A Bride in the Bargain

GIST, DEEANNE

A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN

In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.

Joe Denton doesn't have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle, and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride -- one of the eastern widoes and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur As Mercer.

Anna Ivey's journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civl War. She signed on to become a cook -- not a bride. When she's handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?

JOE IS THE PRIME EXAMPLE OF A PERFECT HERO. HE'S INFURIATINGLY SLOW IN SOME WAYS, BUT SENSITIVE, CARING, DECENT AND DETERMINED. WHEN HE SETS OUT TO WOO ANNA...OY! GREAT ROMANTIC DEVELOPMENT --SIZZLES. VERY UNIQUE TAKE ON A 'CLICHE' PLOT. IT READS FRESH AND FAST.