Spoiled Lilla Traften has been sent to the Texas Panhandle to learn a lesson. Her wealthy father decided it was time Lilla learned the value of money and the worth of people. Lilla can't return home to St. Louis until she's earned the money for her passage. Therein lies a tale and a half...

Even before she reaches her destination, Lilla is in trouble. She gets drunk on a canteen of 'tainted' water, and her first meeting with Grady Finch is less than auspicious. In fact, it's downright embarassing. From then on, Lilla has a lot to prove, and even more to learn. Can she do it?

Desert Bloom is a delightful story of a young woman's transformation. Lilla's St. Louis upbringing includes some rigid standards. Peeling them away, allows for new growth and insights. While some scenes raise a few chuckles, you have to give Lilla credit in being honest enough with herself, to open her eyes to other lives. Even Grady learns a few things about himself and his men.

While Desert Bloom doesn't contain the tension of a typical historical romance, it's a pleasure to read for its lighthearted change of pace, amusing scenes and character insights.