Kate Denver works in The Haywire Book and Sweet Shop in Haywire, TX. She came over on the Orphan Train as a little girl, along with the highly practical albeit often jealous Frank Foster. They’ve grown up together in the small town and are preparing to tie the knot when Texas Ranger Brett Tucker comes barreling into the church to stop the wedding, save the bride from future disaster and arrest Frank Foster once and for all. Unfortunately, he’s got the wrong Frank Foster which results in fists of jealousy flying, a biblical alfresco painting getting ruined and several people landing in jail, plus a bride who’s so disgusted by her green-eyed fiancé she’s called off the wedding for good!
Brett is assigned to catch the Ghost Riders who have been wreaking havoc in this town and others nearby, so he makes it his mission to fix the problem he’s created for this couple and get them back together while resolving the crime problem. But, Frank Foster ‘Two’ is a bit dim and has no clue how to court a woman properly or control his jealous streak. It will take a lot of patience from Brett to help Frank become the man Kate deserves. However, every time Brett turns around, Kate is in a pickle that requires his help and draws him closer to her. In the end, Kate will have to make a choice and follow her heart, while avoiding danger at every turn.
In her pink and white shop, Kate includes little handwritten just-for-fun fortunes in each bag of candy she sells: Leaving Town Would Be Good For Your Health / Life is like a cup of tea. It’s all in how you make it. / etc.
I was surprised to read some phrases I don’t normally read from a known Christian author, but perhaps it has something to do with this book not being published by Thomas Nelson, but instead Sourcebooks – (purely speculation on my part) - “all hell broke loose” “he looked like hell” “I feel like crap” “Knowing that his obsessive thoughts were simply the stirrings of a lonely heart, he felt somewhat better. The annoying affliction had a cure; all he had to do was find a woman. Spend some time with her, and his problems would be solved. Easy as that!” “From the other side of the fence, she could hear Frank cuss.” “Oh, God Kate!” “He’d left her writhing in bed and swearing like a sailor…” “Good God, Letty.”
Faith Quotes – there aren’t many, but here’s a couple: Ch. 14: “Since we weren’t lucky enough to have children of our own, we were convinced that you were a gift from heaven.”
Ch. 24 She prayed now as she’d prayed all day. “Oh God, please keep Brett safe.”
3 stars - Overall a fun story, but I miss the stronger faith element that I am used to from this author. I would still recommend it to others with the above warnings for those who might appreciate them.
Publ. by Sourcebooks, Inc. / Book was a gift from the author in exchange for my blogged review and opinion which is purely my own and shared for no compensation.
SERIES: The Haywire Brides.
1. Cowboy Charm School 2018
Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea
I love your honesty. Thanks for sharing your honest opinion from a Christian view point.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I appreciate that.
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