Friday, July 30, 2010

Book Review: Fancy Pants


Fancy Pants. Cathy Marie Hake. 2007. Bethany House. 384 pages.

New York, 1890
Rexall Hume planted his hands on the desk and leaned forward, his scowl rivaling a gargoyle's. "You've tested my patience far too long, Lady Hathwell. A year and a day--that's how long I've waited."
After finding Mr. Hume a huge disappointment, Syndey's moved on to plan B. That plan? To disguise herself as a man, travel to Texas--Gooding, Texas--and become a ranch hand on her uncle's place. Maybe it's not the perfect plan. But she's hoping it's good enough to get by a couple of months. That's all she needs. She'd go as herself, BUT she's heard her uncle hates women and that he doesn't have any use for women on a ranch. And there's the fact that he already thinks she's a he. His telegram telling her to come to Texas proved that. He's happy to welcome his nephew.

Tim Creighton has always enjoyed ranching. He owns a share in Forsaken Ranch. And he's always welcomed a challenge or two. But. The arrival of "Syd" Hathwell may just be his undoing. Because he can tell from looking that Syd has never worked a day in his life. He is so clueless. How can he transform Syd into a competent ranch hand?! It seems impossible. Still. Someone has to make Syd into a man, and Tim and the other ranch hands try their best.

Sydney was disappointed--in a way--that her uncle was away. Tim is in charge of Forsaken, and he puzzles her. She wants to earn his respect, his friendship, but she knows that if her secret comes out, then, everything will change. And Velma, the cook, wasn't fooled for a minute. So it is only a matter of time...

I enjoyed this one for the most part. It was an entertaining read--very satisfying. It did get slightly preachy for a chapter or two before Sydney's conversion. But I still liked this one.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

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