You can never escape small town gossip. That's what Amy Wilson has learnt the hard way. She's not loose with her favours, or stealing men from relationships. She just dated a lot, hoping that each beau would be right for her. Still single, now she's the butt of jokes. The last straw comes at a wedding when she overhears a thoughtless comment and runs to weep in the ladies' room.

HER RANCHER RESCUER is Jack Shepard, the groom's brother, visiting Cadence Creek, who thinks that this lovely lady deserves better than humiliation. He speaks with Amy and invites her to dance before driving her home. Only as Jack hands her champagne does Amy recall that Jack, a former ski champion, owns a profitable sporting goods empire in Montana as well as a ranch. Being seen on his arm won't do her any harm. Still, in her experience men don't give two hoots for her feelings.

Amy works in the flower shop and lives with her mother, who was abandoned by Amy's father and has become timid. Now Amy feels a resumption of confidence after Jack's unquestioning acceptance, and decides to go to college. Her shattered confidence begins to rebuild itself and she wants more out of life. Jack visits town at Christmas and she tells him of her plan to study hospitality management. He's short staffed at his guest ranch. Maybe they could help each other out for a few weeks.

Not being told that Cadence Creek is somewhere in Canada can make this book a little confusing, when Jack asks Amy if she has a US work visa. Once the reader catches on it makes sense, but the list of previous books by author Donna Alward doesn't excuse the lack of clarity. There's a lot of new readers for every book.

I liked that Jack has solar panels in his home, to heat water and provide underfloor heating - and he cooks. He's practical as well as chivalrous - what a great combination! Jack has had his romantic errors splashed over the papers. No wonder he's sympathetic. I enjoyed seeing Amy grow stronger and learn that she was as good as any of the ranch guests. Unusually we see dogsled adventure trails. The food - bacon-wrapped jalapenos, roast tenderloin and garlic mashed potatoes... mmm! HER RANCHER RESCUER by Donna Alward is an enjoyable read, a genuine-feeling romance between adults but without strong bedroom action. I could read a lot more by this author.