In the 1800's women and children were so vulnerable facing a precarious future at best. This is the time period we find ourselves during TWICE A TEXAS BRIDE by Linda Broday who epitomizes the classic western author. Broday once again captivates us with her story telling of men, women and even children with the grit and determination to face down their harshest enemies. Sometimes these enemies are human -- other times it is just the nature of the land and wildness of the creatures inhabiting the vast lands of the west.

So easily victimized by the very people expected to protect and cherish them. Sometimes it is evil and abusive -- other times self-serving -- not the least neglect. Bottom line is someone gets hurt which impacts their lives.

Family is important and in TWICE A TEXAS BRIDE Linda Broday's message is that family's come in all shapes and sizes. Such was Rand's life -- left behind by a mother following her dream of a career and winding up on the orphan train where he meets his "brothers" Cooper and Brett. The three boys became a family and now they've settled in Battle Creek. Each has a ranch thanks to the man who took them in and raised them. Now it is the brothers who are developing lives and conquering the challenges of this rather uncivilized area.

Rand has no illusions of being anything other than a bachelor rancher. His fear of being abandoned has basically shaped his life and attitude about marriage. Falling in love means leaving yourself open for inevitable hurt and disappointment. People you love leave -- short and simple.

But there was no way Rand could turn his back on Callie and the young boy Toby found huddled in the cold barn. It was his nature to take care of people and animals. Rand quickly realized these two were running from something or someone. They were at the end of their rope and needed someone to care. That person became Rand.

Of course along with Rand accepting them Callie realized that also meant she had his brothers watching her back as well. Rand was determined to ignore his attraction to Callie. She had been very clear that her stay as his cook was temporary. Toby needed to gain some strength, Callie needed to catch her breath so to speak -- and then they had to be on their way.

Someone was definitely out there looking for Callie and Toby. At first Rand had no idea just how dangerous their enemy was. And once that became obvious their relationship changed. Neither Callie nor Rand were prepared to make any sort of commitment but outside forces were challenging their resolve.

Callie, Rand and Toby all had demons to conquer. All had issues with abandonment, abuse, and self-worth. Individually these issues were devastating but as a team they could perhaps conquer their fears, put their pasts behind them and hopefully look forward to some sort of safe, secure future. They were all prepared to fight for what was important -- and that was family.

This is the second book of Bachelors of Battle Creek series. The first book was Texas Mail Order Bride which I absolutely loved. It was a wonderful introduction to Linda Broday. I eagerly awaited the next TWICE A TEXAS BRIDE and enjoyed it just as much. Linda Broday knows cowboys and in this series we are treated to an Indian cast member who promises to be center stage on the third installment. Great series by a writer who knows how to set the stage for life on the ranges. Realistic situations, sassy dialog and flawed characters star in this story. Want to revisit life on the prairie -- curl up with a book by Linda Broday.

Book Summary

Left with emotional scars from his time in an orphanage, Rand Sinclair has vowed never to marry. But when he discovers Callie Quinn and a small orphan boy hiding on his ranch, he can't help but open his home to the desperate runaways.

Callie has been betrayed by every man she's ever known. While she's grateful for Rand's incredible kindness, she knows it's only a matter of time before he shows his true colors. But she needs this safe haven-maybe the outlaw on her trail won't find them here. Yet as Rand slowly uncovers her secret fears, they each come to realize that the only way to keep her safe is for Rand to risk everything to offer her the protection of his name...and his heart.