Marilyn Svenson is a widow in this historical romance novella set in Montana Territory. Her ranch is located near the mining town of Helena, and she knows she needs to remarry... most likely, to one of the town's rough and ready bachelors. Past marriages were often made for practical reasons, and she hasn't many options if she's going to prove her land claim. Maybe she'll just head back to Minnesota.

David Pawlikowski came out west without hoping TO CATCH A BRIDE. Men well outnumber women. The few single women here... let's say they do profitably. David is the only man who hasn't propositioned Marilyn for marriage since her late husband's death. His store sells her the goods she needs for survival, mends her wagon wheels. Jonas Forsyte is a new lawyer in town, and his services will be very useful in getting Marilyn made head of the household so she can control her land.

David becomes suspicious that someone wishes the widow ill -- and maybe her husband's death wasn't accidental. Marilyn has more important considerations than a few sheep, and she has to consider seriously an offer of courtship.

I enjoyed this look at the realities of life for a widowed, pregnant woman in 1865. Marilyn's story can be a positive inspiration and the relatively simple suspense plot allows us to focus on characters and personal dilemmas. An old- time classic Western novel might have a very similar feel, except that the leading character who focuses the events would be male. TO CATCH A BRIDE by Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham rebalances the genre nicely. This book in the Montana Brides series will be enjoyed by anyone who wants to learn about the challenges women faced, through a historical romance.

Book Summary

A Montana Brides Romance

Across the vast Montana Territory, dreams have no limits . . . and prayers can be answered in the most unexpected ways.

After the untimely death of her husband, Marilyn Svenson has one option to keep her isolated ranch in Montana Territory: Remarriage. Of the two men in the rough mining town of Helena who fit her criteria for a husband, the charming resale shop owner is her preferred choice. Logically, she proposes.

David Pawlikowski came west to escape past heartbreak. Just when he thinks he’s content, Marilyn shakes up his bachelor life with her innovative spirit and unexpected marriage proposal. As much as David would like to say yes to the beautiful widow, he’s thinks Marilyn would be better off with the town’s dapper new lawyer. But when real danger closes in, only Marilyn can decide whom to keep close to her side forever.