SOLVED. Historical Novel set in Old West, read in early 2000s [s]

[Chris]

The book I want to locate is a historical novel set in the American West just after the Civil War (1860s). Main character is a young man who was involved in guerrilla fighting among southern sympathisers, and modifies a gun to make it more accurate. He has a girl, but for some reason has to run away to the West. He has a brief relationship with a widow in Abilene and becomes well known as a gunfighter., From there I can't remember too much except that at the end of the story he manages to leave behind his reputation and is reunited with his lady from back home. I think the author was an elderly man, and that his name might have included 2 initials, as in x y smith. I read this book some time in the early 2000s.

[Kate]

Christine ~~
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Good luck!

[Chris]

How do you do that?

[Chris]

I see - thanks Kate!

[JennyG]

Maybe one of the romance books by Leigh Greenwood?

[Chris]

There was a romance in the book but I think it was more of a conventional western - a very good one! I'll take a look at Leigh Greenwood though, thank you

[JennyG]

My Buffalo Soldier by B.K. Reeves from 2000?

[JennyG]

Do you remember the book cover?

[Chris]

I think it was mainly white, or light coloured anyway, possibly with a man with a gun featured. There was a photo on the back cover of the author, who looked to be in his 60s, with grey hair

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Chris, still looking or did you find this?

[Chris]

I found it! it was The Shooter by Paul A Hawkins!

[Amber (Daisymau)]

The Shooter for the link

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Splendid