It all started with an ad in a mail-order bride catalogue . . . This charming bouquet of novellas introduces you to four Hitching Post Mail-Order Bride Catalogue prospects in the year 1870, all eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages. “And then Came Spring” by Margaret Brownley Mary-Jo has traveled halfway across the country to meet her match, arriving just in time for his funeral. Returning home seems like her only option until her would-be brother-in-law proposes a more daring idea. “An Ever After Summer” by Debra Clopton Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she looks—and just the girl he needs. “Autumn’s Angel” by Robin Lee Hatcher Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. ­ e trouble is, there’s no money to send them back . . . “Winter Wedding Bells” by Mary Connealy David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

本作の真髄は、1870年代の過酷な西部でカタログという希望に賭けた女性たちの魂の再生にあります。四人の名手が描く物語は、喪失や逆境を強靭な意志で乗り越える逞しい人間讃歌。運命に翻弄されながらも幸福を自ら掴み取る彼女たちの気高さが、ページから鮮烈に溢れ出しています。 荒野の厳しさと移ろう心情の対比が鮮やかです。緻密な心理描写は読者の心に明日への勇気を灯します。不器用な魂がたどり着く平穏は、現代人の孤独をも癒やす希望の光。本作は愛と再生を求めるすべての人に捧げられた、至高のロマンス集です。