The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride

A marriage of convenience might lead to true love if an unlikely pair can fend off those who want to separate them, in this fast-paced series opener from Keller (A Light in the Darkness). In February 1887, Ella Mountbatten escapes her abusive father and fiancé in Boston for Harmony Springs, Mont., hoping to find refuge with Travis Doyle, an acquaintance from back east. When she arrives in town, she’s met by local rancher Cody Brooks, Travis’s brother-in-law. Ella’s struck by Cody’s good looks and kindness—he’s even caring for his late best friend’s three orphaned children—so when he decides to seek a wife, she volunteers, believing a marriage will offer protection if her father tries to bring her back to Boston. Ella throws herself into mothering the children and is slowly won over by Cody’s steadfast, loyal nature. But just as the relationship heats up, Ella’s father arrives. When she refuses to return with him to Boston, his behavior becomes menacing, and Ella must work to uncover the nefarious reasons whe’s so determined to have her marry the fiancé she left behind. It’s easy to root for Ella as she harnesses her faith to carve out a life of her own, though the romantic subplot is somewhat weakened by clichés. Still, there’s enough heart and drama to keep readers on tenterhooks for the sequel. (Mar.)