A Gambler's Magic

When a travelling preacher leaves Joy Hardesty behind in Rio Hondo because she falls ill and his ministry can't be slowed down, she comes under the care of Mac McMurdo. Joy seems very poorly named, for she has none. Religion is all about rules, without grace for her, and everything that might bring her happiness is considered evil because happiness is evil to her. Mac has some idea of what will heal the spiritual abuse she has undergone, and in some way, brings her into the life of Elijah Perry, a gambler who is shot and needs a nurse. Joy gets elected to the role. At first, the two get along like oil and water, but over time, they begin to like one another, but Elijah has his work cut out for him.