The Promise Bride

Welborn and Whitham’s first Montana Brides novel demonstrates one woman’s tenacity in the face of tragedy in 1887 Montana territory. Emilia Stanek, determined to make a better life for herself and her family, accepts an offer to become a mail-order bride for Finn Collins and moves from Chicago to Helena, Mont., with her siblings, Roch and Luci. But when Emilia arrives, she’s met by Sheriff Mac McCall, who informs her that Finn has been murdered. Since there’s nothing for her in Chicago, Emilia decides to stay in Helena and file the power of attorney paperwork to legalize her marriage, despite the dangers she may face. As she begins paying off Finn’s debts by working for those to whom he owed money, Emilia and her siblings become part of the community. Finn’s friend Mac, working tirelessly to find out who killed him, becomes attracted to the young widow who is reluctant to accept his help. But when Mac learns a secret about Finn that could destroy Emilia’s reputation, his efforts to protect her become more personal in nature. Welborn and Whitham’s novel moves swiftly and is filled with appealing characters—especially Emilia and Mac, whose slow-simmering attraction will please fans of inspirational romances. (Sept.)