At Close Range
Silhouette, No. 1222
By Marilyn Tracy  

His eyes told a story of sorrow . . .

     Mack Dorsey arrived at Ranch Milagro intent on filling a teaching vacancy. Ranch Milagro was known as a place where miracles occurred, for it was a foster home that had turned the hopes and dreams of the occupants into a reality. He, himself, was in search of a miracle-two years prior, he was involved in a school bombing that had claimed the lives of five children. He had been honored as a hero because he was able to save ten from the fiery inferno that quickly engulfed the school. The scars he wore and the restless dreams that haunted his thoughts were constant reminders of how he had failed to rescue all that were involved in the tragic incident. He was surprised that the person who would be interviewing him was Corrie Stratton, a former radio journalist. Unknown to her, he was very aware of her voice, for its soothing tone had been the much-needed medicine that was able to get him through the worst of the countless skin graphs and surgeries that he had endured. Had fate brought these two kindred spirits together to help heal and rebuild what was left of their shattered lives?

Her voice was the key to his salvation . . .

     Corrie Stratton had first hand knowledge of how it felt to be placed in a foster home for she had been orphaned at a very young age. With the help of three college friends with similar backgrounds, she had purchased and created Ranch Milagro. She wanted it to be a place to give a deserving orphan a place to call home. She knew she and her friends did not have the proper education to instruct the children. They made the decision to hire a teacher. Corrie was very selective about who she chose to fill this position. She was determined to find someone who shared the same vision that she had for the future of Ranch Milagro. When Mack Dorsey arrived, she immediately recognized someone who was in need of saving-for his soul cried out for salvation. Would Ranch Milagro have enough magic to put happiness back into his life? Or would he forever be a prisoner to live a life trapped in his tragic past?

     Marilyn Tracy outdid herself when she wrote At Close Range. This book refused to leave my hands once I started it. She masterfully was able to allow me to feel the heartfelt emotions as they so rapidly occurred. This is the type of book that you don't want to see end, but when it does you find yourself craving more! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.