An Uncommon Protector

An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shephard Gray is the second book in A Lone Star Hero’s Love Story. It is July 1867 in Sweetwater, Texas. Laurel Tracey has a hard time running the Red Roan Ranch. Laurel has seen squatters on her land, and she needs someone who is strong and forceful (and a little scary) to assist her with the running of the ranch. Laurel gets an idea when she overhears the prisoners, who have been working on her ranch, talking about when one of them is eligible for release. A convict can get early release at a type of sale. A person can “buy” the prisoner for one year. They are provided lodging and food while they work the next year to pay off their debt. Laurel decides that Thomas Baker (a former Sergeant) would be the perfect person to assist her. Thomas is glad for the chance to get out of jail especially after the whipping he received from guard, Foster Howell. Laurel purchases Baker despite opposition. Laurel’s stepsiblings object to Baker’s presence at the house (the moochers), and they are backed by neighbor, Landon Marshall. Laurel refuses to back down and her stepsiblings immediately depart (for which Laurel is very grateful). Baker’s presence proves valuable when a dead calf is left on Laurel’s doorstep. Someone poisoned the poor animal. This is just the beginning of troubles for Laurel. Someone is trying to drive her out, and they will do whatever it takes to achieve their goal. Baker is not going to let someone drive Laurel off her land. He telegrams his old unit for assistance in fighting these bandits. But who is behind these attacks? As time passes, Laurel sees the good man behind the rough exterior and starts to fall for him. Baker admires Laurel and cannot help falling her for her. But he does not feel worthy of such a lady. To find out what happens, you will need to read An Uncommon Protector. An Uncommon Protector is the second book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author does provide updates on the characters from The Loyal Heart (first book in series). I found An Uncommon Protector to be well-written and it has good characters. It has a nice, light Christian theme (it was just right). I did find that the romance was predictable (you knew they would end up together in the end). I give An Uncommon Protector 3 out of 5 stars. I could identify the party behind the attacks very early in the book (it was very obvious). The take down of the bad guys was a little rushed and a bit of a letdown. The pace of the book is a little slow especially during the “thinking” sections. There are many areas of the book where the two main characters are thinking (mostly about each other). I did not enjoy the flashbacks into Baker’s time in the POW camp during the Civil War. These sections provide insight into Thomas Baker’s character, but there were too many of them. I felt they took away from the book (the reader just gets into the story and then we go back in time). Please be aware that there is violence against animals that is very disturbing (and upsetting). I am not the right audience for An Uncommon Protector. I do, though, look forward to reading other novels from Shelley Shepard Gray in the future (I love her Amish novels).

I loved the book. I liked that Miss Laurel Tracey had gumption. She knew she needed help and she took it upon herself to get it. I liked the flashback scenes of Thomas Baker's life. It gave him depth. There is an immediate attraction between Laurel and Thomas, though they do try to keep things professional. I loved how Thomas was so protective of Laurel. Be warned that cattle are killed, some may be sensitive to those scenes as well as a scene with the bad guy of the story. I thought the author did a wonderful job of showing the unwavering faith that Thomas had despite his mistakes in life. The conclusion was very satisfying. I hope there will be more in this series.

This unique story delves into a young woman's independence as she strives to hold on to her father's ranch with the help of an ex-Civil War prisoner. Laurel intuitively knows she can trust Thomas, but family and neighbors are intent to besmirch the work relationship as well as any growing friendship that develops. Thomas was jailed for bad poker debts and put in a Texas chain gang to repair Laurel's fences. The work days were sweltering and Laurel sensed the men needed water in order to finish their work. Thomas appeared to be the best mannered and consistent worker among the prisoners. How does Laurel procure Thomas's help for a year? Who is sabotaging her livestock and pastureland? Will reinforcements be necessary?