Reading Recommendations: Fit To Be Tied, The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs, Robin Lee Hatcher

Cleo Arlington dresses like a cowboy, is fearless and fun loving, and can ride, rope and wrangle a horse as well as any man. In 1916, however, those talents aren't what most young women aspire to. But Cleo isn't most women. Twenty-nine years old and single, Cleo loves life on her father's Idaho Ranch. Still, she hopes someday to marry and have children.

Enter Sherwood Statham, an English aristocrat whose father has sentenced him to a year of work in America to straighten him out. Sherwood, who expected a desk job at a posh spa, isn't happy to be stuck on an Idaho Ranch. And he has no idea how to handle Cleo who's been challenged with transforming this uptight playboy into a down home cowboy.

Just about everything either of them says or does leaves the other, well, fit to be tied. And though Cleo believes God's plan for her includes a husband, it couldn't possibly be Sherwood Statham. Could it?

All My Patients Have Tales, Favorite Stories From A Vet's Practice, Jeff Wells, D.V.M.

Jeff Wells describes the first scary cases he takes on at the start of his career, right after graduating from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and as he becomes a seasoned and beloved vet, we watch him grow and flourish over the years. Wells works in a "mixed practice", treating farm animals and house pets with the occasional exotic thrown in. The many life-altering, life threatening, uplifting and hilarious episodes Wells relates feature a turkey attack, a pregnant male cat, porcupine-quill-covered terriers, a heavy metal Chihuhua with road burn, an ornery pygmy donkey, a giant hog, a constipated cow and many others. Each of these cases reveals not only Wells' wisdom and great sense of humor, without which he surely couldn't do his job, but his sensitive and caring approach, to both his charges and their owners.

This perfect little gem of a book will appeal to animal lovers, "pet parents" and anyone who has ever toyed with the idea of becoming a vet.

200 Texas Outlaws and Lawmen 1835-1935 Lawrence J. Yadon with Dan Anderson, Edited by Robert Barr Smith

Beginning with Texas' Declaration of Independence in 1835 and stretching into the turbulent Depression Era a century later, many ruthless criminals and during deputies and Rangers kicked up dust within the states borders. Billy the Kid, Machine Gun Kelly, Bat Masterson, and Belle Starr are familiar names. Other characters included Texas Jack, Rowdy Joe, Mysterious Dave, Longhair Jim, Buckskin Frank, and Curly Bill.

In this book, accounts of gun fights, robberies, and kidnappings follow selected profiles. Mishaps, accidents and misunderstandings lighten the mood between truly heinous crimes such as that of the Bender Family. Owners of a small hotel the four family members would kill lone travelers for their possessions.

While pursuing his undergraduate degree at the Univerisy of Tulsa in Oklahoma, Lawrence Yadon considered himself fortunate to have studied under William Settle, a Jesse James scholar. This experience served as his inspiration to become a lifelong student of American history, especially that of the Southwest.

Dan Anderson is a former newswriter, photographer, features writer, and columnist. He has been honored with mulitple awards from the Associated Press for spot news reporting, investigative reporting and news writing.

Along with 200 Texas Outlaws and Lawmen 1835-1935, I want to mention Time of the Rangers, Texas Rangers from 1900 To The Present, Volume II, Mike Cox

Mike Cox visited Rylander Library, recently, presenting a delightful program.

Thank you, Mike Cox -- The Friends appreciate you.

See you at Rylander