Bride of the Wilderness — Elizabeth Grayson

Widowed at twenty-three, Celene Bernard had learned that men could not be trusted -- a woman needed a fiery spirit and a strong will to protect herself. So when she saw a trapper harassing a defenseless woman, she was so enraged that she pushed him into the Prairie du Chien mud. But she was even more furious when the uncivilized brute demanded her as his bride -- and her traitorous father agreed.

An Englishman who had lived among the Indians, Burke Cardwell hardened his heart to her protests. But he soon grew determined to keep her from harm -- and win her respect. When he saved her from a violent assault, Celene was forced to admit her gratitude. But as they braved danger among the fur traders, trappers, and Indians of the Mississippi Valley -- and struggled to triumph over hardship and betrayal -- a debt of gratitude grew into a bond of passion, and two hearts hardened by the wilderness were softened by the tender touch of love...