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Only in Gooding #4
That Certain Spark
Woman physician Taylor Bestman receives a cold welcome from the citizens of Gooding, Texas, and especially from Karl Van der Vort, the town blacksmith, who becomes her first patient ... against his will. Though hesitant to believe in Taylor's doctoring skills, Karl finds himself oddly protective of this surprising and determined woman.
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First published August 1, 2009
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About the author
Cathy Marie Hake
87 books617 followersAs a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now "grown up," she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos - one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
October 2, 2012
This book... When I got to the end, my reaction should have been, "Awww! Yay!! They got together!" like it usually is with these types of books, but I'm afraid to say that at the end of this book, I went, "YAY!!! IT'S OVER!!!" That's bad.
Why did I feel that way? Well, first, I read this after re-reading A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer, which was AMAZING. At the end of that book (which was the author's first), there was a page in the back that said something like, "Did you like this book? Try THESE books by Cathy Marie Hake!" So I was like, "Sweet! A recommendation!"
GAG. The writing was bad. There was NO "spark" (as the title indicates) between the hero and heroine, and I was WAY more interested in what happened with the heroine's brother than I was with the main characters. In fact, I wish I'd been reading a book about HIM instead. There was, what I assume was supposed to be, a "mysterious" element to the books, but it was so disjointed! As it turns out, finding out who had been doing two or three little prank-type-things during the book was the big climactic element! What a let down!
There were also some big issues with the hero and heroine themselves. Taylor was an intelligent woman who just wanted to be a doctor in a time when that just wasn't really heard of. I get that. But even though I'm an intelligent woman who studied a male-dominant subject (engineering), I just couldn't really seem to get her. Her reactions to situations just were NOT what mine would have been. She freaked out about the stupid things and didn't at the things I would have been up-in-arms about! Drove me crazy. Plus, I really wanted to hit Karl about 90% of the time. I get that he was German or whatever, but his obviously accented English drove me crazy. I was like, "I get that he's German (or whatever), but stop with the bad grammar already!" He was a hard-headed .... *GAAAAAAHHHH* and I mostly just wanted to punch him in the face and then kick him in the balls the whole time. And their romance? I guess it's really romantic to sit around debating whether or not a woman should be a doctor? Not! It just wasn't romantic. It felt like Karl's "OMG! I'm in love with her!" came out of NOWHERE. And the same goes for her feelings.
Fail. Just fail. The only reason I'm rating this two stars is because Enoch and Mercy's romance was ADORABLE! :)
Why did I feel that way? Well, first, I read this after re-reading A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer, which was AMAZING. At the end of that book (which was the author's first), there was a page in the back that said something like, "Did you like this book? Try THESE books by Cathy Marie Hake!" So I was like, "Sweet! A recommendation!"
GAG. The writing was bad. There was NO "spark" (as the title indicates) between the hero and heroine, and I was WAY more interested in what happened with the heroine's brother than I was with the main characters. In fact, I wish I'd been reading a book about HIM instead. There was, what I assume was supposed to be, a "mysterious" element to the books, but it was so disjointed! As it turns out, finding out who had been doing two or three little prank-type-things during the book was the big climactic element! What a let down!
There were also some big issues with the hero and heroine themselves. Taylor was an intelligent woman who just wanted to be a doctor in a time when that just wasn't really heard of. I get that. But even though I'm an intelligent woman who studied a male-dominant subject (engineering), I just couldn't really seem to get her. Her reactions to situations just were NOT what mine would have been. She freaked out about the stupid things and didn't at the things I would have been up-in-arms about! Drove me crazy. Plus, I really wanted to hit Karl about 90% of the time. I get that he was German or whatever, but his obviously accented English drove me crazy. I was like, "I get that he's German (or whatever), but stop with the bad grammar already!" He was a hard-headed .... *GAAAAAAHHHH* and I mostly just wanted to punch him in the face and then kick him in the balls the whole time. And their romance? I guess it's really romantic to sit around debating whether or not a woman should be a doctor? Not! It just wasn't romantic. It felt like Karl's "OMG! I'm in love with her!" came out of NOWHERE. And the same goes for her feelings.
Fail. Just fail. The only reason I'm rating this two stars is because Enoch and Mercy's romance was ADORABLE! :)
December 3, 2009
Siblings Enoch and Taylor Bestman have just arrived in Gooding, Texas. Enoch is the new veterinarian, and Taylor is the new, long-awaited doctor. When the townsfolk find out that their new doctor is a woman, they’re ready to run her right back out of town ~ especially the men! Unfortunately, Taylor has to deal with one such man as her very first patient, Karl Van der Vort, not long after arriving in town. The women, and children, are fairly quick to accept Taylor’s medical expertise, while the majority of the men try to get Enoch to treat them as well as their animals.
There are quite a few quirky characters in That Certain Spark ~ they are what kept me somewhat interested in finishing it. Widow O’Toole, who is fond of riding her velocipede all over town; Hope Stauffer who is known for turning around sayings, “yet they make sense in their own funny way”; Skylar, Karl’s dog; and last but not least, Piet, Karl’s brother ~ when he gets really upset he mixes up his word order. He still speaks in English, but reverts to Dutch word order. There are a few others, but I’ll let you discover them for yourself.
I was really excited to read That Certain Spark because I normally enjoy Cathy Marie Hake’s witty romances. Sadly, this one is not going to be one of my favorites. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still an okay book, but not what I’ve come to expect from this author. In my opinion, there was really no romance whatsoever between Taylor and Karl; most of the book they spend their time “debating” whether or not Taylor should be a doctor, since she’s a woman. This got really old. Thankfully, there was a bit of a romance between a couple of other characters, but I won't go into that and spoil it for you. :) If you enjoy mystery/suspense ~ there is somewhat of a mystery intertwined in the story ~ someone is trying to sabotage Taylor’s efforts, and run her out of town.
If you’re interested in reading other books by Cathy Marie Hake, I would recommend trying a couple of her other books first: Fancy Pants, Forevermore, or Letter Perfect, just to name a few. This way you can decide for yourself how That Certain Spark compares to her previous novels.
There are quite a few quirky characters in That Certain Spark ~ they are what kept me somewhat interested in finishing it. Widow O’Toole, who is fond of riding her velocipede all over town; Hope Stauffer who is known for turning around sayings, “yet they make sense in their own funny way”; Skylar, Karl’s dog; and last but not least, Piet, Karl’s brother ~ when he gets really upset he mixes up his word order. He still speaks in English, but reverts to Dutch word order. There are a few others, but I’ll let you discover them for yourself.
I was really excited to read That Certain Spark because I normally enjoy Cathy Marie Hake’s witty romances. Sadly, this one is not going to be one of my favorites. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still an okay book, but not what I’ve come to expect from this author. In my opinion, there was really no romance whatsoever between Taylor and Karl; most of the book they spend their time “debating” whether or not Taylor should be a doctor, since she’s a woman. This got really old. Thankfully, there was a bit of a romance between a couple of other characters, but I won't go into that and spoil it for you. :) If you enjoy mystery/suspense ~ there is somewhat of a mystery intertwined in the story ~ someone is trying to sabotage Taylor’s efforts, and run her out of town.
If you’re interested in reading other books by Cathy Marie Hake, I would recommend trying a couple of her other books first: Fancy Pants, Forevermore, or Letter Perfect, just to name a few. This way you can decide for yourself how That Certain Spark compares to her previous novels.
February 3, 2019
Maybe more like 3.5 stars...
There were things I did like about this book: the witty debates, the Twins’ affection, the cameos of past MC’s, and all of the children. The author does a sweet job of depicting children.
But there were a few things that didn’t make this a favorite of mine. First, it’s just my less romantic nature, but Enoch was soooo sappy! Yeah, I skipped through most of his romance scenes. I can’t say it’s inaccurate as it totally made me think of someone I know in real life. Second, the whole woman-doctor thing. Maybe it was just Taylor’s attitude sometimes, but she didn’t come across as a woman with a “meek and quiet spirit.” Third, one of the characters ends up with breast cancer and it then leads to a rather intimate scene between husband and wife.
I did read this over a period of almost a month, and usually when that happen I lose the flow of the story as a whole, so I tend to be slightly more critical. I definitely enjoyed the book, there were just a few scenes I cringed over.
One of the things I’m just not piecing together is the strength of the spiritual plot. The characters did seem to be “everyday Christians” rather than merely church-goers. There was one prominent scene where one character turns back to God (just gotta say, I appreciated how it was another character and not the love interest who pointed him back to Christ!). So there definitely were spiritual elements in it.
Overall, as with a few others of Hake’s books, I’d definitely say for readers 20+.
There were things I did like about this book: the witty debates, the Twins’ affection, the cameos of past MC’s, and all of the children. The author does a sweet job of depicting children.
But there were a few things that didn’t make this a favorite of mine. First, it’s just my less romantic nature, but Enoch was soooo sappy! Yeah, I skipped through most of his romance scenes. I can’t say it’s inaccurate as it totally made me think of someone I know in real life. Second, the whole woman-doctor thing. Maybe it was just Taylor’s attitude sometimes, but she didn’t come across as a woman with a “meek and quiet spirit.” Third, one of the characters ends up with breast cancer and it then leads to a rather intimate scene between husband and wife.
I did read this over a period of almost a month, and usually when that happen I lose the flow of the story as a whole, so I tend to be slightly more critical. I definitely enjoyed the book, there were just a few scenes I cringed over.
One of the things I’m just not piecing together is the strength of the spiritual plot. The characters did seem to be “everyday Christians” rather than merely church-goers. There was one prominent scene where one character turns back to God (just gotta say, I appreciated how it was another character and not the love interest who pointed him back to Christ!). So there definitely were spiritual elements in it.
Overall, as with a few others of Hake’s books, I’d definitely say for readers 20+.
February 18, 2011
I didn't even finish it. The characters had way too much conversation that was hard to follow (whether a result of poor writing/editing, or too much attempted wittiness), I kept having to re-read the page to see what I had missed, only to discover that I hadn't missed anything. The conversations also seemed stilted and unnatural.
Luckily, I had checked out 2 books by this author, so I gave the other one a try before giving up on her completely, and was pleasantly surprised by the other one. I may read more of her books.
Luckily, I had checked out 2 books by this author, so I gave the other one a try before giving up on her completely, and was pleasantly surprised by the other one. I may read more of her books.
July 15, 2020
I've enjoyed Cathy's books for years. Not sure why I haven't read this one yet but better late than never.
Taylor was mistaken for a male doctor when her twin, Enoch, took the commissions to Gooding. Enoch is to be the vet. And Taylor the doctor.
Karl is dead set that a woman belongs in a man's house not as his doctor, along with most of the town.
It is a serious case of "a woman's place is" fill in the blank.
I was so frustrated with these two but their intelligent banter was so much fun! Eventually, the town came to their senses before I threw my kindle across the room!
Electronic saved, HEA, happy day!
Taylor was mistaken for a male doctor when her twin, Enoch, took the commissions to Gooding. Enoch is to be the vet. And Taylor the doctor.
Karl is dead set that a woman belongs in a man's house not as his doctor, along with most of the town.
It is a serious case of "a woman's place is" fill in the blank.
I was so frustrated with these two but their intelligent banter was so much fun! Eventually, the town came to their senses before I threw my kindle across the room!
Electronic saved, HEA, happy day!
August 9, 2016
That Certain Spark by Cathie Marie Hake had many endearing qualities, but overall, it just did not capture my interest like I expected. I love the premise of the story of Taylor trying to secure her place in the town of Gooding, Texas as the new (female) doctor, in a time when it was hard for women to have credibility it that field. Taylor is a strong character that really stood up for what she believes in.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Taylor and her twin brother, Enoch, also the town veterinarian. It was very endearing. The romance between Enoch and Mercy is also very sweet, and though I'm normally not a fan of "love at first sight," it felt very sincere.
Karl, Taylor's new friend in Gooding, is also a surprisingly fun character to read. At first he appears sort of brutish and stubborn, and though he stays stubborn, I really enjoyed getting to know him. His re-affirmation of faith felt genuine, and I liked going along on that journey with him.
The dialog and conversation between characters was witty and fun to read, in general. Hake definitely knows how to make her characters press each other's buttons, and it makes for some entertaining scenes.
Although Karl was not the main character, I felt like I knew him better than I knew Taylor, which was disappointing to me. I liked getting to know Karl, I just wanted to know Taylor that way too.
Another issue for me was the lack of description of place; I haven't read the previous novels in this series, so perhaps that has something to do with it. I knew what the people were like, but I didn't know how to really picture the setting. For the most part, that's okay, however, sometimes it's nice to get a grasp of the setting.
The ending also fell a bit flat for me. There is a mystery about who is trying to scare Taylor, but it ended up being anti-climactic, in my opinion. The ending is happy though, so that was nice.
I will certainly read more of Hake's novel, as I distinctly remember enjoying Letter Perfect by her.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Taylor and her twin brother, Enoch, also the town veterinarian. It was very endearing. The romance between Enoch and Mercy is also very sweet, and though I'm normally not a fan of "love at first sight," it felt very sincere.
Karl, Taylor's new friend in Gooding, is also a surprisingly fun character to read. At first he appears sort of brutish and stubborn, and though he stays stubborn, I really enjoyed getting to know him. His re-affirmation of faith felt genuine, and I liked going along on that journey with him.
The dialog and conversation between characters was witty and fun to read, in general. Hake definitely knows how to make her characters press each other's buttons, and it makes for some entertaining scenes.
Although Karl was not the main character, I felt like I knew him better than I knew Taylor, which was disappointing to me. I liked getting to know Karl, I just wanted to know Taylor that way too.
Another issue for me was the lack of description of place; I haven't read the previous novels in this series, so perhaps that has something to do with it. I knew what the people were like, but I didn't know how to really picture the setting. For the most part, that's okay, however, sometimes it's nice to get a grasp of the setting.
The ending also fell a bit flat for me. There is a mystery about who is trying to scare Taylor, but it ended up being anti-climactic, in my opinion. The ending is happy though, so that was nice.
I will certainly read more of Hake's novel, as I distinctly remember enjoying Letter Perfect by her.
February 15, 2010
Cathy Marie Hake has done it again...produced another amazing Historical Romance novel. I have read Hake's 5 previous books in this collection and enjoyed each one (Letter Perfect, Bittersweet, Fancy Pants, Forevermore, and Whirlwind). In That Certain Spark we find ourselves back in good old Gooding, Texas, but this time from the perspective of Taylor Bestman.
The residents of Gooding, Texas are up in arms when they discover that their new town doctor is a woman. Dr. Taylor Bestman gives up her successful medical practice in Chicago to move to Gooding with her brother Enoch where he intends to start up a veterinary clinic. Since the town also needs a doctor he thinks it is the perfect opportunity for them. But through a misunderstanding the townspeople are shocked to realize that their new medical doctor is a woman. The town blacksmith Karl Vandervoort becomes Taylor's first (unwilling) patient but they quickly become friends as he escorts her on her rounds. There are plenty of sparks between Taylor and Karl as he tries to keep her safe from the disgruntled towns people. Taylor is strong headed and independent, but learns she need to trust both in God and the people God uses, to keep her safe and provided for.
It was also fun to catch up on some of Hake's previous characters from Whirlwind and Fancy Pants.
The residents of Gooding, Texas are up in arms when they discover that their new town doctor is a woman. Dr. Taylor Bestman gives up her successful medical practice in Chicago to move to Gooding with her brother Enoch where he intends to start up a veterinary clinic. Since the town also needs a doctor he thinks it is the perfect opportunity for them. But through a misunderstanding the townspeople are shocked to realize that their new medical doctor is a woman. The town blacksmith Karl Vandervoort becomes Taylor's first (unwilling) patient but they quickly become friends as he escorts her on her rounds. There are plenty of sparks between Taylor and Karl as he tries to keep her safe from the disgruntled towns people. Taylor is strong headed and independent, but learns she need to trust both in God and the people God uses, to keep her safe and provided for.
It was also fun to catch up on some of Hake's previous characters from Whirlwind and Fancy Pants.
September 4, 2009
I won this book from Goodreads, and in all honesty, I don't know that I would have picked it up otherwise.
On one hand, I primarily liked the main character, Taylor, and how she was an independant woman in a time where that was unheard of. I liked the witty dialogue and how Taylor bantered with her brother and how her relationship with Karl develops.
On the other hand, I wasn't sure what the book was trying to be - a love story or a mystery... Regardless, I found each story line kind of lacking some meat. And the whole thing with the brother's wife - I missed it. On one page everything is fine... the next, not so much. I actually flipped back and forth a couple of times to see if I had missed a page or two. It would have been a good mystery based on how Taylor outs the criminal, but I sincerely wonder if they would have even grasped the idea of dominant and recessive genes. I envision more of the "stupid woman, you don't know what you are talking about" attitude.
Bottom line - If you read her books and you like her books... you will probably like this one. Having no basis of comparison for this author, I say that I am a little disappointed and probably would not pick up antoher one.
On one hand, I primarily liked the main character, Taylor, and how she was an independant woman in a time where that was unheard of. I liked the witty dialogue and how Taylor bantered with her brother and how her relationship with Karl develops.
On the other hand, I wasn't sure what the book was trying to be - a love story or a mystery... Regardless, I found each story line kind of lacking some meat. And the whole thing with the brother's wife - I missed it. On one page everything is fine... the next, not so much. I actually flipped back and forth a couple of times to see if I had missed a page or two. It would have been a good mystery based on how Taylor outs the criminal, but I sincerely wonder if they would have even grasped the idea of dominant and recessive genes. I envision more of the "stupid woman, you don't know what you are talking about" attitude.
Bottom line - If you read her books and you like her books... you will probably like this one. Having no basis of comparison for this author, I say that I am a little disappointed and probably would not pick up antoher one.
October 26, 2010
I always enjoy Cathy Hake's books, and this one did not disappoint.
Her females are strong and witty, and I could only hope I would be the same in this situation.
The Bestmans decide to move to Texas, to become the town Doctor and Vet. However the town is outraged to find the doctor is not the vet's brother, but indeed his sister. The town is upset and refuse a woman doctor.
Things go awry not only for the doctor, but for the vet as well as he has fallen in love with a young widow, with her own problems. Can a man whom is struggling and fighting with his relationship with God help them? Will he accept the Dr. or will he use her service and then turn a blind eye on her?
The story gets a tad confusing at the end, but the book more than makes up for it. If you like love stories (not to be confused with romance novels) and you are a christian, you will enjoy this book.
Her females are strong and witty, and I could only hope I would be the same in this situation.
The Bestmans decide to move to Texas, to become the town Doctor and Vet. However the town is outraged to find the doctor is not the vet's brother, but indeed his sister. The town is upset and refuse a woman doctor.
Things go awry not only for the doctor, but for the vet as well as he has fallen in love with a young widow, with her own problems. Can a man whom is struggling and fighting with his relationship with God help them? Will he accept the Dr. or will he use her service and then turn a blind eye on her?
The story gets a tad confusing at the end, but the book more than makes up for it. If you like love stories (not to be confused with romance novels) and you are a christian, you will enjoy this book.
May 25, 2020
I got about 129 pages in and just couldn't finish. The dialog was unbelievable, the point of view kept jumping around and I just couldn’t get into the story. Maybe it got better later on, but I just didn’t care enough to finish.
October 17, 2023
I loved this book! Not as much as Fancy Pants but I still really enjoyed the characters. I thought the plot was fun until the end. There was just a lot that happened in those last two chapters that I was like woah! Really enjoyed reading this book. 🥰
February 14, 2010
My Review
The Town of Gooding, Texas just got their very own Veterinarian & Doctor siblings Enoch & Taylor Bestman. The only problem? Dr. Taylor Bestman in a woman! Within two minutes of stepping foot in town Taylor already has the town in an uproar! How is she to prove herself to these people? Especially to her very first patient, the town blacksmith?
The book starts out promising, flows nicely at first, but as it proceeds the conversations get harder and harder to follow, and the writing isn't as tight. The Characters are okay, but many of them lack depth. I didn't feel any emotional tie to either the heroine or the hero. This book had a strong beginning a weak middle and an okay ending.
On top of that, the main focus of this entire book wasn't as interesting as the background stories.
Definitely my least favorite book of this four part series. However, If you've read the other books in the series, go ahead and read it, you'll find many of your favorite characters of her past books in That Certain Spark.
The Town of Gooding, Texas just got their very own Veterinarian & Doctor siblings Enoch & Taylor Bestman. The only problem? Dr. Taylor Bestman in a woman! Within two minutes of stepping foot in town Taylor already has the town in an uproar! How is she to prove herself to these people? Especially to her very first patient, the town blacksmith?
The book starts out promising, flows nicely at first, but as it proceeds the conversations get harder and harder to follow, and the writing isn't as tight. The Characters are okay, but many of them lack depth. I didn't feel any emotional tie to either the heroine or the hero. This book had a strong beginning a weak middle and an okay ending.
On top of that, the main focus of this entire book wasn't as interesting as the background stories.
Definitely my least favorite book of this four part series. However, If you've read the other books in the series, go ahead and read it, you'll find many of your favorite characters of her past books in That Certain Spark.
September 14, 2011
I really liked That Certain Spark. The characters in this story were wonderful and the relationships were well developed. The sibling relationships between Taylor and Enoch and Karl and Piet were right on with loving teasing, sibling support and encouragement to develop in their relationships with God. The romantic relationships between Enoch and Mercy and Taylor and Karl showed the whimsy, struggle, support and developing feelings that normally develop as romantic love grows. The depiction between the townspeople and Taylor as they learn to accept a female doctor during a time period when this wasn't the norm and when men thought it totally indecent was very well done. Looking forward to reading another in Hake's Texas Historical series as a "Texan in heart."
January 8, 2011
Twins, Taylor and Enoch, are headed to Texas. He's a vet. She's a doctor. But the town of Gooding missed the message that Taylor was a she, and now she has to win over 80% of the populace in a matter of months.
A feat that might even be possible if Taylor was the type to schmooze or hold those in her debt accountable or even to declare her own achievements publically.
But she isn't. She's totally committed to her oath. To place the needs of her patients above anything else.
Especially her own safety.
Which is driving Karl, the local blacksmith--who arrives on her doorstep in pain and then never really leaves--crazy!
I enjoyed it. The cover gives off a breezy air, but it was more serious than that. Cathy Marie Hake is a new author for me, and I'll definitely be checking out more of her books.
A feat that might even be possible if Taylor was the type to schmooze or hold those in her debt accountable or even to declare her own achievements publically.
But she isn't. She's totally committed to her oath. To place the needs of her patients above anything else.
Especially her own safety.
Which is driving Karl, the local blacksmith--who arrives on her doorstep in pain and then never really leaves--crazy!
I enjoyed it. The cover gives off a breezy air, but it was more serious than that. Cathy Marie Hake is a new author for me, and I'll definitely be checking out more of her books.
January 16, 2012
I read this book because I liked the cover. I had never read anything by this author before and it was a pretty quick read. Taylor and Enoch are twins and they come to the town of Gooding, Texas to be the new doctor and veterinarian. The town is shocked to discover that Taylor, the new doctor, is a woman, and many refuse to see her because of it. Her first patient is Karl, the town blacksmith, who also is against being seen by a woman doctor. However, he can't deny her skill in healing him and soon sparks begin to fly between the two of them. Taylor must overcome the prejudice of the town to help fulfill her dreams. There is also a romance between her brother Enoch and a woman named Mercy but I didn't think it was very well developed.
June 21, 2014
Interesting story of a twin brother and sister, he is a vet and she is a physician. Moving together to a small town, the residents do not want a lady doctor! So in the middle of this dilemma, he falls in love with a sweet widow, and a hard-nosed welder/smithy falls in love with the doctor...after he realizes how the Lord must have called her to do this work and save people's lives. Several people rededicate their lives to Christ during the fights and betrayals that take place and God moves in their hearts.
August 7, 2014
The author certainly wanted her readers to know that a woman could be a good general practitioner and she spared no words in this story to drive home that point. Yes, it does take place in the 1890s, and a woman doctor was a rarity. But really, we get it. Is there another point to this story? Hmmm, God is good, family is important, and romance can blossom where you least expect it. OK – on to the next book. Glad this tedious read is over.
August 14, 2009
AT certain points I was lost in this book between who was speaking. You know like when you're thinking something in your head and then you say something that no one understands because you haven't had the conversation out loud. I did like how she develops or the relationship between her brother and wife played out. Some plots I don't think were developed as they could be.
October 19, 2010
This was a cute, clean book. You might want to read it for the good, uplifting, light read that it is. It had good Christian messages and discussions throughout. There were some tender scenes; I even cried once. I just found it a bit too formulaic and predictable, not to mention somewhat unrealistic in some of the details. It never fully caught my attention.
October 27, 2009
This book is a lovely story of a female doctor who comes to a Texas town and has to overcome the stereotype of a woman belonging in the home. Romance sparks when the local blacksmith is forced to seek her help. Women readers with a penchant for romance and historical fiction will enjoy this book.
October 31, 2009
This book provides a great insight to the plight of women doctors in the 1800's. It's a Christian romance set in a small Texan town with long time citizens, Dutch immigrants and twins who are contracted by the town to be the doctor and the vet. Entertaining through and through.
January 26, 2010
Usually I love CMH books but I did not enjoy this book. It was very choppy and moved from one scene to the next without telling you what was happening. It was very confusing. I eventually stopped reading and just read the last chapter. :(
February 12, 2010
The evangelical message in this book literally hammered you over the head on almost every page but the story of a 19th century female doctor and the prejudices she had to overcome was sweet.
October 10, 2010
It was very choppy, I'd lose track going from one paragraph to another as if there was missing information.
August 24, 2018
I really like the Gooding series - Forevermore (book 2) was REALLY good, and whirlwind (book 3) was pretty good. That Certain Spark (book 4) was not. It COULD have been - had a great deal of potential - but it wasn't. There were just too many issues with the book.
(+) I really like Taylor, the female doctor and protagonist. She's smart, stubborn, and has a good sense or humour.
(+) the dialogue between Taylor and her twin brother Enoch is funny and full of energy.
(+) the dialogue between Karl and Taylor is also quite enjoyable, although I often want to shake Karl
(-) the insta-love between Enoch and Mercy was not just unbelievable but also almost revoltingly sappy. I hated the way Enoch totally changed personality around Mercy, and how forward he was with her before they were married or even properly courting. It's not that I'm opposed to physical contact between non-married couples, but this is 1890s Texas, and a big deal is made about propriety (the impropriety of a woman doctor being alone with a male patient is the premise of the book, after all), so Enoch's treatment of Mercy really seems improper. I was really relieved when they got married and we could put their 'romance' aside.
(-) the ending was altogether too abrupt, unbelievable, and generally lazy. For example, the book is about getting enough names on The List (people who would allow a woman doctor to treat them). All the way till the end, there's a bunch of hard-headed people who refuse to put their names on the list. Then suddenly, one of the men changes his mind and puts his whole family on the list, even though previously he refused to let his wife bring the children to the doctor, and suddenly there's not only enough people on the list but more than enough? I mean, i would believe it if this happened after the doctor saved his baby or something, but his baby daughter died as a result of him refusing to call for the doctor, and he still blamed her after! If your baby daughter dying doesn't change your mind about the doctor, why would something much smaller?
(-) there was this whole plot line about how Karl loves Taylor and wants her to marry him, but Taylor feels she's married to her job and can't have a family at the same time (it's not a spoiler; you could tell from chapter one this was gonna happen). I was really looking forward to the resolution of this, because I think it really is a pertinent and serious issue and worth the struggle throughout the book. But then...no resolution, AT ALL. She just suddenly agrees to marry him - where did that sudden change of heart come from? I mean, yes you could tell she really liked him, but all the way until the page before she agrees to marry him, she's really firm on her stance, and NOTHING happens to change her mind. So why does she?! And they don't work out how she'll overcome all the (very valid) obstacles to her having a family AND working that she brought up earlier. I'm honestly fine either way, but you can't just pretend these issues don't exist.
All in all, quite a disappointment. This book had such potential - such a pity that it didn't live up to it.
(+) I really like Taylor, the female doctor and protagonist. She's smart, stubborn, and has a good sense or humour.
(+) the dialogue between Taylor and her twin brother Enoch is funny and full of energy.
(+) the dialogue between Karl and Taylor is also quite enjoyable, although I often want to shake Karl
(-) the insta-love between Enoch and Mercy was not just unbelievable but also almost revoltingly sappy. I hated the way Enoch totally changed personality around Mercy, and how forward he was with her before they were married or even properly courting. It's not that I'm opposed to physical contact between non-married couples, but this is 1890s Texas, and a big deal is made about propriety (the impropriety of a woman doctor being alone with a male patient is the premise of the book, after all), so Enoch's treatment of Mercy really seems improper. I was really relieved when they got married and we could put their 'romance' aside.
(-) the ending was altogether too abrupt, unbelievable, and generally lazy. For example, the book is about getting enough names on The List (people who would allow a woman doctor to treat them). All the way till the end, there's a bunch of hard-headed people who refuse to put their names on the list. Then suddenly, one of the men changes his mind and puts his whole family on the list, even though previously he refused to let his wife bring the children to the doctor, and suddenly there's not only enough people on the list but more than enough? I mean, i would believe it if this happened after the doctor saved his baby or something, but his baby daughter died as a result of him refusing to call for the doctor, and he still blamed her after! If your baby daughter dying doesn't change your mind about the doctor, why would something much smaller?
(-) there was this whole plot line about how Karl loves Taylor and wants her to marry him, but Taylor feels she's married to her job and can't have a family at the same time (it's not a spoiler; you could tell from chapter one this was gonna happen). I was really looking forward to the resolution of this, because I think it really is a pertinent and serious issue and worth the struggle throughout the book. But then...no resolution, AT ALL. She just suddenly agrees to marry him - where did that sudden change of heart come from? I mean, yes you could tell she really liked him, but all the way until the page before she agrees to marry him, she's really firm on her stance, and NOTHING happens to change her mind. So why does she?! And they don't work out how she'll overcome all the (very valid) obstacles to her having a family AND working that she brought up earlier. I'm honestly fine either way, but you can't just pretend these issues don't exist.
All in all, quite a disappointment. This book had such potential - such a pity that it didn't live up to it.
April 4, 2020
I have read quite a few Christian romances in my day, and this one was fairly middle of the road. It was not too preachy, which I appreciated, and both the main character and the love interest were interesting. The main character is a female doctor, newly arrived in a small town in Texas towards the end of the 1800s. She arrives with her male twin, the new veterinarian, and her presence in town as the new physician is the main conflict of the book. Most of the men in the town do not believe she should be working as a doctor, including the love interest initially. The story had enough conflicts to make the plot interesting, and the romance developed believably enough (rather quick still, but seemed appropriate for the time-period). Overall, good, and I am reading one of the sequels currently.
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in Christian historical romances as it was still sweet and had a strong female character. She and the love interest also have a friendship/romance built on mental sparring.
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in Christian historical romances as it was still sweet and had a strong female character. She and the love interest also have a friendship/romance built on mental sparring.
April 21, 2021
Maybe I'm being an asshole, but I kind of hated this story. I was excited to read a feminist romance novel, but even the main character, Taylor— who is supposed to be a feminist— feels like she isn't one. I'm definitely reading it from the perspective of a woman in the 21st century, and I know I'm not viewing it in a wholly fair light, however, it still hurt a bit to read. I didn't like the love interest, Karl, and I enjoyed several background characters more than the main characters.
I don't know.
Also, sometimes the over-inclusion of Christianity felt weirdly forced. This might be the 21st century seeping out of me as a reader again, but I feel like even Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë was less overbearing in its religious themes. And Jane Eyre was written in 1847 by the daughter of a priest, and it took place in many religious settings, like at a catholic boarding school.
I mean— I share the same name as the main character (Taylor), so I feel like that might've greatly impacted my reading experience.
I don't know.
Also, sometimes the over-inclusion of Christianity felt weirdly forced. This might be the 21st century seeping out of me as a reader again, but I feel like even Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë was less overbearing in its religious themes. And Jane Eyre was written in 1847 by the daughter of a priest, and it took place in many religious settings, like at a catholic boarding school.
I mean— I share the same name as the main character (Taylor), so I feel like that might've greatly impacted my reading experience.
March 2, 2019
I have read all the books up to this point in this series. This one was my least favorite. Many times it was confusing. I wasn't really on board with the main characters, Dr. Taylor and Karl. Sometimes I liked them, sometimes I was not interested. I don't think a man with the attitude of Karl would be changed as drastically as it was in this book. I was more interested in Taylor's brother, veterinarian Doc Enoch and Mercy, the owner of the boarding house. The difficult people of the town seemed more prominent and mean spirited than in the other books of the series...and boy, I hope, if I read the next one, they will finally banish Orville and Doc (Wicky?). I am tired of hearing about them.
May 17, 2017
I read this for an assignment on Christian fiction, which is not my preferred genre. I've read one other Cathy Hake novel and this title definitely had a much stronger Christian element to it than the last one (Fancy Pants). It's not something I personally enjoy, but Hake write well-crafted characters and interesting plot lines, so I'd definitely recommend this to someone who enjoys Christian fiction that falls on the preachy side.
April 5, 2019
I have really enjoyed Hake's other books but this one just wasn't for me. I couldn't relate to the characters. In fact, they actually got on my nerves.
The writing was choppy and I had trouble focusing on the story. The humor seemed forced which was a let-down for me, since I love to laugh. I found myself rolling my eyes in stead of finding things funny, most times.
I hope this is just a fluke and will give Hake another chance since I have liked her books in the past.
The writing was choppy and I had trouble focusing on the story. The humor seemed forced which was a let-down for me, since I love to laugh. I found myself rolling my eyes in stead of finding things funny, most times.
I hope this is just a fluke and will give Hake another chance since I have liked her books in the past.
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