Cora's Fate

SUTTON CREEK WESTERN - BOOK 3 When the bank forecloses on her family home, Cora Spencer is left with few options. Her only family is her dog, Annie Belle. Her brother was killed during the Civil War. James' death devastates her parents. in a matter of months, she loses everyone who meant anything to her except for her Annie. One of her father's friends offers Cora a job at his textile factory. She moves to a poorer neighborhood, renting a room in a boarding house. Her landlady allows her to keep Annie because she assures the woman her dog is mute. After working for three months at the factory, Cora has to quit her job. The owner of the factory, Edgar Miller, offers her a different position as his mistress. She seraches every day for another job, but without a reference, doors are closed to her. Flowers arrives at the boarding house. Edgar Miller is not giving up his pursuit of Cora. A friend of her brother's, Paul McGill, lost a leg in the war, is ill and looks to be dying. The owner of the tavern where Paul stays, sends for Cora. Tim O'Sullivan or Sully, is impressed by Cora's Medical skills, pulling her from death's door. Cora thought that once she quit her job that would end Miller's harassment. He hires someone to follow her. Cora fears what the man will do next, so she purchases a small pistol. She answers an Ad for a Mail-Order Bride. It was the only way Cora could leave Boston. Matthew Bennett from Sutton Creek, Montana, is jilted by his long-time sweetheart. His mother, Sarah, asks her eldest son's wife to place an Ad in the Matrimonial Times for a Mail-Order Bride. Matt reluctantly reads the fifty or more responses to the Ad. Cora's letter is the only one that interests him. He feels she needs his help, so he sends for her. There is an immediate attraction between them. Cora believes Montana offers safety for Annie and her. Once she leaves Boston and travels halfway across the country, Edgar Miller will no longer chase after her. She is dead wrong.