Jeb Hunter's Bride
A WOMAN ALONE, yet determined to fulfill her dying father's golden dream, Kerry Gallivan heeded the siren call of pioneering and set out on "the sea of grass."But how was she to know that while she sailed her prairie schooner, Jeb Hunter would become captain of her fate? A MAN APART Wagon master for a Conestoga caravan west, Jeb Hunter held the lives of his people in his hands… and a guilty secret in his soul.Haunted by the past, he had no future - until Kerry Gallivan schemed her way onto his train, and into his heart!
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Table of Contents
Praise for Ana Seymour’s previous books
Outlaw Wife
“…a fine romance…”
—Romantic Times
“…a satisfying tale…”
—Calico Trails
Lucky Bride
“…a lucky find…”
—Affaire de Coeur
“A Western winner!”
—Rendezvous
“…superb, enchanting…”
—Under the Covers
Gabriel’s Lady
“Ms. Seymour is rising to the top of the historical romance mountain at an incredible pace. 4>1/>2
—Affaire de Coeur
“…a romantic treasure.”
—Rendezvous
Frontier Bride
“…a wonderful romance, filled with Western adventure…”
—Affaire de Coeur
“…a story that is not to be missed.”
—Rendezvous
“The train doesn’t take lone
women,” Kerry said
She’d anticipated a showdown with their wagon leader if her disguise was ever discovered. Well, the time had arrived. And she wasn’t going to let him intimidate her into backing down.
“You’re darn right it doesn’t,” Jeb said. “And for many good reasons.”
Kerry looked Jeb Hunter squarely in the eye. “I’d be interested in hearing those reasons, Captain. But right now I’m more concerned with getting some dry clothes and trying to figure out how we’re going to get my wagon out of the middle of the river!”
She turned her back on him and marched up the bank. Jeb Hunter felt his gut twist. A woman. Damnation, what a development. A lone woman on his train. And not just any woman—one who wouldn’t listen to orders and who had a stubborn streak as wide as Kansas…!
Dear Reader,
If your mother didn’t tell you about Harlequin Historical, this Mother’s Day might be a good time to let her in on the secret The gift of romance can enhance anyone’s life, and our May books promise to be a spectacular introduction. Critics have described Ana Seymour’s romances as “spirited,” “heartwarming” and “impossible to put down.” This author is sure to please with her latest title, Jeb Hunter’s Bride, the story of a feisty adventuress whose journey west heals the haunted soul of a handsome wagon train leader.
And don’t miss The Wilder Wedding, by up-and-coming author Lyn Stone, the story of a sensible heiress who believes she is dying and, determined to live for the moment, proposes to a dashing and dangerous private investigator Rae Muir returns with Twice a Bride, the second book of her captivating WEDDING TRAIL series. In this authentic Western, a trail scout’s daughter marries a rugged hunter to fulfill her father’s dying wish—only her father doesn’t die…
Rounding out the month is Lion’s Lady by award-winning author Suzanne Barclay. In this latest title featuring the stormy Sutherland clan, Lion Sutherland must choose between his duty to his clan and his undying passion for the woman he betrayed.
Whatever your tastes in reading, you’ll be sure to find a romantic journey back to the past between the covers of a Harlequin Historical. Happy Mother’s Day!
Sincerely,
Tracy Farrell
Senior Editor
Please address questions and book requests to:
Silhouette Reader Service
U.S.. 3010 Walden Ave., PO. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
Canadian. P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3
ANA SEYMOUR
has been a Western fan since her childhood—the days of shoot-’em-up movie matinees and television programs. She has followed the course of the Western myth in books and films ever since, and says she was delighted when cowboys started going off into the sunset with their ladies rather than their horses. Ms. Seymour lives with her two daughters near one of Minnesota’s ten thousand lakes.
For my aunt and uncle,
Betsy and Richard McCosh, m celebration of the 50th anniversary of their very own Western romance.
Independence, Missouri
April 1857
Kerry closed her eyes as the scissors sliced through her long black hair. “Do it quick, Paddy, before I change my mind.”
“I wish you would change your mind,” her brother grumbled. “And stop calling me Paddy.” The shears clicked ruthlessly as shimmery cascades of hair fell to the ground around them.
“It’s the name our father called you. Out of respect for his memory, if nothing more, you should use it.”
Patrick Gallivan sighed. “Kerry, you were twelve when we came here—you remember the Old Country almost as well as Papa did. But I was only six. I’m American—I don’t want an Irish name.”
“You’re Irish, too.” Kerry’s eyes were still shut. “Is it too horrible to look at?”
Patrick stepped back and reviewed his handiwork. “Well, you don’t look like a man, if that’s what you’re asking. I don’t know how you expect to fool anyone.”
Kerry opened her eyes and slowly bent over the silver filigree mirror that had been her mother’s back in Duncannon. “Oh dear” was all she could say.
Patrick put down the scissors with a snort of disgust. “I knew you’d be sorry, Kerry. What a dumb idea.”
Kerry glared at her thirteen-year-old brother. “I suppose you’d rather go back to New York and stack boxes of fish for the rest of your life.”
