KatLynne's Reviews > Texas Destiny

Wow - what can I say that hasn't already been written about this amazing story? I loved everything about it!

After reading the synopsis I kept putting this one on the back burner. At that time I hadn't read many Western Historicals and figured this would probably be just an ok read for me. Recently I have been enjoying many wonderful books in this genre (thanks to my GR friends) and so when my friend Denise *smiling* "insisted" that I read this one and then backed by Katrina’s comments, I thought I'd give it a go!

Immediately upon starting I asked myself why did I hesitate! There is something unique about Houston Leigh and I loved him right from the start. He drew me into his heart and I don't think I've ever wanted a HEA as badly as I wanted this for him.

And nineteen year old Amelia Carson, with her determination and courage was perfect for Houston. Having lost all in the war, she longs to share in someone’s dream. She needed to start a new life and agrees to become the mail-order-bride of Houston’s brother, Dallas. The day before she was to arrive, Dallas broke his leg and sends Houston to collect and take care of her on their three week journey to his home.

And boy what a journey! Houston Leigh carries the scars from not only his time in the Civil War but from abusive acts received from his father. The left side of his face is severely damaged and it now has become second nature for him to shield and keep this side in shadows. But his greatest scarring is inside, deep down to his soul where his spirit is broken and a deep loneliness is his constant companion. He is a man without hope, despairing of a better future.

But all this changes with a petite Georgian who is smart, witty, determined, courageous and curious! I loved Amelia and she is perfect for Houston. She sees more than his disfigurement and quickly has a desire for him to see that he didn’t have to hug walls or view life through shadows of his own making. He is ruggedly handsome, tall and powerfully built. I loved his sexy voice! I totally loved his protectiveness and his tenderness to Amelia. *sighing*..Can you tell how much I lurrrv him and he will always be one of my all time favorite heroes!

I thoroughly enjoyed going on their journey watching as two people discover the magic of first love, holding my breath in anticipation of the outcome of the many obstacles they encountered along the way and the wonderful transformation throughout the book replacing despair with new hope and a sharing of dreams for the future! There were no steamy love scenes but plenty of burgeoning desire and I found this more than adequate for a beautifully done work capturing the essence of love and the transformation it brings. Each day they were together brought them closer but always lingering is the knowledge of the mail-order-contract.

For me, this was an emotional read. I laughed, cried, and was completely enthralled! And I loved every minute of it! Houston and Amelia will always be one of my favorite couples. Thank you Denise for recommending this beautiful jewel to me!

I can never do this book justice with my review and would like to share just a small smidgeon of Houston's feelings for Amelia......

(view spoiler)[Like most cowboys, Houston had never hit a man. Guns were a man's way, not fist. His brother's face felt like a wall of stone when Houston's fist made contact.....Houston lept off the porch and planted his foot squarely on his brother's chest. ...
"I told you to stay off that g**damn horse, but you wouldn't listen! And I paid the price for your stubborness. For forty-three days I traveled through hell, wanting that woman like I've never wanted anything in my life. For forty-three days, I drew your g**damn brand in the dirt to remind myself that she belonged to you, that she deserved the best of men. Think what you want of me, but never for one g**damn minute think less of her because you forced her into my company." He jerked his foot back. "She went through hell to get to you; snake, storm, flood, hunger and cold, and she never once complained. She's a woman of courage, Dallas, and by god, if you don't worship the ground she walks on, I'll find her a husband who will. Now, get the hell of my land." (hide spoiler)]