Border Life

Sheila Parks is doing everything she can to keep her ranch in West Texas afloat. Since she inherited it from her parents, Sheila was determined to keep their dream going. Surviving a failed marriage and bad dating experiences, she decided that her life was her ranch. There was no need for the outside world.

Erick Wilson is a man who fights demons every day of his life. He blames himself for the death of his wife and daughter in a freak auto accident, and consistently tries to wash his guilt away with alcohol. Sheila came upon Erick after one of his drinking binges. Taking pity on him, she asked him to stay on as a handyman. She could not pay him, but could provide him with hot meals and a roof over his head.

Hank Gathers is a man in his fifties who wanders the country on his motorcycle, working odd jobs when he needs a little cash. His bike decides to break down on a road near Sheila's house, and when she comes across him, she decides to help him out.

Hank and Sheila have an almost immediate attraction, although neither is willing to give into their lust right away. But the physical attraction Sheila feels is not the only thing about Hank's presence that is turning her a bit upside-down. The way Hank has lived his life reminds Sheila that she has let a lot go by in her life. She begins to wonder if her life has been wasted fighting to keep the ranch going. At the same time, Hank is suddenly thinking about "settling down" for once.

Not only do these three have to work through these challenges, suddenly they have a cocaine dealer named Juan to deal with.

This is a well put together suspense story. The story continually moves and becomes more and more interesting as the characters and their challenges and personalities are presented. What I found most compelling was how the author touched upon a subject that most of us face at least once in our lives. And that is the realization that even though we are afraid of change, it is a natural part of living, and we should not fight it.

Reviewed by: Kathy