Once again, Charles Martin has demonstrated his ability to write well. This novel is a page-turner with well-developed, believable characters. He obviously did a great deal of research on the various topics of the book (the Texas Rangers, lawmen, Texas mentality, horses, and so on), and it shows. The protagonist, Tyler Steele, is a man whom I would want covering my back.However, Charles Martin has continued his foray into the inclusion of cursing and sexual activity in his novels. Granted, in the big scheme of things, these forays are minimal. However, it is possible to write good, attention-grabbing, well-received literature without including these thematic elements. This is not a book that in good conscience, I could give my daughter, and that saddens me. One impression that I had from the beginning is that with this book, Charles Martin seems to be writing with a future screenplay in mind. If that is so, then again, it is possible to have a great movie without the profanity and sex to accompany it.One final point - SPOILER ALERT - if a man loves his wife - truly loves her - then he will not put himself into tempting situations with other women. Tyler Steele did just that. This author was recommended to me by a good friend and I loved it! This book could be made into a Lifetime/Hallmark movie...you will cry. A lot. Cowboys in general have a strong moral compass and the character in this book nicknamed "Cowboy" is the master of that. No gray in his life. Which finds him at a crossroads. But you are never sure which way the author will lead you. There were several lines in this book that I found myself jotting down. Two particular ones when asked "how are you doing?", Cowboys reply was either "I feel like my side's winning" or "I'm better than I deserve". Cowboys don't talk much but when they do, you better listen!
