Love Held Captive

In post–Civil War Texas, Lizbeth and Julianne fight to reclaim the self-worth and safety that were torn from them by a corrupt soldier during the war. Meanwhile, two former Confederate POWs return home looking for love and peace only to have those dreams thwarted by the same no-good veteran—an old comrade of theirs. One of the POWs, Major Ethan Kelly, finds peace elusive due to the guilt he feels for wartime activities that victimized Lizbeth. Can she forgive him, and can he deal with the sacrifices she had to make to survive? Ethan’s friend Captain Devin Monroe is drawn toward the beautiful Julianne, but he too must decide if he can live with her unfortunate past during the war. When the ladies’ tormentor shows up again, the two couples face life-or-death choices. What does justice look like for women in the postwar West? Where is the line between revenge and justice? Shame and honor collide as the characters struggle to let go of their pasts and claim the freedom their faith promises. Gray (The Loyal Heart) touches lightly but perceptively on PTSD, bringing her Lone Star Hero Love Stories series to a strong finish. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency (Oct.)