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Pauline "Polly" Sawyer is desperate to avoid marriage to Henry Grant. Her father George is insisting she marry him soon, and her mother, Justine supports the marriage as well. Her only ally in the house is the maid, Melinda. She persuades Melinda to teach her to drive a wagon and escapes her home by pretending to be a man. She signs on a wagon train taking the Overland Trail to Ft. Vancouver, Oregon Territory.
Joshua Adams has met a beautiful woman at his cousin, Henry's engagement ball, and despite realizing she is his cousin's betrothed, kisses her. He is angry that she seems unenthused about marrying Henry and is glad he will soon be far away on the Overland Trail as a wagon train leader. Joshua's wife and newborn son died three years ago and Joshua knows that the Overland Trail is no place for a spoiled little rich girl.
When he realizes that Polly has disguised herself as a man, he demands she marry him so he can protect her until he can return her to her family. Polly, feeling she has no choice, agrees, and they are married. Now they have to figure out how to keep from falling in love.
The hardships of a wagon train going over the Overland Trail are brought out but not over-emphasized. Polly has to learn how to cope without servants, and how to cook. This story is well plotted, and enjoyable to read. The romance is believable as the more Joshua and Polly are together, the more they are attracted to each other. The side plot regarding Henry and his attempt to catch Polly before she’s gone is interesting and amusing.
The relationships between daughter and parents, fiancé and fiancée, cousins and siblings are treated realistically. Polly’s pioneer spirit calls to the American heart and this reviewer very much enjoyed reading her story. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
Reviewed by Nancy Riggins-Hume
for The Road to Romance
August 26, 2004
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