A Steadfast Heart

Wind River Mail-Order Brides #2

by Martha Hutchens, Lacy Williams

When his family legacy is on the line, rancher Drew McGraw becomes desperate for someone to tame and tutor his three children. Desperate enough to seek a mail-order bride. But when the wrong woman arrives on his doorstep, Drew balks.

Heiress Kaitlyn Montgomery runs straight from the scandal chasing her toward a fresh start on a secluded ranch. She strikes a bargain with Drew—a marriage convenient for both of them.

But the more Kaitlyn adapts to ranch life and forms a bond with Drew’s children and their enigmatic father, she realizes that this ranch is where she is meant to be. And then her past catches up with her…

This sweet historical romance is perfect for fans of the following

*ready-made family
*nanny/tutor
*single dad
*fish out of water

Wind River Mail-Order Brides
Book 1: A Convenient Heart
Book 2: A Steadfast Heart
Book 3: A Secret Heart
Book 4: A Dangerous Heart
Book 5: A Forgotten Heart

Genres: Romance, Historical, Christian Romance, Historical Romance, Suspense, Inspirational, Marriage Of Convenience

322 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2025

About the author

Martha Hutchens writes Historical Inspirational Romance filled with hope, heart, and a touch of small-town charm. A winner of RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award, she draws on her experiences as a retired homeschool mom, lifelong knitter, and former chemist to craft stories rich in faith, perseverance, and historical detail.

A self-proclaimed history nerd, Martha enjoys exploring historical sites and imagining the lives of those who walked there before her. She lives with her husband in the beautiful Ozarks, where she takes long walks with her bossy miniature poodle and dreams up new adventures.

Whether writing about 19th-century frontier life or the challenges of World War II, Martha’s stories are filled with history, heart, and a deep love of storytelling. She’s always happy to connect with readers who share her passion for faith-filled fiction and the resilience of the human spirit.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Remember, we’re here for you, no matter what. That’s what family does.”

Just as good as book one!

My heart went out to everyone involved; Kaitlyn Montgomery as she tried to fit into a ready-made family and Drew McGraw as he tried to bridge his troubles on the ranch, a broken family, and a mail-order bride.

The on-the-run character provided the tension and the difficult child with the closed and hurting heart won me over! I loved the reminder that God can bring good out of our mistakes and won’t soon forget the phrase, “Family sticks.”

This was a binge read for me.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t a love story built on sparks or sweeping gestures. It was stitched together by necessity, guarded hearts and prayers.

Sometimes faith means showing up to a house full of wounded children and choosing kindness when you’re met with quiet resistance. It means keeping your promises, even when no one else believes in them yet.

One line lingered with me: “With God, all things are possible. Well, unless God planned to multiply the boards like He had the bread and fishes so long ago, they were done for.” That line carried both the ache and the humor of holding on to faith when resources run dry—when there isn’t enough wood, enough strength, or enough clarity to see how it will all work out. And still, God sustains.

Love doesn’t always announce itself in grand declarations. Sometimes it’s found in the willingness to keep trying—one day, one small gesture, one softening look at a time.

These characters weren’t perfect. They were bruised, reluctant, barely holding it together at times. But underneath every uncertain step was this slow, steady truth: God hadn’t let go of them. Not when the past roared. Not when the present frayed. Not even when they doubted if they were worth redeeming.

This story wrapped around my heart because it reminded me: God’s presence doesn’t always come with lightning. Sometimes it comes with silence—and a strength that holds when everything else threatens to fall apart.

This was more than a historical romance. It was a quiet, beautiful picture of enduring love—God’s love first, and the kind of human love that mirrors it when we dare to stay.

I received a digital version of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! From the moment I started, I couldn’t put it down. The marriage of convenience trope, combined with a heartbroken single dad, three adorable kids, and a woman escaping a dangerous past, creates a perfect storm of emotion and tension. It’s a true page turner and a tear jerker as well!

In this story, Kaitlyn is running from her abusive brother, hoping to escape an unwanted marriage. When she stumbles upon discarded mail-order bride letters (and train ticket), she seizes the chance to escape to a new life, with a possible new husband. Drew, initially resistant, is determined to send her away, but Kaitlyn is determined to stay and prove her worth. What begins as a marriage of convenience soon turns into something much more complicated as Drew and Kaitlyn find themselves drawn to one another despite their best efforts to stick with their agreement. With his heart locked away and her desire to feel needed, both face challenges that threaten to tear them apart. As Drew fights to protect his land and legacy, he can't ignore the growing connection with his unexpected bride. But could he risk his heart again?!

From the very start, I was hooked on this story and couldn’t put it down once I began. You’re in for a real treat with the heartfelt family moments, life on the ranch, the sizzling chemistry between Drew and Kaitlyn, and there is even added suspense –> it's a total page turner!

I gave it 4.5 stars, but rounded up to 5.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy, this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was packed with emotion filled moments! I could feel Kaitlyn’s desperation many times throughout the story, whether she was escaping from her abusive half brother or trying to care for three children who each struggled with their own traumas.

Drew and Kaitlyn entered into their marriage of convenience as a business arrangement. Kaitlyn needed the protection of marriage and distance from her half brother. Drew was desperate to find someone to help his children. But I loved the way their hearts began to soften for each other.

Kaitlyn was truly a wonderful woman who had such a kind and loving heart for her new family, even when one of the children was absolutely terrible to her. I loved seeing the way things eventually worked out for this little family.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a step back in time as you travel between St. Louis and Wyoming with Drew and Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn isn't the original mail order bride but joins the McGraw family to help save the farm and reign in his three kids. Tillie and Kaitlyn steal the show in this book. The reader can just picture the love that little Tillie has for Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn has such a gentle heart and knows how to be a balm for each person that she meets.

Thanks to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Vickie McDonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Steadfast Heart is a marriage-of-convenience story about two hurting people. Kaitlyn has been mistreated by her brother and flees his abuse. Drew is a single father with three children and a ranch to run. He needs help, not another wife he can't depend on.

There are many obstacles standing between Drew and Kaitlyn, number one being the children. How does a woman win over children who resent her presence? Can she win the heart of a deeply wounded man? Or will it all become too much?

Once again, Lacy Williams has pen another exciting story with plenty of conflict. You'll love her books.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved A Steadfast Heart in this second installment of The Wind River Mail-Order Brides series by Lacy Williams. I don’t often read Historical Fiction but lately been getting into it more and loving them. I’m in my historical romance era. This widowed father of 3 was in over his head until he decided to send for a mail order bride but what he got was not what he was expecting. Heiress Kaitlyn was running from her crazy brother when she stumbles on Drew’s letter and she’s determined to change everything with helping Drew and his children. My favorite quotes:

“She’d turned to him as an anchor while the storm raged through her, and he’d offered her a place of security.”

Swoony

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read about a marriage of convenience, a city girl, and a rancher. Drew, the oldest McGraw brother, is trying to hold everything together—the homestead, his legacy, and his kids—but needs help. Kaitlyn is in need of a fresh start, having escaped her abusive half-brother and an unwanted marriage. With a marriage of convenience comes wounded characters, guarded hearts, and struggles. Kaitlynn does her best to bond with each of Drew's children, especially Drew's middle child who enjoyed giving Kaitlyn a hard time. A Steadfast Heart is a great read that has emotional parts.

[Sian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this from beginning to end. It was such a great clean western romance read. It had a clear plot that carried the romance.

I loved both main characters and their vulnerability. Kaitlyn was such a lovely and strong FMC she was written perfectly for Drew and his family. I loved them together. There is a 10 year age gap to mention (Drew, 33; Kaitlyn, 23) but it doesn't factor into the story as a trope really. Kaitlyn has been through so much and she in certainly a heroine. I pictured Drew and Kaitlyn just as they are on the cover (the cover is so pretty).

I was a sobbing mess during the final chapters. I appreciated the faith message too, that God never leaves His own and He always turns evil to good, having a larger plan than we can conceive of in time.

This was only 286 pages but it felt longer in a good way. It has a danger element that I felt was a page-turner. I love when danger or suspense in a book feels impossible to overcome and the author finds the perfect way to resolve everything. This is five stars for me because I can’t really think of anything bad to say haha. But if I did have any critical thoughts I think I would add that when a story is in 3rd person it really helps to avoid names that start with the same letters. David is Drew's 13 year old son but I kept getting their names tripped up in the mix, and given that Drew is the male love interest it created a choppy reading experience at times. I know those names don't sound alike but the first initial was enough.

I was given a paperback copy to read and review but these are my honest thoughts. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.

In this book:
-marriage of convenience
-single father
-fish out of water
-found family
-Wyoming ranch setting (1893)
-big city girl x wild west boy

Content Guide:
clean romance; clean language; brief yet semi-frequent violence; light-medium faith content

CW: abusive sibling, descriptive coercive control, confined spaces / claustrophobia, descriptive childhood emotional trauma

[RD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written historical/western romance. With vibes of Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke, this story pulls at the heartstrings. Drew and Kaitlyn are brought together by what could only be called divine intervention. Drew and his kids need Kaitlyn and Kaitlyn needs a way out of her brother’s grasp. I love a good marriage of convenience book and this is as sweet as they come. Overcoming steep obstacles, Drew and Kaitlyn are drawn together and find the family they each desire.

A clean, inspiring story I can recommend. I was given an early copy of this story. A positive review was not required.

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Family sticks.”

I enjoyed this marriage of convenience story filled with family growth, threats from evil men, faith, and a sweet romance.

Kaitlyn was so sweet and loving. I enjoyed seeing the way she stepped up to the challenge of helping Drew’s kids and her strength and determination in helping with the ranch. Her relationship with Tillie was so sweet. I loved how safe and cared for she felt at the ranch. Drew was determined, protective, and caring. I loved his relationship with both his kids and his brothers. I also loved how he accepted Kaitlyn and tried so hard to make her feel safe. I especially enjoyed the way that Kaitlyn and Drew worked together to face the danger and troubles that came their way.

A few quotes:
“I’m not. When we walked out of that jail, the choice was the homestead or you. I didn’t have to think about that, not even for a split second. There is always more land. There is only one you.”

“Think how I feel. He gave me you and an entire family.” “But Katie, before you got here, we were just a bunch of people related by blood. You made us a family.”

Note: This is book two in the series but it can be enjoyed as a stand alone as well.

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, Christian mail-order bride trope set in wild Wyoming

Beautiful, comfortable prose, faith-filled story of love, and kind, thoughtful characters are a boon to this second book in the series. It is very engaging, full of action, with emotions to commiserate and happy ending to cheer for.

This time a reader returns to a small town in Wyoming to see a father of three, Drew, buried in work and feeling like a failure, struggle to keep up with the ranch and needs of his growing children. Hence, a mail-order bride turn fiasco that only fuels his determination to close his heart completely to love and joy.
Enter Kaitlyn, who jumps at the opportunity to escape her abusive and controlling brother and leaves her isolated life of a socialite to become a mother and teacher to Drew’s kids.
Does it seem like a desired outcome to both of them at first ? Not at all, but the author beautifully shows how God uses the situation of this marriage of convenience to bring the characters closer to him and to let this second chance at love comfort their burdened hearts.
In addition, the author’s portrayal of Kaitlyin’s growing love and care for the children who suffer from the trauma of their mother’s abandonment is gentle and a picture of how God cares for the broken. And God’s steadfast love is reflected in the characters’ steadfastness. And as both of them learn their happiness and the happiness of others are not in their hands but in the hands of the One who cares most, they learn to let go and embrace God’s loving control.

A few hidden eggs (characters) from the Wind River series by Lacy Williams appear, and it’s a joy indeed to see them interact. Like coming home.

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Steadfast Heart, the second book in the wonderful Wind River Mail-Order Brides series, is a captivating, entertaining historical romance read. The engaging cast of characters features as its central figures heiress Kaitlyn Montgomery and honorable rancher and single father Drew McGraw. I love these two individually and as a couple. I admired Kaitlyn's strength and perseverance as she runs away from her controlling, manipulative half-brother and seeks refuge and hopefully a mail-order marriage in a small Wyoming town. I could feel Drew's burden of protecting the family legacy and his love for his children. The children stole my heart. The story drew me in quickly and kept my attention as the suspense kept building. The ending brought smiles along with some happy tears. The authentic 1890 western setting gives all the feels of "being there". I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it and the series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Steadfast Heart was such a treat, and it was even more so to read it back to back with A Convenient Heart! I loved the introduction to Merritt's cousins, so to finally understand their family dynamics and see them take center stage was the best!

Drew is kind, strong, dependable, the oldest brother and the one who needs all the help with his mountain-high list of things to do at the ranch as well as with his kids (Tillie, Jo, and David). Kaitlyn is determined, running from her past towards an uncertain future, but full of hope and so much love to give. I loved how, despite their wounded pasts, they found what they were looking for in each other.

The themes of family, love, and perseverance were some of my favorites, and they were beautifully done in this compelling read. I found myself thinking about the characters whenever I had to put the book down, and I think it's because the author takes the really nice foundation laid by the previous book and makes it their own. There's more mystery and suspense, both from the past as well as from some really evil characters. There's more slow-burn romance since this is a marriage of convenience, and thus, trust needs to be built first. There was a certain plot twist that I didn't see coming and took me for a wild ride while also keeping me turning the pages as fast as I could.

Honestly, I could go on and on, but I fear I'd end up spoiling it for someone (and no one likes that) so let me just say, if you loved the first one, are a fan of Lacy Williams or anything Historical Romance and Cowboys, you're gonna want to grab a copy of this one. Completely recommended and I can't wait for the next McGraw story! 😍 ~ 5 stars!

Content:
Kidnapping, threats, parent neglect as a child (past), panic attacks due to past trauma (from being locked in a dark, closed space), one mention of animal abuse (past).

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down!!

Kaitlyn is desperate to escape the control of her abusive brother, desperate enough to show up unannounced on the doorstep of the man who placed an ad for a mail-order bride.

Drew almost turns Kaitlyn away but he is desperate to find a woman to help his grieving children and offers her a marriage of convenience. Just a business transaction, no love or marriage.

But as Drew and Kaitlyn work together to build a family and save the family ranch, feelings grow between them but they must confront the threats from Kaitlyn's past before they can hope for a future together.

What you'll love:
historical western
mail-order bride
dual pov
widow/single father
marriage of convenience
slow burn
protective hero
dangerous past
suspenseful moments
adorably sweet romance
Tillie, Jo and David
perfect bonus epilogue!

It has been way too long since I picked up a western romance and this story was exactly what I needed! I was completely caught up in the story and binged it in one sitting - the story was well paced and the pages practically turned themselves. What a fun blend of history, romance, family, and suspense!

There is something deeply appealing about two strangers who enter into a marriage of convenience and eventually fall in love and find happiness with each other, and with two endearing characters like Drew and Kaitlyn, I could not help but cheer on every glance, every touch, every kiss, every moment of connection that was part of their sweet love story!!

This was my first book by either of these authors but it will certainly not be my last! This was such a well-written and engaging story and I loved every single bit of it!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

CW: no swearing, kisses only
TW: physical/verbal abuse by family member (past, told as memories)

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew had married, but his wife was a city girl and didn't like the ranch in Wyoming so she left. They had 3 kids. Her train wrecked and she was killed so now Drew is a widower. Because he lives so far from town, the kids don't attend school. He's trying to prove his homestead and the kids are running wild. He writes for a mail order bride. Then he travels to St. Louis to pick her up. When he gets there, it's a young 17 year old who was playing a trick on him. She was a spoiled rich brat. Drew is devastated. He leaves. At the train station, he can't refund her ticket, so he throws it down. Kaitlyn has her mother's inheritance, but her step brother is an evil man. He agrees to "sell" her to the local brothel owner to pay for his gambling debts. Then he'll get her inheritance. She applies for a teaching job, but Michael tears up the ticket and locks her in a room. He's abused her for years and Dad just looked the other way. She sneaks out and finds the letter and ticket at the train station. She rides the train and shows up at Drew's ranch. He doesn't want anything to do with another city girl. They agree to a marriage of necessity. He'll be kind to her, but that's all. Kaitlyn wants a family to love, but she'll take safety from Michael. Of course, the 3 kids are minor characters in the story, but they play a huge part. They are rowdy and disrespectful. Kaitlyn has such patience with them. Outstanding book!

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a new mail order bride or groom series by Lacy Williams. This series is set in her fictional town of Calvin, which has been the locus for many of her stories and we see recurring characters from Calvin in these books. I wondered how this series, collaborating with other authors and a new publisher would compare to her previous books. Have no fear, the first two stories have been great.
We met Drew and his three wild children in book one. Now we learn that the man has been rejected twice by city girls, and is feeling angry and defeated. When another city girl shows up unexpectedly as his bride, only desperation leads him to offer matrimony. Katie is also desperate for marriage so she can escape from her her brother and preserve her inheritance. It's not much of a foundation to build on, and external threats, looming deadlines and one very unruly child all add to the drama. This book has a great storyline, compelling and believable characters and both action and heartfelt moments. I found myself drawn into the story, and wondering how things would work out. I highly recommend this book, and based on the first two, I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

[LA · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK BY: Martha Hutchens Presented by: Lacy Williams

What a lovely debut novel!

I read this entire story in one sitting (one very long, but enjoyable sitting!). Martha Hutchens is an historical romance author to look for…

This marriage-of-convenience story has enough twists and turns with a satisfying slow-burn romance that readers won’t want to put this story down. Kaitlyn is running from an abusive relationship and a marriage proposition that will clear her brother’s debts. Drew McGraw is desperate to find someone to tame his wild children so he can focus on saving the legacy his father left to him and his brothers. A marriage-of-convenience is just the business proposition to solve both their problems.

There are a slew of characters that readers will either love or dislike, and the children are an unexpected delight, creating some interesting situations for Kaitlyn and Drew to deal with. The story clips along, pulling readers into Kaitlyn and Drew’s Wyoming ranch, but giving the characters ample time to fall in love (and face their troubles).

I quite enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more stories from Martha Hutchens.

I received a copy of the book from the author, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I loved this book so much! From the suspense of seeing how it would end for Kaitlyn and Drew, to the romance between the two of them, and the wonderful faith thread woven throughout, I was said when I reached the end of this book.
If you love marriage of convenience trope, with a dash of danger, this book is for you. From the start of the book I was drawn into the story and immediately related to not only Kaitlyn but Drew as well. I loved the setting, a ranch in Wyoming, and I also loved the antics of Drew's children. Kaitlyn is an inspiration as to how she handled things with not only the children, but how she also built Drew up with her words after he'd suffered a terrible first marriage.
Drew is a swoony hero who cares deeply for those he loves. He may be a man of few words but he always does what's right for his family. The romance between the two of them was so sweetly done, first becoming friends, then growing into more.
I loved everything about this book, and now want to read the others in the series. I think there is a book before this one in the series, but I haven't read it yet and this book can totally be read as a stand alone.
*I read an early ARC from the author/publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Christian Western Romance, A Steadfast Heart. This is book two in the series, Wind River Mail-Order Brides. I love Laci's work and I'm so excited each time I receive one of her books. I have really enjoyed this book and the series. It's well-written, heartwarming, with a touch of intrigue. I know you are going to love it.

Drew McGraw is the oldest of the McGraw men and runs the family ranch. His three children are now running a muck. He can't keep anyone to care for them. He needs a wife! He sends for a mail-order bride. but she is not who he thought she was. She convinces him to do a marriage of convenience. Will this work?

Kaitlyn Montgomery is an heiress but she is under the control of her brother. He intercepts her letter and train ticket for a school she was to take. Her brother planned to marry her off to his friend, a monster. She escapes. At the train station she steps onto a train ticket to Cheyenne Wyoming. The train leaves in ten minutes. She can make it.

An eventful journey for two broken souls and three wild children. God has a plan for this family a good plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A plan for peace and not for harm. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Steadfast Heart by Lacy Williams with Martha Hutchens is the second book in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series. It is a nicely written Christian historical fiction story set in rural Wyoming in the 1890's. This is an easy to read inspirational story with wonderful characters that is easy to imagine.
Drew is a single dad with a ranch to run and homesteads to improve for his brothers. He had reached out to a possible mail-order bride but wasn't successful. Kaitlyn and her finances are under the control of her step-brother. When she flees home, she finds a mail order bride letter at the station and goes to Drew unannounced.
What an enjoyable story to read. I enjoyed reading of how strong and determined Kaitlyn was. She was willing to do anything she could to help Drew and his family. She offered physical, emotional and financial help to a family she didn't really know. It was fun to see how their relationship developed through out the story. The story also has mystery and suspense with what is happening in the area and Kaitlyn's brother.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional! I will admit that that several tears were shed during the reading of this story! There were so many emotional parts that had me in tears! The writing was fantastic! Drew had gone through so much in his first marriage and didn't want to be married again but his children need another mother (even though they didn't want one!) and he had so much responsibility on the ranch with his brothers which he took personally (overly personal actually) that he was about to break. Kaitlyn was running away from a terrible situation from a lifetime with her half-brother who was a horrible person, and a mail-order bride seemed like a good option even though she was taking the place of someone else! She had her hands full with kids that were fairly wild and a husband that didn't have time for her. I loved all these characters, even the secondary ones that added so much to the story. So much heartbreak and pain with everyone and the healing that takes place will have you crying too! Read about the power of family and love and never giving up. This story is amazing!

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I have read many of Lacy Williams' books and have a hard time picking a favorite but this one ranks at the top of the list. Drew McGraw has finally accepted that he needs help raising his three wild children and decides to take a Mail-Order Bride. When he goes to meet her he finds out that he has been tricked. Kaitlyn is running from her Brother and his plans for her when she stumbles on a train ticket and an a letter for a Mail-Order bride that Drew discarded in his haste to return home. Kaitlyn shows up on Drew's doorstep stating that she is there to be his Mail-Order Bride. Drew is very distrustful of Kaitlyn but he agrees to a marriage of convenience only. Kaitlyn works hard to find the love and family that has been missing since her parents died. During their many struggles Drew and Kaitlyn begin to find happiness when Kaitlyn's past catches up with her. I highly recommend this book. It is the second in the series but can be read as a stand alone. It was an amazing story.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Alyssa Amey Madjeski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I flew through this book and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. Marriage of convenience stories are some of my favorites!

In this story we meet rancher Drew, a widower with three crazy kids- each with wounds left by their mother he struggles to understand. So he tries to find a mail-order bride- only to find himself the joke of a spoiled debutante. But a few houses down, Kaitlyn is trapped in a mansion that is more of a prison, with her malicious stepbrother making dastardly plans for her future without her consent. A God-coincidence brings Kaitlyn to take the biggest risk of her life, and brings her more reward than she ever could have imagined.

I loved Kaitlyn’s growth in this story. I loved watching Drew’s heart soften. And I loved getting to know David, Jo, and Tillie! And finding out just enough about Drew’s brothers to make me want the next books in the series in my hands- stat! There’s everything I love in this book- romance, history, and suspense! Martha Hutchins is a new name to watch out for!

Completely recommended for anyone who loves marriage of convenience, ready-made family, single father, fish out of water, or evil stepbrother stories!

I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a Christian historical romance book. The main characters are Drew and Kaitlyn. Drew is a rancher and a single father to David, Jo, and Tillie. Kaitlyn is a woman who wants to be free of her brother. When Tillie finds out Drew wants a mail-order bride she gets on a train and show up. Will he allow her to stay and marry him for the kids? Since she is a city girl will she learn to love the ranch or flee? Will Drew’s kids come to accept Kaitlyn into their lives? This book was so good. It showed that we experience hard things in life but with God good will come from it. We may not understand at the time why things happen but God has a plan for you and your future. I loved how amazing Drew was not just to his kids but also to Kaitlyn and his brothers. I loved his brothers as they were so loyal to their family and were there for each other. The love that Kaitlyn showed the kids was wonderful as they deserved it. There was a bit of suspense in this book which I think made the book even better. Overall, I loved this book.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected coincidence begins a love story
Wyoming rancher, Drew, left to raise his three young children, is desperate enough to advertise for a mail order bride, as he and his brothers struggle to keep their legacy financially afloat, but is rudely disappointed in his search.
Kaitlyn is equally anxious to escape her brother’s heartless plans for her future and is gratified when she finds an escape route. However, her unexpected arrival, and her ‘city’ appearance, fail to reassure the family and only little Tillie welcomes her, trusting that she will stay.
Ms Hutchens’ characters, especially the children, show realistic emotions and reactions to the situations they encounter, and Kaitlyn and Drew’s gradual attraction is heartwarming. The writing style and storyline flow easily, with additional defining moments in the development of Kaitlyn’s relationship with each member of the family, culminating in an exciting and nail-biting climax.
This is an ARC which I have voluntarily and honestly reviewed.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just found two new-to-me authors to follow! Lacy Williams and Martha Hutchins swept me into Kaitlyn Montgomery's frenzied attempts to escape her evil brother, and my enjoyment and anticipation continued to increase! I loved Kaitlyn's bravery, her special bond with the children she was hired to tutor, and the powerful connection that developed between her and rancher Drew McGraw. It didn't take long for me to know they were a perfect match, but when would they discover it for themselves?

This western story takes place in Cheyenne, Wyoming, so you can count on adventure, danger, and the hardships of living on a ranch, but there's so much more! A Steadfast Heart has sweet romance, needy children, two emotionally scarred characters who deserve to find happiness, and a strong emphasis on family and faith! I recommend A Steadfast Heart to all who enjoy romantic Christian fiction, and I look forward to the next book in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series.

I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy from Sunrise Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Steadfast Heart was my first book by Martha Hutchens but I will be looking for more books by this author! Orphan Kaitlyn will receive her inheritance when she comes of age or marries but her half-brother is determined that she marry the man he is debt to for gambling debts. To escape, Kaitlyn goes west to a marriage of convenience to a rancher who needs a mother for his three children! I loved how Kaitlyn was brave enough to do what was necessary to escape her half-brother's clutches. The rancher, Drew McGraw, did not have an easy first marriage but knows he is doing a poor job of giving his children the care and education they need. Heiress Kaitlyn proves herself capable of learning ranch life and parenting even when it is not wanted! You will enjoy reading of all of the difficulties the McGraw family face and the chances Kaitlyn takes to help her new family. I received a complimentary e-book and recommend A Steadfast Heart to others. This is my honest opinion.

[Ari's library · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟

It was a good book ! I have searched for a good and clean western romance for quite some time and, before this one, only went from disappointment to disappointment.

Here, the faith elements were lighter than I expected but introduced in a way that was very natural. The story was gripping and the characters fleshed out. I also appreciated that the author made an effort not to romanticize too much the life on the ranch and unveiled some of its hardships to us while not making the book too heavy.

I sincerely disliked Jo for the main part of the book but in the end I was surprised to find myself forgiving her cruelty. I only regret not having a bit more romance between our lovely main characters who only admitted their feelings to each other just before the end, but I am always a bit greedy…

It was literally hard to put this book down ! This will certainly not be the last book that I will read from this serie (in fact I ordered the first and third volume already) !

[Lisa Philipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Western romances then this story is for you. Kaitlyn lives with a controlling older brother who wants to “sell” her in marriage to the man who holds his debts. Drew lives out west on the family ranch, with his brothers. Between the cattle, raising his motherless children, and needing to build homes on the ranch, the brothers are running out of time and could loose hr property. When Kaitlyn finds the letter and train ticket for a mail order bride written by Drew, could God have set her on a path to a happily ever after?
The characters draw you right into this story. Kaitlyn’s love for Drew’s children, and how hard Drew works to keep his brothers and children safe and happy. A few twists and turns to the story add interest and keep the pace rolling along. There’s also a wonderful bonus epilogue.