Silverpines Series by Sophie Dawson, Carolyn Leggo

Silverpines, Oregon 1899 Millie Messer is exhausted and overwhelmed with raising her children and running the mercantile after the death of her husband in the earthquakes that devastated Silverpines. She does what many of the young widows and daughters are doing: Advertise for a Mail Order Husband. She thinks she’s found the perfect man to become her helpmate and new father for her four children. Clay Cutler as a secret, two actually... moreSilverpines, Oregon 1899 Millie Messer is exhausted and overwhelmed with raising her children and running the mercantile after the death of her husband in the earthquakes that devastated Silverpines. She does what many of the young widows and daughters are doing: Advertise for a Mail Order Husband. She thinks she’s found the perfect man to become her helpmate and new father for her four children. Clay Cutler as a secret, two actually. One will be revealed when he steps off the train in Silverpines. He only hopes Millie doesn’t renege on marrying him when she finds out. The other he’ll keep to himself until it’s necessary to reveal it. Millie is shocked when not only Clay steps off the train but five children with him. All she wanted was a shopkeeper. Now there are nine children in the family. All she knows is that there are lots of meals to cook and laundry to do. That and the outlaws, conmen, and swindlers who’ve come to town. Plus, she knows he’s keeping something from her. Will a new husband and nine children be too much for Millie? Will Clay’s secret keep her from trusting him? Will it help protect the town from those who want to cause harm? What mischief can nine children get into? Is Clay the Wanted: Shopkeeper who will heal Millie’s broken heart? less

When Silverpines burns, Denver knows his job just got bigger. Belle knows she is just what he needs. Denver Hughes, Silverpines new City Developer, arrived to see that his plans for Silverpines just went up in smoke, literally. He is confident he is up to the task, but he might need a little bit of help. He never expected Belle Stewart. Widow and mother of two children, Belle Stewart’s day was supposed to be spent applying for a job... moreWhen Silverpines burns, Denver knows his job just got bigger. Belle knows she is just what he needs. Denver Hughes, Silverpines new City Developer, arrived to see that his plans for Silverpines just went up in smoke, literally. He is confident he is up to the task, but he might need a little bit of help. He never expected Belle Stewart. Widow and mother of two children, Belle Stewart’s day was supposed to be spent applying for a job. Instead she’s surveying what little is left of the downtown. The offhand remark of the new City Developer gives her an idea. Will hiring Belle as his assistant make his job easier or harder? Will the changes wrought by an unexpected fall add more complications to their lives? Can these two find love in the midst of rebuilding Silverpines? less