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24 March 2015

Diana Reviews THE TROUBLE WITH PATIENCE By Maggie Brendan

 
Revell, 2015
 
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars*****
(No Spoilers!) 
 
Patience Is A Virtue! 
 
In The Trouble with Patience, author Maggie Brendan sweeps the reader away to a Montana gold rush boomtown; where cattle ranches, thieving rustlers, and handsome cowboys abound...and succulent fried chicken and biscuits are served up daily!
 
 
Patience Cavanaugh has lost her fiancé to death and her dreams along with him. Only desiring solitude and time away from her domineering, cold mother, she decides to restore a dilapidated boardinghouse. Thinking herself overweight and unattractive, she resigns herself to remaining single and supporting herself with the money she makes from boarders. Her plans, however, go somewhat awry as two eye-catching men begin to vie for her hand; Cody, a charming ranch hand, and the local marshal, Jedediah, who is too handsome for his own good! However, both men are shrouded in deadly secrets from the past and present, which could destroy their tenuous, budding relationships with Patience forever.
 
 
Maggie Brendan has written an engaging, heartwarming story with a little bit of something for everyone! Romance (including one involving an older couple -- which was delightful!), suspense, betrayal, and handsome cowpokes...all gathered together underneath a beautiful Montana sky! Patience was the epitome of graciousness and beauty, but went through a struggle many of us ladies wrestle with quite often. She compared herself with other women, and in spite of her many talents and inward beauty, her self image always came up lacking. I'm especially glad the author delved into this issue which is so prevalent in our society today. The romantic tension was so palatable one could cut it with a knife and the plot totally enthralling! I love historical fiction, but am not a great fan of westerns; however this one kept me coming back for more! Great job, Maggie Brendan!
 
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 Thanks to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
 
 This novel may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstores.
 
GIVEAWAY: Maggie Brendan is generously offering a paperback copy of The Trouble With Patience to one blessed commenter! US entrants only in this particular giveaway.




59 comments:

  1. I love reading books set in the American West, sounds like a good book!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi, PATTY! Maggie Brendan did a great job on this one! I just love that cover!

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  2. A beautiful and perfect review for this wonderful story, Diana!! Wouldn't be a hardship to have to have 2 handsome cowboys vying for your affections huh? ;)

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    1. Thank you so much, NOELA! I know...what an awful predicament to be in! ;)

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  3. Great review! I love historical fiction and any set in the west are just wonderful. Would love to read this one 😊
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi, BETTI! Thank you so much! This book sounds right up your alley then. ;)

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  4. Sounds like a great book, Diana! Thanks for the recommendation! Sounds like a lovely book from a lovely lady!

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    1. Thx so much, Carrie! Indeed a lovely lady and an awesome writer! :)

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  5. This book sounds great Diana, you do an excellent review. Isn't the cover just beautiful as well ?

    Deanne Cnnamongirl(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. I do a lot of Kindle books for authors, DEANNE, so it was nice to have this beauty of a book cover to look at while reading. Thanks so much for your sweet words of encouragement. :)

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  6. Great review Diana.
    I love historical Christian fiction and this books sounds wonderful.
    Blessings, Tina
    tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net.

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    1. Thx for sharing here and online, TINA! I appreciate you so much. Good luck in the drawing!

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  7. Brendan has, as always written an entertaining and historically interesting book. I loved it. Her love of Montana comes through with her descriptive words....you feel as though you are there :)
    No need to enter me in the drawing as I already have a copy, just wanted to voice my opinion.
    Lynne

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    1. LYNNE, thank you for showing your support of Maggie Brendan's book! I know she appreciates it and so do I! :)

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  8. This sounds so wonderful, I so love stories set in the west !
    I always thought as a teen I wanted to viist montana someday !
    Linda Marie Finn
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

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    1. I wanted a horse ranch in Montana, LINDA! lol Nice to see you again...seems like it has been awhile! :)

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  9. Thank you for your wonderful review, Diana! The Trouble With Patience sounds like a great book. Thank you, Maggie, for sharing your talent.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. You're so welcome, MELANIE! It isn't easy being a writer and I, too, appreciate Maggie for sharing her talent with us!

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  10. What a great review, Diana! Thanks! Looking forward to reading this one.

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    1. REGINA! How are you, dear friend? TY and good luck to you!

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  11. She went to thinking she's nothing to 2 man thinking she's something !Sounds good to me .Blessings,DanaGirl

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    1. I think those two handsome men may have changed her thinking somewhat, DANAGIRL. lol Actually, it just may have been something else that changed her way of thinking, but I will hush. ;)

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  12. I have read Twice Promised and Perfectly Matched in the Blue Willow Brides series by Maggie Brendan ~ drawn as a collector of Blue Willow! I would like to win and read this newest story. I hope Patience has help with her restorations! I am a historical fiction genre favored reader too ~ I am interested in another Maggie Brendan story (and visualizing "succulent fried chicken and biscuits" is making my mouth water)! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net"

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    1. LOL, KATHLEEN! My mouth watered quite often while reading this book! My Dutch mom collected Blue Willow, so of course I loved that series, too.

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  13. Great review Diana!!! And of course I found myself thinking hhmmm....I need to read this one. I may have found it on NG and I might have added it to my "never-ending overflowing pile" (no other word for it) of books! :-)

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  14. Of course, you never know when there could be a shortage of books!! ;-) Oh dear I just thought....what if my kindle dies and I can't charge it??!! lol

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    1. LOL! When Amazon reset my Kindle they removed everything. But they told me it would all be back on there, but I would have to download everything again. I.was.terrified. Then another woman came on and told me she would not have done it that way. Terrified! But all my books came back and I was a happy camper again. WHEW!

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  15. Beautiful cover! I really enjoy books set during the gold rush days! Thanks for your review & the chance to win!
    Robin in NC rw620 at aol dot com

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    1. Hi, ROBIN. I do love this cover! Thx for dropping by and speaking of dropping I just dropped your name in my cyber hat! Lol

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  16. Thank you for the review! I would love to read this.

    missionwife at hotmail com

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    1. MELODY! I have missed you! Where have you been, our friend? Hoping you get the chance to read this one asap!

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  17. Hello Diana. You don't like westerns? What's wrong with you girl? :) Been laughing at you and Noela, then Teresa got in on it. Ya'll are so funny and make me laugh so many times and I love you all, including sweet Carrie. I need those laughs. Loved the review and would sure love to win this book of Maggie's. And, love that beautiful cover. Thanks for the give-away. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. I loved THIS one, MAXIE! We are a crazy bunch, aren't we? haha Thank you, MAXIE. You know we all love you, too. And glad we could make you laugh!

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  18. I've never read a story like this before, but I like what you have shared about it!

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    1. Thank you, DAWN! Welcome to OWG. I think you will really enjoy it. When you think you have it all figured out as far as who the bad guys are the author pulls a twist. lol

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  19. I love the look on her face. I wonder what she is thinking.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. The look is priceless, JANET! I can tell you she thinks a lot! And some of her thoughts about herself are not good so maybe you can help straighten her out. (wink)

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  20. I love Westerns and historical! This book sounds great! I love the cover!
    Nancycooks4u[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. It's a delightful book, NANCY, but not all cushy. There are some ruthless men in the story that are not pretty. I know you will enjoy it if you are a western lover!

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  21. My husband & I visited Montana for our 25th Wedding Anniversary & loved it - thanks so much for the chance to win a copy of Maggie's book!

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    1. I would love to visit Montana as well, SHARON! Congrats on your many years of marriage, too!

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  22. Haven't we all, KATE? God made us all special and unique with diverse talents, and we think bc we can't do something as well as so and so, we aren't quite good enough. But there are things we do that they can't. And as Patience in the story we ALL have struggled with our body image, bc of the svelte actresses on tv.

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  23. Thanks for the beautiful review of "The Trouble With Patience", Diana!!

    I used to watch numerous western TV shows as a child, but admit that I haven't read many western novels - although, I love the history of the west, and exploring it on trips. I've heard that Montana is beautiful, it is one of the few states I haven't toured and would love to see it. I love the cover of Maggie's book - that shade of blue is my fave color, to view and wear, love the expression on the heroines face, also. This book is compelling to me because of the secrets and self-image issue - the history and romance are added bonuses.

    The story of having your Kindle reset and having to download all the books again - sounds like a nightmare, hope that isn't an event in my future. But then again - perhaps it would be a hint from God that I have too many books, both e-books and paperbacks. Some time ago, I think there were 600-700 on my Kindle and hundreds of paperbacks (my fave book form), also. They are friends I can't seem to part with!!

    Shared post!!

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    1. Thanks, BONNIE! I have watched quite a few westerns in my day as well, but it isn't my favorite genre. But this one took me by surprise! I couldn't stop reading it! I always thought having a horse ranch in Montana was my dream until hubby ruined it by telling me I wouldn't be able to stand the winters there. And he's right! lol Truly a nightmare resetting the Kindle. :/

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  24. Here i am trying to win this wonderful novel. I loved the review, Diana. You make this novel sound so interesting and fun to read. I love the cover and the title and would love to win this book. Thanks for the contest. Mary Lou K
    flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Bless you, MARY LOU! I so admire your persistency and am glad you were finally able to post a comment. That is very disheartening -- been there, done that. Thx so much for your kind words and hoping you get a copy ASAP!

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  25. Oh wow! I love Maggie's books. This cover is great, too :)
    You are on a reading frenzy, huh?

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    1. Not really, ANNE, although it may look that way! LOL It's just the way they are scheduled sometimes. I may have 2-3 weeks in a row on blog and then off for awhile, while the others do their thing. ;)

      Maggie writes such delightful stories and all her covers are great! Good luck in the drawing, dear friend!

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  26. Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Diana! I can't wait to visit this Montana boomtown!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. I can't wait for you to visit there either, MELANIE! Thanks so much for your kind words!

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  27. Diana, you've sure made "The Trouble With Patience" sound like a must read :) Love the Old West stories, Maggie :)

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    1. I'm pretty sure this book will be right up your alley, CARYL. The heroine sings and plays the piano too. :)

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  28. Great review Diana Sounds like a neat story Maggie God bless both of you
    Chris

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    1. Thank you so much, CHRIS! Have a blessed weekend!

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  29. It sounds like a great read. congrats on the wonderful sounding book.

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    1. Good luck in the drawing, TAMMY! I know you'll enjoy this one!

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  30. Love the title. The Trouble With Patience sounds very interesting. Thank you for this wonderful chance.

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    1. Welcome, MT! I don't think a winner has been drawn yet, so you made it by the skin of your teeth. lol Good luck to you, friend!

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