Texas Lily — Elizabeth Fackler

Lily Cassidy's childhood happiness is shattered when her father is murdered by political opponents. Powerless to act against her father's killer, she consents to a loveless marriage with Emmett Moss in exchange for his promise of vengeance. What follows this bitter deal leaves Lily standing on her own as the matriarch of a legend. When Emmett's niece arrives at his ranch, the lady-like Claire presents a cool contrast to tomboy Lily. Known for her common sense more than her beauty, Lily forges a friendship with the delicate Claire that outlasts everything in their lives except the land itself. Set in New Mexico Territory in the 1870s, Texas Lily is the story of Lily's courage and fortitude to save her family, Claire's love of an outlaw that sends her into and out of madness, and the profoundly intertwined fates of their offspring.