<P>Jodi Thomas’ lush prose and compelling characters set her apart as a writer of immense appeal. <I>The Lone Texan</I> features Sage McMurray a recent widow whose life is about to take another unexpected turn. One would think that the loss of a husband was plenty for anyone to deal with but then Sage is taken hostage in a robbery and auctioned off to the highest bidder. The bidder in question however has more than a few surprises in store.</P>