Ryan's Hand — Leila Meacham

In this sweeping romance of loss and renewal, a city girl moves to a Texas ranch, where she discovers a new life -- and a chance at love -- that she never expected.

Boston librarian Cara Martin will never forget how her dear friend Ryan Langston helped her through the most difficult time of her life. Now that he has passed, she'll honor his memory any way she can. But she is shocked to discover his last request: that she inherit half of his family's west Texas ranch and spend at least one year living there -- under the same roof as his brooding, arrogant older brother.

Jeth Langston doesn't trust Cara as far as he can throw her. He's certain she prevented his baby brother from spending his last days at home. And he'll be damned if he lets this stranger take over the Langston family legacy. Whatever the cost, he's determined to drive this beautiful outsider away -- no matter how intriguing he finds her.

But as the days grow longer and sunshine sweeps across the plains, Cara can't help but fall for the untamed land -- and the man whose passion for it captures her heart.