Away in Montana

I loved Jane Porter’s historical story, Away in Montana. This is the first book in the Paradise Valley Ranch series which will give those readers who love the Marietta, Montana stories a glimpse at the town’s founding families. This is story features McKenna Frasier and Sinclair Douglas. After being forced out of polite society for what was considered scandalous acts and being disinherited by her wealthy, mine owner father, McKenna returns to Montana to become the first teacher in Paradise Valley. There she meets her old friend, the boy she always loved, Sinclair, not sure if he has forgiven her. The story is one of second chances at not just finding love but also accepting that love. I loved this insightful peek into 1889 Marietta. Many names were familiar, Sam Graff and his hotel as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bramble. We were also given a look at the way residents celebrated when Montana became a state. Another aspect that I enjoyed is the timely reminder of how women were once treated and how few freedoms they actually had during that time period. McKenna is a forerunner of the women’s reform movement. She strongly wanted freedom and equality for women as was evidenced by her actions and words. This was a fun, wonderful and entertaining story with very loveable and authentic characters you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written with complex characteristics. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Achingly beautiful and effortlessly captivating story of steadfast love between a headstrong woman and an honest man enlightens with its abundant information as well as makes you teary-eyed with its intense emotion!

McKenna, the fallen daughter has returned to live her life as a teacher. Most of her town has spurned her, but the love she left behind, Sinclair has shown her grace. It's obvious they still love each other, but they need to forgive each other while McKenna must learn marriage is not giving up independence. Several obstacles and a mine accident puts their love to the test. McKenna promises to marry him if he survives and Sinclair holds her to that promise. This second chance love set in the late 1800s Montana is a beautiful love and Christmas story!