This was all so unexpected. I didn't think I could love a book like this so quickly.I usually am very iffy about period pieces and books in this sort of setting, but it so worked for me. It drew me in from the very beginning with its angst and heartbreak, and it turns out that I may be a glutton for punishment since it wasn't all smiles and laughter and rainbows. Will Parker was recently released from the State Penn where he served 5 years for murdering a prostitute in a whorehouse. He finds himself in a little town where he finds a job at the mill, but so far the men he works with don't like him since they know of his past.The man in charge Harley Overmire decides that after just a mere 3 days of work that he's going to fire Will and send him on his way.God, poor Will had no money and no food and no place to LIVE!Heart-clench, people. heart-clench He ends up answering an ad in the local newspaper posted by Eleanor Dinsmore who's looking for a husband.He also basically finds out that some of the townspeople consider her crazy as hell.What really got to me was the fact that it wasn't love at first sightfor Will and Elly. He agreed to her terms. She needed a husband, well, a man, really, to help her take care of things around the house and its surrounding property since her husband died recently and left her with a ton of unfinished work to do... and the fact that she's 5 months pregnant with her third child... for the deceased husband.Let me explain my reason for saying unexpected...See, I wouldn't call this book 'historical', but it isn't present day either, so even though I know all this, I still have this sceptical mind to touch books that are written in this kind of time frame.Luckily, I did take a chance this time and it turned out that it was the best kind of chance. I found a solid 5 star book for myself, for the year!I can't tell you how swoon worthy this book is, how simple but beautiful the writing was, how I completely adored this story of loss, love, and redemption.Stick a fork in me people, I'm done for. So amazing. It also made me cry. Not those little quiet tears either, but body shaking sobs that aren't pretty. I'd recommend people to give it a chance like I did. You never know...you may end up loving it like I did.
