Secret Love

Handsome cattle baron Jacob Madaris reluctantly fulfills a poker pal's request to host beautiful actress Diamond Swain for a three-week respite at his sprawling Texas ranch, Whispering Pines. Worried that the star's arrival will disrupt the smooth operation of his successful business and distract his workers, Jake decides to keep Diamond's presence low-key. Although he has vowed to never let a sophisticate like his nasty ex-wife into his heart again, and Diamond's own bitter divorce from an abusive husband makes a romantic match with Jake unlikely, the requisite relationship develops. Confronted with unwanted media attention after eventually going public with their love, Jake and Diamond rely on the support of his large and loyal family. Jackson's (Fire and Desire) talent for character development imparts credibility to the otherwise improbable marriage that the couple manages to keep secret for more than a year. (Jan.)