Feature book: Lone Heart Pass

Lone Heart Pass by Jodi Thomas

This story is typical of Ms Thomas with several stories woven into the book. The storyline and the threads do not disappoint.

The main focus of this story is Jubilee Hamilton and Charlie Collins. This pair seem to be complete opposites. Jubilee was the electoral manager for a candidate in Washington. This was her third campaign and it also turned into a losing prospect. Her relationship broke down and she didn’t even realise. Once the election has finished, and she has another losing candidate, Jubilee finds that her great uncle has died and left her his ranch. As she has nothing else in her life, and she needs to re-evaluate her life, she heads to Texas. She has fond memories of her time on the ranch and wants to make it a success.

Charlie Collins has been made to feel a failure by his father. He is the black sheep of his family. While he was in college, he became a father. His then wife took off to parts unknown and he was left with their daughter. He loves his daughter and would give his life for her, instead he works two jobs to buy a ranch of his own. Then he finds that Jubilee needs what he knows and she offers him a job. He moves into the foreman’s house and he and Jubilee find there is a lot of chemistry between them.

The other threads in this story include Lauren, the sheriff’s daughter, who is undecided as to what she wants to do when she finishes school. She works in her dad’s office and then there is an attempt on his life and she finds that some things are more important. She has to deal with these ups and downs to decide where she should be heading in her life.

And then there is Thatcher. He catches snakes and sells them for the income he needs. Thatcher’s mother leaves for days, weeks and months at a time, leaving him to fend for himself. He is trying to find a niche for himself, and can survive on his own wiles. He thinks he has found that niche until he attaches himself to Lille, Charlie’s daughter. Charlie and Jubilee worry for him and he becomes a part of their new family. Thatcher’s life is turned around when he is pronounced a hero after witnessing an incident.

I love the way there are several threads in Ms Thomas’s stories as it provides an opportunity for the reader to meet these characters again and again as the series develops. The characters appear to be real and feel like family. As always an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Heather

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.