A Bride In The Bargain by Deeanne Gist

Here's The Story: In 1860s Seattle, a man with a wife could secure himself 640 acres of timberland. But because of his wife's untimely death, Joe Denton finds himself about to lose half of his claim. Still in mourning, his best solution is to buy one of those Mercer girls arriving from the East. A woman he'll marry in name but keep around mostly as a cook.
Anna Ivey's journey west with Asa Mercer's girls is an escape from the griefs of her past. She's not supposed to be a bride, though, just a cook for the girls. But when they land, she's handed to Joe Denton and the two find themselves in a knotty situation. She refuses to wed him and he's about to lose his land. With only a few months left, can Joe convince this provoking--but beguiling--easterner to be his bride?
My Review: 

Where do I even start? I just have to say I'm in love with this book, the characters, the plot, the setting, everything!! I felt like I really connected with the Joe and Anna, felt what they felt; pain, love, heartache and joy. Sure there are a few historical errors but this is a book. No matter how hard you try you'll never make a book perfectly accurate. You know why? Because research will never truly uncover what was really there. If you're looking for a book that will make you want to run out and buy every other book from this author then this is the one for you. I know I will be picking up more from Deeanne Gist's list on my next book haul