After spending five years in prison for a murder he did not commit, Austin Leigh has come home determined to prove his innocence and to marry his beloved Becky. But when he arrives home he discovers that Becky is married and that some people still see him as a killer.

Loree Grant is living in a hell of her own makingsacrificing happiness to pay for her past. When Austin comes along he makes her see that perhaps, just perhaps, she can find redemption. But Loree cannot find her own peace until she helps Austin put the past behind him.

Making Loree his wife is one thing, but loving her, truly loving her, is something Austin will have to learn. With the help of those around him, Austin just might put together the fragile pieces of his life.

Lorraine Heath has a gift for creating three dimensional characters who touch readers emotions. Her real life people have flaws, need love and seek happiness just as we do, making them all the more appealing. TEXAS SPLENDOR is just one more splendid example of that gift. SENSUAL (Jan., 320 pp., $5.99)

—Kathe Robin