Book excerpt: Immerse yourself in the discomfiture of five couples who are virtual strangers when they agree to wed for practical reasons. Emily marry Steven for the sake of his children. Regina’s family has arranged for Diedrich to come from Germany as her groom. Chiquita is bartered in marriage to Eduardo to cover her father’s debts. Pearl accepts Jason’s hasty proposal to help him run his family’s farm. Sarah Jane is forced to marry Painted Hands, a trail scout, for propriety’s sake. Can romance develop despite awkward beginnings?