Ruby’s Prayer

In 1880 Texas, Tom Wallace returns home after five brutal years in prison for a barroom killing. His homecoming to the Four C’s Ranch should be a fresh start, but the scars of his confinement run deep. As he struggles to rebuild his life alongside his aging father Jim, Tom finds himself drawn to Jennie Lue Sloan, the daughter of his father’s longtime rival.

When a series of mysterious attacks threaten the ranch, Tom discovers his own brother Buddy may be orchestrating the troubles for personal gain. Meanwhile, whispers of the railroad coming through their land spark dangerous ambitions in powerful men. As bodies begin to pile up, Tom must navigate treacherous family bonds, corrupt lawmen, and his growing feelings for Jennie Lue.

Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Texas, ＂Ruby’s Prayer＂ vividly portrays the harsh realities of the prison chain gangs and the changing landscape of the American West as barbed wire begins to divide the once-open range. When Tom and Jennie Lue find themselves on the run with killers in pursuit, they must risk everything for a chance at redemption and love.

A powerful tale of betrayal, justice, and second chances, ＂Ruby’s Prayer＂ explores how far a man will go to protect his land and those he loves. If you enjoyed ＂Lonesome Dove,＂ ＂News of the World,＂ or ＂The Son,＂ you’ll love ＂Ruby’s Prayer.＂

Ron Keyser was born in Marshall, Texas on September 24, 1957. By the time he was eleven years old, his family had moved to several different cities, including Tyler, College Station, Dallas, Overland Park, Kansas, Richardson, Austin, San Antonio and finally Houston. His father was a debit agent in the insurance business and did an amazing job of supporting a family by himself, but his quest to make more money dragged their family around the state of Texas for a number of years.

His parents finally settled near Houston in 1969, where he eventually graduated Alief Hastings High School in Alief, Texas in 1976. He also attended college at the University of Houston.

He didn’t start writing until he was in his late forties, but throughout his life he always enjoyed reading and believed one day he could write a book. It would never have happened, however, if it wasn’t for his wife, Lori. When he told her he had the idea for the story bouncing around in his head, without hesitation, Lori told Ron he should write it down. From that day forward, they dove into the project full speed. As Texas history buffs, they took many trips to Huntsville, Texas to visit the prison museum, tour the town and try to get their hands on anything that would help them get a feel for what Huntsville and the townspeople were like in 1880. They took a trip to Belton and stayed in the Morning Glory Inn, now a bed and breakfast that was built in 1875 and was the inspiration for Turner Bell’s home in Ruby’s Prayer. They also took time to visit the Bell County Museum and the Temple Railroad Museum in Temple. Ruby’s Prayer is Ron’s first book, but he has several projects in the works and looks forward to seeing them in print.