Heidi Reads...: Review & Giveaway: Heart of the West by Carolyn Twede Frank

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Review & Giveaway: Heart of the West by Carolyn Twede Frank

Heidi Reads... Heart of the West by Carolyn Twede Frank

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

https://deseretbook.com/p/heart-of-the-west?variant_id=156893-paperback

Synopsis

Independent-minded women are considered highly unsuitable in Kate Donahue’s wealthy Long Island society. Yes, Kate would lead a proper life should she marry, but her dream of practicing medicine would surely be thwarted by her domineering fiancé. To follow her dream, she must take dramatic measures. So when she reads a newspaper ad seeking a qualified small-town physician, Kate embarks on a new life in the Wild West.

Upon her arrival in the rugged settlement of Craig, Colorado, Kate is disappointed to discover that even in the West, no one wants a woman doctor. As she struggles to establish her practice, she is kept busy fending off the unwanted attentions of a local rancher, a man unnervingly reminiscent of the ex-fiancé she left behind in New York. Romantic entanglements are the last thing on Kate’s mind. That is, until she meets Lucas McCurdy, an Irish immigrant with whom she feels an undeniable connection. But when their relationship inflames a dangerous land battle, Kate and Lucas find themselves defenseless in a lawless town—a perilous position that may cost them everything.

My Review

I enjoyed this story of strong women surviving in the Old West. Kate shows gumption and fortitude when she abandons her high society parents and fiancé and travels to Colorado so she can practice medicine and provide doctoring services to a new boomtown. I admired that she followed her heart and dream in spite of the difficulties. There is a variety of characters in the townspeople and ranchers she comes across, and I especially liked how she warmed to the women and wanted to help them improve their situations. Lucas is also a great character with his warmth and twinkle in his eye, but for some reason I had a hard time picturing him at first. He and Kate definitely have chemistry and it was sweet to watch their relationship slowly develop. I loved the setting and experiencing it through the eyes of a pioneer.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)