This was a great start to what I hope continues to be a great series. In this story set in Texas in 1888, you will find Joshua Neville, a quiet Texas rancher in a bank doing some business when he witnesses a bank robbery that leave 3 dead. But what was most shocking is that people are saying a woman was part of the "gang". Then you meet Kate Wellington who must adopt an alias and try to flee to Mexico because she has escaped a gang of ruthless bank robbers who had forced her into a bank heist. Josh stumbles across her hurt and helpless and seeks to care for her and take her home to heal before helping her find a way to Mexico. The problem is he doesn't know she is bank robber Kate Welligton, but abused and running from danger, Dinah Theodore. Watching them come to care for each other midst difficult times was a joy.

I liked the family dynamics at the Lazy N Ranch where Joshua lives and I liked the way the family embraced and welcomed Kate(Dinah). Kate had once trusted in the Lord but her pa's death and the tragedies that followed in her life left her turning her back on Him. She will come to realize that she survived all the tragedies in her life because the Lord strengthened her and sustained her. When she thought He had abandoned her she comes to realize that He'd been there all along, loving her and guiding her and protecting her. Bad things do happen to folks for reasons we will never know, but the underlying theme was that God will never forsake or abandon you. I liked the way this author weaved that message through this story. As the author herself said in the beginning of her book, "the Almighty called me to write faith-based fiction. My goal with every story is to provide you with entertaining, exciting, Spirit-filled tales that feature characters who, just like we do, face tragedy and trauma . . and work their ways toward grace by following the pure, bright light of God's mercy and love." Well done Loree Lough! Looking forward to book two next, "Maverick Heart". Saddle up and be prepared to enjoy getting to know the "Beautiful Bandit"! ( )

*Thanks to Whitaker House for providing an ARC for review through FIRST Wild Card.*

Fantastic! That's just one of the many words that come to mind when I describe Loree Lough's new book Beautiful Bandit in her new series, Lone Star Legends. I've read other books by Loree, all of which show her magnificent gift as a write and captured my heart. Beautiful Bandit was one of those such books. God has definitely blessed a wonderful lady with the talent of a heart capturing author.

In Beautiful Bandit, Loree switches the stakes: Kate, a woman on the run, is the bandit while Josh, the handsome male cowboy, is the innocent hero who's at risk of loosing his heart. Loree seasons this historical with inspiration and sassy humor to keep the reader hooked (or at least kept this reader hooked!). A bit of suspense and spark-flying romance in the heart of 1800's Texas give it emotional depth, making the reader yearn for a time long gone. Wowee! Loved that feeling!

As with all of Loree's books, her characters in Beautiful Bandit make themselves at home in your heart, so they become unforgettable. Believe me when I say that that is what makes an incredible book! Beautiful Bandit needs higher than 5 star praises as I put it at the top of my recommendation list and permanently on my book shelf! I can not wait until book 2, Maverick Heart, in this series releases. And, if any of you have NOT read Loree's wonderful and moving novels, then start with with her inspiring, quirky historical Lone Star Legend series. If you don't love them, then pass them on to me ;-)! ( )