Romance

Rustler's Moon
4 Stars

Jodi Thomas continues her captivating tale revolving around the residents of Ransom Canyon. This time the focus is on Wilkes Wagner, a descendant of the first settlers, who finds himself living a life in limbo until he meets the new museum curator, Angela Harrold, whose shy persona conceals a troubling secret. There are also updates on Yancy Grey and his strange preoccupation with the haunted Gypsy House as well as Lauren Brigman whose first year at college is not living up to expectations.

The three intertwining mysteries are a mixed bag. Yancy's connection to the Gypsy House is the most compelling of the threads and the ultimate explanation is heartbreaking and reveals both the good and evil inherent in humanity. The motive for Angie's stalker is rather obvious Did Angie really not understand that her necklace was the original?, but several intense and scary moments still ratchet up the tension and suspense. The investigation into the cave drawings is the weakest of the plotlines and its inclusion in the book feels like filler; nevertheless, the old-timers are very cute.

The real highlight of the book is Angie and Wilkes' slow-burn romance. They are simply adorable as they first try to deny their attraction but ultimately come to realize they are perfect for each other. Thomas handles the situation with Wilkes' nasty ex with aplomb, and I am grateful that they are no silly or angsty misunderstandings.

Finally, Lauren's first year at college is proving disappointing as her plans for a relationship with Lucas Reyes have fizzled. To be honest, Lucas annoyed me here no end. He wants to eat his cake but have it too, and just assumes that Lauren will be around when it suits him. The secondary storyline involving Lauren's roommate as both sad and hopeful; it will be interesting to see if something develops between Polly and Tim O'Grady.

Overall, a charming addition to the series and Julia Gibson's excellent narration is the icing on the cake. ( )

Once again, a gorgeous book from Jodi Thomas. Admittedly, I've only read one other of hers and that was the first in this Ransom Canyon series.

The characters are so likeable and written about with such affection. Yes, indeed, it's all pretty "wholesome". But Jodi Thomas's tender treatment of her characters touches me so much, I'm happy to bob along in this warm bath of a novel. ( )

Angela Harold is trying to hide from whoever could have killed her father. Ransom Canyon seems like a good place. Wilkes Wagner takes care of his ranch and his old, bachelor uncle and isn't looking for love. Cute story, nice plot regarding her father's death. The ancillary storyline of the college girl whose roommate is a mental case was a throw away in my opinion. ( )

Rustler's Moon by Jodi Thomas is a sweet romance with an element of suspense. The multiple story arcs feature old and new characters to the Ransom Canyon series but the novel can be read as a standalone.

Following the death of her father, Angela Harold accepts a job as a museum curator and moves from Florida to Crossroads, TX where she soon meets local rancher Wilkes Wagner. Heeding her father's warnings to keep a low profile, Angela quickly relaxes her guard but it soon becomes apparent she might have cause for concern. When someone begins following her and leaving threatening notes, Wilkes becomes protective of Angela and as they try to discover who is behind the threats, both are surprised by their unexpected attraction to one another.

Until her father's death, Angela lived a quiet and fairly sheltered life. She is eager to begin her new life in Crossroads and she takes several precautions on her journey to the small town. Feeling safe and protected after her arrival, she sees no reason anyone would find her in Crossroads and she resumes her normal life. Welcomed by everyone in Crossroads, she finds unlikely friendships with Wilkes, Sheriff Dan Brigman, occasional resident Carter Mayes and Yancy Grey. When Wilkes steps in to help keep her safe, their easygoing friendship soon gives way to romance.

Wilkes left the family ranch after joining the military and for a time after his enlistment ended, he wandered a little aimlessly until his parents asked him to return to Crossroads. His only serious relationship ended in heartbreak and while he has casually dated since the break up, he refuses to get involved with anyone long term. Angela is nothing like the women he is usually attracted to and no one is more surprised than Wilkes when he realizes his feelings for her run much deeper than desire.

The secondary storylines feature characters from Ransom Canyon. Lauren Brigman is now away at college where she continues yearning for Lucas Reyes. Lucas remains committed to completing his degree and between his classes, working multiple jobs and spending time with his family, he has little free time for a romance. Lauren soon has something more to worry about than her faltering relationship with Lucas when her troubled roommate Polly Pierce needs help after ending up in the hospital.

Yancy's storyline continues as he tries to find out more information a dilapidated house that has fascinated him since he first arrived in town. With a little assistance from both Angela and Wilkes, he learns more of the home's history but nothing really explains why he is so drawn to it. Information from an unexpected source clears up the mystery and leads to a stunning discovery.

With plenty of small town charm and a cast of endearing yet quirky characters, Rustler's Moon is a delightful addition to the Ransom Canyon series. Jodi Thomas masterfully weaves the three different story arcs into a compelling novel that is engaging and hard to put down. A delightful romance with just a hint of danger that old and new fans are going to love. ( )