A Matter of Character

June 15, 2010

"Anonymous was a woman." In this case, anonymous is Daphne McKinley, who has been publishing popular dime store novels in 1918 Bethlehem Springs under a male pseudonym. That's the way she wants to keep it, since the villain in her stories is based on a local character. Trouble ensues when newspaperman Joshua Crawford arrives in town and asks her to help him find the man who has been dragging his grandfather's name through the mud. VERDICT This latest title by a winner of the Christy, the RITA, and the Romantic Times Career and Lifetime Achievement award is essential for libraries. It will especially appeal to readers who enjoy heartwarming stories where faith plays a role in character development.

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2010
Although her family is wealthy, Daphne McKinley has moved to the small town of Bethlehem Springs, where she writes Wild West adventure dime novels under the pseudonym D. B. Morgan. Newspaper editor Joshua Crawford has put his life on hold until he can expose the lies that this Morgan fellow has written about the beloved, saintly grandfather who raised him. Once Daphne meets Joshua, it takes a while for her to decide to acknowledge her secret identity. After all, no proper lady would dare pen dime novels in 1918. But when Daphne discovers how serious Joshua is about clearing his grandfathers name, and how important it is to him, she tells the truth about her alter ego and accompanies Joshua on a fact-finding mission. The popular Hatcher has written another inspirational romance, peppered with Bible verses, which should be a big hit with her many readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)