"Bruce is a terrific story-teller...a complete joy to read." - Midwest Book Review

Under A Texas Star
By Alison Bruce

• Imajin Books
• ISBN: 978-1-926997-07-0 (eBook Kindle)/ 978-1-926997-11-7 (Trade paperback)

Disguised as a boy, Marly joins a handsome Texas Ranger in the hunt for a con man and they must bring the fugitive to justice before giving up the masquerade and giving in to their passion. Inspired in equal parts by Louis L'Amour and Georgette Heyer, Under A Texas Star is a western mystery/romance, with a touch of humour and loads of adventure.
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Western

• On the Book Trail
• Reviews

In a nutshell...

When Marly Landers is fooled by con man Charlie Meese, she's determined to bring him to justice - even if it means dressing up as a boy and setting off across the plains to find him.

Texas Ranger Jase Strachan is also after Meese, for crimes committed in Texas. He joins forces with the young boy in a journey that takes them to Fortuna, where a murder interrupts their mission. Jase is duty bound to find the killer, no matter the cost.

Marly carries out her own investigation and comes to the aid of Amabelle Egan, the sister of one of the suspects. But appearances are deceiving, and Marly is mistaken for Amabelle's suitor, making her a target for the killer. Not to mention, Charlie Meese is still out there.

Under the Texas stars, Marly and Jase are drawn together by circumstances beyond their control, yet fate plots to tear them apart. Will Marly finally get her man?

Excerpt available on Amazon.com and alison bruce, have laptop - will travel

Under A Texas Star is now available in trade paperback and/or eBook format at:

• Amazon.ca
• Amazon.com
• Barnes and Noble
• Smashwords

I'm taking Under A Texas Star on the road, literally and (mostly) virtually. Of course the beauty of online appearance is, they never go away. For real-life appearances, you've got to catch me where you can... or invite me to stop by and set awhile.

Appearing live...
(as long I have coffee)

For Under A Texas Star, Rowena Through the Wall and Cheat the Hangman

The Virtual Trail So Far

Authors and Appetizers
Sweet and Hot
www.authorsandappetizers.com
Tuesday June 7, 2011
Check out my antojito recipes and how research is good for food as well as storytelling.
Contest winner: Maggie O'

Sapphire Romance Realm
A Picture's Worth...
sapphireromance.blogspot.com
Thursday June 16, 2011
The story of how the cover inspired an extra scene in the book.
Contest winner: Donna Carrick

Romance and Beyond
Author Interview
web.mac.com/carole.stlaurent/romanceandbeyond
Tuesday June 21, 2011
Contest winner: Elaine Couglar

Write-On Mystery
First of my monthly contributions to the new mystery writing blog.
writeonmystery.blogspot.com
June 25, 2011

Wildflower
Author Interview
www.sherryisaac.com/Sherry_Isaac/Wildflower
July 1, 2011
My third interview with Sherry Isaac and once again she asks tough questions in a fun way.

National Crime Writing Month Blog
Blame it on Mexico
nationalcrimewritingmonth.blogspot.com
August 7, 2011
How family trips inspired a love of the old west.

Funny Girl Melodie
Romance is Funny that Way
funnygirlmelodie.blogspot.com
August 13, 2011
Why I think humour and romance go hand in hand.

Western Romance
Texas Rangers vs Canadian Mounties
texasdruids.blogspot.com
Monday, August 29, 2011
Two legendary corps profiled and compared.
Two guest bloggers were featured each week for the summer. Thanks to Lyn Horner for hosting this wonderful event.

Morgen Bailey's Author Spotlight
Spotlight on Alison Bruce
Morgen Bailey's Blog
Saturday, September 10, 2011

Author Interview
"I can't believe I answered the whole thing..."
Morgen Bailey's Blog
Monday, September 26, 2011

Romance at Random
Texas Ranger Jase Strachan
www.romanceatrandom.com
October 13, 2011

Kat Scratch
Why Texas? New excerpt
www.kat-scratch.blogspot.com
November 8, 2011

Gloria Ferris Mysteries
Romance in an Old Bed
gloriaferrismysteries.blogspot.com
November 21, 2011s

Deep in the Heart of Romance
Author Interview
www.deepintheheartromance.com
November 22, 2011

My Book Addiction and More
Author Interview - Christmas
mybookaddictionandmore.com
December 2, 2011

Reviews for Under A Texas Star

"Bruce is a terrific story-teller...a complete joy to read. She immerses readers into a smoking Western that is also a spunky romance and reminiscent of the Texas Rangers television series. A delightful Western tale that blends engaging adventure with spirited romance. Reminds me of Louis L'Amour novels."
Christina Francine, Midwest Book Review

"Filled with realistic dialog and a good attention to period detail, Bruce manages to create a believable story that captures our imagination. Well written with a compelling plot, Under a Texas Star brings a delightfully new and strong heroine to the literary world. Highly recommended."
Wendy Thomas, Allbook Reviews

"This is a rollicking adventure and Marly Landers is a girl with True Grit."
Phyllis Smallman, Arthur Ellis Award winning author of Champagne for Buzzards
www.phyllissmallman.com

"Alison Bruce's western tale of intrigue, murder, and love is a page-turning, action-packed, made-of-awesome read. UNDER A TEXAS STAR belongs on every reader's keeper shelf---it already has a place on mine! Love, love, loved it!"
Michele Bardsley, national best selling author of Never Again and the Broken Heart OK series.
www.michelebardsley.com

"Pin a silver star on this thrilling tale of love and justice in the old west."
Lou Allin, Arthur Ellis Award finalist, author of On the Surface Die.

"A well-researched debut novel for lovers of mystery and historic romance."
Eileen Shuh, author of The Traz
www.eileenschuh.com

"I loved the murder mystery ... as well as the sense of humor which had me either chuckling or laughing out loud. The development of the main characters is very well done."
Jacqueline Wilson, Deputy Sheriff for Publications of the Chicago Corral of the Westerners

"This is an historical Western romance in a style that reminds me of Hemingway. Although the descriptions are colorful and accurate, there are no wasted words here as the characters are developed through dialogue and action. The old West comes to life! Highly recommended."
K. McKinnon, Reader-reviewer

"This novel is filled with accurate settings, genuine voice, and unexpected humor. And if you're more interested in the thriller or detective or romance or mystery genre, there is enough of a romance angle and an in-depth murder investigation to satisfy everyone."
Gail M Baugniet, Reader-reviewer

"The context of the book is an authentic depiction of the old west. It is a well-plotted mystery and a terrific love story with engaging characters. It was a most enjoyable read. Highly recommended!"
Lee Holtz, Reader-reviewer

2010 Text Novel Finalist

"Your descriptions cut right to the chase. This story is gripping, I'll be back for more!"
Jennifer L. Hart

"Congratulations. Love this story and I am so glad it is a semi finalist. If I could vote again I would."
Athena Lyso