Jane Middlebourne has just been confronted by her Aunt Franny after learning of Jane's pregnancy. Her son Alex claims to be the father and intends to marry his cousin Jane. Alex has a scheme going and has involved a reluctant Jane who only seeks an escape. Jane was taken in by her aunt and uncle following her parents' deaths, even though she is not treated like the other offspring. Jane has secretly followed ads for mail order brides and she's accepted one. She is making plans to marry Morgan Longstreet from Bitter Springs, Wyoming. The money she is given by Alex will help her escape to meet her perspective groom.
Jane is far too frail when Morgan first sets eyes upon her. His expectation was of a hearty, larger woman capable of the hard life of a Wyoming ranch wife that can cook and clean while enduring these hard years. Times are hard in 1891, but Jane is no stranger to that. Eventually working into a more comfortable arrangement at Morning Star, Morgan's ranch, Jane's feelings are becoming apparent to not only her but Morgan as well.
The truth comes out regarding Jane's part in Alex's scheme, but Morgan is still keeping his secrets to himself. Morgan was an orphan arriving from New York to Wyoming as a small child and taken in by the Welling family. He was raised on a farm with his "brothers" Gideon and Jackson. With the history of his former life safely tucked behind him, he is still looking over his shoulder expecting violence if they find him. All he wants now is to keep the wife he loves, with all his soul, safe and happy. Doing this will take some serious consideration and secrecy.
I have not had the pleasure of reading any work by Jo Goodman but am now a steadfast fan. IN WANT OF A WIFE is a story complete with love, excitement and secrecy. She has a real way of creating the most interesting and strong willed characters which kept the reading vibrant and exciting, page after page. I will certainly seek out other novels by Jo Goodman. Once I started reading IN WANT OF A WIFE, I flew through the story and was unable to put it down until the last page had been turned.
SHE HAS NOWHERE LEFT TO TURN Jane Middlebourne needs a way out. In 1891, life in New York is unforgiving for a young woman with no prospects, especially when her family wants nothing to do with her. So when Jane discovers an ad for a mail-order bride needed in Bitter Springs, Wyoming, she responds with a hopeful heart. HE HAS EVERYTHING TO LOSE Rancher Morgan Longstreet is in want of a wife who will be his partner at Morning Star, someone who will work beside him and stand by him. His first impression of the fair and fragile Jane is that she is not that woman. But when she sets out to prove him wrong, the secrets he cannot share put into jeopardy every happiness they hope to find….
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