This book and one other (THE TEXAN'S DREAM) are my absolute favorites from Jodi Thomas. I've read almost all of her books at least twice; she writes with such sensitivity about a subject dear to my heart. This is a fictionalized account of how German immigrants came through Galveston, on their way to settling land in the Texas Hill Country. Both my ancestors and my husband's arrived and traveled this way; while doing genealogy research, I've seen just how accurate the author's vision of this migration was.
Only men could claim land in the US at this time. Thus, when Anna's husband dies during the difficult sailing passage to Texas, she is in danger of losing any right to claim a homestead. Rather than marry one of the leering men of her acquaintance, Anna boldly walks up to a group of Texas strangers and offers $100 to any man who will marry her (in name only) and help her work the land for a year.
One man, Chance Wyatt, takes her up on the offer. Anna is wise beyond her years to have gone outside of her circle for a husband; Chance knows the land and the trail. He is able to help the tired and bewildered Germans in many ways.
Anna and Chance have tremendous challenges to face, individually and as a couple. This book is very entertaining and there's never a dull moment. Chance and Anna are endearing people who are resourceful, generous and loving. I'm only sorry that the limit is 5 stars.
Please note: Although rarely mentioned, PRAIRIE SONG continues with two of the characters from this story.
Only men could claim land in the US at this time. Thus, when Anna's husband dies during the difficult sailing passage to Texas, she is in danger of losing any right to claim a homestead. Rather than marry one of the leering men of her acquaintance, Anna boldly walks up to a group of Texas strangers and offers $100 to any man who will marry her (in name only) and help her work the land for a year.
One man, Chance Wyatt, takes her up on the offer. Anna is wise beyond her years to have gone outside of her circle for a husband; Chance knows the land and the trail. He is able to help the tired and bewildered Germans in many ways.
Anna and Chance have tremendous challenges to face, individually and as a couple. This book is very entertaining and there's never a dull moment. Chance and Anna are endearing people who are resourceful, generous and loving. I'm only sorry that the limit is 5 stars.
Please note: Although rarely mentioned, PRAIRIE SONG continues with two of the characters from this story.
