This book has a new twist to it, a mail order husband!!  The year is 1878 in Loveland, Colorado. Newly widowed Kinsella Jackson finds herself sole provider for her four children ages 15 to 6.  She is overwhelmed at the thought caring for them and keeping their ranch running. To add to her pain there is even speculation that her husband’s death was suicide, but Kinsella knows in her heart that is not true, She has no way of proving it. 

At the end of the funeral, Abe Jackson, the owner of the mercantile proposes marriage! I was offended for her and the description of him gave me a real ICK factor. He wasn’t going to give up.

Her two older children, being worried about Mom, decide to take it upon themselves to post a free advertisement in the paper seeking a man.    Poor Kinsella finds out AFTER she receives a letter that someone has accepted but accepted what? Husband, hired hand, to buy her land?

What she found even more disturbing was it was signed King Stan Marchmont, and he is sailing from Australia!  He would arrive in 4 months! She was beside herself at the idea of royalty, a king coming to see her! Why? This was one the first of many surprises in this wonderful book and it had me laughing.

What impressed me the most in the story with the strong faith in God Kinsella and her little brood had. They had some harrowing experiences, but prayer was always their first response. Even though it is a fictional story it was a blessing to see.

King’s arrival was a bit awkward to say the least, but he stepped into their lives in a big way.  Trials (as they do in life) came in fast a procession. King proves himself by rising to the occasion in each one, even though he is facing troubles of his own.

There is suspense, humor, mystery, and surprises throughout the book. A strong trust in God at the center of it all. You do not want to put it down. This is the first book by the author I have read. I was impressed; it is a wholesome satisfying read.