Book excerpt: An 1880’s historical western romance. (Sweet, clean romance) Alice Barrett isn’t opposed to marrying James Owens, she just thought he chose her for different reasons. Finding out the marriage of convenience is simply convenient, she’s left wondering if sacrificing love for security will fulfill her heart and soul. James knew his time was running out if he didn’t make a change. His friends and family were all in Apple Orchard, and he wasn’t interested in leaving. With pressure to continue his schooling out east, he decides to take on a wife to convince his family he’s determined to build a life on his terms. Choosing Alice was easy, but convincing her to marry him turned out to be a bigger challenge than he expected. Can Alice and James come to an arrangement that works for them both? Or will Alice pull away at the thought of being a pawn? Doesn’t she deserve somebody that loves her completely? This is the second book in the “Prairie Brides of Apple Orchard” series. It can be read as a standalone, but as the stories run linear, it’s suggested to read them in order.