Mariah Callahan spent most of her life hiding behind masks. Masks she used to fit in. Once it became obvious that she and her mother Cassie were on their own, keeping heads above water was the primary goal. Cassie got lucky working for wealthy families and allowing Mariah to attend good schools hanging out with people with way more than her. We're not talking only of money but family and friends who truly loved you.

Her father Dutch Callahan obviously loved his horses more than his family and seemed undisturbed to leave them and follow his own dreams. Well now from his grave Dutch has summoned Mariah back to Jubilee. She inherited his cabin, land and a stake in the cutter horse that was to be the culmination of all her father's dreams.

Once back in Jubilee Mariah was getting a glimpse of what kind of man Dutch was - at least to the people in this town. She wasn't sure if that made her even angrier, or if she was honest, jealous of the relationship these people had with the father she missed so dearly. The only person Mariah really loved was her mother. She was taken aback how the townspeople graciously opened their arms and hearts to Dutch's daughter.

Her first meeting with Joe Daniels was rather inauspicious and even though he made her heart beat quicker than she ever could imagine, she had to compare this sexy cowboy with the man her mother had fallen in love with - who then summarily broke her heart. No way was Mariah going to follow that horrible, heartbreaking path.

One of Dutch Callahan's favorite sayings was bloom where you're planted and if you can't do that then plant where you bloom. Since her career in Chicago was at a virtual standstill, Mariah was considering just that, build some kind of career for herself in Jubilee. Even if her relationship with Joe didn't move in the direction of the family she so dearly wanted, at least she could relish the time spent with him.

The one fact she couldn't ignore was that Joe still harbored deep feeling for his dead young wife and there was no way she could compete with that memory. So Mariah was determined to keep her mask on and above all else protect her heart.

Lori Wilde has a talent for writing some of the smartest and funniest dialog. In this her latest book, which has a sequel to look forward to, she has two pretty great characters facing up to each other's barbs on a regular basis and the reader is a spectator to a well written comedy with just the right amount of angst and pathos to keep it real. There is also the requisite supporting cast who are no slouches. THE COWBOY TAKES A BRIDE is a quick, enjoyable read and a great addition to some of my Wilde favorites. It will surely be yours as well.