decides to court the uncourtable daughter of a railroad magnet in order to fulfill his ambition. He meets Ellen Colby and realizes that he likes this woman who wants something more than a society life. I really enjoyed this story although it was short and at times it didn't feel like a romance. It did feel like a real story, however, and I appreciated that. What could have been a painful story ended up being a grown up story of two people who agree to build a like together. I really liked Ellen who typifies a women of the American frontier. Rating: 4 stars.
JUSTIN: Justin Ballenger has loved Shelby Jacobs for years. Since she broke their engagement six years ago telling him that she was sleeping with another man and used their engagement merely to make that man jealous, Justin as hated her as well. Justin has never forgiven Stacy for her actions, but has never stopped loving her either. When Shelby's family loses everything, Justin gets her to marry him to protect her. The question is whether Justin and Shelby can ever overcome their past to build a future. This is the second book in the Long, Tall Texans series. I really liked the angst in this one. Ultimately, however, I was annoyed by the deception of what happened in the past. Shelby is angry with Justin for not believing her but she perpetrated the lie upon Justin. I did like that it took time for these two to overcome their past. They have a special connection but I was annoyed with how long it took the truth about the past to be believed. Rating: 4 stars.
March 3, 2025
The Founding Father review
The beginning of a legacy by MeemsAngel82
This is where it pretty much all began for Diana Palmer's Long, Tall Texans. Her longest set of books and her most popular. Pretty much all of her works tie into this "series" if you will. You're talking about years and several towns and generations of people. But mainly one incredible town. This book was historic in nature it took you back to a time when things certainly felt simpler. It was so honestly refreshing. And to have someone like Diana Palmer tell this story? It's like watching the sunset with a nice cup of tea and loved ones nearby. She is another master of her craft, she has a long writing career and obviously a successful one. She has a distinctive style and it feels old world and delightful.
They were going to be together like a business transaction. But he saw more and so did she.
And so the beginning of this incredible town. He had nothing much and her face wasn't the most conventional in beauty. But he saw her beauty clearly and wanted her most certainly. She was sturdy and true and had a fire that he could admire. And want. They form a great life, one that was with hardships and humor and it felt so genuine. He didn't have much monetarily and she did, but he was a man with a plan and she could and would match his strength in certain ways. It made for a honest and organic relationship. He is tough and kind and she is loyal and big-hearted. I truly felt charmed, per usual with her books. But even more so because of the era. They are a great couple and it was a real pleasure reading their love story.
The beginning of a legacy by MeemsAngel82
This is where it pretty much all began for Diana Palmer's Long, Tall Texans. Her longest set of books and her most popular. Pretty much all of her works tie into this "series" if you will. You're talking about years and several towns and generations of people. But mainly one incredible town. This book was historic in nature it took you back to a time when things certainly felt simpler. It was so honestly refreshing. And to have someone like Diana Palmer tell this story? It's like watching the sunset with a nice cup of tea and loved ones nearby. She is another master of her craft, she has a long writing career and obviously a successful one. She has a distinctive style and it feels old world and delightful.
They were going to be together like a business transaction. But he saw more and so did she.
And so the beginning of this incredible town. He had nothing much and her face wasn't the most conventional in beauty. But he saw her beauty clearly and wanted her most certainly. She was sturdy and true and had a fire that he could admire. And want. They form a great life, one that was with hardships and humor and it felt so genuine. He didn't have much monetarily and she did, but he was a man with a plan and she could and would match his strength in certain ways. It made for a honest and organic relationship. He is tough and kind and she is loyal and big-hearted. I truly felt charmed, per usual with her books. But even more so because of the era. They are a great couple and it was a real pleasure reading their love story.
November 22, 2013
This book contains two novels in Palmer's Long, Tall Texan series. The first is "The Founding Father" which is about John Jacobs who was the first and original long, tall Texan that Jacobsville, Texas was named for. He was originally from Georgia, but came to southeast Texas after the Civil War to claim land that he inherited from his uncle. He meets and marries Camilla Colby, a city girl whose father is a railroad magnate. His ulterior motive in marrying Camilla is to convince her father to build a railroad spur on his ranch, so he doesn't have to drive cattle all the way to Kansas to sell them. Camilla ends up loving ranch life and John and he realizes that he got a lot more than he had bargained for. It was a great story that lays the foundation for the series.
In "Justin", the second novel in the book; Justin Ballenger had his heart broken by Shelby Jacobs, great-granddaughter of patriarch John Jacobs, six years ago when Shelby left town to marry another man. Now she's back in Jacobsville and the sparks are flying. Justin isn't sure if he can trust Shelby again. They both have issues that they need to work on. It is another great story in the Jacobs saga.
In "Justin", the second novel in the book; Justin Ballenger had his heart broken by Shelby Jacobs, great-granddaughter of patriarch John Jacobs, six years ago when Shelby left town to marry another man. Now she's back in Jacobsville and the sparks are flying. Justin isn't sure if he can trust Shelby again. They both have issues that they need to work on. It is another great story in the Jacobs saga.
July 30, 2010
I have to say I like legacy books. You get so involved with all the characters, wanting to know how their lives turn out, romances, and of course the drama that comes with living life. This book had two stories. The first was the founding couple of the legacy. It was more like a bio even though its a work of fiction but I enjoyed it. The second was about their great grand-daughter and the tragic events that led her to a wonderful love in the end. This book was sweet, funny, tragic, and romantic all at the same time. I reconmend it for a good read.
April 16, 2012
this book has The Founing Father and Justin in it. I am reading the books in order of what there listed but I think I would read Founding Father first since it explains where Jacobsville all began.
cute story good adventure
cute story good adventure
January 5, 2011
Love books in a series
October 25, 2011
this one of my first books i read for diana palmer, and and definitley my favorite in this series.
January 22, 2013
Love her books-easy and fast reads with fun characters!
March 30, 2015
it was nice to read a Texas centered historic and modern romance after the intensity of Am Sniper. She's a great author!
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April 29, 2009F Pal
February 26, 2014
It turned out really good.
March 15, 2017
Two stories in one book. The first tale was about how the area that this author writes about frequently (Jacobsville, TX) came to be called that. The story of a man who builds a ranch/riches with the aid of a woman he meets and marries. The 2nd story, roll ahead 100 years, the female ancestor of the man in the 1st story was engaged to a man and then breaks off the engagement due to her father. All confusion and misunderstandings are cleared up and they live happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews