Lina - Mail Order Brides of the West by Debra Holland

The second of the mail-order brides. Lina is of Italian descent and fiercely protects the child in the story while making minestrone for everyone that visits.
It's a charming historical romance story that focuses briefly on the hardships of the west and the role of women but more on the hopes and dreams of finding love and friendships.

My final question on this book was that Johan was a hunter and that's how he fed the family. Is that also how he earned money? I know nothing about this era so wondered how he was able to come up with the money for the bride, and the mercantile purchases. ( )

Montana meets minestrone...Italian American city girl meets reclusive Montana fella. Problems faced by Lina and Jonah range from alcoholism, depression, racial tensions, bigotry, suicide, and blended families to the hardships of love, loss and life. Historical fiction that touches the heart. Characters are believable and richly developed. The reader can readily imagine Lina's desire to engage with others, while Jonah can't imagine being off the ranch. Well done book! ( )