Title: Counting the Cost
Author: Liz Adair
Publisher: Inglestone Publishing
Release Date: January 30, 2009
ISBN: 978-0977881468
Size: 335 pages, 6×9, softcover
Genre: Romance
For handsome, hard-riding cowboy, Heck Benham, life is as solid as the New Mexico countryside he loves as predictable as the annual spring roundup. Yet, that all changes when Mrs. Ruth Reynolds moves from back east into his homeland and into his heart.
The stark contrast in their lives is played out in a territory that is, itself, coming into its own. As Ruth and Heck face a trail of pivotal, life-changing decisions, their love is challenged at every turn. What will it cost them before they find what is most important in life?
With strong characters, true-to-life emotion, gentle humor, meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, Liz Adair paints a passionate tale of love and learning, of romance and redemption.
We just read this book in our ward book club and had a very lively discussion. Liz’s characters, description and the story based on her family history give much to enjoy and learn from.
When I finished “Counting the Cost” I pondered for perhaps half an hour, remembering details, feeling profoundly moved. Heck counted the cost and paid with courage. Ruth could not completely understand cost but she did know gratitude, courage, work, and created a comfortable home under less than perfect, even primitive, circumstances. However, “east is east and west is west,” as the poet said, and though they meet, mingle, and love, they can only partially empathize. I sensed magnificent depth within the raw but charming west of the cowboy era. It touched my soul. Without reservation, I highly recommend this book. Liz, you’re going to have a hard time topping it.