This is the first book I read by Cathy Marie Hake. I just love her writing! This book was excellent in so many ways. It had comedy, it had suspense, it had mystery, it had it all. I loved the characters! Ruth is absolutely hilarious and Laney is just so sweet and innocent. I can't wait to read Laney's story in Bittersweet! 5 stars!! I loved it!

LaVonne W. (
Grnemae) - MN wrote on 7/29/2009...
This is a wonderful story about Ruth who thinks she is a total misfit. She has been to many finishing schools trying to learn to be a lady, and failed miserably. No matter how hard she tries, she is always a mess - her dresses are soiled, her hair is always falling out of it's pins and she
is constantly putting her foot in her mouth. My kind of gal!
This book has humor, suspense, romance and I found it to be very interesting.
This book was wonderful. God, Suspense and love! What could be better!

Teresa G. (
tgriffis) - Waycross, GA wrote on 4/21/2009...
What a wonderful book! This book has it all. First, it's an historical, my favorite, in the American west, also a favorite. Then lots of laughter, a loving family, a few tears, mystery, a little romance, and God's Word woven throughout without being preachy. Highly recommend.
This was an enjoyable book all and all. For those of you who may know the other authors I read and adore, I would say this was similar to reading Mary Connealy. This was my first experience with Cathy Marie Hake and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I am not sure if it is the pregnancy hormones or things that need to be done, but I did not zip through this book. It took me a while to read it. When I was not with it, it did not call to me like some books where I think I will go crazy if I do not read the next page. However, I did like it overall.
I laughed, thought about crying, got angry, and snickered too. This story contained a wealth of emotions and a good couple handful of humor. The characters were enjoyable and some detestable just as they should be. I saw clues to what would happen and anticipated the next scene as if it were a film.
Easily, this is a read that I recommend.
Ruth Caldwell seems to always be tripping up. She attempts to live up to her expectations of how a lady should act with less than impressive results.
Josh McCain is speechless when he sees Ruth step off the stage looking like she's been sleeping in her gown for the past week. It is soon to be realized that Ruth is legitmate claim to the Broken P Ranch, owned by Josh and his dad. Accidents seem to go beyond the norm for Ruth. Why is someone trying to harm her? Josh must decide where his loyalties lie.
Great book. Loved it. Will be looking for others by this author. (Although not the Heartsong types. The bulky ones like this one). by Bethany House publishers.
This book was very engaging. The main character is encouraged to be who God made her to be, rather than who she thinks she SHOULD be. Interesting plot and wonderful characters! Great historical inspirational romance!