Tess O'Neil has bought a small Nevada ranch and is hiding there from vicious relatives who have wrecked her career as a model. Scarred both mentally and physically, Tess is determined not to let fear rule her life. She has bought two protection-trained shepherd dogs and changed her name, but hopes not to be recognised. CROSSING NEVADA tells of her struggle to survive and grow in confidence.

The nearest neighbour is a widower with three girls and a working ranch, who wishes to rent Jeannie's acres for his cattle. Zach Nolan is puzzled by Tess's less than neighbourly reaction to himself and his daughters, but decides to give her space. Tess keeps in touch with an LA detective who assures her that her father-in-law is a model parolee but neither of them trusts the man. When Tess's barn catches fire she assumes that the worst has happened and she has been found, but volunteer fireman Zach is certain it was a lightning strike.

Gradually Zach's daughters make friends with Tess, helping her to learn to sew without breaking sewing machine needles so she can design dresses, and the shy woman asks to learn to ride horses. But there are serious obstacles to overcome before Tess can ever feel relaxed again. CROSSING NEVADA is a finely detailed and interesting tale with a touch of suspense, added to very real animals and sympathetic people. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it as a ranching story which is out of the ordinary.

Book Summary

After the attack that ended her modeling career, Tess O'Neil wants only to feel safe. She thinks she's found a sanctuary on a Nevada ranch, where she can live in solitude. Too bad rancher Zach Nolan isn't getting the message. The single dad wants to lease her land, and he won't quit until she says yes. That means he's always around!

Letting the cowboy with the see-right-through-her baby blues into her life is too dangerous. Almost as dangerous as the wild hope and yearning Zach and his three daughters are awakening in Tess. She's already risked so much. Maybe it's time to take the biggest gamble of all on the one thing she never dreamed she'd find—a home.

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