Linda Lael Miller, Secondhand Bride

Secondhand Bride

Linda Lael Miller

Pocket, Dec 2004, $7.99

ISBN: 0743422759

In 1885, Indian Rick, Arizona Territory, former Tombstone teacher Chloe Wakefield confronts her husband Jeb McKettrick who deserted her once he saw the daguerreotype of her with her spouse Jack Barrett. Chloe insists she was not married when she wed Jeb, but he refuses to listen to her. However, his family, especially his father and new wife and his two sister-in-laws, accept Chloe as part of the family, especially when they learn she came to town to ask help in finding work from her beloved Uncle John Lewis, who recently died.

As Jeb tries to ignore the attraction that got him in trouble in the first place, Chloe fits in well with the chaos that has become the McKettrick brood since the patriarch started the marriage-first born contest. However, he struggles to resist her lure and when her former husband comes to town to cause trouble, Jeb knows he would die to keep Chloe safe.

This is a terrific finale to the fabulous "Bride" trilogy (see SECONDHAND BRIDE and SHOTGUN BRIDE) that showcases Linda Lael Miller's writing abilities as the great author balances an extended cast with deep characterizations through the three novels. The storyline is action-packed, but like the previous two western romances the characters make for a fun tale. Readers will appreciate this wrap up (if you wondering about the fourth McKettrick read the book) in what has been a highly entertaining miniseries.

Harriet Klausner