In the 1920s, two African-American Texas families become intertwined in a murderous tapestry of history, love, obsession, and revenge. Lit Guild. Tour. YA-This intriguing story is set in Mexia, Texas, on the oil-rich Balcone's fault during the 1920s. Leela Wilder, a beautiful, intelligent orphan, comes to live with her aunt and cousins. She grows up and marries in the midst of an oil fever that creates turmoil in the African American community that she loves. Her husband works himself to death, leaving her to unscramble a twisted family tale, raise a child, save the farm they built, and begin a new life. A fast-paced, romantic novel that is a welcome addition for YA collections. Linda Vretos, West Springfield High School, Springfield, VA Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. In the 1920s Mexia, Texas, was the scene of an oil boom, and many of the area's black residents became rich. Leela Brannon, young, beautiful, and black, has survived the loss of her parents and found a life with her aunt's family. A realist, she marries T.J. Wilder, a hard-working, wealthy farmer; he is a good man but not a romantic one. His half-brother, Carey, brings romance and glamor. When T.J. discovers Leela and Carey in an embrace, he forces Carey to go away. T.J. dies, the oil starts to flow, and Leela meets and falls in love with Victor, an elegant wildcatter. Smelling the oil, the profligate Carey returns and with his schemes brings grief to Leela. Although the plot is predictable, all ends well; some of the supporting characters are memorable. By the author of Emily, the Yellow Rose (Rinard Pubs., 1989), this is a positive novel about blacks that should be a hit with African Americans. - Barbara Maslekoff, Ohioana Lib., Columbus Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.