Letter Perfect (California Historical Series Book #1)

The death of her mother brings Ruth Caldwell's life into serious upheaval. In obedience to her mother's final wishes, she travels to California to live with the father she never knew. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she finds that he is dead and she may be heir to a part of the Broken P ranch. Joshua McCain has devoted his life to the success of the Broken P ranch and is part owner of the ranch. The revelation of Ruth Caldwell's existence gives her a claim to his ranch and at first, Joshua wants nothing more than to put her on a train and send her back East. To his dismay, Ruth proves to be a kind, sweet, admirable woman and Joshua can not help but be attracted to her. However, when her clumsiness begins to involve serious incidents, he begins to wonder if something sinister may be involved. Letter Perfect is the struggle of one woman to move beyond her grief and the things of her past to embrace a future. The character of Ruth Caldwell is ridiculously clumsy and yet the author makes her seem perfectly authentic in the context of the story. The book contained just the right combination of mystery, humor, romance and culture to create a story that one will want to read over and over again.

I could not put this book down from the beginning until the end. There are a lot of lesson in life in this book, especially when we try to be something we were not created to be.... Look forward to reading more of Ms. Hake's books. This book was very exciting and unpredictable...

Really nice read, funny, heartwarming...but a little rushed at the end it seemed. And where did BANG come from? That one word, to describe something so pivotal to the book...just didn't fit the rest of the story. Overall, though, I'd recommend.   

Only wish there was more romance. I mean they only kiss once:(

I really enjoyed reading this book. I was suprised by how the suspense of the book couldn't be seen from a mile away (at least in my case). Great story!

This was an enjoyable book all and all. For those of you who may know the other authors I read and adore, I would say this was similar to reading Mary Connealy. This was my first experience with Cathy Marie Hake and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future. I am not sure if it is the pregnancy hormones or things that need to be done, but I did not zip through this book. It took me a while to read it. When I was not with it, it did not call to me like some books where I think I will go crazy if I do not read the next page. However, I did like it overall. I laughed, thought about crying, got angry, and snickered too. This story contained a wealth of emotions and a good couple handful of humor. The characters were enjoyable and some detestable just as they should be. I saw clues to what would happen and anticipated the next scene as if it were a film. Easily, this is a read that I recommend.

Cathy Marie Hake introduces Ruth Caldwell in an unforgettable story filled with humor, tears, and love. Ruth is an obedient daughter - at least she tries to be. Her mother wishes her to attend a school for young ladies and to grow up properly. But Ruth¿s innocent mishaps at the latest school sends her home once again. Once home, Ruth realizes that her mother is dying. She concedes to her mother¿s dying wish that she live with her estranged father on his ranch in California. Ruth¿s arrival to California not only causes uneasiness in her own heart, but in the lives of those she meets. She arrives in town only to discover that her father passed away several years ago and part of his ranch is now hers. Joshua McCain and his father own the other half of the ranch. But until they can settle who the rightful owner is, with the help of a circuit judge, Ruth has nowhere to go. Joshua and his family invite her to stay at the ranch and she finds an instant friend in Josh¿s sister, Laney. Life settles into a bit of a routine, albeit unpredictable as it seems Ruth has a wont for finding trouble. But the outhouse door falling on her and falling off of the sidewalk weren¿t really her fault - they were accidents. Joshua struggles between trying to protect her from herself and finding her humorous charm irresistible. When Ruth¿s accidents turn into foul play, she and Josh learn to trust in their heavenly Father in a whole new way. Cathy Marie Hake writes a wonderful story that will keep you turning the pages!

The cover snared me first, then the back cover. It was as good as I'd hoped for. Furthermore, Josh was irristable! Ruth reminded me alot of myself with all of her mishaps. I truly felt for her. The book's inspired me to start carrying a fan - whatever happened to that elegant tradition?

In 1859 Ruth Caldwell has tried to live up to her mother¿s expectations that she become a refined lady, but all the klutzy woman has to show for her efforts is being thrown out of several finishing schools as a helpless cause. However, the return home to St. Louis is not filled with embarrassment over her latest failure instead she finds her beloved mother dying of consumption. Being a lady no longer matters as she becomes a caretaker and companion until her mom passes away six months later. Her mom¿s last dying wish was for Ruth to see her biological father in California.----------- Though she would rather not, Ruth adheres to her deathbed pledge only to find her dad dead too and she a part owner of the Broken P Ranch, along with her father¿s partner, the patriarch of the McCain brood. Josh McCain helped Ruth¿s father kick alcohol and to find the Lord. He wants Ruth to claim what is rightfully her, but someone thinks otherwise as she is the source of questionable accidents that he believes are deliberate Josh plans to keep her safe.--------------------- Cathy Marie Hake smoothly combines a fine whodunit with a warm romance inside an inspirational Americana tale. Ruth is a delightful protagonist trying to please others, but failing because she does not please herself that changes when she meets Josh, who ¿introduces¿ her to the Lord, love, and her late father. The support cast is solid while the villain is in plain sight but easily overlooked. Readers will enjoy this fine historical cozy that paints a picture of faith on several levels in God, in one¿s self and in one¿s soulmate.------------ Harriet Klausner

Set in the West before the railroad land purchases, the promise of wealth drives a lot of people and Mr. McCain is no exception. Read Letter Perfect to see what lengths he will take to make sure the ranch is part of that acquisition. Ruth arrives from the East - sent by her recently deceased mother to her father. She arrives to find that he, too, has passed away. The McCains and her father were partners. Joshua McCain Jr. is noticeable displeased with her sudden appearance and claim to half their ranch. But, somehow this madcap, accident prone, striking blonde with green eyes captivates him. Everything at the ranch is about to change. Secrets are unearthed and loyalties are tested. Ms. Hake weaves a good historical mystery, full of surprises to the very end and filled with suspense. I really enjoyed reading Cathy Marie Hake for the first time.

This book was supposed to be "laugh out loud" funny. Yeah. Not so much. If you enjoy reading romance novels with reference to God and Jesus in every other sentence then this is the book for you, otherwise PASS IT BY.

This started out to be a good read, but now 2/3 of the way through I'm wondering if I can even finish it. It's kind of losing the story it started out to be, and becoming more or less all about religion, and dragging. Also, Joshua McCain is close to his father til about this point, then begins to suspect him of being less than honest. Instead of speaking to his father about it, the son talks to everyone else first...something a true "honor your father" Christian wouldn't do. I hope this picks up the pace a bit, or I'm going to quit reading it. I hate to do that so far into it.

Funny warm and charming book with inspiration and history woven throughout-hated for it to end.

I couldn't put it down. A very enjoyabla Christian Historical

I enjoyed reading this book enough that other books I was reading got put on hold. The pieces of historical information helped to zone you into the time period. I would use this book as a how to for other beginning writers that aren't quite there.

This was not my first read by this author, and want very much to read the sequel, book 2.

This was an ok book, but I have read better.

Easily five stars!!!! Good grief did I adore this!!!