Hannah of Fort Bridger Series by Al Lacy

In the years following the Civil War, Hannah and Solomon Cooper decide to seek out a new life on the frontier. In the dangerous journey that follows, however, tragedy strikes. By all reasonable expectations they should return home. Yet to the surprise of everyone in the wagon train -- and despite great opposition -- Hannah presses onward, displaying grit, courage, and a faith deep enough to sustain her family through life's greatest trials.

As Jack and Julianna make their way back to Fort Bridger to announce their engagement they run across a couple stranded along the road, Matt and Emily McDermott, and their daughter Holly. Holly is six years old and bears a remarkable resemblance to Patty Ruth. When tragedy strikes and Holly dies of pneumonia Emily McDermott becomes mentally unstable and refuses to believe that Holly is dead. She heads out one day to find Holly and mistakes Patty Ruth as her dead daughter... moreAs Jack and Julianna make their way back to Fort Bridger to announce their engagement they run across a couple stranded along the road, Matt and Emily McDermott, and their daughter Holly. Holly is six years old and bears a remarkable resemblance to Patty Ruth. When tragedy strikes and Holly dies of pneumonia Emily McDermott becomes mentally unstable and refuses to believe that Holly is dead. She heads out one day to find Holly and mistakes Patty Ruth as her dead daughter. Matt's heart is torn between his wife and the guilt of keeping Patty Ruth. He finally decides he must take Patty Ruth home on Christmas Eve. Hannah decides that God has given her the perfect gift this Christmas-to have Patty Ruth back. less