The Counterfeit Bride

To make her way as a general store owner in 1877 Silverton, Colo., Lillian Picken invents a husband, Donovan West, who is forever away "keeping the frontier safe" as a member of the U.S. Army. Her world is thrown into chaos when a handsome member of the newly minted Secret Service sweeps into town and takes up Donovan's name and a position behind Lillian's counter as cover for an investigation. As the contest of wills between the two heat quickly into passion and the agent's case becomes increasingly menacing, both must question the value of their independence. This breezy historical romance benefits from a strong and capable heroine, but suffers from a pat plot in which everything resolves a little too quickly and neatly and Lillian overeagerly forgives her "husband" his considerable flaws. (Sept.)