Coal Valley Brides

**A SHORT story** Emelia Winters, the mercantile owner's daughter, has always been at her father's disposal. Facing the loss of his store to pay a gambling debt, he pressures her into marriage with the collector. Unable to see another way to save the family business, she agrees to be a bride of convenience and discovers her new husband has the heart of gold she's been searching for. Benny Banks, a cattle rancher, has long been an expert card player. After a big win lands him a woman's hand in marriage, he welcomes her in his home and learns life now has greater meaning. Once two lonely people, these destined lovers stand against town gossips and jealous hearts conspiring to keep them apart.

Colorado, May of 1880 When Maybelle Stewart, a farmer's daughter, is left at the altar by her betrothed, she instead marries his brother in order to avoid public humiliation. She aims to learn her new husband and the ways to his heart-that is, until her ex comes around and starts trouble. He wants her back and if he can't have her, no one can. Especially not his own flesh and blood. Sheriff Levi Anderson, protector of Coal Valley, hates to see a lady in distress. The sassy woman who was soon to be his sister-in-law lights a fire in him like none other and he's not letting her go. When his no-good brother kidnaps his bride, he must rescue her before she disappears in the Colorado wilderness for good. ​ Together they withstand the strains of a new marriage and the jealous brother with a bitter heart.

Colorado, summer of 1880 Aurora McMullen, an orphan, has been left without family by her rich aunt's death. When the government seizes the small fortune given to her in the will, she takes a chance on her future and responds to a mail-order bride ad. Accustomed to a comfortable life in the city, she sets out to marry a man who defies her expectations and shows her the greatest riches come from the heart. Elbridge Claywood, the doctor of Coal Valley, has been wanting to find a proper wife to share his home. A letter from his friend in Nashville helps him choose a volunteer nurse desperate to leave a bad situation. Always a gentleman, he marries this beautiful woman who brings warmth and hope into his lonely existence. Together, they will discover they are destined for one another despite a good dose of homesickness and the rugged conditions of life in the west.

Willa Olson dreams of being an independent woman, free of ties to her overprotective parents. But her Pa has plans for her future. When he arranges for her to marry the town baker, she figures to make the best of the opportunity. Unfortunately, her groom isn't too thrilled about the marriage, and she soon faces the predicament of living with a stranger hesitant to love again. Julian Reed agrees to marry his business partner's daughter in order to open up a bakery in Coal Valley. His new bride carries an intoxicating passion and zest for life that draws him in, yet his heart can't seem to move forward from a previous love. In order to secure a happy future he must make a choice: hold on to the past or appreciate his present. Will this business arrangement produce the fruits of a good marriage? A clean and wholesome sweet western historical romance.