"In the early days of the Texas Territory, only those with courage and strength could survive. . . There was a cattle crossing at Mustang Creek. It was miles from anywhere, and no one had ever lived there -- until Elizabeth Rettig came. Since she knew the Texans would be driving their great herds of longhorns by on the way to Dodge, she set up a trading post. The territory was plagued by deadly tornadoes, burning summers, and freezing winters. Indians and trail hands and vicious, lawless men rode past on their way to fame or infamy. And because Elizabeth was young and spirited, suitors came too: determined Lieutenant Harry Butler from the army; the famous Bat Masterson; and a tall, sun-darkened Texas Ranger named Finley Burkhauser. But only the man with the strength to tame the wild land -- and the patience to outlast Elizabeth's stubbornness -- would win her heart."--