When Trace was shot by a wild bullet, not even meant for him, and woke up blind, this strong, proud man was beyond himself with self-pity and angry enough to spit nails. His family couldn't deal with him as he slipped further away, shunning their help, and mistaking it for pity. It didn't help matters when the woman he proposed to fled like the bats of hell were after her. Who would want half a man?

Bellami James concealed her face from the world, not to protect herself so much, but rather to make the people around her comfortable. After her accident, her dreams of ever being wanted by a man were gone. Who could want an ugly scarred woman?

Prompted to feel useful, Bellami worked with the blind. It was there that she didn't have to wear her veil. It was there that she could be herself. When Doc offered her a position in the New Mexico Territory to help out a friend's son who was blinded in an accident, she decided it was time to step away from her coddling family and do it. With visions of a greatful little boy in mind, she packed her bags and headed west.

Trace O'Bannion had just about given up on life. He stopped shaving and bathing. His hair was growing long and he stayed in the same clothes. When Bellami was dropped off at his house, the little boy that she expected turned out to be a full-grown, unkempt mad man! She was prepared to leave that minute, but she found herself stranded.

Through series of misunderstandings and self-doubt, they almost lost what was most precious to them, but with the help of scheming family and friends, Bellami and Trace realized that they needed each other, and their love blossomed.

Ms. Castle's debut release is witty and funny, and she brings out the importance of family and friends. If you can find this book, I highly recommend it! Fearless Hearts is a wonderful introduction into Linda Castle's world.