Thrust together by her dying father, Sara McGuiness must face the treacherous Yukon Territory with "Bear", a quiet giant of a man. Will they survive and learn to share a burning love born during the chill of a Northern winter?
Excerpt
Once again she glanced at the growing crowd and looked for her father. He wasn't there.
"Time to go. Haven't got all day," the giant said.
Go with him? Oh, good heavens! He couldn't be serious.
"No. Not in a million years," she hissed, struggling against his hold. Her attempt to break free had about the same effect as an ant trying to move one of these huge fur trees she'd seen marching up the mountain slopes.
People always said her father was tall, but this man would tower over Patrick McGuiness by several inches. Not only was this the tallest man she had ever seen, but this Mr. Bear resembled a barbarian. His curly, dark hair was pulled back and tied with a leather strip so that it hung down his back. A wicked-looking knife hung from a loop on his belt and he grasped a rifle in the hand not detaining her. Before she could free herself, he started to move.
And he took her with him.
"No! What are you doing?" She jerked against him. He wasn't going to drag her away from her father and her dreams.
"You must stop!"
He stopped. She yanked her arm out of his hold and to her side, raised her chin and straightened her shoulders, standing as tall as she could. She didn't even come to his shoulders.
"Sir, I don't know you. I know nothing about you. And I am certainly not going anywhere with you."
"You're Sara, right? Sara McGuiness?" His deep, husky voice coiled around her and created all kinds of strange sensations. Another tingle, followed by another chill. Fear, she decided.
"I don't know how you know my name, but yes, I'm Sara McGuiness."
"Your pa's at my place."
"At your place? Why isn't he here?"
"He'll tell you," the giant said. "Oh! Best get a few of your things." He pointed to the boxes and trunks unloaded onto the boardwalk.
"One minute. I have no intention of gathering some of my things! Besides, how do I know my father is at your house? Why, I don't even know your name." She glared at him and placed her clenched fists on her hips. There was no way she would go with this man.
"Just tell me where you live and I'll find my own way," she said, trying to put more confidence into her voice.
He threw his head back and laughed. Obviously, he was nothing but a…a savage. Like one of the villains in the penny novels she loved.
She opened her mouth to tell him what she thought of his attitude when he sobered.
"Best get some of your things."
"I'm not taking a step until you tell me why my father didn't come himself."
"I said, he's at my place."
"Why? I don't understand. What happened to his house? Why is he with you?"
"Cabin burned down."
"Cabin? A cabin? I don't believe you." Sara squared her shoulders, stiffened her spine and tried to stare him down. It didn't work.
She wilted. What could she do now? She'd endured Aunt Anna's censure and her promise of doom, to travel miles to be with her father. Now, he wasn't here. The temptation to scream raced through her and she bit her lip, hard. She had to think.
Professional Reviews
MarthaE
REVIEW: I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely and heartwarming historical western!
Sara has left her home in Philadelphia to escape a marriage being forced upon her by her Aunt. She has traveled to the Yukon Territory to join her father who has written to her that he has a treasure for her. Although Sara is not prepared for the wilderness and cold, she is a very determined young lady and she is not going to be defeated!
Bear is a gruff "bear" of a man who picks Sara up "in town" to deliver her to his cabin where hei father is staying. Bear and Sara's father have become good friends over many years. Bear is resourceful and able but he is basically closed off. He is taciturn and at first barely speaks to Sara as he trudges her through the rough paths on the many day journey from town to home.
Sara arrives to find her father dying. She does all she can to help and in the process becomes mistress of the cabin, making it a home rather than just a dwelling. But Bear lost his wife and child before he buried himself in the mountains and he does not believe he is worthy to ever have a woman again, much less fall in love. He does everything he can to resist the warmth that Sara brings to the cabin. He is determined to send her home as quickly as possible but fate works to strand her there for the winter months. There is a fair share of misunderstanding and doubt, especially for Sara who thinks she is unlikable since Bear is so eager to send her on her way.
Although there are some bad guys trying to find the rumored treasure and some friends too, the story really centers on Sara and Bear and life in the harsh but beautiful setting. The author has done a good job of building a picture and an understanding for the rough little mining town and the isolation of the cabin. She also has created two characters that draw you into rooting for them to give in to the sensuous passion, love and life that they clearly could share if only they will take the chance. This is a wonderful story that you will want to read so you can discover the truth of Sara's treasure!
