Customer Reviews

Letter Perfect

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

LETTER PERFECT was for this reviewer an introduction to a new author who impressed me with her lovely story of faith, love and filled with characters that will warm your heart.

Ruth Caldwell is a young woman of uncommon beauty and kindness who unfortunately has a penchant for creating chaos --- but only with the best intentions. As a result, she has been sent home from her latest `finishing school'. Home once again, Ruth is dismayed to discover that her beloved mother is ailing and has been for some time. It doesn't take Ruth long to realize that her ailing mother is in fact dying, and she extracts from Ruth a promise that upon her death, Ruth will travel to meet the father she's never seen.

After an arduous three week stage coach ride Ruth, who attracts smudges and dirt like a magnet, gets off the stagecoach and is met by Josh McCain who is at first dismayed that she has shown up bedraggled and all. Knowing that her very existence threatens his family's claim to the ranch he has brought back from near ruin, he urges her to claim her inheritance. When Ruth, the accident-prone misfit starts to have more serious accidents than can be explained, Josh begins to uncover a sinister plot that will have serious repercussions for all concerned and realizes at the same time that he's fallen in love with Ruth.

This was a lively and endearing tale that had me both laughing and crying throughout. It was well-written with witty dialog, a sustainable intrigue and positively brilliant characterizations of the leading players and secondary ones as well. Ruth was a gal after my own heart. I fully empathized with her bumbling through life with only the best of intentions and somewhat disastrous results. She may have been a bumblebroth in many things but in her self-effacing loving support and kindness towards Josh's sister Laney and towards all she meets, she was heaven sent. Josh, while not depicted as a warrior hero, was a hero nonetheless in my mind as he wore his honor in being a true Christian in his clear support of Ruth's claim to the detriment of his own family's interest. This was a beautiful story of faith and love and one that I could consider as a keeper to read again.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

How do I begin to tell you about this charming, engaging book? Ruth Caldwell does not have a letter-perfect life. Ruth has been sent home from yet another finishing school; at least it is home with Mama who loves her just as she is. Home is full of love, laughter, and acceptance--no worries about social graces, poetry readings, or hairpins.

Mama never seems to see Ruth's flaws. In her presence, Ruth doesn't mind being tall, clumsy, and free-thinking. Unfortunately, Mama is very ill. The only other person to care for 17-year-old Ruth is her father, Alan Caldwell. Alan sent Mama back to Jefferson City shortly after their marriage and he is unaware of Ruth's existence. On her deathbed, Mama makes Ruth promise to find her father in California.

Ruth fulfills her promise, and sets out to the Broken P Ranch near Sacramento. The year is 1859. In California, that means small, dusty towns, stagecoaches, and the Pony Express. But what does it mean for a woman, especially a woman like Ruth? It means, "'Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.' Ruth, there's a whole symphony out there--but the players only care about themselves and making impressions on others. Your open-hearted honesty is precious to God...Never apologize for staying true to who God created you to be."

Ruth's missteps, miscues, and mistakes make this book a hoot to read. If that's not enough, there's also adventure, romance, and mystery. Christian readers will more than appreciate the strong faith that characterizes Ruth and her friends. It is clear that Christ makes all the difference, whatever the circumstances--to Him be the glory!

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommend Letter Perfect, a very fun to read book!

Seeing as this book has gotten mixed reviews I wasn't sure what I would think. I'm not a huge fan of Christian fiction, but I picked up this book initially because the back cover sounded interesting.
I did enjoy the story, Ruth a bumbling imperfect lady who is sent to California and could claim part of the ranch the McCain family has come to own, and I thought the characters and setting were wonderfully rich. I liked that the author included a lot of historical facts to make here setting rich and colorful-such as the building of the railroad, an upcoming election, the Pony Express. I also thought the twist in the plot was a great one-although it did become a little forced and too crazy in the end and I felt it took awhile to get there. I didn't mind the extra subplot about the O'Sullivan's as they are main characters for the authors next book.
As far as what I didn't like, I found the book to be overly preachy at times. The characters acted and spoke in ways that the perfect Christian characters would which at times I found a little annoying. I also thought the story dragged a bit and that the characters talked in circles a lot-will Ruth claim the ranch, yes, no, yes no-I didn't understand why it was taking so long for that part to develop!
All in all, the story is a good one and worth reading. The characters are beautiful-even if they are sometimes too perfect-and the twist in the story makes it worthwhile. I fail to call it a romance as the romance is very subtle and seems to come on suddenly, but it is rich historical fiction. I am looking forward to reading the author's next novel, Bittersweet, as it revolves around Laney and Galen. If you are looking for a wholesome, fun read, than Letter Perfect is something you will enjoy.

I really wanted to like this book and read it through to the end, even though I probably should have abandoned it. It took several weeks which is saying something...The library has the book marked as romance, but it is not very romantic. Characters are flat, boring details, predictable story. There were even times when I read passages and couldn't understand what the author was trying to say...especially when she would say something like "He threw his head back and laughed..." I would have to re-read it to find out what was funny and was still left wondering. Some great options for historical fiction are Gilbert Morris, DeAnne Gist, or Lori Copeland.

Cathy Marie Hake presents a fun and exciting read with this one! The heroine is someone with whom I can identify because she doesn't quite fit the normal lady's mold. I found myself giggling over numerous passages and marveling at how our heroine keeps positive and cheerful through hardships she faces. She is full of life and fun! Even our hero finds himself falling for her because she is a truly loving and caring individual....

This book addresses personal insecurities, patience, generosity to others, finding good in others, and so much more if you're willing to see it! Our attitudes toward life are a decision. C.M. Hake and her characters choose to look at the lighter, more positive side of life! If you want a cute story with laugh-out-loud funny situations, pick this one up! It is sure to please! I love all Cathy Marie Hake's stories! I look forward to Laney's own story and more stories in future releases from C.M. Hake!

Praise for a wonderful read!

I thought this book was going to be sooo great! I love Hake and that back sounded awsome. The character,Ruth, in the begining even sounded so intreseting but then it was so boring. It just died in the middle. Even before the middle. Why was there so much on secondary characters when there was absolutly no point. There was no spark between the two main characters by the time the ended up together i was so bored with them. Josh had like no emotions either. he was so even on one line it was wierd! If i'd known it was going to be soo flat I wouldnt have bothered, read Measure of a Lady much more Intresting.

LETTER PERFECT is the story of Ruth Caldwell, a young woman who wants to fulfill her mother's dying wish and travels to Folsom, California to meet her father who doesn't know that she exists. Ruth's greatest failing is that she is clumsy, but she has such a kind and loving heart and a wonderful outlook on life, that you can't help but like her. Josh McCain is a strong, dependable man who just wants to run his ranch and provide for his sister and father without any complications. However, with the arrival of Ruth, his life is full of difficulties. Though Josh is attracted to Ruth from the first moment they meet, her clumsiness is annoying to him, yet he can't help but notice her good intentions. After a while, even her clumsiness becomes endearing to him. However, not all the mishaps that are taking place are from Ruth's clumsiness. It seems that someone is trying to harm her.

I found this book to be delightful, full of humor and fun. There is plenty of mystery and some bittersweet moments as well. Although I enjoyed the main characters, Ruth and Josh, I found that Cathy Marie Hake filled this book with many other interesting characters as well. Letter Perfect was fun to read from beginning to end.

I thought this author was brave..as a Christian author..to cover some of the subject matter so candidly and so realisticly! Many Christians authors write as if godly people have no desires, or sexuality or make any mistakes. I thought the humor in this book was a terrific balance...just delightful all around. I did not give her 5 stars because I felt it was a bit long..but I am glad she didn't end it with a "happy ever after' for the character...after all...life is not always that way. Besides...it left room for the next book...which I look forward to!

Cathy Marie Hake introduces Ruth Caldwell in an unforgettable story filled with humor, tears, and love.

Ruth is an obedient daughter - at least she tries to be. Her mother wishes her to attend a school for young ladies and to grow up properly. But Ruth's innocent mishaps at the latest school sends her home once again. Once home, Ruth realizes that her mother is dying. She concedes to her mother's dying wish that she live with her estranged father on his ranch in California.

Ruth's arrival to California not only causes uneasiness in her own heart, but in the lives of those she meets. She arrives in town only to discover that her father passed away several years ago and part of his ranch is now hers.

Joshua McCain and his father own the other half of the ranch. But until they can settle who the rightful owner is, with the help of a circuit judge, Ruth has nowhere to go. Joshua and his family invite her to stay at the ranch and she finds an instant friend in Josh's sister, Laney.

Life settles into a bit of a routine, albeit unpredictable as it seems Ruth has a wont for finding trouble. But the outhouse door falling on her and falling off of the sidewalk weren't really her fault - they were accidents. Joshua struggles between trying to protect her from herself and finding her humorous charm irresistible.

When Ruth's accidents turn into foul play, she and Josh learn to trust in their heavenly Father in a whole new way.

Cathy Marie Hake writes a wonderful story that will keep you turning the pages!

This book took me a long time to finish, but not because it was boring. I didn't want to ruin the cover, and it was autographed, so I left it at home. Now that I've finished I wonder what took me so long. The story is charming and witty and the characters are engaging. I loved the suspenseful element of not knowing who was causing Ruth to have so many accidents. Then when the reader discovers who it is, the rest of the story keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering when the perpetrator is going to harm Ruth irrevocably.

The developing love between Ruth and Josh from their common faith and friendship was tender and precious. I really enjoyed that thread in the story; especially when Josh prayed for Ruth. There isn't a more romantic and intimate thing a man can do for the woman he loves than to pray for her concerns while tenderly holding her hands. Josh was the ultimate hero once he got past his concern that Ruth was going to steal his inheritance. The spiritual lessons that came out of this story were divine as well. Overall I'd recommend this story because it will put a smile on your face and keep you reading until the end...as long as it isn't autographed. :)