That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake

Wow!  I just finished That Certain Spark, and I enjoyed it.  I found the story of Dr. Taylor Bestman interesting and enthralling and well worth the read.  However, sometimes I wanted to knock a few heads together because some of the characters in the book were rather small-minded in their thinking about a female physician.  I certainly enjoy returning to Gooding, Texas, which each new character Hake brings there.  The women who lead the stories are friendly, smart, caring, fierce, and well-written.  Taylor is no exception.  As the twin sister of a veternarian brother, Taylor has come to Gooding to fulfill a four-year contract as the town doctor.  She is well-trained, full of wisdom, ingenious, compassionate, and prepared.  She has a calling on her life in the field of medicine and takes her oath very seriously.  There are those in Gooding, particularly men, who would have her ridden out of town on a rail simply because she's a woman and can have no actual ability as a doctor.  The story has some twists and turns, some romance, some tears, some cheers, and a message of redemption.  I highly recommend this latest Gooding novel.

Disclaimer:
This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake

Cathy Marie Hake has done it again!  She has written another great story for her readers to dive into.  The story of Millie and her journey from England to America and what happens is definitely a page-turner.  I so enjoyed all the wonderful characteristics that Millie has - she's caring, loyal, intelligent, creative, generous, sweet, kind, and so much more.  A grand leading lady for this story of sadness and joy and ups and downs.  She definitely fits in with the rest of the Gooding ladies.  I really feel like I'm a part of the story when I read a Hake book.  She spins such marvelous tales.  I question her choosing to do certain things with some of her characters, but I know she has her reasons and so that's usually enough for me to be "okay" with her choices.  A quality, enjoyable tale from an author who has definitely made a name for herself in this business.  If you enjoy a good historical fiction novel, then you must read the entire Only in Gooding! Series.  This is book number three in the series.  Begin your journey with Fancy Pants, I know you'll be glad that you did!!

Bittersweet by Cathy Marie Hake

Have you been praying and believing for one thing and God has given you something completely different? Laney has been in love with Galen for years. He has looked at her as his friend’s little sister and found her too young for himself. What is a Christian lady in California in the 1800s to do? Keep following God, especially when the unthinkable happens and it becomes apparent that she can never marry Galen. This book is the sequel to Letter Perfect. It took me several months to read it because I knew that some parts of it would hurt and upset me, but when I finally read it all the way through, it was great. The story speaks of redemption, forgiveness, patience, and God’s kind of love. It’s truly a great story, with all the qualities of one of the great Bible stories.