Letter Perfect

Letter Perfect
By Cathy Marie Hake
Bethany House, 2006. 379 pgs. Historical fiction

Ruth Caldwell has been kicked out of the latest in a series of finishing schools and returns home only to find out that her mother is dying. Her mother's dying wish is for her to go to California and find her father, so Ruth complies, only to find that her father has passed away as well, having never known of her existence. The fact that she does exist invalidates his will, which leaves his ranch to the McCain family, who have been helping him run it. The McCains invite her to stay with them while they're waiting for a judge to rule on their case. Ruth quickly becomes friends with Laney McCain, and Laney's brother Josh is drawn to her. However, when it becomes apparent something isn't right on the ranch, Josh has to decide who he can trust.

This was a pretty good Christian romance. With the western setting, adventure and a bit of a mystery, the plot was strong. The characters are likable, and all in all, it's a good pick.

AE