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Texas Rain
A Whispering Mountain Novel

by Jodi Thomas



      In this slow-paced, meandering romance about life in the rolling hills of Texas during the mid-1800s, we are introduced to rugged Ranger Travis McMurray and his close-knit family, all residents of Whispering Mountain. Texas Rain is the first in a trilogy of stories about Whispering Mountain. Travis meets a beautiful horse thief, Rainy Adams who, in addition to wearing a wig and faking an accent, lies about her name, intentions, and background. Naturally someone this intriguing entices him to cross the state in search of her, despite his devastating leg injury caused in a shoot-out.

At 374 pages, Texas Rain takes its time in telling the story. Thomas provides plenty of descriptive details about the land and its residents, in addition to propelling the central romance forward. Throughout the book, characters offer observations and insights into love - the kind of comments that make you put down the book for a minute and think about the intuitive wisdom packed into those few words.

The story is engaging, though unchallenging, as the author gives obvious clues about how each subplot will resolve itself. Both Travis and Rainey have limited experience in matters of the heart, so readers must agonize over their miscommunications and missteps in the mating process. In addition, Rainey carries emotional baggage from her troubled past that threatens to impede her future happiness. In contrast to the murderous violence of early Texas, which is sometimes described in explicit terms, the sweet romance at the center of the story leaves much to the imagination.

The Book

Berkley Books/Penguin Group
November 2006
Mass Market Paperback
0425212793
Romance - Historical (1854)
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: Mild Sexual Content, Some Violence

The Reviewer

Leslie Halpern
Reviewed 2006
NOTE: Reviewer Leslie Halpern is the author of Reel Romance. The Lovers' Guide to the 100 Best Date Movies and Dreams on Film. Coming Soon: A Writer's Guide to Fearless Interviews.
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