Cathy Marie Hake

As a nanny, Millicent Fairweather poured her energy and talents into the two young charges under her care--only to have them suddenly and without explanation sent to a boarding school. Bereft and unsure of where life will lead her, she agrees to accompany her sister and brother-in-law to America. They board the Opportunity, confident a better life awaits. Widower Daniel Clark determines to begin life anew in Gooding, Texas, operating a mercantile....

Woman physician Taylor Bestman receives a cold welcome from the citizens of Gooding, Texas, and especially from Karl Van der Vort, the town blacksmith, who becomes her first patient ... against his will. Though hesitant to believe in Taylor's doctoring skills, Karl finds himself oddly protective of this surprising and determined woman.