Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley

Thanks to Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze, I was able to read and review Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheelchair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress—someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership—she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s charming unmarried doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness. But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

MY THOUGHTS:
Another heiress wannabe has found her way to Last Chance Ranch, this one with a questionable work history and an invalid brother in tow. Trying to learn the workings of the ranch and care for her brother, Molly struggles with guilt, inadequacies, and exhaustion and is challenged at every turn by the town’s new doctor.

Although book 2 in the series, Waiting for Morning can be read as a standalone. The workings of Last Chance along with the ranch hands and even some of the townspeople, like Aunt Bessie, weren’t as prominent in this story -- and I missed hearing about them. The medical issues of the day added an interesting element to the story, but I felt that Molly’s dance hall past felt forced and unnecessary in the present plot.

Waiting for Morning didn’t flow as smoothly for me, but I’m still looking forward to book 3 to see what happens to the Last Chance Ranch! Overall, I preferred Kate’s story in Dawn Comes Early.

Thank you to Margaret and Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze for sending me a copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love

ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie Daly has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to trade beauty for ashes.

MY THOUGHTS:
I enjoyed Dorothy’s first book in her Hickory Ridge series, Beyond All Measure, so I was glad for the opportunity to review Beauty for Ashes