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BOOK REVIEW:  The Peacemaker 

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Title: The Peacemaker (Book One in the Men of the Saddle series)

Author: Lori Copeland

Publisher: Tyndale House

ISBN: 0-8423-6930-9

Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Romance

Wynne Elliot wants revenge. Her fiancé, Cass, wasn’t content with dumping Wynne at the altar. No! He had the gall to rob her too. Now she’s traveled from Georgia to Cass’s hometown in Missouri. When she finds him, she aims to kill the lowdown scoundrel.

Just a few more miles, and Cole Claxton and his brother Beau will finally be home after fighting four long years in the Civil War. But when they come upon a stagecoach robbery, their code of honor won’t allow them to leave the passengers stranded. The only problem is a half pint woman with fiery hair and the strangest hat Cole ever seen is holding them captive with her rifle.

Beau finally persuades the woman they mean no harm, and they escort the stage to town, where Cole and Beau are warmly welcomed by old friends. As the brothers prepare to leave for home, they discover Wynne is penniless and stranded after being robbed. The only proper thing to do is to take her home to their mother.

Big mistake. Cole’s never met a more demanding, more accident prone woman in his life. Wynne is trouble in a small package. But still, there’s something about the feisty woman that draws him. When she sets off alone, determined to find her mystery man, Cole can do nothing but follow her. The addlebrained woman has no clue how to care for herself in the wilds of the Ozarks. The only question is: can he get her where she needs to be without getting himself killed or maimed in the process? And when he discovers just who it is Wynne is gunning for, will Cole leave her to fend for herself?

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Peacemaker. The tension between hero and heroine is electrifying and a delight. Readers will wonder how these two stubborn people can ever get together. Cole is a wonderful hero. He’s aloof, strong, determined, but is so honorable the he can’t let Wynne wander alone in the Missouri wilderness, no matter how foolhardy he feels her mission is. Wynne is also stubborn and determined and won’t allow that arrogant Cole Claxton to deter her. There are times Wynne seems almost childish, but she is only nineteen and has suffered several devastating losses in a row, so I guess that’s allowed.

The Peacemaker contains a strong but subtle faith message. You’ll see both of the main characters grow in their attitudes toward each other and their faith, as they learn lessons from giving and taking with each other. If you enjoy tales of the old West, you’ll fall in love with The Peacemaker. (298 pages / $11.99)