Texas Moon

Too Hard to Handle #4

by Patricia Rice

New Mexico, 1885: Trust is perilous, but it may be the only way to see tomorrow.

Previously published as Paper Moon

To the townsfolk, Janice Harrison is merely a stern schoolteacher devoted to her fragile younger sister. But Janice harbors secrets, and she knows how quickly one misstep can leave a poor woman defenseless in a land where law and justice can be bought.

Peter Mulloney has his own demons. Desperate to finance a claim that could free him from his wealthy, corrupt family, he has no time for distraction. Fortune hunters, swindlers, and gunmen circle like vultures, ready to steal his chance before he can seize it.

When their paths collide, Janice and Peter are drawn into a struggle against the dangers of the frontier and the lure of fortune. Trust could mean survival—but betrayal could destroy them both.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Historical, Western Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

About the author

With several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.

Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.

A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.

She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place in 1885, the story starts in New Mexico, then moves to somewhere further east that I couldn't identify, then on to the Natchez area, and back to Mineral Springs and again to New Mexico. Geronimo was still on the loose, although he doesn't figure in the story. Not too violent with a heroine who is practical and down-to-earth and a hero who was once privileged and is now poor, the story held my interest, at least until it took a bizarre turn at the end with the circus act. Thoroughly enjoyed it until then.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

a really good romance

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual, I'm reading the last book of this three-part series first. Thus, my review won't have the advantage of the previous novels' understanding to help. As such, I thought the book was fairly average.

Independent Janice Harrison has been the school teacher in Mineral Springs, Texas, for about 5 years. When the schoolhouse seems to have been set afire, Janice defends the stranger who (helped save the building) is blamed with setting the blaze, Peter Mulloney. Janice recognizes Peter as someone who came from the same hometown as herself. Peter, from a rich and powerful Ohio family, is in town to get a loan for his gold mine. Janice and Peter's paths keep crossing. When Janice saves Peter from an arson charge when another building burns, her reputation is destroyed. Peter instantly offers to marry Janice and take her with him. Although she has always hated his family for what they did to her family (and others), she has no choice. Janice has charge of her fragile, younger sister. The child needs medicines and a doctor's care routinely.

At this point, the book is about 1/2 complete. The rest of the story is about Peter trying to find the money to chase his dream of gold on a New Mexico mountain. It is also about how each partner comes to realize their love for the other. 3.5 stars

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a preety good book