Emma Smith was on the run, taking Sammiee Jo with her. She needed to stay low and provide for the baby. She found a job doing what she did best: cook. She found employment in a small diner until the previous cook returned and wanted his position back. Luckily, there was a handsome rancher on hand who was looking for a housekeeper/cook. He was more than willing to hire Emma on the spot. Unsure but unable to say no, Emma found herself on her way to the 4 Bar None Ranch.

Deke Travers was tall, rugged, and the oldest of the four Travers brothers. Along with caring for his ailing father, Deke had his hands full trying to manage the ranch and keep his brothers around to help him. The inspiration to get them all married to settle them down sounded like a good plan. And that new cook was pretty . . . very pretty. Surely, she would be perfect for one of his brothers. He was grateful for the opportunity to hire her and get her out to the ranch where the courting could commence.

Emma was attracted to Deke from the moment she set eyes on him. But she didn't have time for a man. She had to get some legal issues settled and make sure no one could take Sammiee Jo from her. Deke was attracted to Emma but had to deal with the ranch, the cattle that were coming down with a strange ailment, his family, and the health department. How was he supposed to fit a woman in edgewise?

Sammiee Jo seems to be the catalyst of this story. The baby draws hearts together and hands out healing, both in the physical and romantic realms. Emma and Deke are strong characters, made for each other, though they try their best to avoid falling in love. Deke can tolerate anything but a liar. Emma is guilty of the sin of omission. Ms. Hestand works in many twists and turns in CHIEF COOK AND BOTTLEWASHER in the quest to get these two characters where they belong, and that is in each other's arms.

Reviewed By: Marge Conrad
© October 2004