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Forever in Texas
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Harmony McLain and Whispering Moutain series'.
Sanford Colston left his hometown of Saints Roost to hire its school a new teacher—but instead found himself stuck at the Dallas train station, robbed of the clothes off his back. It was clear to Ford that this thief wasn't your ordinary outlaw—and he was right. Hannah was a beautiful woman on the run, desperate for a disguise that would help her escape her dangerous past. But when fate forced their paths to cross again, Ford couldn't let Hannah get away twice.
Ford wanted to help his charming young bandit, but didn't know how—until she had a most exciting idea. Hannah could hide in Saints Roost. Back in the strict little town, Hannah made quite a first impression...and, with Ford at her side, learned that sometimes life offers second chances...
Sanford Colston left his hometown of Saints Roost to hire its school a new teacher—but instead found himself stuck at the Dallas train station, robbed of the clothes off his back. It was clear to Ford that this thief wasn't your ordinary outlaw—and he was right. Hannah was a beautiful woman on the run, desperate for a disguise that would help her escape her dangerous past. But when fate forced their paths to cross again, Ford couldn't let Hannah get away twice.
Ford wanted to help his charming young bandit, but didn't know how—until she had a most exciting idea. Hannah could hide in Saints Roost. Back in the strict little town, Hannah made quite a first impression...and, with Ford at her side, learned that sometimes life offers second chances...
359 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
About the author
Jodi Thomas
121 books2,572 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 23, 2016
I have mixed feelings over this one so decided to go right up the middle with 3 stars.
The begining was very good. Unique. Creative. Interesting. But somewhere around just past the middle, I became a bit exhausted with the angst.
Most of my issues are with the heroines character. There were more than a few times I felt she acted out of character and her actions made little sense. I really liked her in the beginning, but then began to dislike her.. she seemed like she was just toying with the hero acting like a tease. I also hated that she never opened up to the hero and told him the truth especially after the numerous times he had proven himself to her. It was most illogical.
The whole gypsy thing should have been played up more. It was a nice piece of the h's backround, and should have been explored more.
I also hated how neither the H or h stood up to the sister. They were both spineless and it grated on my nerves.
At about 70% there is a scene the h decided to dance in a storm. I thought this particularly cheesy as well as what followed (which I wont give away).
The whole concept of the heroine becoming a teacher was more than a stretch. She had little education and I found it hard to believe she could pull off teaching for as long as she had without anyone noticing, especially since they were looking for someone with at least 8 years of education.
The hero I truly loved. I felt so bad for him and his terrible childhood. I admit the author did a fine job of making me feel his pain.
The story could have been done in less time, I did feel the pace drag but I didn't skim.
As a whole, it was pretty good.
Here's some things people may wish to know:
No cheating or OW
No violence
No cursing
No insta love
The h was abused but not raped in the past..not detailed
There is one true loving scene and it was a shade above mild.
Lots of kissing
November 24, 2009
This would have been a 5 star read if the author didn't let a simple misunderstanding from the beginning of the book go on and on until dang near the last few pages of the story! Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. Ford, the hero, was a big, sweet teddy-bear. I wish Hannah would have just told him what the heck was going on. I never really bought her reasoning for keeping him in the dark. But all in all I liked the story. Jodi Thomas does the quiet, reclusive western hero very well!
April 22, 2012
Personally didn't like the "ugly", socially awkward, -thinks thoughts of passionately wanting a woman makes him a feak and wild man,- Hero.
Also didn't buy the "keep him in the dark about men out to kill me, since that would be dangerous, yet not telling him so he can be prepared to defend me/him makes perfect sense."
This is the second Jodi Thomas book that I've read. Really liked the first but not this one.
Also didn't buy the "keep him in the dark about men out to kill me, since that would be dangerous, yet not telling him so he can be prepared to defend me/him makes perfect sense."
This is the second Jodi Thomas book that I've read. Really liked the first but not this one.
December 7, 2010
The way the characters get together is funny. I enjoyed this story very much.
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June 21, 2015Hannah Randell needed to get on the train out of Dallas. The train was delayed and one passenger got off and went into a Dallas hotel to wait out the rain in peace. Hannah followed Sanford Colston into the hotel and stole his clothes. She tied him up, kissed him because he was being so nice about her taking his things. She left after changing out of her went rags into his clothes. She told Sanford that he would never see her or her cat, Sneeze, again.
Sanford was tall and very thin as a child. He was teased as a child for being so skinny. He filled out and grew into his size from hard work. He was not allowed to live in a house with his father and sister after his mother died. His father didn't know how to handle Ford's grief so he just kept him away from people. Ford followed his father and stepmother to the town of Saints Roost in the Texas panhandle but built his own place to live. He grew up with no one really tending to him or showing him affection. His stepmother and sister were always telling him constantly that he was too ugly for anyone to marry. He didn't have friends in town. He did have a sister, Gavrila, but she didn't care much for him and she was bossy. Ford was on the school board and was sent to Dallas to find a school teacher. The town of Saints Roost were counting on him and his sister expected him to fail in his search. Ford indeed hadn't found a teacher and was headed home by train.
Hannah's mother, Dana Randall had gotten pregnant by a man who refused to marry her. He told Dana that he would kill them if anyone found out that Hannah was his child. At a month old, her mother wrapped her Hannah up and ran to escape from being killed by her father. When Hannah was eight, Dana decided to stop running in Ft. Worth and began working for a man named Hickory Wilson. Dana died when Hannah was 12 and Hannah stayed on and took her mother's position working in the restaurant/saloon. Hannah accepted a proposal from Jude Davis who had a spread east of Ft. Worth and needed a wife to take care of it. As their wedding day grew nearer, Jude became more violent with Hannah. She was set to escape one morning when some men came in to the place she worked and shot Jude. Hannah hid until they left and she ran to get away. She was being followed by the men who killed her fiancé and she assumed they were trying to kill her because she witnessed the killing. Ford didn't know anything about Hannah and her upbringing. He just thought that she was a thief. That upset Hannah but she didn't share anything about her past so Ford would understand her fears.
Hannah saw Ford get off the train and someone mentioned that he had failed in finding a schoolteacher. She decided that since she had the contract in the pocket of the clothes she was wearing, she would be that schoolteacher he was looking for. She jumped off the train and told the person meeting Ford that he had found what he was looking for. It was snowing and Ford took Hannah to his sister's house. Ford had taken off his shirt to dry and Hannah was drying his hair. She asked him if she could kiss him again when Gavrila walked in with the preacher and saw them. His sister decided they needed to marry and they decided to go along with it. They talked and decided that they would stay married for a month and not touch each other in private or sleep together. Ford would be able to say he had been married and widowed while she went on to live her life somewhere else. He wouldn't have to try and get married again and people would not be able to say that he was too ugly to marry anyone again.
They were immediately married and went to Ford's place. Gavrila showed up in the morning with a bunch of towns people. They stayed most of the day eating and making a quilt top, all under the orders of Gavrila. Hannah was kidnapped and taken to a cave and Ford had to find her, which he did. In the dark, Hannah kissed Ford again and was touching him. She panicked when Ford touched her though. Hannah didn't tell Ford but she was still sore and bruised from Jude. She also was afraid that Ford would hurt her too. Ford thought Hannah wouldn't let him touch her because he was too ugly.
A few days after they were married, Hannah took over teaching school for Gavrila. The students were glad to have a nicer teacher. Hannah and Ford were told by Gavrila that they had to come over for dinner. Hannah cooked the meal and Gavrila took credit for it. One of the drunks, Zachary, from the restaurant in Ft. Worth showed up in town claiming to be Hannah's uncle. He moved in with Hannah and Ford so they had to begin sharing a bed. He told Hannah that he had seen her run from the place where Jude and Hickory were killed. He told Hannah that Jude had swindled one of the guys and that he was paid back by the killing. Zachary was there too but the guys who did the killing didn't know about him but they were after Hannah for witnessing the killings. Ford still knew nothing about Hannah's past.
A week after their marriage, they went to a church social. Ford felt more accepted by the town people now that he was married. He took a walk with Hannah and they kissed again. When they returned, Allison, one of the town's single ladies that thought Ford too ugly to be seen with, lost her purse and $40. Ford took money of his own and placed it in the church were it would be found. He thought that Hannah had stolen the money. He didn't want the town folks to find out and then say that the only reason she married him was because she was a thief and no one else would take her. Ford packed up his things once the arrived at his house and told Hannah that he was going to check his fences. Hannah didn't understand why Ford was acting like he was afraid of her. Ford was afraid of caring for Hannah because he thought she was a thief and she would be leaving soon.
After another week, Hannah went to the store to purchase some more pencils because she was drawing a lot. That afternoon, Ford was told that a stationary kit was stolen from the store. Ford thought that Hannah had stolen it and went to the next town away and purchased an identical kit and hid it in the store where the owner would find it. Again, he thought Hannah had stole it. Hannah thought that she and Ford were growing closer and again Ford shut her out. Hannah had no clue why. She didn't know about the stolen kit. Ford just told her to not go to the store again. She was only allowed to go to the school and home.
One night Hannah decided to go outside because she couldn't sleep and it was starting to rain. Ford told her that he was sleeping in the barn and she went outside. The house was against the rim of a canyon and Ford thought that Hannah was going to fall. He ran out to stop her and ended up kissing her and she kissed him back. She asked him if he was making love to her or attacking her and she told Ford to get off her and leave her alone. She ran back into the house to clean up and put on dry clothes. Ford followed her, much slower, because he also needed to clean up and change into dry clothes. Hannah told him he needed a bath and she got clean clothes for him. Ford thought that Hannah was mad at him for attacking her like an animal. He felt like that what he did proved that he was an animal as he had always been told by his family. After he was cleaned up, Hannah told him that she would let him sleep with her. Ford was surprised that Hannah wasn't really upset at all and his actions were ok with her. She wanted him anyway. They slept together that night. The next day, some men came to Ford's place with Zachary who had been beat up. They found out that some men came to town and beat him up in order to find Hannah. They had kidnapped Gavrila from the schoolhouse. Ford told Hannah that no matter what she had done, no one was going to take her from him. That's when Hannah realized that Ford thought she had taken the money from the church social and the kit from the White's store. Hannah knew she had to leave because Ford had no trust in her. Ford left to find Gavrila and Hannah took care of Zach's injuries.
Ford went through the canyon and found Gavrila. He returned back through the canyon and his horse slipped and died. Zach had to walk out of the canyon and ended up in a place called Feather Hill. It was a tent town made of prostitutes and a saloon. The men trying to kill Hannah were in the saloon tent. The women and Ford surprised the men and tied them up. Ford learned from the women at Feather Hill what Hannah had seen and why the men were after her. She wasn't a gang member and thief like Ford thought. Ford went back home and when he noticed Hannah wasn't there, he headed into town and found her at Gavrila's place.
Hannah had packed up her belongings and took Zach back into town to catch the next train out. The rain had washed out part of the tracks and they couldn't leave. Hannah went to Gavrila's house with Zach to wait out the bad weather. Ford found Hannah there and tied himself to her with a bandana and fell asleep next to Hannah, telling her they would talk in the morning. In the morning, the preacher came by and told them that the storm had blown the steps off the White's store and they had found the purse with $40 in it and the kit stolen from the store along with other items that people had claimed were missing. The Burn's boys had been taking stuff and stashing it under the stairs as a joke. They apparently wouldn't think it was too funny after their father tanned their hides! Ford's lack of trust in her made Hannah believe that she still needed to get away from Ford. She made arrangements to leave while Ford went back to Feather Hill to pick up the men who were hired to kill her. Hannah's dreams of staying with Ford were shattered. The month was almost over and she would leave as arranged. Ford came to Hannah and said that he wouldn't let her leave with his heart. Hannah asked Ford if he loved her and he said yes. She said he had to agree to tell her every day or she'd leave. He promised to tell her he loved her every day.
Sanford was tall and very thin as a child. He was teased as a child for being so skinny. He filled out and grew into his size from hard work. He was not allowed to live in a house with his father and sister after his mother died. His father didn't know how to handle Ford's grief so he just kept him away from people. Ford followed his father and stepmother to the town of Saints Roost in the Texas panhandle but built his own place to live. He grew up with no one really tending to him or showing him affection. His stepmother and sister were always telling him constantly that he was too ugly for anyone to marry. He didn't have friends in town. He did have a sister, Gavrila, but she didn't care much for him and she was bossy. Ford was on the school board and was sent to Dallas to find a school teacher. The town of Saints Roost were counting on him and his sister expected him to fail in his search. Ford indeed hadn't found a teacher and was headed home by train.
Hannah's mother, Dana Randall had gotten pregnant by a man who refused to marry her. He told Dana that he would kill them if anyone found out that Hannah was his child. At a month old, her mother wrapped her Hannah up and ran to escape from being killed by her father. When Hannah was eight, Dana decided to stop running in Ft. Worth and began working for a man named Hickory Wilson. Dana died when Hannah was 12 and Hannah stayed on and took her mother's position working in the restaurant/saloon. Hannah accepted a proposal from Jude Davis who had a spread east of Ft. Worth and needed a wife to take care of it. As their wedding day grew nearer, Jude became more violent with Hannah. She was set to escape one morning when some men came in to the place she worked and shot Jude. Hannah hid until they left and she ran to get away. She was being followed by the men who killed her fiancé and she assumed they were trying to kill her because she witnessed the killing. Ford didn't know anything about Hannah and her upbringing. He just thought that she was a thief. That upset Hannah but she didn't share anything about her past so Ford would understand her fears.
Hannah saw Ford get off the train and someone mentioned that he had failed in finding a schoolteacher. She decided that since she had the contract in the pocket of the clothes she was wearing, she would be that schoolteacher he was looking for. She jumped off the train and told the person meeting Ford that he had found what he was looking for. It was snowing and Ford took Hannah to his sister's house. Ford had taken off his shirt to dry and Hannah was drying his hair. She asked him if she could kiss him again when Gavrila walked in with the preacher and saw them. His sister decided they needed to marry and they decided to go along with it. They talked and decided that they would stay married for a month and not touch each other in private or sleep together. Ford would be able to say he had been married and widowed while she went on to live her life somewhere else. He wouldn't have to try and get married again and people would not be able to say that he was too ugly to marry anyone again.
They were immediately married and went to Ford's place. Gavrila showed up in the morning with a bunch of towns people. They stayed most of the day eating and making a quilt top, all under the orders of Gavrila. Hannah was kidnapped and taken to a cave and Ford had to find her, which he did. In the dark, Hannah kissed Ford again and was touching him. She panicked when Ford touched her though. Hannah didn't tell Ford but she was still sore and bruised from Jude. She also was afraid that Ford would hurt her too. Ford thought Hannah wouldn't let him touch her because he was too ugly.
A few days after they were married, Hannah took over teaching school for Gavrila. The students were glad to have a nicer teacher. Hannah and Ford were told by Gavrila that they had to come over for dinner. Hannah cooked the meal and Gavrila took credit for it. One of the drunks, Zachary, from the restaurant in Ft. Worth showed up in town claiming to be Hannah's uncle. He moved in with Hannah and Ford so they had to begin sharing a bed. He told Hannah that he had seen her run from the place where Jude and Hickory were killed. He told Hannah that Jude had swindled one of the guys and that he was paid back by the killing. Zachary was there too but the guys who did the killing didn't know about him but they were after Hannah for witnessing the killings. Ford still knew nothing about Hannah's past.
A week after their marriage, they went to a church social. Ford felt more accepted by the town people now that he was married. He took a walk with Hannah and they kissed again. When they returned, Allison, one of the town's single ladies that thought Ford too ugly to be seen with, lost her purse and $40. Ford took money of his own and placed it in the church were it would be found. He thought that Hannah had stolen the money. He didn't want the town folks to find out and then say that the only reason she married him was because she was a thief and no one else would take her. Ford packed up his things once the arrived at his house and told Hannah that he was going to check his fences. Hannah didn't understand why Ford was acting like he was afraid of her. Ford was afraid of caring for Hannah because he thought she was a thief and she would be leaving soon.
After another week, Hannah went to the store to purchase some more pencils because she was drawing a lot. That afternoon, Ford was told that a stationary kit was stolen from the store. Ford thought that Hannah had stolen it and went to the next town away and purchased an identical kit and hid it in the store where the owner would find it. Again, he thought Hannah had stole it. Hannah thought that she and Ford were growing closer and again Ford shut her out. Hannah had no clue why. She didn't know about the stolen kit. Ford just told her to not go to the store again. She was only allowed to go to the school and home.
One night Hannah decided to go outside because she couldn't sleep and it was starting to rain. Ford told her that he was sleeping in the barn and she went outside. The house was against the rim of a canyon and Ford thought that Hannah was going to fall. He ran out to stop her and ended up kissing her and she kissed him back. She asked him if he was making love to her or attacking her and she told Ford to get off her and leave her alone. She ran back into the house to clean up and put on dry clothes. Ford followed her, much slower, because he also needed to clean up and change into dry clothes. Hannah told him he needed a bath and she got clean clothes for him. Ford thought that Hannah was mad at him for attacking her like an animal. He felt like that what he did proved that he was an animal as he had always been told by his family. After he was cleaned up, Hannah told him that she would let him sleep with her. Ford was surprised that Hannah wasn't really upset at all and his actions were ok with her. She wanted him anyway. They slept together that night. The next day, some men came to Ford's place with Zachary who had been beat up. They found out that some men came to town and beat him up in order to find Hannah. They had kidnapped Gavrila from the schoolhouse. Ford told Hannah that no matter what she had done, no one was going to take her from him. That's when Hannah realized that Ford thought she had taken the money from the church social and the kit from the White's store. Hannah knew she had to leave because Ford had no trust in her. Ford left to find Gavrila and Hannah took care of Zach's injuries.
Ford went through the canyon and found Gavrila. He returned back through the canyon and his horse slipped and died. Zach had to walk out of the canyon and ended up in a place called Feather Hill. It was a tent town made of prostitutes and a saloon. The men trying to kill Hannah were in the saloon tent. The women and Ford surprised the men and tied them up. Ford learned from the women at Feather Hill what Hannah had seen and why the men were after her. She wasn't a gang member and thief like Ford thought. Ford went back home and when he noticed Hannah wasn't there, he headed into town and found her at Gavrila's place.
Hannah had packed up her belongings and took Zach back into town to catch the next train out. The rain had washed out part of the tracks and they couldn't leave. Hannah went to Gavrila's house with Zach to wait out the bad weather. Ford found Hannah there and tied himself to her with a bandana and fell asleep next to Hannah, telling her they would talk in the morning. In the morning, the preacher came by and told them that the storm had blown the steps off the White's store and they had found the purse with $40 in it and the kit stolen from the store along with other items that people had claimed were missing. The Burn's boys had been taking stuff and stashing it under the stairs as a joke. They apparently wouldn't think it was too funny after their father tanned their hides! Ford's lack of trust in her made Hannah believe that she still needed to get away from Ford. She made arrangements to leave while Ford went back to Feather Hill to pick up the men who were hired to kill her. Hannah's dreams of staying with Ford were shattered. The month was almost over and she would leave as arranged. Ford came to Hannah and said that he wouldn't let her leave with his heart. Hannah asked Ford if he loved her and he said yes. She said he had to agree to tell her every day or she'd leave. He promised to tell her he loved her every day.
February 10, 2023
I love everything that Jodi Thomas has ever written! This is another favorite!
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Ford Colston left his hometown to find a teacher. After failing to do so he is returning home when he's robbed by Hannah, a woman on the run from killers. She takes his clothes and leaves but later comes face to face with Ford again. Trying to start a new life she convinces Ford to let her pretend to be the new school teacher, however when she and Ford are caught kissing they are forced to marry. Part of the agreement between Ford and Hannah is that in one months time she will leave and Ford will tell the town that she died, therefore becoming a widower. The rest of the story covers the killers that are still hot on the trail to find her and Ford's mistrust of Hannah, since items are being stolen from the town stores.
Now normally I'm pretty picky on Jodi Thomas's female characters, since they all tend to seem whinny or afraid of relationships for no reason. In this book I feel that Thomas wrote a fairly strong heroine, who at first was afraid of intimacy, but at there is a reason for that and it is explained in the story. Hannah is able to overcome her fears and wants to be closer to Ford.
Now Ford is a sweetie. He grew up being told he was ugly and had an animal nature. He always wished for a wife but never thought he would find one that would be able to tolate him. He's honest and caring but at times did have trouble trusting Hannah but I guess that can be expected. She did rob him, remember. The part I like the most was when he kissed her hand in town. That was incredible. And when she is pulling her hand away she runs her fingertips across his palm because she couldn't bear to let go. Now that was intense.
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Ford Colston left his hometown to find a teacher. After failing to do so he is returning home when he's robbed by Hannah, a woman on the run from killers. She takes his clothes and leaves but later comes face to face with Ford again. Trying to start a new life she convinces Ford to let her pretend to be the new school teacher, however when she and Ford are caught kissing they are forced to marry. Part of the agreement between Ford and Hannah is that in one months time she will leave and Ford will tell the town that she died, therefore becoming a widower. The rest of the story covers the killers that are still hot on the trail to find her and Ford's mistrust of Hannah, since items are being stolen from the town stores.
Now normally I'm pretty picky on Jodi Thomas's female characters, since they all tend to seem whinny or afraid of relationships for no reason. In this book I feel that Thomas wrote a fairly strong heroine, who at first was afraid of intimacy, but at there is a reason for that and it is explained in the story. Hannah is able to overcome her fears and wants to be closer to Ford.
Now Ford is a sweetie. He grew up being told he was ugly and had an animal nature. He always wished for a wife but never thought he would find one that would be able to tolate him. He's honest and caring but at times did have trouble trusting Hannah but I guess that can be expected. She did rob him, remember. The part I like the most was when he kissed her hand in town. That was incredible. And when she is pulling her hand away she runs her fingertips across his palm because she couldn't bear to let go. Now that was intense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
Ughh personally I think people’s reactions and treatments towards Ford are completely unwarranted and bordeline exaggerated. In today’s standards, even with a mediocre face, muscled body will bound to attract attentions so it was tad bit realistic to think women strayed away from him. I’m sorry, I really can’t stand him being treated like that. One would think it was the stupid bish Gravila and the townspeople that were utterly deranged themselves. Few screws short. Can’t stand Hannah sometimes, sometimes I thought she was there toying with Ford knowing he would allow that to happen. Not my personal favourite from Jodi Thomas as I’d always like To Kiss A Texan the best.
March 24, 2018
Only Jodi Thomas can take a ordinary romantic situation and make it into very sweet and very special. Hannah Randall needed to find somewhere safe to hide and Sanford Colston was looking for a school teacher for his little town founded by Methodist. This was a situation made in heaven but neither of them knew that at first. Hannah had robbed Ford of his clothes so she could get by the outlaws looking for her and on the train but her future was already set out without her knowledge. Great book but then all of her books are great.
January 14, 2024
Love, trust are a must
I have reread this book many times over the years. I find enjoyment reading it each time. Jodi Thomas has a special writing style that shows in how the characters feel real and that you are part of the story. Forever in Texas has you cheering and wishing to help out the main characters as they try to survive the believable situations they land in. Most of us want to be loved, cherished, safe and trusted in our life's. Read this historical book and feel yourself rooting for the "Knight" to win his hearts desire..
I have reread this book many times over the years. I find enjoyment reading it each time. Jodi Thomas has a special writing style that shows in how the characters feel real and that you are part of the story. Forever in Texas has you cheering and wishing to help out the main characters as they try to survive the believable situations they land in. Most of us want to be loved, cherished, safe and trusted in our life's. Read this historical book and feel yourself rooting for the "Knight" to win his hearts desire..
February 12, 2022
DNF at 27%
The more I read, the less I liked it. All of the characters were somewhat caricature-like and their actions and thoughts lacked credibility. Also, Ford's appearance and people's attitude towards him seemed exaggerated.
The more I read, the less I liked it. All of the characters were somewhat caricature-like and their actions and thoughts lacked credibility. Also, Ford's appearance and people's attitude towards him seemed exaggerated.
April 1, 2018
Too sad to finish in one go. Interrupted.
August 14, 2022
Love the characters. Always find it interesting to read about places I’m familiar with.
June 4, 2019
Jodi Thomas has done it again! This sweet love story is a sleeper; when you finish the novel, you realize what an unusual (and engaging) story it is.
Ford Colston is a unique man; since the time of his mother's death, he has been treated by his family and neighbors as a leper - unsuitable and unfit for human interaction. Instead of moaning, "Woe is me," Ford makes a life for himself on his own terms.
He worked hard - he earned $10/wagon load of old bison bones (that were bleaching out on the prairie). It was a singular occupation, but it helped Ford earn the dream of his own ranch. He is lonely but satisfied with his lot in life.
As a way to have some interaction with the community, Colston is a member of the school board. He's been sent to find a teacher for the town.
As Ford is homeward-bound to Saint's Roost (an unusual Texas town that tolerates no gambling, drinking or swearing), he is robbed at gunpoint by a shadowy figure. Before long, he realizes that it is a young woman - who demands his clothes!
Although the robber declares that they will never meet again, the reader knows better. Thus begins a lively tale about 2 lonely people finding each other.
I've re-read this book several times; Jodi Thomas' skill as a writer shines in this tome. Enjoy!
Ford Colston is a unique man; since the time of his mother's death, he has been treated by his family and neighbors as a leper - unsuitable and unfit for human interaction. Instead of moaning, "Woe is me," Ford makes a life for himself on his own terms.
He worked hard - he earned $10/wagon load of old bison bones (that were bleaching out on the prairie). It was a singular occupation, but it helped Ford earn the dream of his own ranch. He is lonely but satisfied with his lot in life.
As a way to have some interaction with the community, Colston is a member of the school board. He's been sent to find a teacher for the town.
As Ford is homeward-bound to Saint's Roost (an unusual Texas town that tolerates no gambling, drinking or swearing), he is robbed at gunpoint by a shadowy figure. Before long, he realizes that it is a young woman - who demands his clothes!
Although the robber declares that they will never meet again, the reader knows better. Thus begins a lively tale about 2 lonely people finding each other.
I've re-read this book several times; Jodi Thomas' skill as a writer shines in this tome. Enjoy!
June 27, 2011
This is the classic good romance, historical or not. (Just a good story all the way around.) Strong, solitary, wounded hero meets life-wise, self-sufficient. kind and caring heroine who's in a bind. Great supporting characters, lots of everyday life and feelings, a villain in the background to add spice, and away you go.
I've read several times. One of those you'll get to thinking about this scene or that line from the story and next thing you know your reading it again just because you like them.
I've read several times. One of those you'll get to thinking about this scene or that line from the story and next thing you know your reading it again just because you like them.
September 7, 2016
Sweet story. Ford and Hannah have a lovely story about getting to know one another and taking a risk with you heart. It's classic Jodi Thomas and, as with all of her books, there is a beautiful HEA.
May 5, 2013
Oh how I love these books. I don't know if it is because they are set in the area I live or because of the way her writing sucks me into the characters’ lives. This one once again was a fantastic read.
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December 18, 2014Sweet story
Though I only gave this book three stars it's was only for the lack of more detail with the characters and lack of excitement.The story though was VERY SWEET over all and kept me reading to the end.(A little FYI Jodi Thomas books just get better over the years ! )
Though I only gave this book three stars it's was only for the lack of more detail with the characters and lack of excitement.The story though was VERY SWEET over all and kept me reading to the end.(A little FYI Jodi Thomas books just get better over the years ! )
April 1, 2017
Two stars is a gift
A surprisingly dreary story for a Jodi Thomas effort. I'm not a Methodist nor would I be able to be because apparently you need to be attractive be a member. Our hero is not so the town has no problem insulting him or ignoring him. His father lived in town but nobody noticed his neglect or abuse from the age of six. His sister is absolutely hateful to him . Also she's unstable and a little mental. I'm not sure what Jodi was going for with that character.
SPOILER????
Enter the heroine. Not bad as h go. But it is one of those plot lines where someone is out to kill the heroine and she keeps it a big secret from the hero. Why? Why not just tell him that your being stalked by killers instead of waiting for them to show up like unwanted crabgrass. Don't get me started on the romance. A confusing mish-mash . Touch me. Don't touch me. Hold me. Don't hold me. Sleep with me. Don't sleep with me. I was starting to think the hero might shoot her. Disappointing read all around.
A surprisingly dreary story for a Jodi Thomas effort. I'm not a Methodist nor would I be able to be because apparently you need to be attractive be a member. Our hero is not so the town has no problem insulting him or ignoring him. His father lived in town but nobody noticed his neglect or abuse from the age of six. His sister is absolutely hateful to him . Also she's unstable and a little mental. I'm not sure what Jodi was going for with that character.
SPOILER????
Enter the heroine. Not bad as h go. But it is one of those plot lines where someone is out to kill the heroine and she keeps it a big secret from the hero. Why? Why not just tell him that your being stalked by killers instead of waiting for them to show up like unwanted crabgrass. Don't get me started on the romance. A confusing mish-mash . Touch me. Don't touch me. Hold me. Don't hold me. Sleep with me. Don't sleep with me. I was starting to think the hero might shoot her. Disappointing read all around.
Did Not Finish
February 14, 2019The constant harping on how repulsive the hero supposedly was got on my nerves so much that I gave up about a quarter of the way through. I think I have to break up with this author.
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