Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Back of Book:  When sixteen potential brides step off the train in Plum Grove, Nebraska, the town may never be the same again!  Join Stephanie Grace Whitson for this spirited tale of courageous women who risk everything for the dream of owning land and finding love on the prairies of Nebraska.

My Review:  Mrs. Whitson was researching quilt documentation at the Nebraska State Historical Society Archives and found an article that five war widows went to Nebraska to homestead.  Thus, begat the story of Sixteen Brides.  The beginning of the book is slightly confusing and it's hard to keep track of the different women but as you read on you become engrossed in the lives of  Ella who needs a fresh start or Caroline who feels that she just can't go home because her parents have lost too much or Hettie who guards a secret.  The lives of the sixteen brides are all very different but yet they all seek one common denominator---to be loved and to have a fresh beginning.  Of course, a fresh, new beginning may not be as wonderful as we always imagine.  The women accidentally discover that Mr. Drake is not the helpful, guiding source of wonderfulness that they first thought.  Realizing that Mr. Drake is a con artist who is luring them with the promise free land and is actually taking them to a place called Cayote to be brides to lonely men the women "jump shore" at Plum Grove, Nebraska.  Here begins the story of how the women bond together as they begin their new lives.  A great historical fiction read!  A definite 4 stars!

*I reviewed this book for Bethany House. *

Sixteen Brides can be purchased at Amazon!