Thirty nine year old Lee Morgan is not your typical woman of the 1870’s.  Lee owns the Busted Thumb Horse Farm where she raises a variety of horses bred exclusively for ranch work.  Unlike other ranches, she makes sure her ranch hands stick to her Christian ethics and morals. 

When a neighboring rancher suggests they race their two best horses in a means to gain some publicity and hopefully increase sales, Lee knows her horse can win.  Unfortunately, as word of the match spreads through the area, gamblers and gunfighters surge into the quiet town.  Soon Lee wonders if she has made a huge mistake.  Marshall Ben Flood is dear to Lee, and he is the one facing the bad men and risking his life to keep the peace.  Lee is determined to fight to keep her dreams alive, even if it means tangling with some of the most sinister men alive. 

STALLIONS AT BURNT ROCK launches a new series for Paul Bagdon.  The story’s fast pace, intriguing characters and vivid setting pull you into the story.  Personally, I found Lee’s tough character to be refreshing, not many women in that era stayed single and had their own businesses.  Lee is tough, tender and determined, a wonderful combination. 

References to Justin Morgan, popularly known in my home state as the founder of the Morgan horse breed, did not get overlooked.  Linking Lee to Justin was a great touch, and further explained a lot of her life’s goals.