Stairs of Sand — Zane Grey

Ruth Virey, beautiful, young, and headstrong, gets herself in trouble from the get go with her fiery temper and impulsive ways. Willing to risk anything to escape her life at a "barren desert waterhole," she finds herself having jumped from the frying pan into the fire...that is, until Adam Wansfell, her husband's brother, and murderer shows up, and professes his love for her. Excitement rises to a smashing climax when, in their fight to retain possession of what has now become a "priceless waterhole," Ruth and Adam come face to face with the law and the man they both believed to be dead.