The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan

 ISBN: 9780800722647

About the book: Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with restoring a dilapidated boardinghouse in order to support herself.

Despite Patience's desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local marshal with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: She needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse. He needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But as she gets to know this "hanging lawman," Patience finds there is far more to him than meets the eye--and it could destroy their tenuous relationship forever.

My thoughts: This is a light read. I found myself skimming in parts and felt that the story and characters were somewhat lacking. There are good features about the book, though, and these should not be lightly skimmed over.

1. The title of the series - Virtues and Vices - fits nicely. Patience was a woman of virtue and the west and its unsavory characters have vices.
2. Patience was a woman of faith and determination. She left her home and demanding, critical mother to venture West upon inheriting her Grandmother's boarding house. Determined to make a profitable business out of it, she pitches in and labors hard to repair it and manage all its aspects.
3. Forgiveness and redemption are themes in the story and are played out well. 

There is a sweet romance in the story. If you want groping and vivid romantic scenes, this is not where you'll find it. I appreciate Christian authors that can tell a story without vivid scenes. 

In the book you get a glimpse of the old west but not the foul, grittiness that some authors give. It was  a rough time. Rough men. Not much civilization. However, the folks of this town were bringing civilization and law and order about for the good of all.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.