The Large Land — Norma Newcomb

Ginny was young, beautiful and independent. But how long could she keep half a dozen men dangling on a string?

Carefree or Careless?

Ginny Ballard was a strong-willed, capable young woman who ran her own small New Mexico ranch and rented horses to dudes. The men who worked for her and for Jim, one of her many suitors, were all wild about her and wanted to marry her. Ted offered money, Jim offered a way of life Ginny loved, and Pete offered excitement ... and maybe danger.

Ginny was carefree and careless of their feelings. Then a murder and a mysterious disappearance invaded their wild world, and Ginny discovered not only which men really cared for her, but also how many resented her. Could she overcome the whispering campaign in town and make amends? Could she ever regain her sense of warmth and security? It would take a strong spirit to regain that ... and love as well.

Ginny Ballard ran a ranch and a riding stable in the vicinity of New Mexico's Wonder Mesa, and had a group of numerous, eligible and importunate suitors known locally as Ballard's Buckaroos. One day, she supposed, she would marry one of them, in the meantime, Ginny enjoyed being carefree, young, attractive and uncommitted.

Then suddenly everything changed. One of Ginny's customers was murdered, and another disappeared in the desert under circumstances that suggested either treason or foul play. The whispering campaign against Ginny that ensued would have broken a less stout spirit than hers. But at least the crisis separated the faint-hearted buckaroos from the thoroughbred.

Also published as: Boss Lady