Spring for Susannah

By Catherine Richmond

From the back of the book:

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor’s brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she’s ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory. Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jessie’s confidence in her – and his faith in God’s perfect plan – slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

Just my opinion:

What a great story! Here are two people … different than night and day … who come together to start a life in unchartered territory. Jesse has already been homesteading in the Dakota Territory for a while and is ready for a bride to help him. His brother and sister-in-law convince Susannah to take the train into the wilderness to become a frontier wife. She’s been raised to be a “lady” and finds Jesse’s wild side a bit overwhelming at times. She’s bashful and reserved and doesn’t know quite what to make of Jesse’s ruggedness – or the openness of the few other people who live within the proximity of their farm. Many times, she wonders what she is doing there and Jesse, who immediately loves her dearly, offers her the option of returning east. But she’s determined to make it work because that’s what a good wife does.

I was very impressed with this story and the history behind it. I love reading about our country’s immigrants as they chartered unseen areas to expand the U.S. to the west. Some of my favorite tales are of the Oregon Trail and I’ve done some studying on that part of the history of the states. This story takes place more to the east, of course, but it’s nonetheless very well researched and the author does an excellent job of making this a story worth reading, not only for history buffs but for readers of historical romance, as well.

To top it off, the reader also gets to truly know all the characters in the story. Because the area is so sparsely populated, the author is able to delve into the personalities in a very unique way and I felt I understood their quirks, dreams, hopes and fears intimately.

This is a wonderful book and one I know you will enjoy. In fact, I read this book in one day because it was that good. And I got so involved in the story, I forgot to mark my favorite passages! I guess that means you’ll have to read it for yourself to see what a great writer this author is!