I bought this book with my bonus bucks. I love those things. It was originally published in 1989. It also appears to be part of a series about the Slater brothers. The Civil War is over and the Slaters are just trying to find their place in post war Missouri. This book is the second in the series. The first was Cole and Kristin's story but they are still involved in Malachi and Shannon's story. While Malachi is making his way to Kristin and Shannon's ranch where is brother now resides as Kristin's husband, he discovers that the Slater brothers are wanted for murder. Cole killed the brother of a very powerful man who now wants revenge. Cole killed Fitz's brother because he murdered Cole's first wife and she was pregnant with their first child. To lure Cole to Kansas where he owns his own town, Fitz has Kristin kidnapped. Cole has left to find a safe place for himself, Kristin and their baby boy, so Malachi must go after the "Red Legs" and get Kristin back. Of course, Shannon (who is a crack shot) won't let him go alone. This begins Malachi and Shannon's story. Lots of things going on and people involved. Shannon gets herself in some bad situations that Malachi has to rescue her from but mostly because of her mouth and because of her great spirit which Malachi can't resist. Very good story and great author.
"It is to the credit of human nature that, except where its selfishness is brought into play, it loves more readily than it hates."
Nathaniel Hawthorne – The Scarlet Letter
