Love in the Balance Book Review

SUMMARY:  Handsome Cowboy or Debonair Tycoon - How's a Girl to Choose?
     Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas.  She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau.  The problem is, with Bailey's poor prospects, she just can't fit the two dreams together.
     Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town - and her life - and for the first time Molly wonders if she's met the man who can give her everything.  But he won't be in Lockhart long, and while it certainly seems like he talks about their glorious future together, she can't quite get Bailey out of her mind.
     What's a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?

REVIEW:  This book was okay but I had some problems with the characters and story.  Molly and Bailey's relationship drove me crazy.  Up and down, back and forth, it was hard keeping track of it at times.  Molly's parents raised her to marry money and do not want her relationship with Bailey to develop more than just a casual acquaintance even though they've known each other since childhood.  Because of this, she starts "dating" a dear friend's beau (who happens to be a wealthy banker) to get her parents off her back.  When that doesn't work out, Molly starts seeing Edward, even though she cares deeply for Bailey.  Edward is a strange one and his character is mysterious and never fully explored.  I did like how both Bailey and Molly grew in their respected faiths as they faced different trials and were not afraid to right wrongs and wrong perceptions, even though it could have cost them.
     The story seemed to drag at times and perked up at others.  One part I liked was after Molly's "fall from grace." I liked how she started reaching out to those who fell between the cracks in that day's society.  But, I didn't like how the relationship developed between her and Edward, how she left Bailey after sending him a note saying she would marry him and the outcome of the court case against Edward.  There are also parts of the book that refer to the author's previous book that could have been explained a little better for those who have not read it.
     All in all, the book was not one of my favorites. 

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history.  She has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows.  She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.