4.25 stars - Read via Kindle 

Let me begin by saying that this is definitely not a trope I read. Something about this story made me want to read it and I’m glad that I listened to my gut. The idea of marrying a stranger doesn’t sit well with me. However, I was glad to see that they corresponded first and that faith was highly important to both of them. 

The FMC wasn’t desperate, weak, or expecting a man to solve all her problems and complete her as a mail-order bride. She was extremely likeable from the start. The MMC, his brothers, and everyone at the ranch were also likeable. The little girl stole my heart for all she’d been through. A group of men took Lindy, their friends’ orphaned daughter, on as their own. Selfless. 

I enjoyed the description of the area and the frequent focus on nature and the surroundings. Seeing the relationship beginning as a kindling and then growing into something so great was touching. All three had been through heartache and it was good to see them all get their happy ending. I would have loved to see more about them and even Gwen and her brother reunited—with the truth. Perhaps even seeing the sister-in-law apologize? Maybe that’s in the coming books in the series? It looks like the next four are all about the other Shannon brothers, and Wally, but I’m unsure of the six after that. I don’t know if there is a connection to the Shannon’s or not. 

This was such a sweet book and I’d like to read all about the others on the Shannon ranch.