Nothing can match the determination of a good schoolteacher in protecting the interests of her charges and Alicia Merriweather was very concerned about nine year old Jason. He was starting to get into more and deeper trouble and Alicia wasn't going to let the sign on the door that declared "No Visitors. No Peddlers. No Admittance." stop her from talking to Jason's father, Jake McPherson, despite the gossip it would cause.

The residents of Green Rapids, Kansas in 1880 were well aware of Jake's bad temper and desire for isolation and steered well away from him. At one time, he was the toast of the town for his impressive musical concerts, but already angry from the loss of both legs in the Civil War, he was devastated by the death of his beloved wife, Lorena, after nine wonderful years of marriage. Nothing could replace the pain in his heart and the bitter war veteran had sealed himself up in his home, vowing to never leave or play again.

Forcing her way into his house and wittily matching his barbed insults, in spite of the pain they caused, Alicia finally gets Jake to realize that Jason needs attention and care and not just another housekeeper who would quit on the second day.

As their mutual concern for improving Jason's behavior brings them together, Jake surprises the tall, plain spinster with a proposal for a marriage of convenience. Realizing her own harsh reality that she was unlikely to get another offer and wanting to help, she accepts. They find ready support from Jake's brother, Cord, and his hospitable wife, Rachel But, just as they start to integrate as a family, Jason causes more heart breaking problems and Jake clings to his reclusive ways. Can she ever help them get over the barriers of pain and loneliness and find love again?

Carolyn Davidson has crafted a wonderful tale of two very strong willed characters with priceless dialogue and a highly effective and realistic plot development. While a great read on its own, the many fans of Carolyn Davidson will enjoy this extension of her earlier work, entitled The Wedding Promise. For myself, I just wanted to read on and on. You will not want to put this book down!

Book Summary

Jake McPherson
Needed a bride...

He was a Civil War veteran, wounded in body and soul. And when his wife died unexpectedly, he retreated from life, craving only solitude and his happy memories. But his young son needed a mother's love and guidance -- even if Jake wanted no woman himself. So who better to choose than the town's spinster schoolmarm?

Alicia Merriweather
Wanted so much to love . . .

She had come to warn Jake his son was running wild. But she stayed because beneath his gruff exterior she saw Jake's pain and loneliness. Having borne the brunt of ridicule all her life, tall, plain Alicia understands both all too well. But could Jake ever learn to share his home and his heart?

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