White Nights — Susan Edwards

Beyond the swirling depths of the Platte River, Eirica Macauley saw the road to better days: the remainder of the Oregon Trail. But the journey that she had begun with a husband, she now faced by herself. Still, the young widow awoke with new hope.

A Brighter Dawns

The trail was hard, even for experienced cattle hands like James Jones, but the man's will and determination lent Eirica strength. Yet despite his dutiful attention, Eirica knew she could never accept the cowboy's love; the shadows that darkened her past would hardly disappear in the light of day. But as each night passed and their wagon train drew nearer its destination, James's intentions grew clearer -- and Eirica ached for his warm embrace. And when darkness fell and James stayed beside her, the beautiful widow knew that when dawn came, she'd no longer be alone.