That Certain Spark

Title: THAT CERTAIN SPARK
Author: Cathy Marie Hake
Publisher: Bethany House
August 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0320-6
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Taylor Bestman is a female doctor—and about to set up practice in Gooding, Texas, with her twin brother, Enoch. But the town isn’t expecting a female doctor and hostilities are running high. Men are of the opinion that they won’t drop their pants for woman, and the women feel that they’ve been tricked, even though the Bestmans’ were clear about Taylor’s gender.

Karl Van der Vort is one of the men who want nothing to do with a woman doctor. But when he gets hurt in a blacksmithing accident, he has no choice but to get to a doctor as soon as possible and against his will he becomes Taylor’s first patient.

Karl can’t deny Taylor’s doctoring skills but he can’t come to grips with her unladylike occupation. But when Taylor and her practice are threatened, will Karl come to her protection?

THAT CERTAIN SPARK is, I think, the fourth book Ms. Hake set in Gooding, Texas, but it easily stands alone. Taylor is a strong heroine, convinced that her way is right and completely ready to stand on her beliefs. Karl on the other hand has a drinking problem, has no use for God or for women doctors and is just as stubborn as Taylor.

The sparks between the two characters upon meeting are immediate and not easily extinguished. I couldn’t wait to watch these two work out their differences and fall in love. However, the story is very slow starting and I was getting very bored with it before the heroine and hero met. Not only that but the characters are not very well developed…However, there were some funny moments…

If you are looking for an okay historical romance or if you read the other books in this series, then make sure you pick up a copy of THAT CERTAIN SPARK. I’m only giving this book a three. $13.99. 348 pages.