Getting Your Read On: Heart of the West by Carolyn Twede Frank + Win This Book!

Independent-minded women are considered highly unsuitable in Kate Donahue’s wealthy Long Island society. Yes, Kate would lead a proper life should she marry, but her dream of practicing medicine would surely be thwarted by her domineering fiancé. To follow her dream, she must take dramatic measures. So when she reads a newspaper ad seeking a qualified small-town physician, Kate embarks on a new life in the Wild West.

Upon her arrival in the rugged settlement of Craig, Colorado, Kate is disappointed to discover that even in the West, no one wants a woman doctor. As she struggles to establish her practice, she is kept busy fending off the unwanted attentions of a local rancher, a man unnervingly reminiscent of the ex-fiancé she left behind in New York. Romantic entanglements are the last thing on Kate’s mind. That is, until she meets Lucas McCurdy, an Irish immigrant with whom she feels an undeniable connection. But when their relationship inflames a dangerous land battle, Kate and Lucas find themselves defenseless in a lawless town—a perilous position that may cost them everything.

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Heart of the West is a gentle story a woman determined to blaze her own path and live the life she wants. Kate Donahue might get knocked down a time or two but she doesn't stay there long. I loved her kindness and admired her bravery. Kate was a great representative of girl power- for herself and for the other women around her. She encouraged women around her to expand themselves, find what they love and do it, and encourage their men to be better all while staying feminine and kind. It was awesome.

I think the thing that made this book for me was the cast of characters. The story itself is nothing heart pounding or overly gripping but the characters are the meat and potatoes of it. Each person came alive with personality and it was so easy to picture them in my head. I loved the sense of community with the small town setting. A good, gentle western fiction!

Content: clean, some kissing. Mild peril.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.