Letter Perfect

This book took me a long time to finish, but not because it was boring. I didn't want to ruin the cover, and it was autographed, so I left it at home. Now that I've finished I wonder what took me so long. The story is charming and witty and the characters are engaging. I loved the suspenseful element of not knowing who was causing Ruth to have so many accidents. Then when the reader discovers who it is, the rest of the story keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering when the perpetrator is going to harm Ruth irrevocably. The developing love between Ruth and Josh from their common faith and friendship was tender and precious. I really enjoyed that thread in the story; especially when Josh prayed for Ruth. There isn't a more romantic and intimate thing a man can do for the woman he loves than to pray for her concerns while tenderly holding her hands. Josh was the ultimate hero once he got past his concern that Ruth was going to steal his inheritance. The spiritual lessons that came out of this story were divine as well. Overall I'd recommend this story because it will put a smile on your face and keep you reading until the end...as long as it isn't autographed. :)

I read Bittersweet first and found myself wanting to read more about the characters from the second book. Yet again, I found myself enjoying Letter Perfect from page 1. Excellent job, Cathy.

Cathy Marie Hake presents a fun and exciting read with this one! The heroine is someone with whom I can identify because she doesn't quite fit the normal lady's mold. I found myself giggling over numerous passages and marveling at how our heroine keeps positive and cheerful through hardships she faces. She is full of life and fun! Even our hero finds himself falling for her because she is a truly loving and caring individual.... This book addresses personal insecurities, patience, generosity to others, finding good in others, and so much more if you're willing to see it! Our attitudes toward life are a decision. C.M. Hake and her characters choose to look at the lighter, more positive side of life! If you want a cute story with laugh-out-loud funny situations, pick this one up! It is sure to please! I love all Cathy Marie Hake's stories! I look forward to Laney's own story and more stories in future releases from C.M. Hake! Praise for a wonderful read!

In 1859 Ruth Caldwell has tried to live up to her mother's expectations that she become a refined lady, but all the klutzy woman has to show for her efforts is being thrown out of several finishing schools as a helpless cause. However, the return home to St. Louis is not filled with embarrassment over her latest failure; instead she finds her beloved mother dying of consumption. Being a lady no longer matters as she becomes a caretaker and companion until her mom passes away six months later. Her mom's last dying wish was for Ruth to see her biological father in California. Though she would rather not, Ruth adheres to her deathbed pledge only to find her dad dead too and she a part owner of the Broken P Ranch, along with her father's partner, the patriarch of the McCain brood. Josh McCain helped Ruth's father kick alcohol and to find the Lord. He wants Ruth to claim what is rightfully her, but someone thinks otherwise as she is the source of questionable accidents that he believes are deliberate; Josh plans to keep her safe. Cathy Marie Hake smoothly combines a fine whodunit with a warm romance inside an inspirational Americana tale. Ruth is a delightful protagonist trying to please others, but failing because she does not please herself; that changes when she meets Josh, who "introduces" her to the Lord, love, and her late father. The support cast is solid while the villain is in plain sight but easily overlooked. Readers will enjoy this fine historical cozy that paints a picture of faith on several levels in God, in one's self and in one's soulmate. Harriet Klausner

LETTER PERFECT was for this reviewer an introduction to a new author who impressed me with her lovely story of faith, love and filled with characters that will warm your heart. Ruth Caldwell is a young woman of uncommon beauty and kindness who unfortunately has a penchant for creating chaos --- but only with the best intentions. As a result, she has been sent home from her latest `finishing school'. Home once again, Ruth is dismayed to discover that her beloved mother is ailing and has been for some time. It doesn't take Ruth long to realize that her ailing mother is in fact dying, and she extracts from Ruth a promise that upon her death, Ruth will travel to meet the father she's never seen. After an arduous three week stage coach ride Ruth, who attracts smudges and dirt like a magnet, gets off the stagecoach and is met by Josh McCain who is at first dismayed that she has shown up bedraggled and all. Knowing that her very existence threatens his family's claim to the ranch he has brought back from near ruin, he urges her to claim her inheritance. When Ruth, the accident-prone misfit starts to have more serious accidents than can be explained, Josh begins to uncover a sinister plot that will have serious repercussions for all concerned and realizes at the same time that he's fallen in love with Ruth. This was a lively and endearing tale that had me both laughing and crying throughout. It was well-written with witty dialog, a sustainable intrigue and positively brilliant characterizations of the leading players and secondary ones as well. Ruth was a gal after my own heart. I fully empathized with her bumbling through life with only the best of intentions and somewhat disastrous results. She may have been a bumblebroth in many things but in her self-effacing loving support and kindness towards Josh's sister Laney and towards all she meets, she was heaven sent. Josh, while not depicted as a warrior hero, was a hero nonetheless in my mind as he wore his honor in being a true Christian in his clear support of Ruth's claim to the detriment of his own family's interest. This was a beautiful story of faith and love and one that I could consider as a keeper to read again. Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization