num_pages: 70
description: Growing up, Lizzie Randle adored her father. But the man who has returned from the Civil War is like a stranger to her...cruel and distant, numbing his pain in drinking and gambling. Finally, in an act of desperation, he offers to trade 18-year-old Lizzie to pay off his mounting gambling debts, promising her in marriage to a dangerous man twice her age.  Forced to flee New York City and to hide, Lizzie finds refuge with an old schoolmate, Celeste Morrison, who urges her to join her on a grand adventure...going West as a mail-order bride. With few options, Lizzie realizes it may be her best chance at safety and a new life. But only one ad in the Matrimonial Times catches her eye and speaks to her heart.  Jesse Bradford is one of the most prosperous merchants in San Francisco. His emporium is bringing in the widest variety of goods and the best experience of shopping of any store in the city. But despite his incredible success for a man only in his mid-twenties, Jesse longs for more...a wife and family to share his life and bring purpose to his work. However, having lost his arm in the war, and betrayed by those closest to him, he doubts if he can ever find love.  Paul and Thomas Cranston are also traveling West to start new lives in San Francisco. While Paul quickly falls for Celeste, and she for him, Thomas sets his sights on Lizzie. When he comes to her rescue time after time, she wonders if she is missing a chance at happiness for the sake of a promise to a man she's never even met.  When a tragic accident on the Overland Trail wreaks havoc to the girls' journey, their fragile promises and budding loves will be put to the most strenuous of tests. As each ensuing decision carries enormous consequences, two young marriages are tested from the very first day. Will any of the countless lonely hearts finally find true love? Read "The Merchant's Bride" now to find out...
title: The Merchant's Bride
publisher: Beyond Original LLC