Brothers of Outlaw Trail

DiAnn Mills, Tamela Hancock Murray, Lynette Sowell, Kathleen Miller
Barbour Publishing (2006)
ISBN 1597893528
Reviewed by Kim Peterson for Reader Views (9/06)

In this collection of novellas about the Wilson brothers, the former outlaws turn from their lives of crime. Each finds God’s grace and true love where He leads him.

In “Reuben’s Atonement,” Reuben Wilson goes home to Raider’s Crossing, Wyoming. Long ago he broke Charlotte Jeffers heart, and left town leading his brothers into treachery and crime. In Raider’s Crossing he begins to reestablish a moral life and prove his worth as an honest man. Charlotte befriends him again, but proceeds with caution. He is accused of stealing again and, although she wants to believe he’s different now, their future is threatened until Rueben can prove his innocence. Although Reuben admirably tries to repair his past, he must learn that his efforts do not bring atonement. He must see that God’s grace and forgiveness make the difference.

In “Outlaw Sheriff,” Caleb Wilson arrives in Dime Box, Arizona. The former outlaw now serves God and abides by the law. When local citizens want to take him to the jail, he thinks they want to lock him up for his past crimes. In a humorous twist, he soon realizes they think he is the long-awaited sheriff. Caleb goes along with what he thinks is God providing a way for him. But when the real sheriff’s mail-order bride arrives, Caleb realizes he may be settling in for good.

In “The Peacemaker,” Colt Wilson departs Huntsville prison determined to find some money and rebuild his life. When he seeks out his ex-partner, he finds the man’s widow, Anne Langley. Anne and her daughters labor to make their ranch successful. Colt learns that his quest for revenge isn’t worth the joy he might find if he chooses God and Anne’s love.

In “A Gamble on Love,” Benjamin Wilson earns his keep as a cheating gambler with the help of pretty Pearl. But his swindling schemes fall apart when Pearl returns home to clean up her life and care for her mother. Benjamin follows her hoping to pursue their friendship and winning ways. Instead he finds God’s love and hope for a lifetime with Pearl.

The premise for these stories is good. Many a bad man has been redeemed by God’s love and a loving woman. The western setting makes that premise feel even more authentic. Good novellas that feel like a complete story are hard to create, so some of these stories are stronger offerings than others. I favored “Outlaw Sheriff” because Kathleen Miller, as usual, spins a good tale. She builds suspense well and creates a likeable main character. Women seeking romantic stories with a shorter read time will like these redemptive novellas in “Brothers of Outlaw Trail.”

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