Praise for CBA bestselling author
LORI COPELAND
“Copeland’s latest historical is a fun Western romance in the vein of Linda Lael Miller and Rosanne Bittner, with colorful characters and a spirited plot.”
—Library Journal on Yellow Rose Bride
“As always, Lori Copeland manages to find something new and fresh to bring to her ‘love and laughter’ Western romances. The wild ostriches, the cast of delightful, endearing characters and the added mystery all lend themselves to making Bridal Lace and Buckskin a delight!”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
“Copeland scores big with her latest historical about a woman and a doctor who argue about the best way to handle women’s health concerns. The characters are strong, and the issue will resonate with contemporary readers.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews on Bluebonnet Belle
“A riveting adventure in page-turning mystery and laugh-out-loud humor. Lori Copeland at her best!”
—Karen Kingsbury, bestselling author of Sunrise on A Case of Bad Taste
Yellow Rose Bride
Lori Copeland
MILLS & BOON
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To Cheryl Hodde, Brenda Minton and Barbara Warren;
gal pals that keep me laughing through the ups and
downs of publishing.
Dear Reader,
Often an author gets the privilege to revise older novels—to go back and say all she meant to say, but didn’t. Yellow Rose Bride is such a book. Originally published in 1996 in the secular market as Bridal Lace and Buckskin, Vonnie’s and Adam’s story quickly became a favorite with readers.
In 1998, I moved to the Christian market, where I now write exclusively, but my older work lives on. I was asked to rewrite Buckskin for the Christian market, a God-given opportunity to portray the characters and their values in a new light. I hope you’ll enjoy the story—laugh and cry with a couple destined to be together both here and in eternity.
Warmly,
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Questions for Discussion
Prologue
Louisiana/Texas Border, 1865
A beleaguered set of riders topped a rise. Shoulders rounded and heads bobbing with fatigue, the weary band rode slowly toward home.
Heat rose from the rutted surface in shimmering mirages; the horses’ heavy hooves left puffs of dry dust in the air. The backs and underarms of the men’s uniforms showed dark sweat pouring from bodies so thin that bones poked through their pale skin.
The soldiers were young, mere boys. War had aged them far beyond their years, stripped their faces of innocence, toughened their hearts and attitudes. Fatigue and bitterness marked their features now; their eyes darted warily to every bush and ditch.
Could it have been only three short years since they had ridden away from their families, filled with idealism, confident of victory?
“Let the Yanks come!” they’d shouted. The South would give them what-for and send them packing, tails tucked in shame.
With fear in their hearts and prayers on their lips, mothers had watched their sons ride into battle.
Fathers had stood by, grim faced, throats working against painful knots that choked the very life from their hearts. A man didn’t cry, but he hurt. Hurt real bad.
Reaching the crossroad, the soldiers paused to shake hands.
Removing his hat, the oldest, El Johnson, spoke first, his voice dry and void of emotion. “Guess this is where we split up.” Horses shied, tails switching flies.
The men nodded briefly before reining their horses in opposite directions.
They had ridden only a few yards before El turned to shout over his shoulder. “No need to let this ruin our lives. War is war.
