Mining For Love: Marriage of Convenience in the Wilds of Maine

by Candice Sue Patterson

Petite, fierce, and respected by the men who work for her, Daisy Connelly rules her rare watermelon tourmaline mine in Newry, Maine, with an iron will. When profits begin to vanish and the local sheriff refuses to intervene, Daisy realizes someone is stealing from her—and that remaining an unmarried woman may make her an easy target.

So she does the unthinkable.

Daisy proposes a marriage of convenience to private investigator Samson Gray, hoping a sudden husband will draw the culprit into the open. Samson has built his reputation on solving dangerous cases, not playing the role of a devoted spouse, but Daisy’s audacious plan may be the only way to catch a thief who believes himself untouchable.

What begins as a calculated ruse soon grows dangerously complicated.

As threats tighten around the mine and trust becomes a fragile gamble, Daisy and Samson are forced to confront old wounds, buried fears, and the walls they’ve built around their hearts. Pretend vows blur into genuine emotion, and the cost of independence—and love—rises with every step closer to the truth.
Because when deception turns deadly, faith may be the only thing strong enough to save them.

Set against the rugged beauty of Maine’s gemstone country, this Christian historical romance weaves heart-pounding suspense with a tender romance and faith forged under pressure—where the greatest treasure isn’t found underground, but in the courage to trust, surrender, and love.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 24, 2026

About the author

Candice Sue Patterson studied at The Institute of Children's Literature and is an elementary librarian. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she's not tending to her chickens, snuggling with her Great Pyrenees, or helping children discover books they love, she's working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance--where the past and present collide with faith. For more on Candice and her books, visit www.candicesuepatterson.com.

Reviews

[Cathy Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a little bit of everything - independent woman in a man’s world, confident man who thinks he doesn’t want to settle down and of course personality conflicts which turn into romance, and intrigue. It’s clean and shows their dependence on God. Once you start reading you can’t put it down, you want to know what happens next; I was up later than I should have been a couple nights wanting to see what was coming. Definitely a good read.

I received an ARC copy, the review is an honest one; you won’t regret reading this book.

[Martic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! I want to be friends with Samson and Daisy. Thankful Ms Patterson had a godly thread running through the whole tale. Their dependence on the Lord was encouraging. The setting in a small town in Maine was delightfully cozy. High stakes in the mystery of who’s ripping off gems from the mine that came to a successful conclusion, though not without consequences. Well done all around! Patterson has hit another one out of the park.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but my comments are my own.

[Taylor Veruchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how strong and independent Daisy is. A woman mine owner in a male dominated world. A fake marriage turns into a legal one, what a fun read! There is undercover investigations, betrayal, humor, romance, danger, what’s not to love?

Samson’s confidence and Daisy’s fierce independence makes for great dialogue, attraction, and banter. The vulnerability of both Daisy and Samson is so genuine. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Candice Sue Patterson!

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mining for Love is a sweet and humorous read about a woman who owns a mine and a detective sent to investigate theft. The characters drew me to them right away. What starts as a business arrangement, takes a twist that will keep you guessing.

There is deceit, lies, and theft at the top of the story. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The storyline took some twists along the way, and I wasn't sure what would happen next. In the end everything wrapped up nicely, even though I didn't want it to end. This is a sweet story with lots of emotional circumstances and just enough romance to keep it interesting. A great read. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Patterson steeps the reader in the setting of this story. The sights, smells, and textures of Maine come to life as we once again meet Daisy and Samson, but this time in their very own adventure. There is intrigue, deception, danger, and heart-pounding moments twined around a sweet-heat romance that will satisfy any romantic's heart. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

I received an early copy of this book from the author with no expectation of a review - good or otherwise. All opinions are my own.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very independent woman who just happens to own a mine. Determined, willful, and very much a woman to be reckoned with. She is determined to find out who is stealing her tourmalines, right under her nose. Entering, a very handsome and also willful investigator, sent by her brothers to help solve the thefts. She doesn't make his job easy, and they form a very unstable partnership, in search for answers. You will enjoy their interactions, throughout, including love, which neither one wants to confess to.

[Desta Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed have an ARC of this book! I love the depth that Candice’s characters always have! Samson and Daisy were no different! The storyline was sweet and the mystery was intriguing and kept me hooked until the end! I know nothing about mining, but it seemed well researched enough to seem realistic without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. I have not read the first book in the series, but will go back and read it just to get to know the side characters better!