In a booming frontier town, a heavenly match may be in store for mail-order brides seeking a fresh start . . . women of strength and spirit who embrace the challenges of life and love in the wild Montana Territory.
Determined to save her father and siblings from a crumbling Chicago tenement, Emilia Stanek becomes the long-distance bride of a Montana rancher. But when she arrives in Helena, a rugged lawman shatters her plans with the news that her husband is dead—and deeply in debt.
County sheriff Mac McCall can’t afford to be distracted by the pretty young widow, not with scandalous secrets emerging as he investigates his friend’s suspicious death. Mac’s gruff order that she leave town at once only spurs Emilia’s resolve to take ownership of her late husband’s ranch and face his debtors. But as her defenses soften, Emilia begins to accept Mac’s help, feel compassion for his own wounded heart—and learns that trust means taking a leap of faith . . .
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Sexual Content - 1/5
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Violence - 1/5
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Language - 0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
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Summary
3.5 stars
"Mac, I have the utmost respect for you . . . . But . . . Since when did you turn into such a dunderhead?"
When did Sheriff Mac McCall turn into such a dunderhead? Was it somewhere in between bellowing and bewilderment . . . for it seems that Emilia Stanek provokes both responses; any time, any place any how. Her loveliness, he is discovering, just sugarcoats an iron will with unlimited amounts of stubbornness and independence, and why is he even debating the topic with himself? She is the mail-order widow of his best friend, who was unfortunately dead upon her arrival.
Emilia Stanek arrives in Montana, from Chicago, ready to assume the role of a rancher's wife so that she can provide a safe place for her younger siblings to grow up. Stunned to learn of her groom's murder and enormous amount of debt, and against all advice from the grumpy sheriff, Emilia decides to remain in Helena, living on the property that she has subsequently inherited. Fighting off rumors and innuendos becomes increasingly difficult when her deceased husband's business motives become murky and Mac McCall's intentions become more personal. Who can she trust?
"Perhaps that was the highest level of trust, when you gave it because of who was asking, not because of what was asked."
An excellent story; surprisingly layered and more than enjoyable to read! Actually, it was difficult to put down!
I was provided a copy of this book from JustRead Blind Tours. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.