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by Karen Hembrough (Author)
Audra Kirk, a striking young woman, lives on a ranch near Columbus, New Mexico, in 1915 and finds herself pursued by many suitors. When she meets the handsome Sergeant Derek Rands, a chaplain stationed at the Columbus garrison, she is immediately smitten. Trained by a Chinese master, Derek is a kung fu champion who teaches martial arts to his fellow soldiers. As a prank, his companions mislead Audra into believing that Derek returns her affection. When he later rebuffs her, citing his military ambitions, Audra is left humiliated and heartbroken. She vows that Derek Rands will never hurt her again.
From childhood, Audra has dreamed of becoming a doctor. Her grandfather, Dr. Kirk, has mentored her for years, training her as his assistant. Her path takes shape amid life-and-death challenges during her medical service on the Apache reservation, where she confronts hardship and prejudice within a male-dominated culture.
In March 1916, Pancho Villa and his raiders attack Columbus, killing and wounding residents and looting the town. Sergeant Rands is soon commissioned to General Pershing's Punitive Expedition into Mexico to pursue Villa.
Determined to move forward, Audra enrolls in medical school in El Paso, Texas, putting her painful memories of Derek behind her. She and a nurse named Lisette are the only women in the school, attracting constant attention from their male classmates. One student in particular, Ian Dodd, relentlessly taunts Audra-but is he her enemy, or will his pursuit turn him into something more?
When Derek Rands returns from Mexico and seeks out Audra, old feelings reignite and sparks fly. Will Audra break her vow, or will she hold fast to it?
