A Sweet Misfortune

Virtues and Vices of the Old West #2

Paperback, ebook, hardcover, audio, audio CD

February 2, 2016

by Maggie Brendan 

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Revell 
• ISBN-13: 978-0800722654

Rachel Matthews isn't one to rely on others to take care of her. Destitute and alone, she still wants to make her own way and her own money--even if she's forced into the life of a dance hall girl. Horrified by her circumstances, Rachel's brother sends a friend--the widely admired cattle baron John McIntyre--to rescue her, then sets off to earn enough money to buy back the family ranch. But when months pass without her brother's return, Rachel isn't sure she can take one more day in John McIntyre's home--especially once she discovers that he's the one who holds the deed to her family's ranch.

Sparks fly between this spunky, independent heroine and the ruggedly handsome hero as they navigate the snarled terrain of pride, greed, faith, and love in Maggie Brendan's delightful series set in the Old West.

My thoughts: A SWEET MISFORTUNE is a historical romance by Maggie Brendan. The Trouble with Patience is the first book in the series, and I didn't read that, but had no problems understanding what was going on in A SWEET MISFORTUNE. 

Rachel and John are probably mortal enemies. Her brother wanted her rescued and she wanted to be rescued but she didn't want John to do it. Everything he does is wrong, never mind that he saved her family farm and paid her family's debts. John's grandma goes out of her way to befriend Rachel and offer her gainful employment. 

I wasn't exactly endeared to Rachel or John. I tried, but couldn't grow to care about these characters.  Rachel is strong and spunky, so why couldn't she rescue herself?  She is gifted with all she puts her hand to and good with accounting so why... Anyway, lots of questions.  Lots of telling and little showing keeps the reader distant. 

This is an Old West story, with cowboys and occasional action. It was interesting to see how two mortal enemies could grow to care for each other.  

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.