By Gabrielle Meyer

I think each book in The Ladies of the Wilderness collection was better than the last one!

(Note: Technically, this is the last book in a series, but all of the books can be stand-alones. The only connection between the books is that they are Christian historical romances set in Minnesota – and they’re all good.)

Emma Merrick was born into a life of privilege. Her father is a businessman and lumber baron in Minnesota and her mother is a beautiful socialite. And neither of them love their daughter. Emma finds her family amongst the staff and her purpose as a nurse. But in the wilds of Minnesota with little to no roads, her ability to travel to her patients and transport them to hospitals is precarious. But if she knew how to fly…

After a tragic airshow accident, daredevil pilot Kincade Bailey does what he knows best: runs away. He returns to his family’s Minnesota farm that he fled years ago, only to find his father sick, his brother bitter, and the farm one failed mortgage payment away from seizure. Giving Nurse Merrick flying lessons might be the only way to save the family farm.

But as Emma and Cade develop feelings for each other, they find themselves to be innocent victims in a bitter Merrick-Bailey feud. What caused the animosity between Matthew Merrick and Jacob Bailey all those years ago? Why the fight over the Bailey farm? And why does Matthew Merrick hate his own daughter?

But even if Emma and Cade find the answers to these questions, will there be enough forgiveness and reconciliation between the families to allow their love to flourish?

Cons: That was some pretty devastating backstory…

Pros: … but wow, what a redemption arc! 

I accidentally read over 200 pages in one sitting, but I certainly don’t regret the subsequent lack of sleep. 

My top 3 favorite elements of this book are:

1. Historical Detail. The story flips between 1863 and 1917 and each timeframe was beautifully written. I loved getting an honest perspective of an Indian Agent during the time of the treaties. But the 1917 Downton Abbey-esque story was equally charming – especially with the Christmas parties and masquerade ball. 
2. The Romance. This wasn’t a packaged formula romance. Emma and Cade’s romance was fresh, and while there was a Romeo and Juliet-styled obstacle, the characters didn’t fall into the usual pitfalls and communication issues. I didn’t have to roll my eyes once!

Note: while the two main characters don’t fall into sexual immorality, a lot of the plot hinges on (off the page) poor choices made by other characters.

3. The Redemption Arc. You can’t have a story without bad guys and poor choices (go read the Bible if you disagree). The trick is to write realistically and offer hope while not glorifying evil. There was some absolute heartbreaking tragedy in this book caused by poor choices. It was so sad reading what led up to the feud. These were characters you cared about. You could understand their motives and sympathize with them. And all throughout the book, you were rooting for them to find hope and redemption. (Spoiler alert: there is a happy ending!)

The Bottom Line: Come for the historical romance, stay for the story!