I recently had the opportunity to review another book. This time it was A Sweet Misfortune by Maggie Brendan. This book is also a part of a series, entitled Virtues and Vices of the Old West. I haven’t read any other books in the series, but that wasn’t a problem. I’m not sure if there are any repeating characters, but if so, I didn’t feel like I was missing any information while reading.
Here is the book’s description:
Rachel Matthews isn’t one to rely on others to take care of her. Destitute and alone, she still wants to make her own way and her own money–even if she’s forced into the life of a dance hall girl. Horrified by her circumstances, Rachel’s brother sends a friend–the widely admired cattle baron John McIntyre–to rescue her, then sets off to earn enough money to buy back the family ranch. But when months pass without her brother’s return, Rachel isn’t sure she can take one more day in John McIntyre’s home–especially once she discovers that he’s the one who holds the deed to her family’s ranch.
Sparks fly between this spunky, independent heroine and the ruggedly handsome hero as they navigate the snarled terrain of pride, greed, faith, and love in Maggie Brendan’s delightful series set in the Old West.
My Thoughts:
I definitely enjoyed this book. One of my favorite characters was Estelle, John’s grandmother. I also loved that she owned her own shop! Rachel is definitely a spunky character that you grow to love. Even though you know she will most likely end up with John, it is also fun to read about the other men who are vying for her attention. From the beginning, you begin to see hints of John and Rachel’s affection for each other, but the author draws out the suspense before they actually get together. I don’t think it’s giving away anything to say that they end up together. Saloons, dance hall girls, “soiled doves”,the cattle ranches of Montana. What a great setting. I do need to find out if the other books in the series include the same characters. If so, I might have to check them out to follow the stories. There are also helpful author’s notes at the back of the book, describing some of the things she talks about that we in our current time frame may not quite understand. Definitely check this book out and Maggie Brendan’s other books!
I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.