Mail Order Marvelous

As Josie's friends leave one by one to marry men in Alaska, she lingers behind, uncertain she could ever do the same. Watching her mother's unhappy marriage has left her wary of men, and the thought of marrying a stranger—especially one so far away—fills her with dread. Alaska feels less like opportunity than risk. But when her closest friend decides to marry and follow the others north as a mail-order bride, Josie faces a choice she can no longer avoid. Unwilling to be left behind, she resolves to go with her, even as fear shadows every step. Jack has waited what feels like a lifetime for his bride. When Josie finally arrives, he is relieved—and unsettled—to find her guarded and visibly afraid of him. He is grateful she has come, yet he struggles to find the words that might convince her he is not the man she fears, that he would never harm her. As Josie begins her new life, she remains cautious, determined to keep the peace and do everything she can to be a good wife. She throws herself into the work she shares with her friends, even as she keeps her heart carefully protected. Will Josie ever truly believe that Jack means her no harm? Or will fear follow her into a future she never fully chose?