Summary

As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father’s horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she’s been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors. When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik. Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love? Merrill Krause is a strong woman who works alongside her father and brothers in their ice harvesting business. That's an occupation I had never heard of and so the inside look was fascinating to me. What dangerous, hard work to get the ice out of the river to send East for peoples iceboxes. Merrill longs to find someone to settle down with and start a family of her own, but she made a promise to her dying mother to take care of her father and brothers. She also knows her strength and lack of the usual feminine trimmings, as well as her four imposing older brothers often turned off potential suitors, but as her close friend and mentor Granny Lassiter points out, she doesn't really want someone who can't handle all that either. Just as someone comes along who finally seemed to understand and accept her for who she is, scandal erupts! This is a heartwarming story of human nature and it's failings, and God's forgiveness and grace. It's all about family, community, friendship and love. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.