Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with the restoration of a dilapidated boarding house in order to support herself. Despite her desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local sheriff with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: Patience needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse, and Jedediah needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But Patience gets more than she bargained for as she explores the depths of the "hanging lawman"--and finds both betrayal and love.
Maggie Brendan is a CBA bestselling author, of the Heart of the West and The Blue Willow Brides series. Winner of the 2014 Book Buyers Best Award (OCC/RWA) for Inspirational Fiction and the 2013 Laurel Wreath Award, she was a finalist for the 2013 Published Maggie Award of Excellence and the 2013 Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award. Her new series Virtues and Vices of the Old West began with The Trouble with Patience released in February, 2015. A Sweet Misfortune will release February 2016. Follow Maggie on her website www.MaggieBrendan.com, her blog www.SouthernBelleWriter.blogspot.com, Twitter: @MaggieBrendan and Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/maggiebrendan/ Instagram:https://www.instgram.com/maggiebrendan.
Wild wild west laikam ir ļoti iemīļots fons kristīgajām lubenēm. Kas man vislabāk patika bija insta-love trūkums, galvene varoņi sarīvējās pamazām.Klausīties tīri patīkami, taču zinu, ka aizmirsīšu sižetu jau pēc gada.
“Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with the restoration of a dilapidated boarding house in order to support herself. Despite her desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local sheriff with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: She needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse. He needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But as she gets to know this “hanging lawman,” Patience finds there is far more to him than meets the eye—and it could destroy their tenuous relationship forever.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Virtues and Vices of the Old West” series.
Spiritual Content- Proverbs 15:1 at the beginning; Prayers; Bible Reading & Scriptures are quoted; Mentions of church going; Talks about God & forgiving; ‘H’s are capital when talking about God; Jed says he believes in God but doesn’t go to church; Patience writes devotionals (though none are written out); Patience has a strong Faith & witnesses. *Note: two “what the devil”s
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’ (used as an adj.), a ‘heck’, a ‘shut up’, and two forms of ‘dumb’; Curses are said but not written; Jed tells Patience “Don’t let the door slam on your backside as you leave.”; Mentions of drinking, drunks & saloons; Mentions of smoking & tobacco; Mentions & talks of hangings; Murder, Blood & Gun-wounds (semi-detailed);
Sexual Content- two not-detailed kisses and one barely-above-not-detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss & almost kissing; Staring & Noticing; Nearness & Touches; Mentions of wanting to snuggle; Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
-Patience Cavanaugh, age 25 -Jedediah Jones, age not-told P.O.V. switches between them & Cody (once) Set in 1866 {With Epilogue being a few years later} 316 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Pre Teens- One Star New Teens- One Star (and a half) Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half) Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half) My personal Rating- Three Stars Hmmm. Overall I liked this book but it could have been a bit better, honestly. The blood was a bit too detailed; And while I liked Patience’s Faith, I felt like there could have been a bit more about her devotionals (like a couple of them written out in this book). Jedediah was a bit rough & harsh at the beginning (which I understood because of his job) but it made me not like him for the first opening chapters...though, he did get better by the end.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author. *I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell Publishers) for this review.
I don't know what it was about this book... I really wanted to like it, but the only word I could think to describe it was "silly". The story line seemed good, but I just wasn't enjoying the telling of it. About half-way through, I started speed-reading (which I hate to do!), just so I could get to the end and move on.
So I thought I had written this review weeks ago but apparently I just wrote it in my head and forgot to write it down. And now I'm trying to piece together my thoughts three weeks and nine books later, so my humblest apologies if this isn't the greatest review. When I first heard about this book it sounded like it would be an interesting read but sadly I found myself not enjoying it very much. It was a quick light read, which is nice on occasion but I didn't really connect to any of the characters or the story-line, and the ending dragged on a bit too long for my liking. I will say that all of the talk of biscuits and cinnamon rolls (two of my favorite things to bake) had me itching to get into the kitchen and set my mouth watering. In short if you are looking for a fluffy western book than this might be exactly what you want, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This romance is oddly Godly. Not sure why it is called The Trouble with Patience and she seemed to be practically perfect in every way.
Writing is a bit stilted, especially the dialogue. Ending really drags on also. Overall, I think there are much better romances out there and this is probably not worth your time unless you're in a great hurry like I was when I picked it!
Unfortunately, this book did nothing for me. The opening chapters gave mental whiplash, they changed POV so many times, not to mention the characterization felt completely dependent on the reader having read the back-cover copy. Just couldn't connect with or get into this one.
Maggie Brendan kicks off her Virtues and Vices of the Old West series in book one The Trouble with Patience. This is a sweet historical romance western that readers will thoroughly enjoy. It is light, fun, and easy read that is filled with a little bit of drama, but is mostly a delightful romance. Brendan’s story takes place in a small gold-rush boom town and has cowboys and cattle thieves that bring some action into the story. This is a pleasant story that readers will want to pick up.
Series: Virtues and Vices of the Old West Genre: historical, romance, western, Christian Publisher: Revell Publication date: February 17, 2015 Number of pages: 336
A review copy of this novel was provided by Revell. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Patience Cavanough,new in town, is going to do it...open her late grandmother's old, broken down boarding house. When the stubborn, arrogant, sheriff Jedediah Jones publicly humiliates her in the center of town, Patience is even more irritated with him. As the need to work together becomes evident, Patience begins to exercise her name...and finds herself beginning to actually like the marshal. Then Cody starts coming around and Jed seems way too overprotective. When unexpected situations evolve into a crime-solving situation, Jed and Patience's two-stepping becomes more. Will they fix the situation? Can things work between them?
Jedediah Jones can't believe the gall of the strong willed newcomer, Patience Cavanough questioning his authority in the middle of a law situation. When she storms into his office demanding an apology and choking down his mud thick coffee, Jed unknowingly falls just a little bit in love with her. Except she's not his type which is why it makes no sense that he's jealous to find another man helping Paitience paint her boarding house. When the unlikely two end up having to work together to solve crimes, Jed can't help but admire her spunk and tenderheartedness. Yet, his past keeps him from exploring a relationship with the lovely lady...doesn't it? With the danger steadily increasing, will they even make it out?
I loved Patience from the very start of this book. The tenderheartedness and spunk mix that she showed to Jed from the beginning really had me. The story wasn't anything special but it was really sweet just the same and had a surprising amount of mystery for a western...very cool!! The town was a really sweet little western town that as another reviewer said "reminded me of mayberry".
___________________________________________________ *Not my favorite*
The only thing I didn't like about it is the speed of the story. I felt it was a little slower then I would like but it was still good. It also was not a very unique story but still very cute. __________________________________________________ *My Rating*
The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan is a sweet western/mystery that I really enjoyed. The characters were friendly, I loved the banter between the main protagonists, and the town was so charming!
*I received this book from bookfun.org and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
I am happy to say that this book was very good. This was probably one of my favorite reads from Maggie Brendan since "Deeply Devoted". Mostly because it kept my rapt attention with the mystery involved. My first impression of Patience would be that she came across kind of self-righteous. I didn't care for that but she did get better as the story continues. Also, the way she dealt with things most of the time wasn't the best way in the world, she rushed into situations without completely thinking it over. Which is how she met Jedediah Jones, so I guess her rushing into things wasn't completely bad. My first thoughts on Jed would be that he had a rather brash way in dealing with folks, which wasn't bad when he was dealing with hardened criminals, not so much when he was dealing with a woman. One main thing I would have really liked to see more of in this book was personal character development, Patience had self-worth issues which was what made her real to me since I think all women deal with such things at one time in life, but you really didn't get to see an inside look at her finding her worth in Jesus. The same thing with Jedediah, he had major regrets from things he'd done in his past, at the beginning of the book he seemed to not want anything to do with God and then you very briefly see him softening about going to church and then he has changed at the end. Their romance was a little bit like that as well. Except there was more romance than personal growth that I could see personally. But, even though that is one thing I would have liked to see more of, this is still worth the read in my opinion. When you read the back of this book you really don't expect much of a mystery but trust me when I say that there is! It just takes a bit before you get into that part of the book. Though I must warn anyone who is sensitive to a little violence because as the back of the book explains he is a lawman, commonly described as a "hanging lawman" therefore there are some incidents that may be slightly brutal to some people. I also remember laughing a couple of times while reading it. I had a little trouble writing this review since I wasn't able to do it immediately after finishing the book. But, all in all I give this book 3.5 stars and recommend it to anyone to likes a suspense/historical mystery. I received this book from Revell Publishers for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are mine.
Maggie Brendan in her new book “The Trouble with Patience” Book One in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series published by Revell Books takes us into the life of Patience Cavanaugh in 1866.
From the back cover: Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with restoring a dilapidated boardinghouse in order to support herself.
Despite Patience’s desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local marshal with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: She needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse. He needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But as she gets to know this “hanging lawman,” Patience finds there is far more to him than meets the eye–and it could destroy their tenuous relationship forever.
With a keen eye for historical detail and a deft hand at romantic tension, Maggie Brendan invites you to a Montana gold rush boomtown, where vices and virtues are on full display and love is lying in wait.
What does it take to run a boarding house? Well… When the boarding house is run down it takes hard work, lots of repairs, cleaning and paint. And Patience is just one woman she is going to need a lot of help. She works out an arrangement with Jedediah, the marshal, and things are working out when Cody comes to town and also starts to help Patience. Now Jedediah begins to see Cody as something of a threat. In addition there is cattle rustling and a murder to deal with. Ms. Brendan has done it again. She has provided a wonderful, sweet story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages. I think that “The Trouble with Patience” is a winner and may be Maggie Brendan’s best story to date. I liked it a lot and am so looking forward to the next book by this highly talented author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with the restoration of a dilapidated boarding house in order to support herself. Despite her desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local sheriff with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: Patience needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse, and Jedediah needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But Patience gets more than she bargained for as she explores the depths of the "hanging lawman"--and finds both betrayal and love.
The title of this novel and of the series practically explains it all. Guy (Jedediah) meets girl (Patience). Guy isn’t sure if girl likes him, but he likes her. A few sparks from the past bring in some drama. The whole novel is set in the old west (the title of the series—Virtues and Vices of the Old West). I will not say if Jedediah ever ends up with Patience. But you most likely can guess what happens.
To be honest, I wasn’t impressed with this novel. I usually love fast paced books, but I think this book was a little too fast paced for my liking. At the end of the novel, some of the characters were left holding on for their life, hanging off a cliff. Well, that might not be totally true, but they were left hanging in a way that I didn’t know what happened to them.
When I read the back cover for the next book in the series, A Sweet Misfortune, I realized that A Sweet Misfortune wouldn’t be about the other characters in The Trouble with Patience. (And I wanted to read Emily's story!). I was kind of disappointed in that.
But, I am sorry to say that this book’s rating isn’t quite high. I would give it 2 stars.
Summary (From Amazon) Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with restoring a dilapidated boardinghouse in order to support herself.
Despite Patience's desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local marshal with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: She needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse. He needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But as she gets to know this "hanging lawman," Patience finds there is far more to him than meets the eye--and it could destroy their tenuous relationship forever.
My Thoughts: I've read several of Maggie Brendan's books in the past and have found them to be quick reads. This was no exception. It was a fast read.
There were times when I thought that it lacked depth, but still it was good.
I really enjoyed the interactions between Patience and her friend Emily. I thought those two were quite a pair. I also enjoyed Jedediah too. His attempts at romancing Patience were rather funny at times. But in the end, they worked out their differences.
This is a book that those who enjoy fluffy, no-thought novels. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of historical romance, Christian fiction, Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer
"The Trouble with Patience" was a story I liked, but there wasn't anything very special or unique about it. The first part of the book was a bit slow and had somewhat of a love triangle with Jedediah becoming jealous over a newcomer in town when the newcomer starts paying attention to Patience. The second part of the book involved a mystery about who had been rustling cattle and who murdered a rancher.
The story did have a strong theme of forgiveness which I liked. I also liked Patience's faith. It was a nice story with some mystery, but overall, for me it was just okay. A good book if you're looking for a lighthearted read and you like reading western romances.
*I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for my honest review.
This may be the last Maggie Brennan book that I read, or don't finish reading to be more accurate. I can think if a few words that described this book (and the protagonist): frivolous, silly, and pointless. I have yet to be impressed by any of her books, they're just not the level if writing that I enjoy.
__ Try it! You’ll probably like it (wasn’t for me, but it’s well-written). __ Meh. If you have nothing else to read, try it. _x_ Don’t waste your time with this one!
This started out a bit slow for me, and I quite intended to endow it with three stars for predictability. But then there was a murder, and several plausible suspects...and the second half of the book suddenly became a five-star. So I'm splitting the difference and calling it a four. I'll definitely be reading the next books in the series.
This was a cute 'Wild West' Christian romance set in the Montana Territory of the late nineteenth century.
What I liked most about the book was the personal transformation of the male lead, Jedediah Jones, as the Lord worked in his heart to help 'Jed' forgive himself for his past deeds. The female lead, Patience, was sweet and I can imagine her being a fine friend to have in times of trouble. The faith thread runs throughout the story. The final chapters of the story are very well written and enjoyable.
This was the first book I have read by this author, and it will definitely not be the last!
I borrowed this paperback from the local public library system.
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** This book is completely clean in language and content. :0}
I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t know if I would be able to read this book when I found out the name of the love interest was Jed…My fellow bachelor fans will understand. Once I was able to get over the name thing I really enjoyed it. I was really diggin’ the western vibes. I loved reading about the town, and the inn. It was a sweet story with a lot of biblical content. The hangings were little much for my liking but overall it was a nice romance.
Patience Cavanaugh with big ideas and sparkling dreams has set down in the Wild West with the idea of reviving a family boardinghouse. She's got quite a bit ahead of her to make it operational but she is not deterred. With her perseverance and ability to make friends (and annoy the local sheriff) it looks as if those dreams will be realized before long. Despite the friction between Patience and Sheriff Jedediah Jones there are some underlying feelings that even surprise them. But their differences seem to exceed their feelings.
Yet another cliche title to add to the list of books I wished I had just given up on after the first ten pages. Yikes. If I was expecting anything untoward from Maggie Brendan it was something else. Instead I got pure annoyance. On top of everything else the story didn't quite engage me as some of Brendan's books have.
(Okay, guys, rant coming on. You have been warned.) What kept the story going, though was what really annoyed me. Patience and Jedidiah early on seemed to be forever at the other's respective throat. Mainly because Patience felt Jedidah (and he was) was degrading her because she was a female and Jedidiah was at the receiving end of a fiery temper and sharp tongue he retaliated or even beforehand said something smart. This is a running theme in so many novels that I pick up anymore that it has gotten to be quite old. I'd love to see a fresh take on the conflict thing and as far as equality goes (though I personally feel that as far as I got in the book that the author used the conflict for humor rather than to approach that subject) that it shouldn't be over trivial matters that demean the issue. There wasn't a balance. Perhaps towards the end things changed and the characters began to act in a rational manner instead of trying to find the insult in everything the other said, but I didn't wait to see if it happened. To my shame I didn't see the book through (isn't that a horrible un-bibliophilic thing to do?!). But rant over. I'm sure there were good lessons in there somewhere as there usually are with a Brendan book.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a hardcopy of “The Trouble with Patience” provided by the publishers, Bethany House, in exchange for our honest review.
The Trouble with Patience, set in a Montana mining town, is the first book in Maggie Brendan's new series, Virtues and Vices of the Old West.
Patience Cavanaugh is a twenty-five-year old single woman trying to make a go of a boardinghouse she inherited from her grandmother. Due to her mother's lack of uplifting comments and warmth, Patience struggles with low self-esteem. She doesn't consider herself pretty enough or thin enough to capture the interest of a man ... but she does.
U. S. Marshal Jedediah Jones is a former member of a group of vigilantes who dealt with "road agents" before the law was formally established in Montana Territory. They hung their share of men, something Jed regrets. While he wants a wife and family, as far as he's concerned, he's too old and unattractive for Patience to take a second look ... but she does.
I've read a couple novels by this author in the past and found them satisfying. I'll be honest, though, this wasn't a favorite, because, for me, nothing earth-shattering happened in the first half of the book.
I liked Patience and her struggle to accept the way God made her. I liked Jed's simplicity and his endeavor to forget the past. I liked the sweet love story and the subtle humor. What I would have preferred was to have experienced something more compelling in the first 140 pages. I'm giving it four stars, because after that, it takes off and becomes an enjoyable, relaxing, and interesting read.
If you're looking for a sweet romance for those snowbound days, check out The Trouble with Patience, but be patient through the first half, because I think you'll find pleasure in the second.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This book came to me free from the publisher, Revell Publishing, with the hope that I would mention it on this blog. There was no requirement for me to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In The Trouble with Patience, author Maggie Brendan sweeps the reader away to a Montana gold rush boomtown; where cattle ranches, thieving rustlers, and handsome cowboys abound...and succulent fried chicken and biscuits are served up daily!
Patience Cavanaugh has lost her fiancé to death and her dreams along with him. Only desiring solitude and time away from her domineering, cold mother, she decides to restore a dilapidated boardinghouse. Thinking herself overweight and unattractive, she resigns herself to remaining single and supporting herself with the money she makes from boarders. Her plans, however, go somewhat awry as two eye-catching men begin to vie for her hand; Cody, a charming ranch hand, and the local marshal, Jedediah, who is too handsome for his own good! However, both men are shrouded in deadly secrets from the past and present, which could destroy their tenuous, budding relationships with Patience forever.
Maggie Brendan has written an engaging, heartwarming story with a little bit of something for everyone! Romance (including one involving an older couple -- which was delightful!), suspense, betrayal, and handsome cowpokes...all gathered together underneath a beautiful Montana sky! Patience was the epitome of graciousness and beauty, but went through a struggle many of us ladies wrestle with quite often. She compared herself with other women, and in spite of her many talents and inward beauty, her self image always came up lacking. I'm especially glad the author delved into this issue which is so prevalent in our society today. The romantic tension was so palatable one could cut it with a knife and the plot totally enthralling! I love historical fiction, but am not a great fan of westerns; however this one kept me coming back for more! Great job, Maggie Brendan!
I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. It was just a book for me.
Patience is a 25 year-old girl (considered old back in these days) who is single and working to run the boarding house her grandmother left to her. Jed is the town Marshall, who is also older and single. The two seem to run in the same circle of friends, and their lives are completely intertwined.
It was pretty obvious to me from the beginning that Patience and Jed would end up together, and the book was, to me, simply the story of them getting to that point.
It was a decent story, but nothing major or attention grabbing was involved.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Sparks fly in the beginning of the story and the plot quickly thickens in this fast and fun western. I enjoyed life in the small western town. However, the characters came across as very wishy-washy. I had a hard time connecting with them when it seemed that they never knew what they wanted. One of the places where the book really shined was with the message it brought women about their physical appearance. I appreciated the way Maggie spoke to her readers about comparing themselves and seeking God's approval.
The Trouble with Patience is a fabulous read. It is the first book I hae read by Maggie Brendan. I loved the character of Patience. Especially, when she was with Jed. A great, fund and inspiring Wild West story. I cannot wait to get my hands on more books by this author. Highly recommended 5 plus stars.
This is a feel good book. Nothing really brings you down not even the conflicts that appear. There aren't any big blow up fights, or overly dramatic reactions to any situation. Which was nice. However because of this, this book probably isn't for everyone. The characters can be construed as a little to perfect, . Not to mention the book was boring for the first third and didn't really start picking up for me until after the big dance. Overall I think the biggest hurdle was getting past the first few chapters, after that you can probably keep going until the story catches your interest, and finish up when it wanes. It's not a bad book, the characters are likable, well they grow on you. Recommended? Sure. It's a nice book, to read if you want something light and fluffy. Buy/Borrow? Eh borrow first. It may not appeal to you
Just as I finished this read, I decided to rush towards the nearest bakery to grab some tea cakes, cinnamon rolls and to enjoy them with a cup of tea. You must be wondering why? Actually, the author has offered such tasty details of all that stuff, I couldn't resist my self and ended up with cravings. Frankly, I loved desserts and snacks so, I really didn't mind. Oh, I forgot about the plot, characters and scenes? Well, it was my very first read by Maggie Brendan and I did enjoy it. The starting chapters were crispy with a strong and witty leading lady named, Patience and a decent and tactful leading man named, Marshal Jedediah Jones or simply Jed. Let me confess, he is now on my fav male lead's list with his etiquette, intelligence and most important, chivalry and bravery. He was like a coconut, with a tough exterior hiding a golden heart. He knows when to talk and when to stay quiet. Indeed, a nice combination as I don't like talkative male leads. The strong stances and opinions of protagonists are the highlights and made me happy. After all, strong voices matter the most. Then there was a bit mystery and sweet Hannah, I loved her wholeheartedly. The plot revolved around forgiveness, redemption and to live the fullest with a strong faith. I do believe that, I could have given this read a much better rating but, slow and dragged scenes restricted me to do so. Overall, a nice light read. Note: You will get a serious craving with yummy food details so, be prepared.
Patience Cavanaugh comes to Nevada City in the Montana territory to re-open the boarding house that her grandmother operated there. She has lost the man that she thought was going to ask her to marry him and has issues with her mother, so this is a sort of refuge for Patience.
She meets the marshall, Jedediah Jones, and is put off by his behavior and manners. However, over time the man grows on her. Meanwhile, she takes on a partner, there is a murder outside the town of a prominent citizen who owns a range. The mystery has to be solved.
So, while romance, both successful and unsuccessful is involved, so is crime and issues about the past. All is well that ends well and minds are changed on a number of issues.
The author apparently did a good deal of research in writing this book and the sequels that follow. A lot of the landmarks were actual locations in Nevada City, including the main street and a bakery that features in the story.
It is a nice book, with religion featured but nowhere near as heavy-handed as it could be..just a factor of life in the wide-open West. I enjoyed it, not for any deep message but as a gentle romance of people with good hearts trying to live their lives.
From a reader's perspective, I felt no connection or attachment to the characters. I didn't see much character development. It seemed weak and unrealistic in some places.
I think Maggie Brendan has the ability to write good stories, but I think she needs make them stronger. I'm sorry to say that I don't really have the desire to continue the series. If I don't fall in love with the book, I have no motivation to continue.