Plots and Pans

By Kelly Eileen Hake

This one has been on my TBR pile for a while and I finally scrounged up an audio copy and enjoyed listening to it while a chaotic January had me disinfecting the house… over and over and over.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Western, 1879

Overview of Plot:

Jessalyn is a born and bred Texas cowgirl, but after a disaster at home, her father sent her away to boarding school in England. Tucker is a man’s man, one who works hard, gives orders, and doesn’t take any shirking of duties lightly.  While Jessalyn has been away, he has grown from a green ranch had to foreman and part owner of the ranch.

When Jessalyn’s father dies while she is away, her brother and Tucker decide to leave her in England, just until the cattle drive is over, but Jessalyn is a strong-willed and determined as any character you will ever meet. By herself, she crosses the ocean and most of the country to make it home.

Trouble ensues as she tries to prove her place is on the ranch and that she is worthy to be there. Tucker just wants to keep her safe, but the hard-headed woman is not content to stay home in the kitchen.

Favorite Character and Why:

Jessalyn was my absolute favorite. That little rascal is kind of how I envision myself. She has done a lot of raising herself and is independent, determined, and willing to do whatever needs to be done. I also identify with her struggle for self-worth.

What I liked:

This story had a lot of witty banter and funny situation. I love how Jessalyn’s family situation is unique and she is not taken aback by it. She stands up to defend those who dare to degrade them. I won’t say more about that situation because you have to read it to find out.

Kelly developed wonderful characters that were a pleasure to spend my time with. The romance thread was not your typical sweet instances, but there were moments, and in the end, she did bring it all together. In some ways, I wondered how they could really be sure they loved each other, but the story worked.

Who would like this:

Anyone who is a fan of strong women, witty banter, is not looking for a gushy romance but a sweet read, and anyone who enjoys stories written with western settings.

Amazon blurb:

“Order dictates Tucker Carmichael’s life—his orders. On a cattle drive, a moment’s hesitation can mean death. The Chisholm Trail is dirty, dangerous, and no place for women. After years at school, Jessalyn Culpepper has come home and is determined to show everyone that a woman can manage everything from cooking to cattle—whether they like it or not! Tucker tries to manage his partner’s headstrong sister, horrified when she wants to join the cattle drive. But when they need a chuck wagon cook, Jessalyn seems the only solution. Will God stir up love along a trail filled with their Plots and Pans?”

Links for purchase:

Amazon        Barnes and Noble     Christianbook.com