"A sweet romance!"

Annie and Jake get off to a bad start when she loses her way and winds up in the middle of his cattle herd. Then Jake's bitter enemy, Ben Russell, offers Annie a job as personal assistant with emphasis on the personal. She turns it down but doesn't know what she'll do as she had been counting on the job to get her by. Jake comes into the restaurant where Annie is sitting trying to figure out what she will do, and she overhears him saying he needs a cook badly. Annie immediately says she'll take the job. Jake is wary as his ex-wife and his mother were both city girls who didn't bother sticking around when the going got tough. He figures Annie will be the same way.

Annie relishes the job even though it means a lot of work. She loves Rainbow Valley and falls in love with Jake but doesn't feel she has any chance with him. How can she let Jake know that she's not like his ex-wife or his mother and that she's worthy of his trust?

When Annie is offered the job of a lifetime, will Jake let her go or will he beg her to stay? Annie does everything in her power to let Jake know that one word from him and she'll stay forever but will that be enough for them to have a happily ever after?

This beautiful romance was a joy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing from beginning to end. Annie and Jake were totally likeable characters and I felt they belonged together. I have enjoyed several of Barbara Clark's books and know that she'll give a good read. I look forward to seeing what else she comes up with.

Reviewed by Kathy Boswell
Posted August 11, 2002