Laurel Tracy, matured by the Civil War, sees a diamond in the rough in convict yet soldier Thomas Baker. He has been imprisoned due to a gambling debt and serves on a work gang at Laurel’s house. In need of a regular hired man at her ranch, Laurel frees Thomas from jail and gives him a post-war purpose. Thomas is very loyal and quite taken with Laurel. After the war years, Laurel realizes that societal niceties are much changed and she needs Thomas to help keep her ranch together.
This is a love story and yet a survival story.

This story is wonderful. I could not put the book down. Gray is a fantastic writer. Every page was a page-turner! The premise of the novel is every girl'scout dream: a knight in not-so-shining armor coming to her defense, protecting her, respecting her, and falling for her! Thomas is an excellently written character. He is so realistically damaged, honorable, and strong. I loved him more and more as the story progressed. And, I absolutely love Laurel. She is a great heroine. She is vulnerable and pretty, but she is also smart, feisty, and strong. The action in this novel is non-stop. And, I love how strongly faith was portrayed, but the reader wasn'the beaten over the head with a fake, over-the-top message. The belief in God each character has is genuine and realistic. I love this story, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written, sweet, action-packed, clean romance.

I could not get into this book. The two main characters seemed intent on their attraction to one another right from the start. On first meeting the male character, the female character offers him a drink of water, and when he looks at her, she gasps with longing. At first meeting? Seriously! The characters seemed wooden to me and after such blatant seeming affection for one another after only one meeting, I just couldn't get into the book. This author has done much better work.

I had previously read one of Gray's books (Secrets of Sloane House) and, I'll be honest, it wasn't one of my favourite. In fact, it was probably one of the lowest ratings I've ever given a book.

So, needless to say, when I received this one very generously from NetGalley, I was a little dissapointed when I realized that this was the same author who had written that doomed book which I hadn't liked. However, I was pleasantly surprised by An Uncommon Protector! The romance that blossomed between Thomas and Laurel was lovely, and the mystery was decently vague. I appreciated the setting and the respect that the two main characters had for one another.

Well done, Gray! You are redeemed in my eyes.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review.

I loved the book! I liked that Miss Laurel Tracey had gumption, she knew what she needed and took it upon herself to get it. The flashback scenes into Thomas's life made him seem so much more real to me. There is an immediate connection between Laurel and Thomas, though they do try to keep a professional relationship.
When danger arises, it melted my heart how protective Thomas was of Laurel.
I thought the author did a wonderful job of showing the unwavering faith that Thomas had despite the mistakes in his life. I love how the book ended!
This was a very well written book. I hope there will be more in the series!

The thing about Shelley Shepard Gray's book is her twist in a plot. She can take a simple story and throw in a twist that you don't expect and definitely didn't predict. In An Uncommon Protector she didn't really throw any curve balls. The story, while predictable, is good. The time frame is after the Civil War and contains flashbacks to prisoner of war camps. While this helps us understand more about Thomas it is the relationship with Laurel that pulls us in. Seemingly total opposites we find out Laurel and Thomas have more in common and attraction quickly flares up. The story is sweet and comes to a satisfying conclusion. While not one of my favorite Shelley Shepard Gray's story I can recommend it.

This is a historical romance that takes place in Texas just after the Civil War. I was able to predict what would happen in the relationship with the two main characters, Laurel & Thomas, whom I loved, but even still, I enjoyed this read. I also have an idea of the direction that the author will take later in the series, so I plan on sticking with it to find out if I'm right. Thank you, Netgalley, for a copy in exchange for an honest review. It was enjoyable - 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I really liked the characters in this story. Thomas was a flawed but likable hero. Laurel was a smart damsel in distress. While the situation was a little unbelievable I thought the two were a good fit for the other and had chemistry. I thought the bad guy was rounded up a little too easily and quickly. i would have liked to see a bit more of Thomas's friends before they took off. But perhaps that is for other books in this series. I thought this was a lovely romance to see unfold and will be happy to read more in this series in the future.

Oh my goodness, I knew from reading A Loyal Heart that I could not wait to read the next book in this Lone Star Hero series, and I have the honor of reading and reviewing this amazing book before the release. Shelley truly has a gift with words. In Uncommon Protector we revisit the former comrades from the Johnson's Island prison during the Civil War. Thomas Baker grew up a hard life and had seen much more than any adult should ever have to see in their life. Laurel Tracey has had a decent life until the War took away many parts of it. Their meeting was by chance, her saving him from prison was chance, and their story is about chance. You must have Faith in God to keep you focused and you must put your Trust in God to truly have the victory. Thomas and Laurel test their Faith and Trust as their story unfolds: Laurel's step siblings, Laurel's former suitor, poisoned cattle, burning pastures, being shot at and if that isn't enough add in Thomas's past and his former officers, and you have a wonderful story that will transport you to Texas. Thank you Shelley Shepard Gray I miss these characters already.

Love at first sight?
Sergeant Thomas Baker had been captured and made a POW but he has survived the civil war. He's found odd jobs but then made the mistake of playing cards with some very high powered players who had him thrown in jail for not paying his gambling debts. It's while serving his sentence that he is put in a chain gang to work on the farm of Miss Laurel Tracey. She finds herself, young, innocent and very alone, trying to run the ranch that she's inherited after an influenza epidemic killed her parents.
Laurel makes a snap decision when she hears that Thomas will be put up for auction the following day. The auction allows him his freedom to whoever bids the highest for him and signs a guarantee that he will stay in their employ for a year. She takes herself into town and quickly arranges for his release.
Thomas has not even had time to settle on the ranch and establish his role when a dead calf is left on the front porch. Its death looks unnatural and, to add to Laurel's problems, they discover a note saying that more cattle will be killed if she doesn't agree to sell the farm. Thomas calls in some of the men with whom he had served to help track down the perpetrators of the threat to the survival of Laurel’s inheritance.
If you enjoy romance with all the trimmings; heart palpitations, blushes and staring into each other's eyes, moments (that seemed to take place on every page) then you will love this story of a tall, strong man and a woman who is vulnerable, trying to save her ranch from a suave, manipulative, arrogant money grabber. The author has added just enough moments of excitement to make this a satisfactory read.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Sheppard Gray is the second book in Ms. Gray's Lone Star Hero's Love Story series. I enjoyed this series' first book, The Loyal Heart so I was eager to read this second one.

The Verdict?

A relaxing, enjoyable read that was interesting, engaging and definitely brightened my day!

The story is well written, entertaining and the characters are well rounded. This romance is fraught with challenges, mysteries, a leading hunky male with a group of stand up friends coming to the rescue. What more could a gal wish for?! 😉

First of all, I'm loving this new series from Shelley Shepard Gray. If you haven't heard about it, the series follows a group of men who were imprisoned together during the Civil War. Each book follows one of them in their lives after the war. Most of the book is told in the present with a few flashbacks to that time they were imprisoned.

Anyways, for this particular book, I was immediately drawn to the characters. Both Thomas and Laurel have so many things stacked against them. Thomas has had a harder life and the novel starts out with him in prison. He's a good guy, and you can't help but like him. But he's certainly an unlikely hero in so many ways. Laurel is a lone woman, with unhelpful step-siblings and a ranch with problems. But together, they can make a team to help Laurel's ranch become profitable again.

There was just something about this book that drew me in. I loved reading it. While it wasn't as tension-filled as some other books, I certainly wanted to keep reading. Perhaps it was just the sheer enjoyment of spending time with these characters. But by the end, I wasn't complaining. And having to revisit with some of the other soldiers from Thomas's past, I'm interested to see who will get a story next.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Y’all, this series has something very special… man love. That’s right, I mean good old fashioned, band of brothers, solemn vow loyalty! Toss in a Texas damsel in distress, a dash of mystery, a splash of danger, and a healthy dose of romance and that, my friends, is a recipe for one delicious read!

Laurel Tracey is just another rancher’s daughter-next-door until readers consider her resilience, determination, and tenacious work ethic. Thomas Baker is no stranger to hardship and that just seems like a huge understatement. His fierce drive to protect Laurel extends beyond repaying a debt, Thomas is determined to defend her honor, her livelihood, and her home.

Readers become acquainted with the heroes of this series through flashbacks to their time in the POW camp and each reunion after the war’s end is both challenging and heartwarming. I can’t wait to see which officer will find love next!

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through BookLook Bloggers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

I’ve always been a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray’s writings in the Amish genre (big surprise there!) But when she branched out to do a series set in the post-Civil War era, I wondered if I would be drawn in. What a silly notion! An Uncommon Protector, her second Lone Star Hero’s Love Story, really hits the mark!

An Uncommon Protector is a sweeping tale of a man named Thomas Baker – a former sergeant of the Confederacy. His life has been laced with tragedy, fortitude, and misfortune. His inability to keep quiet has not served him well. That’s what ends him in a cage in the middle of a Texas town, hoping to be bought as an indentured servant.

Laurel Tracey is a young southern woman trying to hold onto her family’s ranch. With most of her family gone, two ne’er do well step-siblings, and squatters on part of her land, she needs help and fast…maybe an indentured servant is the answer?

Life gets complicated for them both when the situation goes from bad to worse – Laurel’s very life has been threatened. Will Thomas become the stand-up man he’s always longed to be? Will this uncommon protector be able to protect what is most dear? Read and find out!

I was given An Uncommon Protector in exchange for my honest review. I found it to be a riveting read. The characters were charming and believable. The storyline was complex, intriguing, and draws the reader in immediately. I was thoroughly won over by An Uncommon Protector and cannot wait for the next book in this series!

This was a cute period novel, set after the Civil War in Texas. Thomas and Laurel come together after Thomas' indenture to Laurel for a year to help him leave prison. Thomas is a former Confederate soldier who has a quick tongue, but loyal, and has integrity to help others and work hard. His past, the death of his parents and hard scrabble existence as a young man on his own, let him to be very independent, but loyal to those who become his family. Laurel is fighting her step-siblings and a former suitor to build up her ranch, and keep her home. They combine together to help the ranch, but as circumstance escalate, to save it and themselves from villains intent on scaring Laurel off the ranch. Loved the flashbacks into Thomas' life and his prison experiences. Both of them are genuine, honest characters, with sincere and honest hearts. I loved their mutual attraction. Laurel was more 'sweet', but definitely still hard working and willing to work and fight for her home. I can't say it was a perfect period piece, but definitely a fun read for me today. This was a cute read, but still a little deeper read for the subject matter with the Prison scenes. The secondary characters were a little flat for me, so really a 3.5, but will round up to 4 with the depth of the feelings and emotions that were portrayed with the war/prison elements. I will be reading other things by this author to see some of the other side stories from this group of Civil War Soldiers.
Romance, clean, mild Christian elements. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Oh…I love it when a book surprises me. And I love it when a book plays through my head like a movie.

An Uncommon Protector is the first book I’ve read by Shelley Shepard Gray. It’s also one of the few stories I’ve read that take place during the Civil War era. What a unique and memorable read!

Tilting her chin down, she made sure to keep her pace steady. And tried not to think about how one man’s attention could rattle her so much. ~Excerpt

Laurel Tracey is a very kind and likeable character, and it’s easy to sympathize with her situation. She is soft, charitable, and womanly, but has a streak of spunk and doggedness. Though the cover art is lovely, it depicts her as thin and dainty, while in the book she’s described as curvy, soft, and perhaps even plump. I wish the cover depiction were more on point.

Thomas Baker is the main reason I rate this story with five stars. He is a fascinating, robust, manly, super-flawed man with a whole lot of heart. Swoon! I love how he surprises me, how he’s good yet flawed, tough yet altruistic. I have a vivid picture of him in my mind… Have you ever seen the classic movie, Cool Hand Luke, starring a young Paul Newman? That is Thomas Baker. He is handsome, tough, charming, and gritty—allowing his mouth to get him in heaps of trouble. I won’t soon forget him.

Thomas had never been one for compassion, but even he couldn’t deny the appeal of a beautiful woman who was in need of a protector. ~Excerpt

As I mentioned before, this story surprised me. Not only in plot, but also how quickly it sucked me in, and the profound effect the characters had on me. There are some mildly violent scenes, but I consider this a clean, realistic, and fascinating read. Loved it!

5 Stars


Cover: Love
Title: Love
Pages: 320
Series: A Lone Star Hero’s Love Story
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 978-0310345428
First Lines (Chapter 1): Everyone said they were dangerous. Laurel assumed it must be true. But that didn’t stop her from taking another peek out her open sitting room window at one specific prisoner.
I received a complimentary copy.

An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in A Lone Star Hero’s Love Story. It is July 1867 in Sweetwater, Texas. Laurel Tracey has a hard time running the Red Roan Ranch. Laurel has seen squatters on her land, and she needs someone who is strong and forceful (and a little scary) to assist her with the running of the ranch. Laurel gets an idea when she overhears the prisoners, who have been working on her ranch, talking about when one of them is eligible for release. A convict can get early release at a type of sale. A person can “buy” the prisoner for one year. They are provided lodging and food while they work the next year to pay off their debt. Laurel decides that Thomas Baker (a former Sergeant) would be the perfect person to assist her. Thomas is glad for the chance to get out of jail especially after the whipping he received from guard, Foster Howell. Laurel purchases Baker despite opposition. Laurel’s stepsiblings object to Baker’s presence at the house (the moochers), and they are backed by neighbor, Landon Marshall. Laurel refuses to back down and her stepsiblings immediately depart (for which Laurel is very grateful). Baker’s presence proves valuable when a dead calf is left on Laurel’s doorstep. Someone poisoned the poor animal. This is just the beginning of troubles for Laurel. Someone is trying to drive her out, and they will do whatever it takes to achieve their goal. Baker is not going to let someone drive Laurel off her land. He telegrams his old unit for assistance in fighting these bandits. But who is behind these attacks? As time passes, Laurel sees the good man behind the rough exterior and starts to fall for him. Baker admires Laurel and cannot help falling her for her. But he does not feel worthy of such a lady. To find out what happens, you will need to read An Uncommon Protector.

An Uncommon Protector is the second book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author does provide updates on the characters from The Loyal Heart (first book in series). I found An Uncommon Protector to be well-written and it has good characters. It has a nice, light Christian theme (it was just right). I did find that the romance was predictable (you knew they would end up together in the end). I give An Uncommon Protector 3 out of 5 stars. I could identify the party behind the attacks very early in the book (it was very obvious). The take down of the bad guys was a little rushed and a bit of a letdown. The pace of the book is a little slow especially during the “thinking” sections. There are many areas of the book where the two main characters are thinking (mostly about each other). I did not enjoy the flashbacks into Baker’s time in the POW camp during the Civil War. These sections provide insight into Thomas Baker’s character, but there were too many of them. I felt they took away from the book (the reader just gets into the story and then we go back in time). Please be aware that there is violence against animals that is very disturbing (and upsetting). I am not the right audience for An Uncommon Protector. I do, though, look forward to reading other novels from Shelley Shepard Gray in the future (I love her Amish novels).

This book was a lot of fun to read. An Uncommon Protector is the second book in the Lone Star Hero Love Story series. I have read the first book in the series, and really enjoyed it. That being said, you don't need to read it in order to enjoy this story. We first met some of the smaller characters in The Loyal Heart, and it was fun to see them again. The series follows a group of soldiers who spent some time together in war, and then in a prison camp. This book follows Sergeant Thomas Baker as he goes from spending time in a jail cell to protecting Laurel and her ranch.

Thomas hasn't had an easy life, and being mistreated isn't anything new. Being in jail is no fun, and he can't wait to be free again. When his freedom comes in the form of a beautiful lady, he doesn't know if he should be happy, or if he's set up for torture for the next year. Laurel is not only beautiful, but everything he would want in a woman. Being around her makes him want to protect her all the more, even if he knows she is too good for him. When strange things start happening around the ranch Thomas doesn't know where to begin looking to find the culprit. Someone wants to take her ranch, and he's going to do everything in his power to keep them from succeeding. Will they both find out how perfect they are for each other? Or will the stress push them even father apart?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance with just the right amount of suspense mixed in. I loved that Laurel wasn't afraid to give her opinion, and didn't mind getting her hands dirty. She was a fun heroine and still the perfect match for the manly hero. What woman doesn't love a big protective war veteran? I received a copy of this book from Zondervan Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

An Uncommon Protector is the first Shelley Shepard Gray book I have read and it most certainly won't be the last. This book is so good that I devoured every word in one afternoon. An Uncommon Protector true in historical detail and richness. Shelley Shepard Gray did a phenomenal job bringing visual accuracy and personal interest to each person represented in the book. You feel as though you are right there in the book and that you are truly invested in the outcome.

Laurel Tracey inherits Red Roan Ranch as the only living heir after her father and brother die in the war and her mother and stepfather pass due to influenza. Laurel is left all alone except for two step sibling who are wanting her to sell her property. Laurel is trying to save her failing cattle ranch but between her step siblings taking advantage of her and squatters she is exhausted. Laurel needs help saving her ranch and that is when she crosses paths with former soldier Thomas Baker who is a prisoner serving a jail sentence for a gambling debt that he could not repay. He was assigned to help fix her fence as a charitable deed and she was drawn to him from the first moment she saw him.

In a brief conversation with Thomas,Laurel finds out that he is up for release the following day if someone hires him for a year. That is exactly what Laurel does with the little funds that she does have so that he can help her grow her ranch back to the way it used to be and in the process it grows Laurel and Thomas in ways they never expected.

This is such a pure and wholesome book,faith and redemption is so prevalent throughout. This is an amazing book and I would recommend it to everyone, it has something for anyone who just needs a little calm in this stormy world. I will truly be reading many,many more Shelley Shepard Gray books in the near future.

Y’all just go ahead and get your fans and fainting couches handy, ok? Because Thomas Baker will have you swooning before the first chapter is finished. His rakish grin, his handsome figure, his rogueish thoughts … whew. Maybe just go on ahead and sit by the nearest snowbank while you’re reading this too. Or, if your weather is miserably unwintry like Kentucky’s, read by the open freezer door.

Besides Thomas and all his swooniliciousness, we also get to meet Laurel. She’s a fantastic heroine, strong enough to hold her own yet vulnerable enough to admit she needs help. The chemistry between these two is palpable and electric from the instant their eyes first meet and just gets better as their story progresses. Both protagonists already have compelling backstories that give dimension to their characters, and the way these stories are presented – as well as the growth that each experiences along the way – makes these two of my favorite of Gray’s characters!

Bottom Line: An Uncommon Protector is a story bursting with everything western romance fans are looking for. Bits of intriguing history woven throughout, fantastic characters, humor, sincerity, and some sizzle too! Enhancing the story even further is a bit of mystery/suspense that keeps tensions high (and brings out Thomas’ protective side quite nicely) as well as the message of redemption and “value” that is subtle but also clear and sweet. While this is part of a series, it can certainly be read as a stand alone novel. I always love a new Shelley Shepard Gray read, but this one is a new fave!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)