Romantic Times ( Rating: 4 Stars)

Winnie Griggs works a traditional plot with just the right degree of innovation in this story of family healing.     Love wins in a novel of pleasurable and traditional reading.

Romance Reviews Today

Once again, Winnie Griggs has penned a story that wrenched my heart and warmed it at the same time... Something More has a clever plot with easy moving dialogue and a hero and heroine that will keep you riveted to the story and make you smile. I was a big fan of Ms. Griggs' first novel, What Matters Most, and I'm just as delighted with her latest.   Beautifully written, sweetly told stories are rare, but you'll find both with this book. Don't miss Something More.

Crazy for Words Book Reviews ( Rating: 5 )

This book is a keeper!   The plot is interesting without being complicated, and there is a perfect balance between secondary and main characters.   Caleb and Elthia have a strong attraction that lends sweet sexual tension, and they are such nice people you root for them from beginning to end.   Ms. Griggs is a masterful storyteller!

The Romance Reader's Connection ( Rating: 4+ )

Something More will have your emotions running the gamut. ...you'll just have to go and purchase yourself a copy of Something More.   With the wonderful, well-developed characters and emotional storyline, you can't ask for more.

Kay Merriam, bookseller

What a wonderful, witty and totally enjoyable book!   You get 5 stars on this!

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(from Chapter One)

"So what's wrong with her?"

        Caleb swiveled his head to look at Granny Picket, perched on the wagon seat beside him. "What do you mean?" He didn't slow the horses, negotiating the dips and turns of the hill country road with practiced ease. Stopping to help Granny had already cost him valuable time. Surely the girl would wait for him. She had to. His whole plan depended on it.

        Granny grabbed the seat as they hit a bump, then narrowed her eyes and continued without missing a beat. "A young lady from a fine back-east family leaves her home and kinfolk to travel all the way to Texas to marry a man she's never seen." She shook her head. "Bound to be something she's running from, some reason she ain't looking to get hitched to someone more like her."

        Caleb kept his expression blank, letting the jingling of the harness and rattling of the wheels fill the silence. Pembroke Placement Agency had given him an explanation all right. Miss Sinclare had taken this step to escape the gossip and pity of her friends in the face of her broken engagement. Seems she'd jilted her fiancé a week before the wedding, refusing to give a reason.

        He gripped the reins tighter, but even with all the bouncing and swaying from the pace he was setting, Granny kept her hawk-like eyes focused on him. He shrugged for her benefit. "The agency assures me Miss Sinclare has a sound reputation. She likes kids, and that's all that really matters to me."

        "She likes young'ens, does she?" Granny poked his arm. "She been told you got six of 'em?"

        Caleb nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I didn't hold anything back." She still looked unconvinced. "Look, Granny," he said, flicking the reins. "I figure, if she's running from something unpleasant in her life, that's her business. She's come here to start fresh, and I promised to see that she gets that chance."

        Granny stared at him a second, then nodded, apparently satisfied to let the subject drop there.

        Caleb turned his attention back to the road, resisting the urge to give the reins another impatient flick. Miss Sinclare's tendency to turn tail and run rather than face up to her problems worried him. If she left with the stage because there was no one to meet her when she arrived, he wasn't sure what he'd do.

        He felt another trickle of moisture roll down his back, and knew the sweat wasn't totally due to the spring heat. He had to have a wife within three days or they'd take the kids from him.

        No one was going to split up another family of Tanner kids, not if he could help it.

        Twenty minutes later, Granny had been safely delivered to her front door, and Caleb had Whistling Oak Station in sight. He leaned forward, trying to find some sign of how things stood.

        A woman sat on the front porch, next to several trunks. It had to be Miss Sinclare. At least she'd waited.

        He studied her as he neared. Yep, it was her all right. Sitting primly on the wooden chair, as if afraid to dirty her dress, she looked soft, like someone who'd never lifted a finger in her life, except to crook it at someone. Her clothes were more appropriate for a tea party than a country kitchen. She even had a frilly parasol, more decorative than useful looking. He sure hoped the rest of her wardrobe was more serviceable.

        Spying the dirty smudges on his pants leg, he frowned. His efforts to wrestle Granny's horse out of the tangled harness and then clear the road of the crippled buckboard had done more than make him late. Instead of the smart, at-his-best appearance he'd wanted to present, he looked like he'd just come in from a day in the fields. Compared to her prissy, neat-as-a-pin image, it put him at a disadvantage, and that irritated the fire out of him.

        Pulling up to the station, Caleb got a closer look at his intended. Generously freckled and bespectacled, she also had bold copper-colored hair. This girl would stand out in a crowd.

        He hopped down and looped the reins over the hitching post, trying to wipe his mind of sour thoughts. After all, no matter what her life had been up to now, she'd come here to marry him, a step that probably hadn't been easy for her. He'd be willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, for the sake of the children.

        Caleb forced a smile that he hoped appeared welcoming.

                                        * * *

        Elthia watched the stranger with the nut-brown hair take his wide brimmed hat off and dust it against his leg as he climbed the three shallow steps. This couldn't be Mr. Tanner. The image Mrs. Pembroke's description had conjured up for her had been that of a fatherly businessman, a banker or shopkeeper perhaps.

        This tall, lean man in the work stained clothes couldn't be but six or so years older than her, and he sure didn't look like he spent his days behind a desk or counter. That tanned skin and animal-like grace belonged to a man accustomed to physical labor.

        No, the Tanners must have sent someone in their place. After all, with Mrs. Tanner bedridden, Mr. Tanner no doubt wanted to stay close by to help with the children. Of course he'd send someone else to take care of the more mundane chore of fetching his daughters' temporary governess.

        The man stepped up to greet her. "Excuse me, ma'am, do I have the pleasure of addressing Miss Sinclare?"

        Elthia pushed her glasses up more firmly on her nose and smiled in relief. "Yes, sir. Did Mr. Tanner send you?"

        His smile twisted. "You could say that. I am Mr. Tanner."

        Heat rose in her cheeks. Good heavens! She'd just insulted her new employer. "Forgive me, sir."

        She stood quickly and extended her hand. The reticule that had rested, forgotten, on her lap slid to the floor. He bent to retrieve it at the same time she did, and the parasol whacked him on the side of his head.

        She straightened, appalled. "Oh, Mr. Tanner, I'm so sorry."

        "No problem," he assured her through gritted teeth.

        As he finished retrieving her bag, Elthia all but flung the lethally troublesome parasol on the chair behind her. She tried to paste an everything's-just-fine smile on her face as she turned back to him. "I do hope I didn't hurt you."

        Then she stepped forward, studying his forehead to find some sign of a bump or bruise. And promptly caught her shoe on the hem of her dress. Horrified, Elthia helplessly pitched forward.

        He caught her to him as she fell against his chest - a very firm, well-muscled chest.

        Elthia shut her eyes, praying a hole would appear and swallow her up. She'd so wanted to make a good first impression, but she turned into a clumsy twit when she got nervous, and she was definitely nervous now. Too bad she wasn't the sort of woman who swooned. Oblivion would certainly be nice at a time like this.

        Before she could apologize yet again, Poppy shot out from around the corner of the porch, barking furiously and seeming intent on taking a bite out of Mr. Tanner.

        "What the--" He pushed her behind him, and his hand flew to his hip as if to reach for a weapon. Elthia was relieved to see he wasn't wearing one.

        "Poppy, no!" She darted in front of him and scooped up her pet, cuddling the excited animal against her bosom.

        Mr. Tanner looked sorry he wasn't wearing the weapon he'd reached for. "What is that thing?"

        Elthia drew herself up. "Poppy, sir, is not a 'thing'. He's a Yorkshire terrier, a very intelligent animal. I apologize if he startled you, but he's highly protective of my person."

        His eyes narrowed. "An annoying little lap dog wasn't part of the bargain, Miss Sinclare. I have no use for critters who don't earn their keep."

        She bristled at his unflattering description of her precious pet. "I'm sorry you feel that way. But I made a thorough review of that contract before I signed it, and there was no mention of pets being disallowed. Mrs. Pembroke gave it as her opinion that his presence would not be a problem."

        At his deepening frown, Elthia felt all her carefully made plans unravel, but she couldn't compromise on this issue.

        "Besides," she continued, trying a persuasive smile, "I'll see to him myself, so he won't tax your time or resources."

        When he remained silent, she pushed her glasses up and took a deep breath. "I'm afraid this is not a bargaining point. If you can't abide having Poppy in your home, then we'd best agree to dissolve our contract right now."

        Mr. Tanner glared a moment longer. Finally he gave a curt nod. "Just keep him out of my way."

        She allowed herself to breathe again. "Of course. You'll hardly know he's about." Elthia didn't know what she'd have done if Mr. Tanner had called her bluff. She couldn't give up Poppy, but being sent home before she'd even left the station would have been a disaster, not to mention a humiliation.

        Making a good impression seemed a lost cause now, though. Flashing her best conciliatory smile, she extended her hand. "Let's start over, shall we?"

        Raising an eyebrow, he took her hand and gave a short bow before releasing it. "Welcome to Texas, Miss Sinclare."

        "Thank you, sir." She ignored his sarcasm and pulled a sealed envelope from her handbag. "Mrs. Pembroke asked me to deliver this to you. I believe it's your copy of the contract."

        He took the envelope, broke the seal, and began reading.

        Elthia tried to maintain an unruffled appearance. While he read through the papers, no doubt looking for some leverage to use against Poppy, she marshaled her thoughts, trying to focus on the positive aspects of her situation. After all, he wasn't in a position to be too choosy. According to Mrs. Pembroke, there hadn't been a rush of women eager to take this position.

        She supposed it was because of the distance. Texas was a long way from Maryland. It had put her off at first too. But none of the other positions Mrs. Pembroke had available fit her needs. And, after all, it was only for three months.

        Elthia straightened as Mr. Tanner looked up. He slowly refolded the document, studying her in a way that reminded her of her many flaws and inadequacies.

        She tried not to let it rattle her. "Well, Mr. Tanner, it's been a very long journey. It'll be nice to have an opportunity to freshen up and meet everyone."

        He nodded, taking her not so subtle hint. "Of course. Let me get your things loaded and we'll be all set."

        A few minutes later, he handed Elthia up onto the wagon seat. She placed Poppy's basket at her feet, carefully moving it as far from Mr. Tanner as possible.

        Unfortunately, they'd barely started when Poppy propped his front paws on the edge of the basket and began barking excitedly. The horse tossed his head and skittishly broke stride.

        Mr. Tanner took firmer hold of the reins. "Miss Sinclare," he said through clenched teeth, "will you kindly quiet down that four legged hank of hair before he spooks the horse any more."

        Elthia reached down to soothe her pet. "Behave, Poppy," she scolded. "We don't want you startling the poor horsy."

        He shot her a look that would wither an oak. He didn't say anything, though, just shook his head and turned his gaze back to the horse.

        A flash of color drew her attention to the trees lining the left side of the road. She watched as a blue jay hopped from one limb to the next before taking wing once more.

        Everything here seemed a contrast of harshness and unexpected allure. The rugged landscape was home to beautiful wildflowers and colorful wildlife. The overbearing heat was tempered by soft breezes bearing scents of pine and sun-warmed wildflowers. The rugged man beside her who--

        "I apologize for not meeting the stage."

        Elthia blinked as his abrupt speech interrupted her wayward thoughts. Even though his words had been conciliatory, his tone was begrudging.

        He continued staring ahead. "It must've been awkward to arrive at a strange place with no one to meet you. I planned to arrive sooner, but I ran into some trouble on the way."

        Maybe he wasn't such a mannerless oaf after all. "Please don't concern yourself, sir. Poppy and I managed quite well."

        This time he cut her a speculative look. "Forgive me, but you don't strike me as a woman who would be drawn to the life I'm offering. In fact, you seem like someone who'd be more used to being looked after than in looking after others. Are you sure you know what you're getting in to?"

        Elthia raised her chin, reminding herself he was her employer and she owed him a degree of deference. "I'm sorry my appearance doesn't inspire you with confidence, but I assure you, I do meet your stated requirements. I love children, all shapes and sizes. I'm confident I can provide proper care for them, as well as earn their trust and respect. As for my credentials, I have a niece and nephew I watch over at times, and I taught a Sunday school class of young children for several years."

        He snorted. "A Sunday school class! Are you really that naïve, or do you just think I am? You're comparing a once a week gathering with a group of on-their-best-behavior young'ens, to having total responsibility for the daily care of the active, prove-yourself-to-me kids you'll have in your charge here."

        He spoke like two children was an unmanageable number. If she didn't know better, she'd think he was trying to scare her away. But why?

        "The point I was trying to make, Mr. Tanner, is that I have experience working with children, and that I get along well with them. Those were the qualifications you stressed, remember?"

        That wasn't idle boasting. She was truly confident of her capabilities where the Tanner daughters were concerned. She genuinely loved children, and they instinctively responded to her in kind. It was the one thing she excelled at.

        Thank goodness she wouldn't be expected to help with the household chores, though. Mrs. Pembroke had assured her the Tanners had a woman come in to help with the cooking and cleaning. The only domestic skill she possessed was needlework.

        "I hope you're not having second thoughts," she said when he remained silent. "There is the matter of our contract." Elthia couldn't believe her own audacity. Something about this man sparked a hint of rebelliousness in her.

        "I'm perfectly aware of my obligations," he said stiffly. "I'm just making sure you're aware of yours." He raked a hand through his hair. "The kids have had to put up with a lot of changes in a short space of time. It hasn't been easy for them, and I won't let you play fruit basket turnover with their lives."

        Elthia's heart softened toward him at his obvious concern for the children. His wife's illness must have been even harder on them than she'd realized.

        "Once you enter that house," he said, "the kids need to be able to rely on your being there. I need to know you'll stick around and not run off at the first sign of trouble."

        She stiffened, then forced herself to relax. He couldn't possibly know the circumstances of her broken engagement. But did he have to be so insulting? She pitied poor Mrs. Tanner, and not just because the woman was bedridden.

        A man as over-bearing and judgmental as Mr. Tanner would make for an uncomfortable husband.