Clayton Proffitt is outraged when he learns why Vanessa Grant is crying in the dark in the barn of her family's ranch. Price Venture, her stepfather, has beaten her and violated her. As foreman of the ranch, Clayton promised Vanessa's father before he died that he would always take care of her. Clay feels his only option is to leave the ranch and get Vanessa to safety. Gathering just a few items, they leave on horseback during the night.

After riding for a few days, Clayton stops at an old friend's home. Ken Wiloughby was a tracker for Clayton during the Civil War. When Ken learns of their circumstances, he insists Vanessa and Clayton should be married, for her own protection, and he is just the man to do the honors. Ken is now a minister. In a whirlwind, Clayton and Vanessa marry, but Clayton promises Vanessa they will not consummate their marriage until she is healed both physically and emotionally from this ordeal. He also gives her the option of walking away from the marriage any time she wants.

Their journey is long and tedious as they finally arrive at Clay's sister's home in Colorado. They are welcomed with open arms by Corrine and her husband Merritt. After a few days, Clay leaves Vanessa at the ranch and sets out to seek work. He feels he needs this time away to sort out his feelings for her and to give Vanessa time to do the same.

Meanwhile, Price Venture and Vanessa's brother, Miles, strike their own trail to find her. Price is out for revenge and only wants her back to have his way with her and for the money her father left her. Miles goes along to try to put Price off track, slow them down and protect Vanessa as much as he can. Can this have a happy outcome? What will happen between Clay and Vanessa?

A TEXAN'S PROMISE is an inspirational romantic adventure through the Midwest, set just a few years following the Civil War. It's a tale about the fear of being alone in this world and depending on God's guidance in every area of your life. Shelley Gray has penned a touching story in this first book in her new series, Heart of a Hero. If you like historical romances, you'll enjoy this one.

Book Summary

Past promises will be tested as new ones are given...

When Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the Circle Z Ranch in Texas, discovers Vanessa Grant crying in the barn late one night, he first thinks she’s gotten herself into another scrape. But when he spies the marks on her back and hears about her stepfather’s advances, Clayton knows he must spirit Vanessa away to safety. As they make their way west, it becomes apparent that there’s something special between Vanessa and Clayton— far more significant than mere friendship or his sense of duty. Unfortunately, also heading west are Vanessa’s brother Miles and her stepfather Price Venture. Price wants Vanessa back for obvious reasons; Miles wants to earn his stepfather’s respect. Eventually, unexpected confrontations reach a harrowing conclusion. As their family begins to heal, their journey and trials they've faced helps them realize their future is in God's guiding hands.

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