Martha Rogers, Becoming Lucy

Becoming Lucy

Martha Rogers

Realms, Jan 2010, $10.99

www.strangbookgroup.com/index.php/books-by-imprint/realms-books

ISBN: 9781599799124

In 1896 Boston, following the tragedy that took her parents, Lucinda Bishop buries her beloved mama and papa on the same day. Her maternal Aunt "Mellie" Amelia and Uncle Ben Haynes offer her a home on their Oklahoma Territory ranch though the seventeen years old heiress would prefer to remain in Boston. Her paternal Uncle Randolph is outraged when the kindhearted attorney Mr. Sutton explains he inherited only 10K as the bulk of the estate went to his niece in trust until she turns eighteen. Lucinda remains behind to close the estate before heading west.

Ranch hand Jake Starnes expects a little orphaned girl based on his employer Mellie's description. Instead when he meets her in Barton Creek to take her to the ranch, he sees a Boston beauty. He vows not to want her as he believes he is unworthy of her love as an incident in his past hangs over him though he feels a kinship to her having lost his parents when he was fifteen. As they fall in love, while someone stalks Lucinda, he realizes he must confront his demon now knowing that God and Lucinda are in his heart.

The first Winds Across the Prairie tale is an interesting western inspirational romance starring a wonderful lead female who comes west as Lucinda but quickly becomes Lucy the rancher and a hero who finds love when he finds Jesus. The support cast consists of warm friendly welcoming Sooners and a couple of nasty Easterners. Although the tale is not for everyone as the Christian messages are heavily stated, fans will enjoy Lucinda's story of moving on from grief to happiness and love with the Lord to guide her.

Harriet Klausner