The Enchanted Land by Jude Deveraux, Avon

Morgan Wakefield's father has died and has stipulated in his will that she must marry and live on his New Mexico land for a year. Her uncle kept her under his watchful eye and dressed her atrociously so that no one would court her, her father's money went to him if she didn't find someone to marry. At a ball one night, Morgan propositions Seth Colter into marrying her for the year in exchange for money at the end of the year. This is worth it to her as she wants the home she grew up in with her mother, but her father owned it.

Morgan and Seth travel to New Mexico from Kentucky and along the way discover they've fallen in love.

Morgan and Seth have a few obstacles to overcome, including Morgan's getting kidnapped twice, Morgan believing Seth is dead and Seth believing that Morgan worked as a whore.

Morgan was a strong heroine, she relied heavily on Seth and the loved they shared but she was strong in her own right. Perhaps it was her faith in Seth that got her through the difficult things she went through, but she got through them nevertheless.

Seth was a likeable hero, there were times he needed to be hit over the head with a baseball bat for his denseness and his short temper. But when he realized he was wrong, the plan he devised to get her back was a good one. He didn't storm back into her life claiming marital rights or anything else, he took his time to earn her trust once again.

I personally did not care for The Enchanted Land despite liking the characters. The servants at Seth's ranch are hilarious and the part Indian man who was in ownership with Morgan's father in New Mexico is a good character too. I just thought it could have ended a lot sooner than it had. I certainly didn't hate it, but it's not one I'd recommend to someone or pick up again.

©Susan Matthews and phantomroses.com