Mary Burton, The Unexpected Wife

The Unexpected Wife

Mary Burton

Harlequin, Jun 2004, $5.25

ISBN: 0373293089

In 1879 Crickhollow, Montana, rancher Matthias Barrington buries his wife and unborn child. His father-in-law stays for a while to help the beleaguered Matthias raise his two young sons, but the winter has taken its toll on the older man, who will leave for his warmer home soon.

In San Francisco, as her younger cousin gets married, orphan Abigail Smith writes yes to Matthias' mail order proposal. However, her aunt and uncle reject her leaving town. Treated more like a servant, Abigail sneaks out for Montana and her new life.

In Montana, Abigail learns that Matthias did not correspond with her as well meaning friends did. Having no other options except crawling, she persuades him to give her the summer working with the boys at the ranch and if at the end of her trial period he still refuses to marry her she will leave. As love begins to flow between the adults and Matthias sees how nurturing Abigail is to his sons, he knows he must ask her to stay as his spouse, but also feels guilty that he is betraying the memory of his beloved first wife.

THE UNEXPECTED WIFE is an enjoyable late nineteenth century American romance. Though Abigail's family especially her cousin is unappreciative, the Montana cast is a caring group. Matthias is a fabulous protagonist struggling to raise his two sons and run a ranch. The Montana mob adds understanding of his character as they prove by their actions how much they respect him and worry about his stress. Abigail is a wonderful intrepid soul who readers will cherish as she makes other cast members and readers appreciate life.

Harriet Klausner