Brides of Wildcat County Series by Jude Watson

196 pp. Pub: 9/95.The Brides of Wildcat County series features the stories of women on the brink of womanhood in Wildcat County, California. When Savannah leaves her beautiful home in Georgia to avoid a forced marriage, she vows never to submit to a man again. But then she meets ruggedly handsome Eli Bullock. Can Savannah suppress her desire for him before it ruins all her plans?

Eden is on the run from the law when she sees the advertisement for brides wanted in Wildcat County. This could be her chance to start over and maybe even settle down. But she quickly realizes changing isn't so easy, until she meets Josiah Bullock. Will he be the one to tame this wild Irish rose?

Ivy Nesbitt has been ruined by a vicious lie. To her, Wildcat County is a change of scenery, nothing more. Her chance for love is already gone. But California brings out a strength in Ivy she never knew she had. Could it also bring a second chance for love?

Although a year younger than her sister, Mattie Nesbitt has always been considered the stronger of the two. But even she feels the weight of despair as they face an uncertain future.Mattie has nowhere else to turn when she sees the ad for brides. Perhaps this is their way out. If she and her sister can find husbands, they won't be fated to a life of loneliness and poverty.But in California, Mattie discovers she doesn't need a husband. She can make her own way . . . disguised as a man... moreAlthough a year younger than her sister, Mattie Nesbitt has always been considered the stronger of the two. But even she feels the weight of despair as they face an uncertain future.Mattie has nowhere else to turn when she sees the ad for brides. Perhaps this is their way out. If she and her sister can find husbands, they won't be fated to a life of loneliness and poverty.But in California, Mattie discovers she doesn't need a husband. She can make her own way . . . disguised as a man. So with the right clothes and a new haircut, Mattie becomes Matt.Then Mattie meets Sam Jackson Brand. He's as untamed as the Sierra, and his tempestuousness has impassioned Mattie. Mattie knows she must tell Sam the truth. But she has his respect as a man. As a woman, will she still have it--and his love, too? less

As a free black woman living in California, Opal Pollard has made a good life for herself. She has her own successful business and she's engaged to a wonderful man. But when her past comes rolling into town, Opal must lose everything she has worked for if she wants to keep her freedom.