Professional poker player Carla Wilson’s luck runs dry in Tucson, leaving her with nothing but an SUV running on fumes and a deed to the Tumbleweed Bus Stop and Diner in small-town Texas. Her plan to sell the café and move on seems simple enough—until she meets the motherly cook who rules the kitchen with an iron skillet and the sunny waitress who treats her like a sister.
Then there’s Jackson Armstrong. The ex-military heir of a wealthy oil family has green eyes that make Carla forget her cards and a smile that suggests he’s playing for keeps. With a pair of matchmaking senior citizens and the café’s morning regulars cheering from the sidelines, Carla’s wandering soul begins to feel at home.
Now she’s discovering everything she never knew she needed—true friendship, a place to belong, and a love worth going all in for. Maybe Lady Luck knew exactly what she was doing from the start.
About The Author
My Review
The Wild Card is Carolyn Brown at her warmest and most heartfelt, delivering a story that blends humor, healing, and the power of chosen family. Carla Wilson, a lifelong wanderer shaped by loss and the unpredictable world of poker, arrives in Tumbleweed, Texas with every intention of selling the rundown diner she’s won and disappearing back into her nomadic life. But Tumbleweed—and the remarkable women who call it home—have other plans.
Brown excels at writing characters who feel lived-in and emotionally honest, and Carla’s journey from guarded loner to someone who discovers connection, purpose, and belonging is both touching and rewarding. Rosie, Scarlett, Ada Lou, Nancy, and Jackson create a rich tapestry of community around her, offering warmth, humor, and the kind of steadfast support Carla never knew she needed.
While there’s a whisper of romance and a few cozy cowboy elements, the novel shines brightest as a celebration of friendship, empowerment, and women lifting each other up. With its snowstorms, small-town charm, and signature Carolyn Brown heart, The Wild Card is a comforting, character-driven read that leaves you smiling.
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