The Scarred Christmas Bride — Susannah Calloway

Ned Chapman returns from the war with scars marring him both inside and out. As a result, he loses both his wife and his zest for life. Trying to lessen his suffering, his mother and sister order him a Mail Order Bride for Christmas. They pray the agency will find the right woman to restore Ned's interest in living. Of course, they don't tell Ned what they've done. Lily Lockhart bears scars of her own. She grew up in an orphanage and now works there, but an urge for adventure causes her to leave her tedious life behind. After all, nothing is keeping her in Philadelphia. She yearns for a fresh start out west-and becoming a Mail Order Bride is the perfect way to get it. When Lily discovers she's been tricked, she is in turmoil. How can she tell Ned the truth? Can their fledgling love possibly heal both their scars and give them the new beginning they so desperately need?