"The Wyoming Cowboy" by Rebecca Winters; Harlequin ($5.50, paperback)

One of Harlequin's most talented writers begins a new trilogy with "The Wyoming Cowboy," and while it's touching, it's also a bit sobering.

The heroes of the trilogy are war veterans, who contracted a potentially chronic condition while serving our country. The men are brave, compassionate and caring and determined to not let their pulmonary disorder, which causes a chronic cough, interfere with their lives because they know in many ways, they're the lucky ones.

They're alive.

While convalescing in a military hospital, the three decide to open a "dude" ranch, and invite war widows/widowers and their children to visit for free. They want to help those who lost a spouse and parent in the war.

The first of those families to arrive is Tracy and her 6-year-old son Johnny. Tracy's beloved husband had been killed nearly a year ago, and both struggle with their loss.

Carson is one of the men who run the ranch, and suffers from a huge case of guilt, as well as his pulmonary condition. While he and his partners (Buck and Ross) use their experiences, and instincts, to provide a healing-type visit for Tracy and Johnny, Carson also discovers that the widow and her son help him cope as well.

It's often difficult to write a story about a widow (or widower) who lost a beloved spouse. But a series? If author Rebecca Winters delivers the next two stories as well as she did the first, she will definitely pull it off. After reading "Wyoming Cowboy," readers will be anxious to see her do so.

HOW IT STACKS UP

Overall rating: 3-plus of 5 hearts. The story is respectful of Tracy's first husband, and doesn't allow oppressive guilt to play about her falling in love again. It's fun to watch the six-year-old boy enjoy life on the dude ranch, and obviously touching to watch Carson and Tracy heal each other with their love.

Hunk appeal: 10. Carson is a good, strong man. He falls hard for Tracy and Johnny, and struggles to understand and do what is best for her and her son.

Steamy scene grade: XXX. And he does do what is best.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. It was a bit drawn out, but that's OK for happily-ever-afters. And it was a bit predictable, but that's definitely OK for happily-ever-afters. The best part is knowing there are two other books coming up in the "Daddy Dude Ranch" series: "Home to Wyoming," Buck's story, in September and "Her Wyoming Hero," Ross's story, in October.

ALSO THIS WEEK

"Daddy Unexpectedly" by Lee McKenzie (2013, paperback) 4 of 5 hearts. After watching her two best friends find love - and losing what she thought was hers via divorce - Claire is just trying to get her life back in order. When she looks up and sees a college friend, her life takes an unexpected turn. Luke is an undercover cop, and recovering alcoholic. Perhaps the most "unexpected" part of this book is what a great hero Luke is, despite his missteps � past and present. And he does stumble with love a few times. This is a charming story with likable characters who provide a touching and ultimately happy tale.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Lezlie Patterson is a former columnist for The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C. Readers may send her email at lezlie.patterson@gmail.com.