Catherine — Debra Samms

This is a clean and wholesome western romance story set in Oregon in the late 1880's. It is the story of the faith and courage it took to find lasting love on the western frontier.

Two lonely people, one on each side of the country, dared to trust and courageously persevere despite the many challenges that came their way.
Orphaned at age 8, Catherine Daily tightens up her boot straps and sets out on a journey to leave her dreary life in Boston for the wilds of Oregon. Since losing her parents so long ago, she dreams of having a family of her own. She expects that country living will involve a lot of hard work, but she didn't count on was how her city ways would make it a difficult adjustment.

Raymond Cowan is a rancher and farmer in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. When he hears about mail order brides, he places an ad in hopes of getting a bride for himself. He doesn't expect love, but hopes that the relationship will someday evolve into a loving union.

Sparks fly when Catherine brings her city ways to the wild frontier. Raymond's patience goes only so far before he finds himself having doubts about this whole arrangement. Maybe he should send her back to Boston and be done with her and this whole crazy idea.

Will Catherine and Raymond find the love they truly seek? Can Catherine finally have the family she so deeply desires? Can Catherine set aside her city ways and learn how to live and survive in the country? Can Raymond reach inside and find enough patience to help Catherine adjust to her new life? Will they eventually open their hearts to one another or will they be destined for a miserable life?

This is Book 1 of a set of short stories in the Orphanage Mail Order Bride Series.