|
Clara Fields is determined to be independent but when
events take a bad turn, she’s forced to accept help from a kindly
gentleman. He also enlists her as a matchmaker for his doctor son
who’s finally coming west, to the town of Buttonwood, for a brief
visit; a stay Josiah Reed hopes his son will make permanent. Josiah
has sweetened the bargain so Clara can’t refuse, but what happens if
her own heart should tumble?
Dr. Saul Reed is also determined—to make a difference
in the lives of the poor of Baltimore. He gets his chance sooner
than he thought when he finds a poor young girl being forced into
prostitution. He takes matters into his own hands and, with the
assistance of his landlady, young Midge becomes his ward. He sees
his visit out west as an opportunity to show Midge a different life,
though he’s promised her that this is just a visit and they will
return to Baltimore. When he meets the thoroughly competent Ms.
Fields, however, he’s wondering if they might bring back to
Baltimore a wife for him and a mother for Midge.
As Clara’s attempts at matchmaking fail at every
turn, the reward she’d hope to gain slips farther and farther from
her grasp. Dr. Reed knows something is afoot but he’d never believe
the scheme his father has set in motion with Clara as the engine.
Can Clara continue her scheming when she’s the one attracted to the
man and would Saul ever forgive her if he knew about the bride
bargain?
Ms. Hake has written a charming, inspirational
romance that is sure to delight readers with its depiction of small
town life—the gossip, the feuding and the fierce camaraderie that
exists even amongst those who snipe at one another. Clara is a
plucky heroine who learns that life and love are not black and white
as Saul comes to understand the power of compromise. Particularly
enjoyable are the descriptions of everyday activities in a farming
community, artfully woven into the story to add richness and
texture. A thoroughly enjoyable read. |
