A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

How sensible is it to leave your home state of Texas to marry a man you have never met?  That's what Marty asks when she finds herself on a stagecoach headed to Colorado to be a "wife in name only" to banker Jake Wythe in 1892.  As a widow, Marty is ready to leave the memories of Texas behind. She vows to never again go through the hurt of losing someone she loves, so a "paper marriage" sounds perfect to her.  What she finds in Colorado is a life of luxury- servants to meet her every need, unlimited bank account and too much free time on her hands.  Knowing only the ways of ranching, going to society balls takes her way out of her comfort zone. Yet that is Jake's only request, to play the role of his wife to please his boss.  Jake's ultimate goal is to get back to his home state of Texas and run his own ranch, but first he must fall in line with everything his boss says to earn enough money to buy his own land. Life isn't easy at first for newlyweds especially ones that are just getting to know each other.  Along the way they must depend on each other, and Marty comes to realize that God never left her alone even after going through the death of her husband.  If you love Christian Historical Romances this one is your typical novel. Though slow in parts, Peterson brought the historical detail of the 1890's into her story.  The ending was sort of abrupt and left me wondering if there will be a sequel because the story didn't seem to end.  I have read other books by Tracie Peterson when she co-authored another series.  This one didn't keep my interest like I thought it would.  Peterson included a lot of the main characters' thoughts, but there wasn't enough communication between Marty and Jake.  Thanks Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group for sending me a free copy to read and review!