A Bride in the Bargain is the first of Deanne Gist’s books that I really enjoyed. I thought the other ones were ok; this one is good! I liked Anna as a character; her courage and overall character. The story line was old, but new – if that makes any sense. For some reason, the story of Asa Mercer and mail order brides 
has always fascinated me. Gist threw in information about logging, cooking, Indians, and consumption to round out this interesting story.
Here’s the backcover copy:
In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.
Joe Denton doesn’t have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride–one of the eastern widows and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.
Anna Ivey’s journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civil War. She signed on to become a cook–not a bride. When she’s handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?
For more information visit CFBA, Deanne Gist’s website or Bethany House.
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Hi,
to be honest – i was looking for blogs on brides. I notice the image and decided to take a look on the post.
After reading it, i begin to think of this book and the characters you have been talking about. You just switch on the curiosity in me.
Thanks.