Ellen Donovan will do almost anything to keep the two youngsters entrusted to her care when their mother died. But the townfolk believe Ellen tempted the Lowell men into illicit relationships, and it hasn't done her any good to try to defend herself. If the saloon worker wants to keep and adopt the children, she'll have to marry. The preacher, Wilbur Sears would be more than happy to marry Ellen to save her soul. Can Ellen go through with a marriage of convenience to Matt Haskins so they can adopt their respective children?
Matt Haskins is an adopted son of the wealthy Maxwells. He finds himself in the same situation as Ellen, wanting to adopt the two older boys he's been caring for, but he too, has to marry to provide the boys with a mother. Matt's never been involved with a woman before and is unsure of himself. His exceedingly calm exterior holds a dark secret which could ruin him if it ever got out. When a boy shows up looking for help from Matt, the cowboy knows it's only a matter of time before his own past misery sees the light of day again. Can Matt overcome his past to hold on to a precious new start?
Leigh Greenwood continues his Cowboy series with Matt's story. Although not stated for sometime, the plot revolves around sexual abuse. Matt's life has been miserable, but he's done what he can to push the past aside and move on. When his past is repeated in another boy's life, Matt has no choice but to act.
Tastefully done, Greenwood gets into a touchy subject without going into graphic detail. The way he handles the subplot leaves no doubt in readers' minds what's going on. The leading characters are given the opportunity to grow beyond their emotional prisons.
Matt and Ellen are strong lead characters with a lot to deal with and overcome. The orphaned youngsters, Toby, Orin, Noah, Tess and Hank, lend their vastly different personalities to create a family. Other secondary characters contribute the opposition to Matt and Ellen.
The Cowboys: Matt proves once again, there's no fence high enough to keep love out. You don't want to miss Matt's touching story.