imageNo Place for a Lady 
by Maggie Brendan

This book is the first book of a series called "Heart of the West." It is set on the Yampa Valley of Colorado in the late 1800′s. We meet Crystal Clark as she’s heading into the valley by way of a bouncing buckboard. She’s moving in with her aunt after the death of her father in Georgia. She knows that life is taking a dramatic turn but has no where else to go. The closer she gets to her Aunt Kate’s house the more breathtaking the view.
Kate welcomes Crystal with open arms. There is only one other woman on the ranch besides Kate, Carmen the housekeeper, so Kate is looking forward to some female companionship. Soon all the men on the ranch come running, also happy to have another female around.

Crystal is hit with just how different life will be for her here from the moment she gets there. The altitude in Colorado takes some getting used to, so Crystal soon finds herself battling headaches. The first night there she finds that even the food is different from what she’s used to. As a bit of a welcome "prank" she’s given some very spicy Mexican food instead of the mild version that Kate had requested she receive. Crystal handles it well and does her best to try to fit in.

She soon finds herself "locking horns" with the main ranch hand, Luke Weber. He doesn’t think she belongs there at all. No matter how hard she tries, he just can’t get used to her being around.

I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, but the book takes some unexpected turns. Crystal finds herself having to do things she never imagined she could survive, including going on a cattle drive with the ranch hands. The author shows over and over again that the only way Crystal can handle all she faces is her faith. It shows through to all around her and even has Luke wanting to know more.

I found this book very interesting. It gives the reader insight into what life was like during this period of history. It makes you appreciate all the blessings we have living during the time we do. The characters are interesting and you really want to get to know them better. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Lynn Worley