The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corners: Four Women Make Orphans a Priority and Finally Open Doors to Romance

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (5/07) "The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner" is four Christian romance stories written by four different authors. Romance is in the air for India, Anika, Elaine and Jody, four unmarried women, whose lives are intertwined in Cactus Corner, Arizona. "The Spinster and the Cowboy" by Lena Nelson Dooley When Fred Cunningham died he left a letter asking Joshua Dillinger to help his daughter run the ranch for a while. Joshua remembered riding horses with India when they were children. He'd always wondered what had happened to the nine-year-old whirlwind with the brown braids. India didn't remember Joshua but she couldn't help but notice him. He stood out in the crowd with his new cowboy clothes and good looks. India is content running her father's ranch until Joshua shows up. When Joshua opened that letter he had no idea how much it would change his life. "The Spinster and the Lawyer" by Jeri Odell Tucker Truesdale was in love with Anika Windsor and asked her to be his wife. Anika carried a sign and marched for women's rights. Tucker declared, "No wife of mine will march around with some silly sign or support this disagreeable cause." Their differences in opinion destroyed their relationship, or did it? Tucker is Cactus Corner to litigate a land dispute; Anika is the opposing lawyer. As Anika gave her closing argument Tucker realized that Anika was following the teachings of Jesus Christ by fighting "for the least of these." Perhaps they weren't so far apart in ethics after all. "The Spinster and the Doctor" by Frances Devine Dr. Dan Murphy is the new physician in Cactus Corner. When Dan goes to the saloon to investigate the origins of the child, rumors start to fly. The good ladies in the town are just sure he is fraternizing with "those" kind of women. His explanation is a simple one he was doing what doctor's do, giving medical advice. Dr. Dan's compassion surpasses the prejudices against women who earn their living with their body. Elaine Daly defends the doctor's reputation despite the risk of her own. When illness hits the town the "Saloon ladies" and the "upstanding ladies of the town" work side-by-side nursing the sick. "The Spinster and the Tycoon" by Vickie McDonough Jody was devoted to the orphanage where she was raised, she was trying to raise money to purchase the old mercantile property to expand the dormitory when she found out it had been sold. Aaron Garrett had purchased the old mercantile building, sight unseen, with the understanding that it was right next to the railroad. When he arrived in Cactus Corner only to discover that an orphanage stood in his way, he had to come up with a plan. Aaron decided the answer to his problem was to convince Jody that the orphanage needed to be moved. Convincing Jody might not be easy but loving her was. "The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner" is four stories created around Cactus Corner and its orphanage. The backdrop is

THE SPINSTER AND THE COWBOY by LENA NELSON DOOLEY India Cunningham was a wild tomboy when she was growing up. Joshua Dillinger spent some time at her father's ranch, and he never forgot the way she could outride almost any cowboy on the range. Before India's father died he wrote to Joshua, asking him to go to Arizona and help his daughter run the Circle C. When he reaches Cactus Corner India doesn't recognize him. She can't help noticing though that his cowboy clothes are bandbox new and stiff. Something about him doesn't add up. When her foreman hires the stranger as a ranch hand, India grows more suspicious. Who is this man and does she really want him at the Circle Ranch? Can the lady and the lawyer work out their differences? And could India actually leave Cactus Corner to live in the city? Lena Nelson Dooley has spun an enticing tale of a man and woman from different backgrounds struggling with feelings they neither wanted or expected. THE SPINSTER AND THE LAWYER By JERRI ODELL Anika Windsor and Tucker Truesdale fell in love when they were in law school, but their romance hit a snag when Tucker saw Anika marching in a suffrage rally. He couldn't abide a suffragist, and the wedding was off. Anika had no intention of being tied to an arrogant, over-bearing, man who had no concept of women's rights. Now years later they are facing each other from opposite sides of the courtroom. Both are good lawyers and they still have the same opinions. But as the trial progresses, old emotions begin to surface, and Anika has to face the fact that when the verdict has been handed down, Tucker will leave Cactus Corner. and that's the way she wants it, isn't it? The Spinster and the Lawyer is a clever tale of two strong-minded people whose opinions are carved in stone. Jerri ODell tells a good story. I recommend this one. THE SPINSTER AND THE DOCTOR By FRANCES DEVINE Elaine Daley was working at the Cactus Corner Orphanage when someone left a two year old girl. The child appears to be in good health, except she screams loudly all the time. Someone at the orphanage thinks she belongs to one of the saloon women. Elaine sends for Dan Murphy, the new town doctor. Although she isn't interested in a man, something about Dan draws her to him. Dan Murphy has a secret that follows him everywhere he goes, and it isn't long before the rumors start flying. Can the fragile relationship between Dan and Elaine survive the vicious gossip? Or will Elaine lose her one chance at love? Frances Devine's the Spinster and the Doctor is a compassionate story of love and mercy and learning to trust against all odds. THE SPINSTER AND THE TYCOON By VICKIE MCDONOUGH Jody McMillian prepares her dinner for the box social, although she knows Elmer will probably buy it again this year. She's determined to eat with someone else, but she never dreamed a handsome stranger would buy the box. Of course he really didn't intend to purchase anything, he was just waving his copy of the deed

(This inspirational fiction and historical romance consists of four stories by four different authors) The Spinster and the Cowboy, by Lena Nelson Dooley After her father's death, India Cunningham only wants to run her father's ranch in peace. When a new cowboy joins her ranch hands, she doesn't realize that it is a childhood acquaintance, Joshua Dillinger. Is Joshua here to help, or to hinder her? Should she trust him? The Spinster and the Lawyer, by Jeri Odell Lawyer Anika Windsor hasn't seen ex-fiance Tucker Truesdale since they both graduated from law school. When he shows up in her hometown to argue a court case against her, will Anika lose the case--and her heart too? The Spinster and the Doctor, by Frances Devine Elaine Daly thinks she is fulfilled with her job caring for orphans. When Dan Murray, the new doctor, arrives in town, she feels instant attraction for him. But when a secret from the past shows its ugly face, will she lose all trust in Dan? The Spinster and the Tycoon, by Vickie McDonough Jody McMillan is too spunky to accept the proposal of her boss, the only eligible bachelor in town. Instead, she works to raise money to expand the town orphanage. When Aaron Garrett arrives in town and buys the property she wanted, will the orphanage lose out, or just her heart? These lighthearted novellas will tickle your funny bone, touch your heart and leave you satisfied in the end. Each author has her own voice and her own story to tell, and all of them are great. The inspirational tone is present but not overpowering. Armchair Interviews says: This is a great little collection that will brighten your day. Recommended!