An arranged marriage to save the family from ruin?

Delia Blackstone knows what her mother is up to—she intends to marry her off to an older man who is all fortune and no future. And Delia’s having none of it.

When a mysterious visitor appears on the family doorstep and offers an opportunity for Delia to travel from Pennsylvania to Colorado, Delia knows it is time for her to strike out on her own and discover a new life. Along the way she encounters a handsome drifter who captures her heart. But is he interested in trading his exciting life of adventure for love?

Two murders, a missing will, and a number of puzzling relationships are enough to unsettle anyone—even smart, capable Delia. Who can she trust? And can she trust her heart in matters of love?

My thoughts: When Delia comes home from getting her two year college degree in a time when most women didn't go on to college, she finds that her parents attitudes towards her has changed. Armed with "newfangled" ideas, she isn't satisfied with their plan to marry her off to a wealthy widower. When an unexpected visitor gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, she is thrilled to jump on the chance to go to Colorado, even if it means further widening the gap between her and her parents.

I enjoyed this story and the setting! I have to say, the older I get, the more I find that I can relate a tiny bit to the parents in the stories I read. That said, I didn't like how Delia's parents treat her and their how they wish for her to take the responsibility of their decisions. I can see wanting your daughter to be well set up and not lack worldly comforts, but they take things to a whole new level, being rather self serving. I cheered for Delia as she gained her independence and had a taste of adventure. I enjoy Melody Carlson's books and the lessons found in them. Not to mention, they are just delightful and entertaining! I recommend picking this story up and look forward to reading the other books in this series as they come out.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

I love historical stories about women. Particularly ones in the American frontier and old west. Probably because I grew up hearing pioneer stories from my grandparents, whose parents arrived in covered wagons. But contributions made by pioneering females is often overshadowed by their male counterparts. That’s why I enjoy researching and telling these fictional yet reality-based stories of women who lived and loved and did their part to settle the frontier. To me they are the unsung heroes of the West.