Shameless

Johnston’s tender 10th Bitter Creek contemporary (after Sinful) begins with a prodigal son returning to his Wyoming roots. Matt Grayhawk, daughter Pippa, and son Nathan travel from Australia to his family’s ranch in Wyoming, which he left 20 years before. He is returning to help Pippa escape the stigma of being an unwed mother in Australia, and because his father has agreed to deed him the ranch if he remains there for one year. Pippa and Matt constantly butt heads; he wants her to give the baby up for adoption, and she is determined to keep her child. After vowing to never trust another man, Pippa is surprised by her attraction to Devon Flynn, especially since the Flynns and Grayhawks have been feuding for years. Though merely 19, Pippa has a strong sense of self, which is evident as she finds refuge at Devon’s home and uses her skills as a horse whisperer to help tame his wild stallion, Satan. The large cast of characters adds to the allure as family secrets and past relationships come to light. Johnston’s novel is a fast-paced, warm, and truly romantic story, and readers will savor the idyllic setting of the beautiful Wyoming countryside. (Jan.)