Title: Texas True
Author: Janet Dailey
First published January 1, 2014
272 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780758293930 (ISBN10: 0758293933)
Rating: 4.35
Overview
When Natalie Haskell’s husband died, she never expected to see Beau Tyler again. He was the one who got away, the cowboy who had claimed her heart before leaving for war.
But now, he’s back on the ranch and Natalie can’t help but feel drawn to him once more. Despite rumors of his involvement in her husband’s death, Beau stays on to protect her.
Something in him has stirred to life again, something he believed his painful past had destroyed. And not even the wildest of horses can keep him from the woman he still loves.
In Texas True, Janet Dailey delivers a heartwarming story of hometown sweethearts and the power of love.
About the Author
Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was a prolific writer who authored numerous romance novels under the name Janet Dailey. Her books have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska. She met her husband, Bill, and the couple worked together in construction and land development.
After retiring, they traveled throughout the United States, which inspired Janet to write the Americana series of romances. She set a novel in every state of the Union.
In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin, and her first novel was born.
Over the years, she wrote around 90 novels, 21 of which appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. Her work won many awards and accolades, and she appeared widely on radio and television.
Today, there are over 300 million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013, at the age of 69.
Editoral Review
Janet Dailey’s 2014 novel, “Texas True,” takes readers on a journey through the sweeping, rugged landscapes of the Lone Star State, with a cast of memorable characters and a story that captures the essence of the American West. As a veteran author of over 100 books, Dailey is no stranger to the genre of romantic suspense, and her latest work delivers on all fronts.
Set against the backdrop of a sprawling cattle ranch in Texas, the story follows the lives of three women from different walks of life: the wealthy heiress, Casey, who has everything she could ever want but longs for something more meaningful; the fiercely independent ranch hand, Randi, who fights to prove herself in a male-dominated industry; and the troubled teenager, Jessica, who yearns for a sense of belonging in a world that often feels hostile. As the women grapple with their own challenges and desires, they become interconnected in unexpected ways, and face a common enemy in the form of a dangerous local rancher.
With a keen eye for detail and an ear for authentic dialogue, Dailey brings the rugged beauty and hard-won wisdom of Texas to vivid life. One of the strengths of “Texas True” is the complexity and depth of its characters.
Each of the women is depicted with nuance and empathy, and their struggles feel both personal and universal. The supporting cast, too, is well-drawn, from the ranch hands to the villainous rancher.
Another strength is Dailey’s masterful use of setting. The Texas landscape is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, with its unique challenges, beauty, and history shaping the lives of the people who dwell there.
The pacing of the novel is also well-handled, with a simmering tension building to a satisfying climax. That said, there are some weaknesses in “Texas True.” The plot can feel somewhat predictable at times, with some twists and turns telegraphed well in advance.
Additionally, while Dailey’s prose is generally solid, there are occasional patches of clichéd or melodramatic language that pull the reader out of the narrative. Overall, however, “Texas True” is a compelling and well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of romantic suspense, westerns, and anyone who loves a good story about strong women overcoming adversity.
Dailey’s insights into human nature and her love for the Texas landscape shine through on every page, making this a satisfying read.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended for: Fans of romantic suspense, westerns, and anyone who loves a good story about strong women overcoming adversity.
