Leather and Lace (Texas Legacy, Book 1)

I have to wonder if I read the same book that all these other five star reviewers read. This book proved a real disappointment, after I had already purchased this book and its sequel. All I found was a slow-paced and unrealistic plot with uninteresting characters. I couldn't even bring myself to finish the book, because I found that I just didn't care what happened in the end. I try to pick books that will be captivating and realistic, whether it's a fantasy, mystery, action/adventure or romance. But this book did nothing for me, so I would not recommend it.

Not since reading Francine Rivers' _Redeeming Love_ have I been so impressed with the wordplay of an author while being unable to put the book down. Mills' writing style flows beautifully off the page--almost Louis L'Amour with a splash of Janette Oke. Her convincing characters pull the reader along with breathless frustration as unavoidable circumstances keep Casey's and Morgan's lives and relationship in danger. I had read a number of Mills' novellas and enjoyed them, but it took reading this book to help me understand what a powerful writer she truly is. Make sure you don't have big plans to interfere with completing this book when you sit down to read it--you'll either cancel or resent the interruption. This book is wonderful!

Every time I read a DiAnn Mills novel, I understand why she says, "Expect an adventure!" Leather and Lace is no exception. This is an exciting tale of the Old West. Outlaw Casey O'Hare is a gal who's learned the hard way how to take care of herself. That is, until a mysterious man named Morgan takes her captive to use as a pawn to catch bigger game. Only thing is, it's Morgan's heart that's taken captive by the beautiful Casey. A terrific story you won't want to put down until you reach the bright, blazing finish.

Casey is a young woman whose face is on the wanted posters and she is running, from the law but mostly from the leader of the gang she was with for 7 years. She meets up with Morgan, a man who is looking for the gang leader he hates with a passion.

This book explains how early life, fear, anger and hate can form a life forever until one gives it all up to God. Love has a hard time forming when distrust is so large.

A few times I wanted to strangle Casey, and a few times I wanted to smack Morgan up side the head. Both are so very stubborn and both are so much in love, but can they ever breech the gulf between them?

I look forward to a sequel.

Riding with an outlaw gang, Casey has learned to be tough, but she never lowered her standards to match theirs. When she runs from them, she’ll need her wits to survive.

Leather and Lace is a fun Western, filled with outlaws and lawmen, guns and innocent bystanders. It is an adventure, but not one that leaves you looking over your shoulder. Much of the story focuses on the characters and how their circumstances affect them. Watching Casey build genuine friendships with those around her lends credibility to her tale.

Certain aspects of Morgan’s character seemed out of place, especially in light of his personality displayed through much of the story. There was also one situation which was not resolved by the end which left me wondering why it was no longer an issue. But overall, Leather and Lace was a great story, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Leather & Lace is the first book in DiAnn Mills' Texas Legacy series, released by Barbour. With this novel Mills has woven a powerful tale of one woman's redemption from her past and one man's release from an all-consuming bitterness, through the grace of God having their lives restored and their wounded spirits healed. The theme of this novel reminded me of this passage from the book of Joel that I had come across several years ago when a friend of mine was going through a very difficult time due to illness:

"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten...my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed." (Joel 2:25-27)

This is a novel about restoration, powerfully told. On a purely personal level, I have really enjoyed this story simply because it's a well-written western, loaded with adventure and romance. As a kid I cut my reading "teeth" on the likes of Louis L'Amour and Clarence Mulford, authors who excelled at making the Old West and the people who lived during that time come unforgettably alive. There are quite a few CBA novels out there that simply don't do justice to the source material -- they fall terribly flat and all too often are filled with unbelievable plots and insipid characters. Mills doesn't whitewash the hardships of the time period. She succeeds in creating engaging characters, has a good feel for the time, and most of all writes a rollicking good story. Mills has got a lot of potential and is an author I'll enjoy hearing more from.

I loved this book. It was well written and a page turner from the start to the finish. I found Cassy's story to be something new. I will be reading many more books by this author

The first thing that came into my head when I received my copy of "Leather and Lace" by DiAnn Mills was, "I don't do westerns". However, I loved "When the Lion Roars" and I had committed to read the book, so read I did and I loved it! It just goes to prove that an excellent story, well told, does not depend on the genre or setting. Starting with the prologue this is a page turner from beginning to end.

This story is about Casey O'Hare the ultimate bad girl, a legend who rides with an outlaw gang, and the subject of wanted posters. Yet somehow she has retained a kernel of the good planted in her by a Godly mother and she tries to leave it all behind and start a new life, but it's not that easy. No one resigns from the Jenkins gang and lives to tell about it, especially not Jenkins' woman. Who can Casey trust even if she can learn to trust again? How can she fit into society after living the outlaw life? Who would want to be around someone who has live the life Casey has? All these questions and more assail her as she strives to make changes.

The story is timeless and DiAnn Mills is the ultimate story teller. So find a comfy place and be prepared to stay up all night.

This book is fabulous. I don't know which genre to place it in. Historical, western, women's fiction, romance, suspense. It has a little of them all. The tale is riveting, the characters engaging. The story will keep you turning pages when you should be in bed (ahem!) I adored Casey from the moment I met her. You just gotta admire that kind of spunk. Morgan took a little longer because I wasn't sure I trusted him entirely until he up and did a totally romantic thing and saved her life a time or two. The secondary characters were also lovable. Especially Sarah Ranier.

I did think the conflict between Morgan and Casey carried on until I was impatient with them. I think it could have been cleared up a wee bit sooner. But the action sure picked up near the end. I needed tissues. Some parts will yank on your heart. You will also laugh outloud.

I would recommend this book to anyone whol loves a poignant tale of forgiveness and renewal through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Casey O'Hare is tough, smart, and scared. Her mother died when she was fourteen, and her brother, Tim, joined Davis Jenkins outlaw gang. He took Casey with him. Now she is tired of the outlaw life. She wants to quit running and settle down, but the rumors about Casey O'Hare are rampant. Her face decorates a lot of wanted posters. Every lawman in the area is after her. So is Davis Jenkins.

One night Casey looks up from her campfire, right into the barrell of a Winchester .44. The man holding the gun introduces himself as Morgan. He wants Jenkins, and figures Casey will do for bait. But Davis Jenkins is a hard man to catch. A shootout leaves Morgan wounded and Casey facing a difficult decision; take him with her and risk being captured by Jenkins or leave him here to die. Leather and Lace is about two people driven by fear and hatred, each wanting to be free, but not knowing how to go about it. It is also a story about the importance of doing the right thing, regardless of the cost.