Pearl — Juliet James

A man-shy woman!
A wedding-shy man!
A preaching-shy preacher!
And one conniving outlaw with plans -- take over the town, then the Territory!

Middle-aged Pearl King heads to Come-By-Chance, hoping for a quiet life of gentle female companionship, and time to dedicate to the causes she believes in -- Equality for All -- regardless of gender, race or religion. However, when she arrives in town, the entire place is in an uproar -- with a preacher who won't preach, a Mayoral election campaign rife with corruption and Gold Rush Fever!

And added to all that, it seems her friend, Beryl, has matchmaking on her mind too --involving Pearl and "Uncle" Maurice Carlson, who has been commissioned to build Beryl a grand home in the center of town. But it's complicated. Fearless campaigner, Pearl, and normally fearless dabster, Maurice, both live with the shame and scars of a failed marriage.

As if all that isn't trouble enough, the town's popular Kate Davis finds herself up against Slim Jim Murdoch for the position of Mayor -- and it's hardly what you'd call a fair fight. And let us not forget our beloved Preacher, Ernest James Coy, who's come clean with his past and must now deal with the consequences.

The Come-By-Chance Mail Order Brides: 
Ruby 
Emily 
Violet 
Kate 
Rose 
Emmy-Lou 
Opal - The Outlaw and the Sheriff Who Loved Her 
Coral - The Widow and the Man Who Loved Horses 
Ava & Ina - The Twins and the Fist-Fightin' Cowboys 
Lillie - The Orphan and the Grief-Stricken Groomsman 
Pearl - The Divorcee and the Wedding-Shy Dabster 
Jane - The Modern Miss and the Preacher's Mighty Conundrum