I think this story in the series might be my favorite. Maybe because it brought closure to each of the ladies in this series, or maybe because I really liked this main character a lot and I was definitely surprised by her "secret" she was hiding. The ending kind of took me by surprise too and that is always a plus. This story is just a continuation of the previous story, so this series reads like one big book. You could read it as a stand alone, though you would miss out on a lot of the background of the story.

Naomi Higgins is the last woman to pick her "husband for hire". She isn't drawn to any of the men In Hope Falls who are there to help start a sawmill, and hopefully be chosen as a husband by Naomi. Michael Strode has come into town as a master carpenter in hopes of being accepted and bringing his son there to live. Michael and Naomi will be thrown together as they both work on a elaborate dollhouse for a friend. (Reading about the building of the dollhouse was very interesting to me.) Naomi doesn't think she is worthy of Michael, although she does like him a lot, and Michael doesn't think Naomi would want him and his past, although he has fallen in love with her. It will take some time, but they will both come to know each other's pasts and love each other even more.

This was a well written series. I had, at times, a hard time with the ladies taking over this town and being so high minded about it; especially when some of the men truly just wanted to help them. But they had good hearts and all found men that were strong, take charge guys, but who also saw the value of their fiancee and loved those strengths in them. ( )

Strong and Stubborn by Kelly Eileen Hake
5 STARS

Husbands for Hire book 3
This book had a bunch of surprises to me in it. I laughed and cried with the women of
Hope Falls. This book takes place right after book 2
Naomi Higgins is the one who has not chosen a husband yet. Naomi is hiding secrets from everyone. Years ago she had a guy courting her and her younger sister stole him away from her. Naomi is shy and would rather read a book than socialize.
Carpenter Michael Strode had married for money to give a pregnant lady a name and father for her son. His wife died and his mother-in-law wants her grandson. Michael won't hand him over and leaves town with his 10 year old son Luke. Michael leaves his son in Texas with his sister has he goes to find a new home for them.
Michael gets off the train in Hope Falls and finds a diaster the mine has colasped again trapping in Lacey Lyman and fiance Chase Dimstam in it. They were looking for evidence of the first colaspe of the mine was sabatage.
Michael joins right in the middle of the fray and helps with the rescue attempt.
Naomi after that diaster finds that someone had sent a payment ahead of time and ordered a fancy doll house to be made. So Naomi and Michael work together to make the doll house in a workshop. They are both drawn to each other. Michael knows that Naomi will be making a big mistake if she marries for money.
I have never wanted a dollhouse to play as adult but now I can see how it could be addicting to own one.
Thier is drama,emotions are touched and laughter out loud as I enjoyed this book. I hope this is not the last of Hope Falls we will see.
This is a very clean read. Does mention prayer as part of daily life.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
11/01/2012 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc. ISBN: 1602607621 323 pages ( )