Bride of the Wilderness

The Women's West #6

by Elizabeth Grayson

In the spring of 1774, Celene Bernard travels with her father to the Prairie du Chien fur trade rendezvous. It is there she meets the rough-hewn English trapper Burke Caldwell, who wants to take her as his bride. Celene scoffs at his offer, but after he rescues her from both kidnappers and Indians, Celene is forced to reconsider. But there is more to Burke than anyone knows, and fate tests their love time and time again before they discover the trust that enables them to make a life together.

Genres: Westerns

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Elizabeth Grayson fell in love with historical novels in the third grade. Her teacher read THE GOLD LACE COAT, by Helen Fuller Orton, to her class in preparation for their trip to Fort Niagara—and Elizabeth was hooked. She’s been reading and writing historical novels ever since.

aka Elizabeth Kary
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
and Karen Witmer
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finished BRIDE OF THE WILDERNESS I immediately thought of all the layers to this story. This is the first time I have read anything by Elizabeth Grayson and it won't be the last. She also wrote a few historical romances under the pseudonym Elizabeth Kary if you enjoy her style of writing.

Before I start I want to tell you to ignore the cover. Yes, I know, the hero and heroine look like brother and sister so just go directly to the first chapter. Celene Bernard's husband passed away and no one could be happier than her. It is 1774 and, at the moment, she is living with her father in Prairie du Chien, WI along the upper Mississippi River. Her five year old son is back home with a housekeeper while Celene tries to sell her hams to make some money. Yes, I said, sell her hams. Her deceased husband was not only cruel to her but also left her with little except the hams to live off of. Hiding her identity as a boy, she is determined to make a large enough profit before she heads back home. She is also trying to salvage her relationship with her father. He sold her into marriage at the age of fifteen and she is trying to forgive him and it hasn't been easy. It makes for some tense moments.

Burke Caldwell is a man of mystery. He has a past and selectively chooses to share his puzzling life when he feels like it. Celene and Burke meet for the first time under not ideal circumstances and a misunderstanding. And surprise, he asks Antoine Peugeot, Celine's father, for her hand in marriage. This all happens in Chapter One. I'll leave it to you to read the rest but be prepared for rich storytelling. Remember I said layers earlier? Well there are plenty of levels to their relationship. Love happens later within this romance but when it does watch for some great chemistry between the two. What is so unusual is that the author could have ended the narrative earlier than she did but she continues the story with a different setting.

I waffled between giving this satisfying tale four or five stars so let's make it 4.5. Burke and Celene desperately deserve love and need each other to complete their happiness. If ever there was a couple who deserved a happy ending this twosome is it. Read this historical romance, you will be glad you did.

[Mary23nm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Longest book and weakest of the series, in my opinion. 3/5 stars.