Hazelanne by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Widows of Wildcat Ridge book 15
1884 Utah Territory
"in order to survive, on occasion they [women] had to be more practical than romantic."
The name of the series gives a lot away. The story of Hazelanne is very interesting. She grew up taking care of her large family, but left to take some of the financial burden off by becoming a mail order bride. Not expecting what she got herself into. Her new husband had a farm, but wasn't pleasant at all. She was very adaptable - she was raised in a city, but learned quickly how to care for the animals and try to please her demanding, unloving husband. She'd only been married a short time when the Gold King mine blew up and most of the town's men were killed.
Brice was the "shotgun messenger" on the Wells Fargo stagecoach she had ridden to her new home in. He had been quite taken with her, so he went to the mass funeral, then impulsively married her afterwards just to give her his name. He returned to his job, only getting back to town long enough for dinner every Saturday. Engaging story of a woman who set out alone for a better life and did what she had to do, learning as she went.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah (Leanna's Choice) by Angie Dicken

Choices, choices, choices.
Very realistic and down to earth. Poignant. You know the formula for most romances is girl meets boy, they are interested in each other but something keeps them apart. I have to say that this time I actually felt that they would be better apart. I mean, I was glad in the end that it worked out the way it did, but I never thought it would work. Leanna is an “American” who was married and is now widowed. Alex is a Greek immigrant working in the mines. He had a fiancé back home but she died. He was a good friend of her husband and offers her help. But the entire community is against them, even his family. The story is well told and kept me invested in the characters. What a sweet cover!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Description from the Publisher:
Journey now to Castle Gate, Utah of 1910 where...
Forbidden Love Tries to Survive Old World Expectations

Schoolteacher Leanna McKee plans on leaving the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah, and never looking back. Good riddance to coal dust, rugged men, and the fatal mine that took her husband’s life.

Until the widow meets a widower who awakens her heart...and she finds herself inexplicably falling for miner Alex Pappas which stirs up a whole heap of trouble.

Alex’s Greek parents have arranged a more traditional match for him.  When the schoolteacher’s association with the Greek family begins to anger the American miners, they threaten Alex and his family. Leanna has received an offer to teach elsewhere and feels she has no choice but to leave Castle Gate. . .though she will be leaving her heart behind.

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