The setting is Simpson Creek, Texas, July 1868, and Violet Rose Alicia Brookfield and her brother, Edward, Viscount Greyshaw, have just arrived via stagecoach; a stagecoach that, according to Edward, has hit every rut and bump from Indianola on the Gulf coast to Simpson Creek. If it were not for Violet’s near ruination and disgrace at the hands of the Earl of Lullington in England, the trip wouldn’t have been necessary. Violet knows Gerald as kind and generous, truly a man who loves her, not a desperate man solely in need of her fortune. Edward’s solution is to bring Violet to America for a while to visit their older brother, Nicholas Brookfield, now living on a ranch with his wife and child. Here, Edward believes Violet will forget Gerald, and Gerald will move on to other prey. Equally important, society will forget the scandal.
Raleigh Masterson, foreman at a neighboring ranch to Nicholas Brookfield, thinks he’s died and gone to heaven. Surely the young vision before him is an angel. Violet, a proper English lady, tries to think of Raleigh as just an interesting character to write about. After all, she’s in love with Gerald, right? Raleigh, a rough and travel-weary cowboy, tries to remember that Violet, this vision of beauty, will someday fade from his sight. How could he ever be worthy of her love?
Hill Country Cattleman is a nicely written, character driven historical with a western flair. The adventures shared by the hero and heroine throughout the book enhance and advance their relationship to a believable end. The author also uses the contrast of cultures to her advantage in some humorous situations. Book group discussion questions are included; a real bonus for book groups who might choose this title to read and discuss. A recommended read.