Letter Perfect

California Historical #1

by Cathy Marie Hake

IF HER OWN TWO FEET DON'T END UP TRIPPING HER, Ruth Caldwell's mouth is likely to get her into equal trouble. But Ruth has the best of intentions. Truly. It's just that her attempts to live up to her mother's expectations of how a lady should act have often yielded...well, less than impressive results.

Josh McCain is speechless when he sees Ruth step off the stage in Folsom, California. Sure, it looks like she's been sleeping in her gown for the past week, but with a crown of riotous curls and those deep green eyes, she's certainly the most beautiful woman he's ever met.

But attraction is not all that causes sparks between Ruth and Josh. With Ruth's legitimate claims to an inheritance, the Broken P Ranch's future is suddenly precarious. And when Ruth's "accidents"--going beyond even her normal bumbling ways--seem to take a sinister turn, Josh must decide where his loyalties lie.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical, Fiction, Christian Romance

379 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

As a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now "grown up," she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos - one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.

Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.

Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."

In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.

Reviews

[Amanda Tero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend who knows I like clean, historical, western, and spiritually-strong writing. I was in no way disappointed!

The plot was super interesting! It never dragged for me and there were a few twists and turns that were pleasantly surprising.

I really liked the characters as well. Everything about Ruth intrigued me. She was genuinely herself—yes, she was a bit clumsy and always getting into scrapes, but it was believable, not just cliché. And Josh and Laney and Galen… well, the whole O’Sullivan family was great.

I slightly predicted the antagonist, but wow… I loved/hated that part (you’d have to read the story to know why, I’m not giving spoilers here). It was well done with a believable motive and the characters reacted to it all believably.

The spiritual content… these characters LIVED their Christian lives. God wasn’t an afterthought of a prayer-when-in-trouble. No, He was their daily thought. Mrs. O’Sullivan had some great counsel and was such a good Titus 2 woman. There was a lot of Scripture shared for practical, everyday matters that the readers could take home and apply.

The romance in this seemed mild to me. There were a few “flare-ups” of emotions, but overall, both main characters sought God during their admiration of each other, and other characters were encouraged to not let infatuation overrule their focus on God. It was refreshing to read!

[Tweety]

DNF

So, with so many people warning me of why I wouldn't enjoy this, why did I ever pick it up?

I love humor, but this was ridiculous. Ruth is completely incompetent, she grabs table cloths instead of her napkin, she gets between a horse and her foal and she falls off street sidewalks, she even runs across the ranch yard strait through a mud puddle. That could be funny, if she had some saving grace, but she doesn't. She can't do anything with out messing it up. I shudder to think of her painting the ranch, the hero doesn't know what's coming. The hero btw, is grumpy, I think I would be too if I was stuck with her on my hands.

I wonder, since I only got to chapter six do I rate this? If I did it would be either 2 or 1 star. It was an interesting premises but, it fell flat and frankly I wasn't laughing. Sorry, I just wasn't invested in the characters. If it had made me laugh I might have finished, I didn't.

[Misfit · Rating 1 out of 5]

First off, I confess I did not know this was a Christian book until after I purchased it at the big warehouse store. And I'm glad I bought it there instead of full price, this was a total waste of a day to get through this.

It's disappointing, as the story line could have had great possibilities and I loved the way Ruth was originally portrayed as a bit of a klutz. However, the characters were flat and uninteresting, either black or white with no gray areas between. There are pages and pages of useless conversations and characters that did not develop the story at all (especially Galen's family, I skipped many a chapter on them) and the big surprise of who the villain was (yawn!) was not much of a surprise at all. I mean, who else could it have been?

While I understand this is a Christian book, it seeped through virtually ever word of the book and much too preachy and overbearing for my tastes, and virtually no chemistry between Ruth and Josh. This was one of those books that I prayed for the end to come so I could toss it in the charity pile instead of on my bookshelf to be read again and again.

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had great potential, but many flaws.

First, and most importantly, the first half and the last half were like totally different books and poorly connected. The antagonist is around for the entire first half of the book as a minor character who is nice and friendly. Then halfway through he abruptly turns into this sinister arch-villain whose every move is lecherous and creepy. It transitioned poorly and was a wee bit ridiculous.

I didn't like that I could hear into everyone's thoughts. The main girl, Ruth, was likeable. The book spelled out every thought that Ruth and Joshua each had. Every emotion was written so plainly that there was nothing subtle EVER. For me to hear one character's thoughts is fine, but I don't want to hear every single thing every person is thinking. It ruins the fun of the book. And, it makes everyone look ridiculously stupid.

The characters didn't have great depth, and indeed seemed to have multiple personalities at times. Any romance in the book felt contrived and fake.

Ruth gets out of boarding school when she is 18-19. Ummm, isn't that a wee bit old to be still attending finishing school? Then she spends the entire book plagued with guilt because she wasn't there for her dying mother, even though her mother WANTED her to be at boarding school. They hash over this all the time in the book.

WAY too preachy. Some biblical references are fun and good. I like Christian books, but this was way over the top. Every little thing caused spontaneous discussions about God's love. AND, just because Mr. Bad Guy isn't Christian because his wife died doesn't automatically make him a murderer. "Well, he doesn't walk with Christ, so it shouldn't surprise me that he goes around killing people..." PLEASE.

So, over all...it was okay. Nothing I'll read again. I was disappointed. It looked so cute. A shame.

If you like Christian historical romances, stick to Lori Wick and Traci Peterson. Theirs are more believable.

[R.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I absolutely love this book!! Ruth is hilarious and had me laughing quite a bit! :)

Since I can't remember a lot of the book to say on this review, I definitely need to read it again soon! Perhaps a proper review will come later on in the future! ;)

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure this is the fourth time I've read this book, and I still love it. Sweet, lively, and accident-prone, Ruth is such a fun heroine, and I love how she embraces Laney as her best friend. Their friendship is another part of what makes the book great, as they each build the other up and encourage each other. At the same time, I also really appreciate their relationship with Mrs. O'Sullivan, who is a wonderful, Godly mentor to them, fulfilling the biblical admonishment for older women to teach the younger. Ruth and Josh's relationship develops beautifully, first into friendship and then into love, as they each observe God-honoring attributes in the other. I love the humor and also the bits of wisdom that Hake slips in throughout the story. It's one of my favorites!

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruth Caldwell is bright but bumbling, has been expelled from a number of finishing schools and has marched for women's suffrage. When her mother dies, she moves to California to find the father she has never known due to his drinking, only to find out he has died but she might be inheriting half of a ranch. There she meets Josh and his father. His father owns half the ranch, and Josh had thought the other half was his by inheritance, but that will was based on Ruth's father having no children.

Ruth bonds with Josh's younger sister, Laney, and a fun story ensues replete with conflict, danger and some good secondary characters not yet mentioned. Hake is consistent with her writing and if you like Christian historical romance you may well give this more stars than I did.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so sad. 😭 I love Cathy Marie Hake's books, but this one fell so flat for me.

I really liked the premise of the story, but I really did not like Josh. I even liked McCain more than Josh and McCain was the villain!

Elaine and Ruth were solid characters and I loved their friendship. But, Josh was so FRUSTRATING. He is constantly treating Ruth like she is a child. I find it to be different when he does it to his sister because she is his sister and the dynamic is different. It's just the way it is. Older brothers are too protective sometimes. HOWEVER, Ruth is not Josh's sister. There is line in the book about how McCain was very possessive over Ruth, and Josh hates that. But, Josh does the EXACT. SAME. THING. Except it is worse because Josh claims to love Ruth. What kind of love is wanting to go into the bedroom where your sister and her best friend are reading a dime novel and grab it from them because you think they shouldn't be reading it? But, you want to marry Ruth?? Please make it make sense.

I felt Josh did have some growth, but not enough to suit me. 🤣 So, overall the story was just ok, but I wish it would have been better. I own a copy of this book, but because of how I felt about it, I will be unhauling it. 😭

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It figures that I would read Bittersweet before Letter Perfect even though I rented them from the library at the same time. Reading the two books in reverse chronological order was not detrimental to the story though.

I like the characterization of Ruth and Josh. Their gradual learning to trust, admire, and love each other could have been a little better though. Ruth's penchant for finding dirt and trouble was both a part of her character and part of the plot. Many of the more minor characters were also well developed. I liked how you got a glimpse at both ranching and farming, between Josh's family's ranch and Galen's family's farm that neighbored each other. Even though I liked this book, I would have to say I liked Bittersweet a little more (despite the fact that I rated them both 4 stars).

[Muriel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this Christian novel inadvertently and decided to give it a shot. I really wanted to love it because I really liked the characters and the plot wasn't half-bad but boy did the writing make it a struggle. I don't mind the Christian values of the book but just as I'd get into the story I'd be in the midst of a sermon that would take me out of the story. I just noticed that this is part one of a series, wish I liked the writing more because I would actually be curious to see where the author takes the rest of the characters whose story was left hanging.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake is delightful! I have had this book on my bookshelf for years, and I regret not getting to it sooner.

A few notes on content: Ruth's mother dies pretty early in the book, and several other people's parents have died, are dying, or will die during the course of the book. While it sounds like a lot of death, it's not overly done, nor does it make the book a downer. However, if someone is in this stage, caring for a dying parent, it might be a harder read for you.

Now, what makes this book so delightful? Simply put, Ruth. Her heart is bigger than she is, and while she is klutzy, it adds a lot of humor to the book. When Ruth goes to Folsom, California, per her dying mother's wish, she has no idea what is in store for her. Thankfully, Joshua is there to take her to the ranch, and his family immediately accepts her. Ruth's friendship with Laney is beautiful, and they become like sisters.

Ruth's relationship with Joshua is much more complicated. He feels threatened by her presence, so they start more as enemies, slowly becoming friends and confidantes as the story progresses.

The O'Sullivan's and Hilda round out the story nicely, and I appreciate the friendship between all these characters. While everything seems nice and safe, danger lurks on the ranch, and it is impossible to figure out who is causing all the trouble. Once hints started being dropped, I thought, 'I think I saw that coming,' but did I really? LOL.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I am looking forward to diving right into Bittersweet, the second book in the series, which I also happen to own 😁.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Caldwell is a puzzle. She has been kicked out of one finishing school after another, her natural clumsiness making her a hapless conundrum. When Ruth is sent home again, she is devastated to learn her mother's health is failing. Even more surprising, she learns that her mother has contacted her father, whom Ruth has never met, and asked him to take Ruth in after she passes. When the time comes, Ruth boards the stage and heads off to California for a very unknown future.

Her situation is even more complicated when she arrives to find out that her father has passed away as well. His property is now home to his partner's family. They graciously take Ruth into their home while they try to figure out the inheritance.

A new location hasn't made Ruth any less prone to blunders, but the West does provide fewer expectations and more room to shine just as she is. She befriends a young woman who struggles with reading and is able to help her with tailored lessons, and she catches the eye of two different young men.

Yet not everything is as it seems, and when it becomes apparent that sinister things are happening, Ruth must trust her new friends to help her figure out where the danger lies and how they can keep everyone safe.

This is an older novel, but I enjoyed it tremendously. There were elements of the plot that really took me by surprise, and the main characters had a real emphasis on building one another up through Scripture and prayer. I'll be reading more books by this author in the future!

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org

[Maggie Shanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This predictable Christian romance made me laugh, I enjoyed it very much. Even though you knew how things were going to work out between Josh and Ruth (the actions of McCain Sr. weren't even really needed) it was worth reading to find out what scrape Ruth got herself into next. I have over 700 books on my too read shelf....but this was the first one and I am glad I finally got around to reading it.

[Becky Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a sweet, funny, easy read - a little predictable -but sometimes that’s exactly what I need! Ruth Caldwell is a passionate young woman who no matter how hard she tries just cannot conform to the image that society demands she must - quiet, demure, graceful, possessing all the social graces of a fine lady. In fact, at times she is quite clumsy and what some call rude - she forgets to hold her tongue and says exactly what’s on her mind at the most inappropriate times. But she has a heart of gold and the best of intentions and truly feels compassion and empathy for everyone around her. After being expelled from more finishing schools than she cares to admit, Ruth comes home to find her mother is dying. She spends what little time they have left tenderly caring for and cherishing her. Her mother makes her promise to go live with her estranged father in California upon her death. But once she gets there she finds out that her father is dead, too - had in fact been dead for three years, and had left his farm to the Joshua McCain and his father.
Although the romance plot in this charming story was a tad predictable, there was just enough mystery and danger to keep me intrigued. Will be looking forward to reading the next in this series.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charmingly cheesy historical novel. The main character was a woman ahead of her time (and a klutz). Sweet Christian novel with a truly wicked villain. An enjoyable read.

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Marie Hake very quickly became a favourite Christian author of mine & this story doesn't disappoint.

Ruth Caldwell tries her best to be a lady actually complete a finishing school, but with one mishap after another, she is sent home (for fun try counting with Josh & Laney just how many schools she's been sent home from by the mention of the headmistresses that enter the conversation!)

Joshua McCain Jnr isn't at all happy to see Ruth when she arrives at the Broken P Ranch to claim her father's inheritance to her, even if she is the prettiest woman around. However, until the will can be sorted out, & the rightful owner decided, he welcomes Ruth to the ranch to stay, & is pleased that she will be a companion for his sister Laney. Josh, although feeling he could tear his hair out over some of her schemes, & finding amusement & laughter over just how many schools she's been sent home from, notices her tender heart & gentle ways when talking of her mother or in her treatment of Laney.

Things take a more sinister turn when Ruth's seemingly normal bumbling accidents become more serious in the light of his sister's accident. Josh begins to realise that a lot of apparently harmless, every day occurrences aren't as normal as they appear, & has to discover what is going on...& why, doing all he can to protect his sister, & the woman he's grown to love.

Bittersweet - The sequel to Letter Perfect.

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I didn't really like it.

This book reminded me of Fancy Pants by the same author, for all the wrong reasons. Specifically, her angry-all-the-time hero reminded me of what I disliked about the other book. Described as being "surly" he had the heroine walking on egg shells for most of the book. How is that endearing in any way? I also thought it very inorganic the way the author transitioned the H&H from angry-all-the-time guy and walking-on-egg-shells girl to sweet and affectionate couple. It was like BAM, they're in love!

The way everyone dealt with the older McCain was crazy illogical to me. He was a total creep and no one was freaking out about it! They were all defense and no offense, in a very weak, in denial, pretend we don't know kind of way.

I don't really know what to think about Cathy Marie Hake, I love a lot of her other stories but some of them, like this one, just don't mesh with me. I mean who has time for a guy with absolutely no humor who carries a thundercloud cloud of emotion with him wherever he goes? Ain't nobody got time for that! The hero would basically treat her like crap but then he would have nice inner thoughts that were apologetic, but then he would turn right around and treat her like crap again. His kind sentiments were much to few and far between to resemble something completely healthy. Meh.

You may disagree, and that's totally fine, it just wasn't for me.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know the different characters and seeing their faith shine through. The faith aspect, for the most part, felt genuine and not too forced. The romance was sweet and light. Ruth said she had to respect a man before falling in love with him - her man was honorable, respectable, protective, and a strong leader. He accepted her even though she didn't "fit in" and helped guide her to see her unique worth and value. He also helped her to understand that even though she may not be doing something big or demanding, what she was doing was purposeful and worthwhile. The plot twist near the end with the antagonist was quite a shock and a little off-putting, but it didn't detract too much from the sweet story.

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book from my library off a whim, I had no idea what it was about, I just thought the cover looked really pretty. There is a reason they say to not judge a book by it's cover, and I learned that while reading this book. I really struggled to read through this whole book, it took me about 2 months to actually finish it. The characters were very bland and didn't have much development. There was also a few things that were mentioned that seemed important to the plot but were never mentioned again. I did, however, love how independent the main character, Ruth, is. I also liked the setting, which was in California some time in the 1800s. I think that any one interested in this time frame may enjoy the book, but I believe I should tell you that this is a Christian book.

[Olivia Hotchkiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book! A lovely Western-themed book that takes place about a decade after the Gold Rush. The main character, Ruthie, is a loveable, clumsy Southern belle who moves to California after her mother dies. I enjoyed reading about her take on the "untamed part of America." Her love story is so sweet and relatable, despite it taking place in the 1800s. The Christian emphasis was not just thrown in to say it was a Christian novel--there were constant prayers and verses in the book, and I truly loved learning lot about each character's inner thought and hopes. Recommended if you need a laugh or some cheering up!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happily surprised when I read this book and found that I liked it. I had read Hake's "Fancy Pants" book and absolutely hated it. After reading one of her novella's though, I found that it wasn't so bad and figured that maybe I'd give her books another chance. I'm glad I did because I liked this book. It was cute and sweet. There were still instances where I felt Hake wanted to take things a bit too far, but maybe I was still just wary of her writing. Overall, this book wasn't half bad and I'm definitely willing to venture into reading more of her books.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The character development was great and the story line had enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. I only had moderate expectations of the book since I found it on the bargain rack (I figured it might not have been good and so it was clearanced)but I was surprised by the level of writing. I would highly recommend this book and I am currently reading a second title by the author.

[BJ Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 19th century story about a young woman who traveled to California to live with her father after her mother died of consumption - and then discovered that her father had died two years earlier, and that nobody out West knew she existed. Ruth is very klutzy & eager to please, but also something of a suffragette, and Josh is a gentlemanly rancher who initially believes that women should depend on men and do what they're told. He, of course, soon sees the light. A sweet but rather bland story.

[A.M. Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review: Entertaining and God-focused. Here's a book where the Christian character walks the walk and talks the talk, and I found it refreshing. Hake kept the reader grounded with the themes of loving yourself the way God created you, how to have a healthy marriage, and waiting for the right spouse. She also kept the reader entertained with the silly antics of Ruth. I was a bit disconnected with the ending, but overall it was a fun western read.
I give it 5 stars!

[Rachelle Sperling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was light and fluffy and fun. I smiled at a main character who is far from perfect. Maybe it was a little sappy but I like characters who pray for and with each other, which is what should be done in real life. A fast easy read for when you need to unwind and laugh a little.

[Idalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sounding insensitive, but it was terrible. I wanted to burn it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was exactly what you expect. I think I liked it more than the other one (#2). I think there are other Cathy Marie Hake stories I liked better.
But this story is hilarious, heartwarming, and meant to comfort (women) that no matter how different they are from the mold; they can then find peace and love in who they are.
Ruth is not your average lady, she can't be 'ladylike'. She is clumsy and says what she thinks. But her heart is true, she loves and cares about others. Even though she speaks what she thinks it isn't hurtful.

"Ruth perked up. 'You'll allow us to paint the walls?'
'Sure. Why not?'
'It'll be messy.'
'Life is chaotic, Ruth.' He gestured in an arc. 'Look around us. Felipe is mucking out the stable. The pigs are wallowing in mud. Even Hilda's good cooking makes for a jumble in the kitchen. I don't expect much ever gets done without effort causing a mess. Stuff can be tidied up afterwards-but the results are what matters"(p. 65).

"I could live to be one hundred and never show a fraction of her poise. When I get to heaven, I'm going to ask God why measles are catching and manners aren't"(p. 73).

"Ruth and Laney watched as she went back to the table and put the starter into a huge, brown earthenware bowl. She tossed in several cups of flour and some water. 'Man and woman blend together to become one, but something's still missing.'
She added salt and stirred. 'Love. If you rush to the altar, you can mistake infatuation for love.' She stirred more, then dumped the dough onto the floured tabletop and started to knead it. 'Life'll push you around, punch you down. Without spiritual leavening, you can't rise up again. Without love, life loses its flavor. Many couples have respect and honor, but I pity them for the lack of love'"(p. 146).

"Ruth Caldwell,' Mrs. O'Sullivan shook her head. 'God made you just as you are. For sure He wants to bring you around to perfection, but He knows your heart. He's got a man in mind for you, and it'll be a happy match.'
'I'm afraid it'll take a saint, not a mere man, to put up with me.'
Mrs. O'Sullivan divided the dough and dumped it into greased loaf pans. I'll cover these and set them aside. While we're busy with other things, they'll rise up. Life's that way, too. Oftentimes, when we're busy doing one thing, God's working out of our sight. Don't doubt that He's there and in charge, just because you can't see the effects straightaway'"(p. 147).

"'Ach, yes. That's from the first chapter of Job. Now there was a man who lost everything. What did he do? He clung to his faith. When God grants us the love of a mate, a child, or a friend, 'tis a blessing. We have no right to tell Him how long to allow us the enjoyment of that blessing, so if He takes that loved one back to His bosom, we're to thank Him for the time He granted us'"(p. 180).

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Caldwell is one of the kind of young ladies who is an accident waiting to happen. Having been asked to leave several finishing schools since she does not seem to have a sense of decorum and finding herself in endless scrapes, Ruth heads west to meet her father after her mother passes away.

Greed and secrets abound at the Broken P Ranch and Ruth must decide on who she can trust as she learns that she is a wealthy young lady. The writing was well done and there were many people that I enjoyed getting to know who loved and nurtured Ruth. The plot twists that happen towards the end of the story makes clear what happened to Ruth’s father and some of the things that were occurring at the ranch.

Ruth’s funny blunders and tender heart make her such a delightful young lady. I was glad to see that her new home was the perfect place for her. This is the first book in the California Historical Series and there were several characters that I became interested in their stories and I am looking forward to seeing what happens.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1859 in Jefferson City, Missouri. Ruth Caldwell has been kicked out of more finishing schools than she cares to count. She is not a bad young woman, just curious and adventuresome. When she gets kicked out of her latest school, she returns home to find her mother at deaths door. Ruth nurses her mother for six months and her mother’s dying wish is that Ruth travel to California to live with her father. When Ruth arrives in CA after a three week stage journey, she looks nothing like the beautiful young lady she is supposed to be. When Josh McCain receives a letter addressed to the Broken P ranch, he opens it. It informs him of Ruths’ arrival but Alan Caldwell died two years ago. He tries to send her back to Missouri but when he learns that Ruth’s mother is dead, he invites her to stay on at the Broken P to be his sister, Laney’s companion and friend. This is a cute historical romance!