I've read two other books that deal with Serendipity's auction--this one was different than the other two in plot. In this case, Jo Spencer and Frances prearrange to purchase Rowdy Masterson from the auction for Frances's granddaughter Angelica Carmichael who was once engaged to Rowdy.

Both Angelica and Rowdy blame themselves for Angelica running away from their wedding years ago. Angelica feels she caused Rowdy to be injured for life when she encouraged him to ride in the saddle bronc busting event at the town's rodeo and that she's not good enough for him. I forget why Rowdy feels he's at fault. Instead of talking it out then, Angelica ran off.

Frances seemed determined to get the two at least talking again--I suspect she wanted to get them together again and complete what they'd started all those years before. But in the meantime, Angelica met a guy through work in Denver and finally gave in to his pressure to sleep with him and ended up pregnant. In fact, she had her baby boy the day her grandmother passed away (or possibly had her funeral--I forget which now). Frances has set up a scavenger hunt for the two of them and enlisted her friend Jo's help before she died.

Angelica seems overly concerned about what the townspeople think of her. She had a reputation even before she left town and figures walking out on her own wedding and then returning with a child is enough to get tongues wagging. She also worries her reputation will taint Rowdy's.

Sadly, Angelica hasn't seemed to learn her lesson about running away as she seems to be planning to do it again near the end of the book.

I don't like that Angelica gave in to Josh's pressure to sleep with him. I don't like that Josh walked out on Angelica after learning she was pregnant--If you're going to sleep with someone, be man enough to stay on and take responsibility if she gets pregnant!

I do like that Angelica chose to have and keep her baby even though she got no support from the baby's father physically, emotionally, or monetarily. I'm glad that Angelica reached out to her grandmother and that her grandmother was gracious and forgiving.

I'm not sure I believe that Rowdy (or most men) would so quickly embrace a baby that their former fiancee had with another man and/or a special needs child. But then again, we don't know much of Rowdy's previous history and mannerisms so it might be totally in character for him. ( )