Maggie Brendan’s debut novel, No Place for a Lady, combines many elements that make for a great historical read: a pampered Southern belle, an ambitious cowboy on her aunt’s cattle ranch, love interests who come between them, tragedy, conflicts and surprises. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Colorado Rockies, the story begins when Crystal Clark arrives at her Aunt Kate’s spread following the death of her father. Thrust into the rigors of life in the West, Crystal struggles to discover God’s plan for her future. Does she embrace this new adventure and admit her attraction to her aunt’s rugged, hardworking ranch foreman, Luke Weber, or return to Georgia where she knows what to expect and what’s expected of her?

Luke wants a ranch of his own, and marrying the local cattle baron’s daughter will give him that. But first, he has to get the cattle to market with the so-called help of Crystal, Kate’s seemingly fragile and yet feisty niece who’s captured his attention. Torn between following his dream and heeding the call of his heart, he struggles to find answers. Only when he looks to the Lord for them is peace possible.

Discovering a new writer whose work I enjoy is a treat. Brendan has earned a place on my Sure-to-please Authors’ list. I like her characters, her heartwarming tale and her storytelling ability. I’m looking forward to the second book in her Heart of the West series when readers will discover what the future holds for a secondary character who was dealt a blow in No Place for a Lady.