Monday, May 2, 2011

A Rancher’s Pride-Barbara White Daille

A Rancher’s Pride
Barbara White Daille
Harlequin American, May 3 2011, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373753574

In Flagman’s Folly, New Mexico Ronnie Ward dumps her daughter on her ex husband Sam Robertson and his mother Sharleen informing the latter she is starting over with a new man. He is stunned as he never knew he had a child. Still reeling Sam vows to be the best daddy in the world to four year old Becky.

He learns his pride and joy is deaf, but he does not care one iota. However, his former sister-in-law Kayla Ward arrives from Illinois vowing to obtain custody of her niece from the absentee father. A sign language teacher, Kayla hates Sam based on what Ronnie told her about her abusive spouse. Sharleen gets hurt in a fall; Sam goes with her to the ER though he distrusts Kayla not to flee with her niece. However, thinking what is best for the child and realizing the aunt and father wants that too, Judge Lloyd Baylor orders the pair to provide a stable environment for Becky for six weeks of joint custody before returning to court.

This is a fabulous family drama as the aunt and the dad fight for custody over his child who turns into the matchmaker. The characters are fully developed with flaws like obstinacy as each learns how irresponsible Ronnie is. Though the solution is obvious as this is a romance, fans will enjoy the trip getting their as a precocious little girl turns Flagman’s Folly into the land of Enchantment.

Harriet Klausner

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