This is one of those boy meets girl, girl wants nothing to do with boy but you know in the end they’ll end up together love stories. To say my literary tastes vary is a huge understatement. On any given day you may find me reading action adventure, mystery, legal drama, sappy romance, etc. Sappy romance is where this book comes in.
A Cherished Reward is set in the late 1800s in Dogwood Springs, Texas. Eden Page is trying to get on with her life after losing her husband, the town’s marshal in the line of duty. Putting the badge and job first, he was never there for her or their 3 small children. Now that he’s gone, she’s decided all law men are bad and married to their jobs. She’s guarded and very protective of her children. The townspeople don’t understand her and nobody wants to befriend her.
Enter Tanner McCay, the new marshal in town. He stumbles across Eden and her kids the moment he arrives into town and is immediately smitten. She of course is less than friendly and for much of the story is nearly hostile toward his friendly attention. For some reason Tanner isn’t swayed. Deep down he must know she’s the only one for him and so he continues to pursue her, even after countless doors are slammed in his face (one actually breaks his nose).
Two out of three of Eden’s children are excited every time they see the marshal and look forward to every encounter. The third is bitter and very protective of her father’s memory, even if the memory she has isn’t exactly the man/husband/father he was.
Eventually of course Eden sees Tanner for what he is. A handsome, rugged man who is madly in love with her who wants nothing more than to marry her and become part of their little family. He also happens to be a lawman, which she is finally able to accept and embrace.
One of the things I liked about the book was the historical backdrop; I love reading stories from different times and places. It’s nice to be taken on a trip back in history or travel vicariously through the pages of my novel. And they’re educational too. Win Win!
This book is one of the guilty pleasures I allow myself between my book club books. Those are usually much more serious and complicated. Sometimes it’s nice to just sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy a story where you know a happy ending is sure to be.
My Bungalow Days 
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