Time was women traveled great distances to sometimes rough areas to make a life for themselves. It wasn't uncommon for mail-order brides, as they were called, to answer a stranger's ad and hopefully wind up with a decent man and a family of their own.

Caroline had no illusions about finding true love but she dreamed of having family and children. She was willing to settle for being a governess for Major Tristan Smith. The Major was pretty desperate for their stagecoach to arrive. It was carrying the medicine he needed to treat his malaria and the two women who he hoped would be able to care for him and his children while he struggled with the malady he feared would cut short his life. And that was by far his biggest fear -- leaving his children who were still learning to cope with losing their mother. Tristan was part of a noble bloodline but his birth order had basically sealed his doom for any kind of relationship with a demanding father who only had time for the first born. He moved to Wyoming to get as far from his father as possible and he would move heaven and earth to prevent his father getting his hands on his son Freddie, making him a clone of this cold uncaring man and worse having his darling daughter Dora treated as worthless. Tristan had a plan. Caroline would marry his best friend Jon if anything were to happen to him.

From the very beginning, it would become apparent that although he had good intentions with this plan fate would have other ideas. Problems abounded with his battle with malaria and ultimately his most fierce battle of wits with his father. Would good triumph over evil. Building a surprising friendship and trusting relationship with Caroline starts giving Tristan hopes for so much more. Dare he dream of a future with this woman who surprises him with her strength, love and faith? Marrying Tristan would give Caroline and family she dreamed of. But even as she tried hard not to Caroline couldn't help falling in love with the Major. Sometimes dreams need a little help and a lot of faith. Caroline had both -- the bigger question was whether or not Tristan shared those dreams.

Taking a chance can reap big rewards and this book is filled with people taking leaps of faith and finding love. Charming tale filled with warmth.