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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.
About the author
Elizabeth Fackler won the 2009 Best Historical Novel Award for My Eyes Have A Cold Nose and was a finalist for the 2007 Best Historical Novel Award for Bone Justice in the New Mexico Book Awards. Her historical novel on the Lincoln County War, Billy the Kid: The Legend of El Chivato¸ was called “a magnificent achievement in historical fiction” by Western Writers of America. Elmer Kelton said, “She makes the legend live.” Award-winning author Ed Gorman said, “She has a unique approach to storytelling and speaks in a voice all her own. Equally exceptional in both crime and historical fiction, she makes familiar elements startling and new through the dazzle of her prose and the humanity of her forgiving gaze.”
Summary
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.
Additional text
“Both Lily and Claire are authentic examples of pioneer women who attain strength and autonomy in later life if the hardships of their youth don’t kill them first.” —New Mexico Magazine
“A riveting tale of revenge and thwarted love.” —Amarillo News Globe
“Stylishly written, full of memorable characters.” —Booklist
