A Worthy Pursuit

By Karen Witemeyer

Description:

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the little girl entrusted to her care after her mother's death. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When the teacher he's after produces documentation that shows she's the little girl's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her.

Then a new danger threatens, and Charlotte is forced to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone becomes determined to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

Book Takeaway:

Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding.

Why the author wrote this book:

When people have been hurt or betrayed by others in their past, they find it hard to trust new people who enter their lives. I have a dear friend who lives this every day. She was my inspiration for Charlotte. Not only must we learn to risk ourselves by opening up to others, but we have to trust God to take care us even when people let us down.

On a lighter side - I thought it would be fun to use elements of dime novels in this story. Lots of action, larger-than-life heroes, and children who are prodigies. What more could you ask for? :-)