A refreshing new look at a Mail Order Bride where most arrive at their destination and quickly go to the preacher, our bride, Emilia, because of circumstances has chosen to be married by proxy and arrives already married. Emilia has only to file the paper work and she has a valid marriage to Finn, but when she arrives in Helena her life will never be the same.
The author gives us a wonderful glimpse into daily life in the west, and had to chuckle how Emilia goes about her ranch life from book learning, thank goodness for some willing neighbors. Now book learning is great, but actual hands on taking care of chores are quite different!
The sad fact is when she arrives she finds out her new husband has been murdered, now what, and the sheriff and best friend of her husband wants her to turn around and go back to Chicago, but the fact remains she has nothing to return to.
While the sheriff goes about trying to learn who killed his friend, Emilia has taken on the responsibility of paying off Finn’s debts, she does not like to beholden to anyone.
All the while this family, yes Emilia has a sister and brother with her will worm their way into your heart, and you will be rooting for them. There are a lot of twists and turns to get to the end, and yes you will be page turning for answers, but once finished, you are going to feel like you have lost a dear friend.
As this book wraps up we soon understand that not everything is, as it appears, a really great read that will linger with you.

I received this book through the Author, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

This has to be one of my favorite mail order bride books I have ever read. I love Emilia and Mac. They both gave a hard time accepting help from each other. It would be hard to come all that way west to find out that your husband has been killed before you even meet and you have all his debts hanging over your head. I love the characters and how they all interact. I look forward to the second book in this series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

I won this in a GOODREADS giveaway. ( )