{"product_id":"a-better-man-hardcover","title":"A Better Man - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eLaura Merchant\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlden Aubrey has always been a better actor than an outlaw, serving as a decoy for the infamous Texas gang leader, Julian Crisp. When an impulse decision causes a routine heist to go awry, Alden must choose between the character he has portrayed for so long and his most genuine self.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Better Man \u003c\/em\u003eis a page-turning, plot-twisting book I seriously could not put down. At the heart of this historical Western set in Texas is a story of redemption that came through desperation and manipulation. The characters are amazingly written with depth, richness, and believability. Just when I thought I'd figured out the plot and the characters, unexpected twists and surprises emerged. I've read it twice and found clues I'd missed the first time. \u003cem\u003eI love this book! \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-A. Cossota\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTaking place in a North Texas town at the dawn of the 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, to say that A Better Man is a tale of romance and mystery would be a disservice. Merchant guides the reader on the journey as the two protagonists discover their developing feelings in the sometimes harsh reality of post-Civil War Texas. The author uses prose as an artist uses paint to give depth and character to the landscape, people, and drama being portrayed. The reader is drawn into the story by the descriptive details, allowing for a clear mental picture as the mystery of the Disciples gang is slowly revealed. If you love a Michner-esque story with wonderful, descriptive scenery or are a fan of classic romances (think Casablanca), then \u003cem\u003eA Better Man \u003c\/em\u003eis the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e -\u003cstrong\u003eA Montiel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn excellent novel dealing with the history of the adventurous American West! In \u003cem\u003eA Better Man, \u003c\/em\u003e Merchant has highlighted each character by incorporating their individualized backgrounds as it applies accurately to the time period and location as each chapter introduces new information that expands the reader's excitement. \u003cstrong\u003e-M. Weber\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaura Merchant \u003c\/strong\u003eis a native Texan hailing from Dallas\/Fort Worth. She holds a degree in Vocal Music Education from Texas Christian University with teaching certificates in Music, Theatre, ESL, Special Education, and Generalist studies. After sixteen years in the classroom, along with the support of her love, Ryan, Laura has chosen to fully embrace her writing passion with her debut novel, A Better Man. Laura is a born-again Christian and Yorkie Mom who advocates for the arts and mental health awareness. When Laura isn't writing, she enjoys baking, attending classic rock concerts, and performing in the DFW theatre community.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 398\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.88 x 9 x 6 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e September 08, 2023\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51775006605600,"sku":"9781637926017","price":28.06,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/991f1523babc6a134b8fa3b9e8d7408f.webp?v=1780457316","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/a-better-man-hardcover","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}