Shifting Calder Wind

Janet Dailey writes many romance novels, some are more mature than others. I have been a follower of her books since the first book. The Calder series is relatively mature and focuses on the Calder family and is often in Montana.

Chase Calder has no recollection of who he is, why he came to Fort Worth . . . or who tried to put a bullet in his head the night that a cowboy named Laredo Smith saved his life. Laredo recognizes him as the owner of Montana's Triple C Ranch—but according to the local papers, Chase has just been declared dead, the victim of a fiery car crash.

The only place Chase can find answers is at the Triple C . . . and the only person he can trust is his level-headed daughter-in-law, Jessy Calder. Helping Chase brings show more Jessy into conflict with headstrong Cat Calder, and into an uneasy alliance with the mysterious and seductive Laredo. And when another family member is found murdered on Calder soil, Chase resolves to come out of hiding and track down a ruthless killer . . . before the killer finds him first. . . show less

It is a couple of years after Ty's death with Chase teaching Jessy to run the ranch. Chase goes to Ft. Worth, Texas to meet with a banker, is shot, and rescued from his attacker by Laredo Smith, a sort of protection agent who is in trouble with the Mexican government. Laredo takes Chase to Hattie's ranch to recover from his head wound and amnesia. Laredo scouts around Ft. Worth to find out who Chase actually is and finds that he has been declared dead since the car he was driving exploded and burned the driver beyond recognition. Chase decides to go back to Montana for his funeral, but to stay out of sight until he can get his memory back, in case whoever tried to kill him would try again. Jessy is made aware that Chase is still alive show more and fearing for his life. She finds a place for him, Laredo, and Hattie to stay on the ranch and hires Laredo to help with a feed lot leased by Monte Markham, an Englishman. Cully O'Rourke observes some strange behavior by Jessy and knows something is going on. Tara makes another meddling appearance, encouraging Cat to challenge Jessy's decisions about the ranch. show less

Chase shot in Ft. Worth and has amnesia.