Miss Royal's mules
(Book)

"In 1900, in the Flint Hills of Kansas, Jocelyn Belle Royal joins a mule drive with the aim of earning back her farm lost to the bank. Unexpectedly, her new companions--gentlemanly boss, Whit Hanley, and his kindly black partner, Sam Birdwhistle--leave her stranded on an abandoned ranch with the mules. At the last minute, Sam reveals that he and the boss once ran with an outlaw gang who could now be after them to avenge a longtime grudge. Lonely and alone with the mules, few resources, suspicious neighbors, and an assault on her life by one of the outlaw gang, Jocelyn sticks to her guns, literally. She won't abandon the critters she's caring for, and she's determined to be paid, if the mule boss ever shows up! A renewed friendship with cowhand and western artist Pete Pladson, brings a flicker of happiness. When they were youngsters Pete had shown her life-changing kindness, and he's no different now. He can't turn away from her troubles although he has personal plans for his own future as a wandering artist. As she becomes more enmeshed with mules, outlaws, feelings for Pete, women's suffrage, and a disagreement over the governor's mansion, Jocelyn wonders if she'll ever realize her dream? Will the fragrance of her mother's shawl and the few items it holds be all the home she'll ever have?"--,Provided by publisher.