Review of "A Lone Star Christmas"

Hello my Fellow Western Readers: Though I finished this book back in January I just got done giving a review for it. The title is "A Lone Star Christmas," by William W Johnstone and J. A. Johnstone. I tried to finish it for christmas but didn't quite make it. "A Lone Star Christmas" By, William and J.A. Johnstone What can I say about this book? Well, for one, I've been wanting to read a William W. Johnstone inspired book for quite some time and this looked like a perfect jumping on point. One of the reasons was that this book brought together several characters from a couple of ongoing series by Johnstone that would give a little intro to them; Duff McCallister and Smoke and Matt Jensen. The story begins in 1890 Texas where Rebecca Conyers is returning by train to her father's farm, Live Oaks Ranch, from a two week visit to her aunt. On the train she meets Tom Whitman, a mysterious, but friendly, traveler from Boston. He is looking for work wherever he can find it and Rebecca tells him that her father, Big Jim Conyers, might hire him as a ranch hand. As luck would have it the mysterious stranger can handle a horse so he is hired. The story moves on to the reality that Long-Horn Cattle, which are raised at Live Oaks, are dropping badly in value and it looks like Big Jim might barely make expenses for that season at around four dollars a head. His cattle broker then informs him he should turn to the newer breed of Black Angus cattle as they are going for nearly twenty dollars a head. He decides, reluctantly that it's the way to go to save his livelihood So his broker contacts (by telegraph) Duff McCallister who is raising lots of Black Angus cattle. They order 2,500 head and want them by Christmas. McCallister calls on the Jensens who provide some of the cattle themselves. See how nice and tidy all these characters from different series are brought into the story?!? Anyway, that's when the adventure begins. Rebecca runs away and works with another ranch to drive cattle to Dodge City to be with her mom after fighting with Tim as to why he won't warm up to her. Like I said, he has secrets but you'll have to read the book to find out what they are. Meanwhile, the cattle are moved by train for part of the journey to be driven from Dodge City to their new home in Texas. The trip is not that smooth as they have to deal with train robbers, cattle rustlers, increasingly inclement weather, and even Indians! There's even a Christmas miracle along the way after Big Jim's Cattlemen meet McCallister's group to help drive the large herd back to Texas. Trust me when I say there is lots of well-paced action and drama in this tale of the "Old West." I really liked this book. It was exciting, well written, and the story moved along in a logical manner. the characters were well defined and likeable. All-In-All I'd say this is a good Christmas read if you're hankerin' to take a ride down the ole' dusty trail. As usual, Have a Great Day!!! The "Creature"