Shortly after the birth of her son, Emily began losing her sight. Within a few years, she was completely blind, her husband dead at sea leaving her dependent on his parents for survival. But when they begin talking about marrying her off to a man of their choosing, she manages to escape by accepting a proposal from a farmer out west. She and her son Peter leave secretly, hoping to find a life of her choosing rather than one that is chosen for her. But when she arrives at his farm, she learns he had died the day before.
I read a review copy of this book, and as I always do, enjoyed reading it. I think what I enjoyed most about this story is the fact that Emily was determined to not be a burden on anyone, and instead to find a way to be more than just a “pretty wife” who must be taken care of by her husband. She is more than capable of taking care of herself and her son, as well as cooking, cleaning, and gardening, even if she is completely blind.
I enjoyed watching Emily prove to those around her that she wasn’t helpless, and in reality was extremely capable. And while she must face many difficulties, including finding some way to go forward and find a home, given that the man she was supposed to marry is dead, his home burned to the ground, and his brother is determined to sell the land so he can become a prospector for gold during the California Gold Rush, where so many men rushed to become prospectors who hoped to get rich were headed.
If you enjoy mail order bride stories, any of Ms. Linnington’s other books, stories involving hope, loss, and moving forward, then I think you will enjoy this one as well. It is a quick, but enjoyable book to read.
Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.
