Maggie Brendan's No Place for a Lady ~ Reviewed

No Place for a Lady
By Maggie Brendan
Published by: Revell
303 Pages


Back Cover:

Longing for a new start, Crystal Clark arrives amid the splendor of the high country in June 1892. After the death of her father, Crystal is relieved to be leaving the troubles of her Georgia life behind to visit her aunt’s cattle ranch. Despite being raised as a proper Southern belle, Crystal is determined to hold her own in this wild land—even if a certain handsome foreman named Luke doubts her abilities.

Just when she thinks she’s getting a handle on the constant male attention from the cowhands and the catty barbs from some of the local young women tragedy strikes. And saving the ranch from a greedy neighboring landowner means Crystal must take charge of a cattle drive, ready or not. Can she rise to the challenge? Or will she head back to Georgia defeated?


REVIEW:

Maggie Brendan’s description of the beautiful Colorado Rockies made me feel like I was there. Since I live in Georgia, it was a thrill to have Crystal, the main character, remember her home in Atlanta and the things she missed there.

Crystal did remind me of Scarlett O’Hara who is a survivor, a southern belle. The big difference between the two is Crystal loved the Lord with all her heart, soul and mind. Life in Colorado was so foreign to her and she didn’t know if she could adjust. I loved how Maggie had the bantering between Luke and Crystal—here is a glimpse into their many discussions.

“How about life and children?” Crystal asked Luke.

“Yessiree, I want them. But it will take a strong and determined woman who would have to make sacrifices till we get on our feet. What I need, Miss Clark is a partner.”

“Sounds like you want a workhorse to me,” Her eyes flashed.

“Afraid of hard work? Listen, little missy, this part of the country was founded on hardworking men and women. They had big dreams. Some didn’t make it, but I intend to. It’s pure struggle against the elements and nature just to survive, but that’s par of the challenge, and I like a challenge.”

She’d never be anyone’s workhorse, and that she could count on."

Maggie describes the struggle against nature and other unforeseen elements people have to deal with living in the Colorado Rockies. I really enjoyed this light hearted romance. Crystal discovers that she can do all things though Christ who strengthens her. This is a delightful story of a women finding her way in life and falling in love with more things than just the Colorado Rockies; she’s even surprised how life turns out. I really look forward to other stories by this author. It’s a good old western romance story.

Reviewed by: Nora St. Laurent
Christian Fiction On-line Mag - Columnist