The Sheriffs of Savage Wells

Eden (Hope Springs) unites a spirited markswoman and a tough-as-nails lawman, each vying to be sheriff of the town of Savage Wells, in this chaste and tender historical set in the rugged Wyoming Territory of 1875. Acting sheriff Paisley Bell brought down a notorious gang in her normally peaceful town, but the mostly absentee sheriff got the credit. Now Paisley has to prove that a woman can be a full-time sheriff. She’s competing for the job against Cade O’Brien, a legendary lawman whose reputation sends criminals running. Paisley loves protecting her gossipy, quirky, and well-meaning neighbors, and she also needs the income to support her father, whose dementia is worsening every day. Complicating matters, there’s money missing from the bank, and Paisley’s ex-fiancé shows up. Sparks fly amid witty banter between Paisley and Cade, enhancing a slow-paced, character-centric Old West tale that emphasizes personal journeys. Readers who favor a gentler historical with verbal sparring and modest flirting will find this novel appealing. (Oct.)