River Bluff, Texas – Present Day

Luke Chisum and Becky Lynn Parker had been an item in high school. It had all started when his poker playing friends dared him to ask Becky to a dance and she accepted. No one was brave enough to ask Becky out because her father, the local sheriff, was a tough man trying to protect his daughter. After the first date, Luke and Becky dated and fell in love, but when she discovered it was all because of a dare, no matter how much Luke tried to explain, Becky was so hurt, she refused to see or talk to him. Soon after, Luke joined the service. Now, after sixteen years, he is back in River Bluff, Texas.

Luke is happy to be home and living on his family’s ranch; he continues to play poker with old friends. He and his brother, Hank, have a difficult relationship. Becky has been married, divorced, and has a fifteen-year-old son, Shayne. Luke has no idea that Shayne is his son, and Becky is having a difficult time trying to tell him. She is a nurse and frequently called to help in medical situations. That old attraction between Luke and Becky is still there, but Luke is in for a shock when he discovers he has a son, and there are even more surprises in store.

BLUFF TEXAS is the fifth and final book of the Texas Hold ‘Em series. Readers will meet old friends from the first four books – Luke’s old poker playing buddies and their girlfriends or wives. Misunderstandings had separated the young Luke and Becky so many years ago. Will they be able to get over the past to become friends...or something more? They are both likeable and readers will hope they can finally settle their differences. Secondary characters Hank and Shayne play large roles in the story. Hank is so grouchy, always yelling about something, and Shayne is high spirited, which worries his mother.

Well written with good pacing and an interesting story, BLUFF TEXAS is a book that should be added to your winter reading. The story of lost love/found love is always exciting, and this one is no exception. It will warm your heart, and you may even shed a tear or two.

Marilyn Heyman