Originally published in 2020, as Lantern of Patience (Lantern in the Window series). The book has not been changed from the original, apart from fixing some typos, sentence structures, and the location has been moved to the factious town of Trinity, Texas.
A woman guarding her town and her heart. A man determined to save both.
When Patience Muldoon's husband left for the War Between the States, he promised to return and asked her to keep a lantern in the window. It's been over a year since the war ended, and he's yet to return. In face, few men of Trinity, Texas have returned. So, the widows have devised a plan to bring eligible husbands to Trinity--a big cash prize rodeo. But Patience hasn't given up. She won't be looking for a husband. Until she hears otherwise, she'll continue to serve her town in Thomas's stead, as sheriff.
The war cost Caleb Cantrell everything--his wife, his son, even his right arm. More importantly, it cost him his dignity. Born left-handed, Caleb can still handle a six-shooter and is an expert marksman, fully capable of returning to a life of keeping the peace. However, no one in his home state of Georgia wants to take a chance on a one-armed lawman. A promise made to a dying soldier during the war brings him to Trinity, Texas--searching for its lady sheriff.
Determined to take over the job best left to a man, Caleb and the lady sheriff find themselves at odds right from the start.
Can Caleb's vow free Patience to love the man determined to take her place?
Will Caleb discover he's lost something else in this Texas town--his heart?
Can Patience finally trust that love, not duty, will light her way home?
In the heart of a recovering land and along the rushing river that bears its name, two wounded souls discover some promises are meant to lead them forward to forever, not back to the past.
Patience on the Trinity--where patience is tested, hearts heal, and love finds its light.