Whispering Pines

Dunn transports readers to a small town in the post–Civil War Colorado Territories to tell a love story that transcends the desire for vengeance. Morgan LeMasters has finally caught up with the bandits who have been rustling his cattle, but he’s stopped from hanging the men by Rose Langtry, the sister of one of the thieves. She’s horrified that LeMasters is about to hang her brother, Frankie, with no real proof to back up the claim that he was stealing cattle. He agrees to let the boy live, but insists Frankie is guilty and promises to bring him to trial. This moment of reflection begins a journey that allows attraction to bloom in unexpected ways. Initially, Morgan wants to look after Rose, to make sure she safely gets back to Whispering Pines before finding out just how far her brother has fallen. But Rose, convinced of Frankie’s innocence, is determined to see him get a fair trial. As Rose begins to spend more time with Morgan and her grandmother, she begins to realize she may not have known her brother at all. As the attraction between Morgan and Rose deepens, so does the reflection on vengeance and forgiveness. Fans of both ethical dramas and historical romances will find much to enjoy. (Aug.)