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Yellow Rose Trilogy #2
A Texas Sky
Dakota Rawlings, Texas Ranger, is accustomed to big adventure…but nothing in his work has prepared him for the seemingly easy task of escorting Miss Darvi Wingate to the town of Stillwater and on to Aurora.
Quick-witted, game for anything, and just as passionate about her newfound faith as Dakota is about his, Darvi seems to find trouble under every rock. When she becomes a pawn in one of the biggest rackets in town, she wonders if even a Texas Ranger can get her out of this one.
Out here in the West, the stakes are high—for money, for power, and for love…under a Texas sky.
Quick-witted, game for anything, and just as passionate about her newfound faith as Dakota is about his, Darvi seems to find trouble under every rock. When she becomes a pawn in one of the biggest rackets in town, she wonders if even a Texas Ranger can get her out of this one.
Out here in the West, the stakes are high—for money, for power, and for love…under a Texas sky.
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
79 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Lori Wick
101 books1,633 followersFROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 18, 2025
2.5 stars. This is an enjoyable, clean read, and as usual, I appreciate Lori Wick for making Christian fiction overtly Christian. However, at times, she is too modern (such as a night when Darvi and Dakota camp in the woods between destinations without a chaperone—I don’t think this would be done even by conservative Christians today, much less back then).
Also the middle section of this book is problematic and reduces the romance between the main characters, because it splits them up and develops a weird criminal romance (one-sided from the criminal abductor towards Darvi). It’s so unbelievable and cheesy, and I can’t believe a guy psychopathic enough to abduct a beautiful girl for himself would be such a gentle man who respects her…it’s just incongruent.
Wick sometimes makes unsaved men in her books more gentle and reasonable than what I’ve seen in real-life born-again men, which is actually a sad statement, now that I realize what I’m saying: I wish Christian men and women were more kind and gentle than they are sometimes, but if even modern Christians aren’t meeting the standards of embodying Calvary love, how much more unrealistic to see that in unbelievers. But this is an occasional problem; for the most part, I like that Wick does present realistic problems and temptations in a Christian’s life, and her bad guys are usually realistic or somewhat two- or three- D.
Also the middle section of this book is problematic and reduces the romance between the main characters, because it splits them up and develops a weird criminal romance (one-sided from the criminal abductor towards Darvi). It’s so unbelievable and cheesy, and I can’t believe a guy psychopathic enough to abduct a beautiful girl for himself would be such a gentle man who respects her…it’s just incongruent.
Wick sometimes makes unsaved men in her books more gentle and reasonable than what I’ve seen in real-life born-again men, which is actually a sad statement, now that I realize what I’m saying: I wish Christian men and women were more kind and gentle than they are sometimes, but if even modern Christians aren’t meeting the standards of embodying Calvary love, how much more unrealistic to see that in unbelievers. But this is an occasional problem; for the most part, I like that Wick does present realistic problems and temptations in a Christian’s life, and her bad guys are usually realistic or somewhat two- or three- D.
January 29, 2018
5 stars
This is the second book in the yellow rose trilogy the story of Darvi Wingate and Dakota Rawlings
Darvi and Dakota are both new to their faith so that thread goes through the whole book. I struggled a bit with this book between five and four point five stars. this book holds a bit more angst and mystery then the first book which was a bit off putting but in the end I did love the book and went with five stars.
This is a book that can be read as a stand along but really is great read after the first book.
This is the second book in the yellow rose trilogy the story of Darvi Wingate and Dakota Rawlings
Darvi and Dakota are both new to their faith so that thread goes through the whole book. I struggled a bit with this book between five and four point five stars. this book holds a bit more angst and mystery then the first book which was a bit off putting but in the end I did love the book and went with five stars.
This is a book that can be read as a stand along but really is great read after the first book.
May 7, 2024
Great second book! I love Dakota and Darvi! These are wholesome, great Christian romances that really dig deep and are Christ-centered-based stories. I highly recommend them to all who crave romance but can’t find anything Christian these days!
December 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters .
March 16, 2019
Dakota Rawlings is the middle of the Rawlings brothers. Almost losing his life in a shootout caused him to evaluate his spiritual condition. Yielding his life to the Lord was the best thing that Dakota has ever done. Recovering from his gunshot wounds has been the hardest. When Dakota is asked to escort his boss's niece to her friends house Dakota agrees. Darvi Wingate is determined to get to her friend to share her news. Darvi has finally seen her need for the Lord and she cannot wait to share with the friend that has prayed for her for years. After a wonderful visit with her friend and much needed rest for Dakota he continues to escort Darvi to the train headed for home. Dakota sees a woman that looks like Darvi being led away from the train, but when he follows he can't find the men or the woman so he lets it go. But his spirit is not at rest and after a couple of days with his brother Dakota decides to go back to Aurora and look into what he saw. Trouble seems to follow Darvi around and Dakota is right to go back and check on her. Darvi has been held against her will by a man and his family. The moment he set eyes on Darvi he had to have her. No matter how many times Darvi tells him that she will never care for him, he is determined to try and win her over.
I love Dakota and Darvi's salvation experiences. I love their desire to grow in their relationship with Christ. Both are determined to find answers and live their lives serving Him and most of all to see their parents come to Christ as well. Darvi's abduction experience covers most of the book and the reader even feels a little bit of pity for the man that has been so taken with her. But no matter how nice of a man he seems to be what he has done is wrong and there is no getting around that. As with all of Lori Wick's books, the characters are sweet and likable. The spiritual lessons that the characters learn are woven into their stories and grow them in faith. I really enjoyed this story.
I love Dakota and Darvi's salvation experiences. I love their desire to grow in their relationship with Christ. Both are determined to find answers and live their lives serving Him and most of all to see their parents come to Christ as well. Darvi's abduction experience covers most of the book and the reader even feels a little bit of pity for the man that has been so taken with her. But no matter how nice of a man he seems to be what he has done is wrong and there is no getting around that. As with all of Lori Wick's books, the characters are sweet and likable. The spiritual lessons that the characters learn are woven into their stories and grow them in faith. I really enjoyed this story.
November 5, 2010
4 stars! For me, this one SORTA had what the previous one lacked: a major issue that the hero and heroine had to overcome. Although I gotta say, I wasn't sure the hero was gonna figure things out... but once he put his mind to it (quite late in the game), it was like badda-bing badda-boom... game over.
But when I say it SORTA had it, when I say "a major issue the hero and heroine have to overcome," I usually mean something that is keeping them from being together, you know? Issues with their past, family objections, something that happens after they fall in love that very nearly breaks them up, but doesn't (because love conquers all, etc.) This one... well, they had something they had to overcome, but they didn't even think of each other in that way yet... and it was more of a crap-I-was-supposed-to-perform-this-duty-and-feel-really-bad-that-I-failed type of thing... which was lovely and all, but.... Yeah.
It was cute though! I really like Dakota. He seemed so... rough... in the last book, which was in stark contrast to his nicer, softer personality in this book (which I'm sure was intentional now that he had come to Christ and all). And Darvi was fun. And, as flawed as they were, I really liked the side characters as well—especially Cassie and Annabelle. :)
The library doesn't have the last book in the trilogy, so I requested it through interlibrary loan.... We'll see if it gets here before the fall challenge is over. I'm guessing they won't have to send very far for it, as it's a historical Texas Christian romance novel. I'm guessing it will be found within a 100 mile radius... :)
But when I say it SORTA had it, when I say "a major issue the hero and heroine have to overcome," I usually mean something that is keeping them from being together, you know? Issues with their past, family objections, something that happens after they fall in love that very nearly breaks them up, but doesn't (because love conquers all, etc.) This one... well, they had something they had to overcome, but they didn't even think of each other in that way yet... and it was more of a crap-I-was-supposed-to-perform-this-duty-and-feel-really-bad-that-I-failed type of thing... which was lovely and all, but.... Yeah.
It was cute though! I really like Dakota. He seemed so... rough... in the last book, which was in stark contrast to his nicer, softer personality in this book (which I'm sure was intentional now that he had come to Christ and all). And Darvi was fun. And, as flawed as they were, I really liked the side characters as well—especially Cassie and Annabelle. :)
The library doesn't have the last book in the trilogy, so I requested it through interlibrary loan.... We'll see if it gets here before the fall challenge is over. I'm guessing they won't have to send very far for it, as it's a historical Texas Christian romance novel. I'm guessing it will be found within a 100 mile radius... :)
January 7, 2013
The second in the Yellow Rose trilogy by author Lori Wick finds Texas Ranger Dakota Rawlings taking on an unusual assignment: escorting childhood pal Darvi Wingate to Stillwater. However, trouble seems to follow her around and they face obstacles that test their newfound faith.
The book does drag in the middle due to a bizarre subplot where Darvi is mistaken for a local investigative reporter (her link to Darvi is a nice twist, though) and is held captive by a man named Seth, who is delusional enough to believe that if he keeps her in his house and treats her sort of nicely, she'll eventually come to love him. His brother Eliot and Cassy, Eliot's girlfriend, also go along with Seth's strange plan.
Their romance is very sweetly done, but when Wick evangelizes through her characters, it's a bit heavy-handed at times. Still, it's a decent read and a nice middle to a good old fashioned romance trilogy.
The book does drag in the middle due to a bizarre subplot where Darvi is mistaken for a local investigative reporter (her link to Darvi is a nice twist, though) and is held captive by a man named Seth, who is delusional enough to believe that if he keeps her in his house and treats her sort of nicely, she'll eventually come to love him. His brother Eliot and Cassy, Eliot's girlfriend, also go along with Seth's strange plan.
Their romance is very sweetly done, but when Wick evangelizes through her characters, it's a bit heavy-handed at times. Still, it's a decent read and a nice middle to a good old fashioned romance trilogy.
August 22, 2025
Enjoyed this so much! Dakota is great and so is Darvi and the brothers' relationship with each other is so great! And yeah, I just love this series.
February 4, 2025
Another addictive, enjoyable read, full of ludicrous characters who definitely don't act like real people. Wick writes non-Christians like they've got some bizarre alien psyche and Christians like their mix of normal and cringy behaviour is somehow remarkably different and inspiring to the rest of the population.
Wick apparently has no idea how dangerous stalkers/obsessive criminals are, and I am a little disturbed that she never really challenges the idea that Darvi's captor "loves" her.
But, if we disregard the heaping amounts of trauma that both Darvi and Dakota have probably developed over the course of the story, they do seem to actually have a healthier relationship with each other than the characters of the first book.
In terms of books like this being vehicles for evangelism, yes, yes they are. And the evangelism is of very low quality. It's all verbal, all Christianese, and their actual actions kind of do leave a bad taste in the mouths of their non-Christian families - especially Darvi's, though Dakota's not off the hook, either.
And yet... It's easy reading. Dakota is a heartthrob. And I like Darvi, despite her failings. Dumb criminals with bizarre psychology aside, I wanted things to work out well for everyone. Loved the eventual escape, and despite myself, I wanted to see that Cassie-Darvi friendship bloom. Two stars because I can't give four stars and one star at the same time. On to book three! Can't wait!
Wick apparently has no idea how dangerous stalkers/obsessive criminals are, and I am a little disturbed that she never really challenges the idea that Darvi's captor "loves" her.
But, if we disregard the heaping amounts of trauma that both Darvi and Dakota have probably developed over the course of the story, they do seem to actually have a healthier relationship with each other than the characters of the first book.
In terms of books like this being vehicles for evangelism, yes, yes they are. And the evangelism is of very low quality. It's all verbal, all Christianese, and their actual actions kind of do leave a bad taste in the mouths of their non-Christian families - especially Darvi's, though Dakota's not off the hook, either.
And yet... It's easy reading. Dakota is a heartthrob. And I like Darvi, despite her failings. Dumb criminals with bizarre psychology aside, I wanted things to work out well for everyone. Loved the eventual escape, and despite myself, I wanted to see that Cassie-Darvi friendship bloom. Two stars because I can't give four stars and one star at the same time. On to book three! Can't wait!
September 6, 2022
I really liked this book. And I was so skeptical going into it. The main protagonists are so cute, and their love story felt so natural. But what I loved most about this book was the grappling with newfound faith. The questions the characters asked were real-life questions, and while so many Scripture verses filled the pages of this book, it didn’t feel like a sermon or like they were peppered in without context.
As far as love stories go, this was cute. A little cheesy in the beginning, but with a Ranger as charming as Dakota, it’s easy to let the cheesiness go.
As far as western/ranching stories go, I thought it was adventurous and fun and exciting. Seeing the trail and ranch life through Darvi’s eyes was incredible. I’d be lying if I said my heart didn’t race from time to time. As a Texan, I’d say this was a win.
As far as Christian fiction goes, this book didn’t beat around the bush at all. The plan of salvation was so abundantly clear, but what’s more is that it seemed to unfold so naturally in the story. It makes me wonder why more Christian writers don’t bring Scripture more center-stage in their work.
Overall, I was so pleasantly surprised with this book, and I’m happy to have it on my shelf.
As far as love stories go, this was cute. A little cheesy in the beginning, but with a Ranger as charming as Dakota, it’s easy to let the cheesiness go.
As far as western/ranching stories go, I thought it was adventurous and fun and exciting. Seeing the trail and ranch life through Darvi’s eyes was incredible. I’d be lying if I said my heart didn’t race from time to time. As a Texan, I’d say this was a win.
As far as Christian fiction goes, this book didn’t beat around the bush at all. The plan of salvation was so abundantly clear, but what’s more is that it seemed to unfold so naturally in the story. It makes me wonder why more Christian writers don’t bring Scripture more center-stage in their work.
Overall, I was so pleasantly surprised with this book, and I’m happy to have it on my shelf.
February 8, 2018
What an awesome read. I just love Lori Wick. Wick brings the subject of salvation to the forefront in this novel book 2 in the Yellow Rose trilogy. We first meet Dakota Rawlings in book 1 Every Little thing about You when he comes to shotgun Texas to search for and confront his younger brother Slater. book 2 retruns with Dakota's story. A new Christian, he longs for fellowship and a deeper level with God but he also wants to continue work as a Texas Ranger. When he reconnects with Darvi Wingate, his boss's niece he begins to see god through her eyes. When she encounters danger, it's up to him to protect her. but, the stirrings in his heart keep getting him sidetracked. A compelling read from beginning to end with lots of scripture put in for the reader to digest. Highly Recommend
March 29, 2024
Unusual story of a couple of rancher brothers who kidnapped the wrong woman for a powerful banker in the area. They treated her relatively kindly, but by the time they realized their mistake, one of the brothers had developed a strong hankerin’ for her, and decided to “keep” her at their ranch, trying his mightiest to make her fall her fall in love with him. She had a strong Christian faith and made it clear she could not marry him, since he was not a believer. She had a sweet way of expressing her faith to the family of her kidnappers, that influenced them in some lovely ways. A Texas Ranger, who had escorted her to this area to visit a friend of hers, and who had seen her get on a train to take her home, started figuring out a few things, and began to make inquiries.
January 25, 2022
I liked it! Thought I would give the Christian fiction another try because t I liked the setting in the Old West of 1882. I was pleasantly surprised… not very preachy at all! Dakota Rawlings is a Tx Ranger, recovering from 5 bullet wounds. He’s now transporting Darvi, his boss’ beautiful daughter on horseback to see a friend. They are both new believers, as it turns out, so are trying to learn more from the Bible & others as they go along. Darvi ends up being kidnapped off a train due to mistaken identity… and Kept (!) secluded out on a ranch because one of the kidnapping guys thinks he’s in love with her. Darvi, being spunky & independent, can’t escape but makes an impression on the woman who owns the ranch. It was pretty cool how she finally gets away & the guilty parties are brought to justice.
Very well-read! Loved this guy’s voice & pace. Made the book much more enjoyable & nostalgic of the era.
Very well-read! Loved this guy’s voice & pace. Made the book much more enjoyable & nostalgic of the era.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
Strawberry blondes
A very intriguing story line with a brave young lady, a handsome Texas Ranger, a faithful horse, an almost identical aunt, an overprotective uncle, an unexpected kidnapping. Well, if I say anymore I've almost given away the story. A shady, powerful banker has it out for a certain strawberry blonde reporter. A mix-up. A lovestruck abductor. Eli, the horse obeyed Dakota like a well trained dog. And the best part, new found faith in Christ in both of these young people hearts, and they wanted to share it with everybody.
Action, adventure, trains, horses, Jesus, and old west Texas Rangers, great reading material for this Texas gal!
A very intriguing story line with a brave young lady, a handsome Texas Ranger, a faithful horse, an almost identical aunt, an overprotective uncle, an unexpected kidnapping. Well, if I say anymore I've almost given away the story. A shady, powerful banker has it out for a certain strawberry blonde reporter. A mix-up. A lovestruck abductor. Eli, the horse obeyed Dakota like a well trained dog. And the best part, new found faith in Christ in both of these young people hearts, and they wanted to share it with everybody.
Action, adventure, trains, horses, Jesus, and old west Texas Rangers, great reading material for this Texas gal!
February 7, 2020
You can see the linkage between the books for places and people. In this one, Dakota is a Texas Ranger who gets a second chance with God after being shot 5 times on the job. As he recovers he ends up escorting his boss's niece to see a friend. Darvi is a recent convert also but seems to be a magnet for trouble, getting kidnaped in a case of mistaken identity, it takes most of the book to get that resolved and the ending earns 4 stars because there is no happily ever after for the main couple. It clearly opens the way for the next book.
October 7, 2022
Dakota is recovering from gunshot wounds from the job. He does a favor for a friend, escorting a young woman to visit a friend. Seemed easy until the woman is kidnapped. In a case of mistaken identity, when the captors realize their error, instead of releasing her, one man falls in love with her and holds her against her will, hoping she will fall in love with him as well. Dakota goes in search of her and is led to where she is. He must get her out of her situation safely and bring the men to justice. He doesn't bet on losing his own heart to the young woman.
April 24, 2018
Dakota having been shot can’t go back to being a ranger yet, needing time to heal, from 5 gunshot wounds. To escort Darvi to Stillwater, the horse ride was long and hard. Wanting to tell her friend Merry she was now a Christian. Then on to Aurora, seems like she attracts trouble, and he needs time to heal afterwards. The latest was when someone kidnaps her, and given time she wll come to love him. Maybe this will be a wake up call for the two of them, both new Christians, and adventure.
July 17, 2023
Good enough book but possibly the most boring take on kidnapping I've read.
I just wanted her to start bashing Seth and have some rage, and she did a bit at the end but it was a little to placid for me. I wanted ANGER and VIOLENCE.
But I do love Lori Wick books, and it was a pretty good book it just made me mad in some parts.
I just wanted her to start bashing Seth and have some rage, and she did a bit at the end but it was a little to placid for me. I wanted ANGER and VIOLENCE.
But I do love Lori Wick books, and it was a pretty good book it just made me mad in some parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2019
This book started off good then it seemed to slow down and get weird. I didn't feel like these two had any chemistry, they seemed more like friends more than anything. I just couldn't really get into it due to these issues.
February 28, 2020
some of Loris books are good reads this is Not one of them. the first part of the book was good but then she threw in this creepy unexpected kidnapping saga that dragged out for chapters and it just destroyed any early enjoyment of the book. I will Not read it again and i would Not recommend it
December 9, 2022
(Yellow Rose Trilogy) 2. A Texas Sky
Learning new knowledge in Christ is awesome, but finding verses and understanding is not easy. It’s great to have fellowship with others to learn more.
Learning new knowledge in Christ is awesome, but finding verses and understanding is not easy. It’s great to have fellowship with others to learn more.
August 16, 2023
I've read the whole trilogy, I loved this one, actually I've loved them all. I'll be looking for more books by this author. The only thing I did care for was the cover, if the couple was to be the two main characters, the male is all wrong.
August 30, 2023
Oh my goodness this book was beautiful and thrilling! Kidnapping and romance? Sign me up! I love watching the two Main Characters grow in thier faith and help their families as well! Also pop off Darvi for helping other souls!
January 23, 2024
Well this one was much better than the first one; it felt better written, and the plot was quite engaging, and I was much less annoyed with the main characters. It was exciting and fairly moving. I'll go ahead and get the third in the trilogy to see how it turns out.
August 21, 2018
I've read everything Lori has written. I love her books and am sad she hasn't had anything new out.
April 20, 2019
A story that is sweet and funny with a spectacular plot. There were a couple "adult" moments as far as the romance goes but it was quite thought-provoking over all.
November 11, 2019
Great series!!
Really enjoying this series! Lori Wick is an amazing author! Love her writing style. Reading these in order helps. Enjoy!
Really enjoying this series! Lori Wick is an amazing author! Love her writing style. Reading these in order helps. Enjoy!
February 23, 2020
Good easy reading western with good wholesome content.
September 30, 2020
Another faith filled story by Lori. 2nd of the Yellow Rose series. Will finish with 3rd
February 2, 2022
Loving this trilogy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews