"The Trouble with Patience" by Maggie Brendan is a historical inspirational fiction that's set in 1866 Montana.  This was a fun read most of the time. It has a little humor, mix with some flirting, set in the 'Old West' times and surrounding a mystery.

It's a light read centered around our titled character, Patience and the town's only sheriff,
Jedediah "Jed".  Maggie is trying to restore a dilapidated boardinghouse she inherited from her grandmother, while Jed is haunted by his past of being a "legal" vigilante while following the law to the "T" as appointed sheriff.  Their stories intermix from past to present and it's interesting to see how things unfolds. However, after the main mystery is solved, it tries your patience in terms of reaching the end of the novel.  It's nice we see a little beyond the "big event", but it felt draggy towards the end.  And in some parts, I felt it was rushed. For example, Patience's easy forgiveness of others. You'll know what I'm talking about once you read it. (And that's right, I still recommend this.)

The characters throughout were an asset to the plot and the development of Patience and Jed.  I'm speculating this is a series (it is), but by the end of the book, you start wondering, since I thought the second book might be on Emily, but it seems like her story's part of this. Then there's Cody and Juliette. I also liked Hannah and Joe. They truly are a wonderful figure in both Patience and Jed's lives. Possibly the series may not continue on of others as I thought it would be, but keeping with the theme of "Virtues and Vices of the Old West".

Overall, Ms. Brendan created an interesting story as a historical western with interesting characters in Trouble with Patience. There may be some areas that I don't find perfect, but it makes for life. This story is true to its category of being an inspirational fiction, giving readers some inspiring thoughts on themselves, as well as others.  It's worth a read.  Enjoy.

NOTE:  I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher, Revell Publishing through Net-Galley.