Sarah M. Eden
336 pages
ARC from the publisher though NetGalley
From the publisher:
Wyoming Territory, 1876
As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.
When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara’s message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople.
But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally to protect Miriam from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.
Review:
Oh it’s been a while since I wrote a full review! I love leaving little mini reviews at the end of each month, but it’s also so fun to sit down and write a single review too – and books by Sarah M. Eden are always worth it!
If you are a fan of her historical western novels than you are going to want to read this especially fans of Savage Wells, because we get to see some of favorite characters again!
I was a bit sensitive to parts of this book once Miriam’s past was revealed, we have a strong family history of seizures, and three of my kids have suffered with them as well. I am always thankful for modern medicine that can help them – and help me! – so reading how these were viewed historically was eye opening, but made sense at the same time. Medicine was just not developed enough for people to understand what was really going on. I loved how Eden really put historical details into this book as well too – with the break out of scarlet fever in town.
The plot was compelling too! I loved the idea of a person ordering a mail order bride (because that happened so often) – and a person showing up for a job instead! It’s such a clever twist, but it really drew me into the story right away.
If you haven’t read Savage Wells, it would be great to read that first, but these books don’t have to be read in order to make sense. I would recommend you read Savage Wells anyway – because it’s a fun book that I loved as well. I hope that Eden let’s us drop in on this western frontier town again! I can’t wait to hear more about the characters again!
Easily a 5 out of 5 star book!
