A Sweet Misfortune (Virtues and Vices of the Old West Book #2): A Novel

Maggie Brendan

Jan 2016 · Virtues and Vices of the Old West Book 2 · Revell

About this eBook

Rachel Matthews isn't one to rely on others to take care of her. Destitute and alone, she still wants to make her own way and her own money--even if she's forced into the life of a dance hall girl. Horrified by her circumstances, Rachel's brother sends a friend--the widely admired cattle baron John McIntyre--to rescue her, then sets off to earn enough money to buy back the family ranch. But when months pass without her brother's return, Rachel isn't sure she can take one more day in John McIntyre's home--especially once she discovers that he's the one who holds the deed to her family's ranch.

Sparks fly between this spunky, independent heroine and the ruggedly handsome hero as they navigate the snarled terrain of pride, greed, faith, and love in Maggie Brendan's delightful series set in the Old West.

Ratings and reviews

A Sweet Misfortune by Maggie Brendan is the second book in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series. It is September 1862 in Montana Territory. Rachel Matthews’ brother (Preston) had to go away and he asked John McIntyre to rescue his sister. Rachel could only find work as a dance hall girl (serving drinks, food, etc.). John McIntyre goes into the saloon, asks which girl is Rachel, grabs her, and takes off. He gets on his horse and takes off for his ranch. Rachel is outraged. Rachel did not enjoy working as a dance hall girl, but it was the only job she could find. She wanted to help her brother raise funds to save their ranch (they got behind on the taxes after their parents died). Estelle, John’s grandmother, convinces Rachel to stay and offers her a position in her millinery shop. Rachel is enjoying her stay until she discovers that John holds the deed to her family’s ranch. John paid the back taxes on the property and had an agreement with Preston Matthews (he would pay John back within a certain amount of time or the ranch stays with John). As Rachel and John spend more time together, the attraction between them grows. Can these two different people come together in love or will the Matthews family ranch be a sticking point between them? A Sweet Misfortune is a charming, historic romance novel (with a Christian theme). It can easily be read as a stand-alone novel (without having enjoyed the first book in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series). A Sweet Misfortune is nicely written and very easy to read. I did find it, though, to be a predictable romance novel with the normal issues of miscommunication between the couple, misunderstandings, breaking up, getting back together, and happily ever after. The characters are fun (especially Estelle). The Christian theme is very light in this uplifting story. I give A Sweet Misfortune 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I received a complimentary copy of A Sweet Misfortune from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

beautiful book.

About the author

Maggie Brendan is the CBA bestselling author of the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series, as well as The Trouble with Patience and A Sweet Misfortune. Her books have received the Book Buyers Best Award from the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America and the Laurel Wreath Award. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, Georgia Romance Writers, and Author's Guild, Maggie lives in Georgia.