Book Review: Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

About the Book: A bet gone wrong. A small town's meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it's beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie's bosses know this is the opportunity she's been looking for to launch her career---and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he'd like, but he knows it's the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru's fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do-for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart's desires.
My Thoughts: I don't think I've read anything by Debra Clopton before but that will change from now on - I'm hooked!  I'm not really into horses myself, and yet westerns still hold a great appeal as far as fiction goes.

Believable and extremely likable characters were the biggest draw for me in this story.  Even though the ending isn't very suspenseful, you are still caught up in the storyline because you care what happens to the characters.  Her writing is excellent, and makes you feel like you're right there in the small town of Wishing Springs.  I loved it!

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.