Susannah has never experienced what it is like to be truly loved. She was raised by emotionally distant parents who never truly accepted her for who she is. As a result, Susannah is painfully shy and has no sense of self worth. Imagine her struggle as she becomes the mail order bride of her pastor's homesteading brother. With no living relatives and no income, Susannah agrees to a marriage by proxy and sets out for Dakota territory. Susannah is totally unprepared for the vastness of the land, the tiny soddie that becomes her home, and especially the laughing, teasing man who is her husband. Jessie is a man who knows how to love. It was a pleasure to watch Susannah blossom under his care. Having be chastised before for her love of veterinary medicine, Susannah can't believe that Jessie values her 'unladylike' passion. Jessie is proud of Susannah and encourages her to be herself. However, she has long thought she can not ever measure up and lives in constant fear that Jessie will send her back. As the couple face challenges, Susannah learns to trust Jessie's love and also finds that God does indeed love her as well.
Like a leaf unfurling in spring, it was a pleasure to watch Jessie and Susannah's love grow as they faced many challenges. I do, however, wish that Catherine Richmond would have expanded more on Susannah's passion for veterinary medicine. I would have also liked to have read an epilogue so that I could see how Jessie and Susannah fared a year or two after the story ends.
All in all, this is a delightful story. The book hooked me right from the beginning and I spent much time ignoring my to do list at home!
