Spring for Susannah
Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.
When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor’s brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she’s ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.
Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse’s confidence in her—and his faith in God’s perfect plan—slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.
When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah’s fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse’s love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.
She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn’t predict all that awaits her.
Endorsements
“I can’t remember being drawn in so hard by a debut novel. Cathy Richmond wrote an absolutely beautiful, sweet, funny, exciting romance. I fell completely in love with the hero and heroine. The shy, sweet Susannah who’s been trained that a woman doesn’t spout opinions or show emotions, and poor lonely Jesse who is dying for someone who will talk to him. It’s full of passion and danger and humor and charm.”
“Upon rare occasion, one discovers a book that sweeps you into its world so completely, you never want to leave. Catherine Richmond’s Spring for Susannah is such a book, transfixing the reader with a tale of an unlikely love that whispers and sways across the pages like the grasses across the prairie, ripening into a heart’s desire that touches the very soul. A stunning debut that will capture your heart and never let go …”
“Spring for Susannah is a tender, realistic story full of memorable characters. This vivid portrait of life in the Dakota Territory will transport you into the life of a brave woman who must take the ultimate risk as she awakens to love in body and spirit. By capturing the earthly beauty of a good marriage, Cathy Richmond puts the “inspiration” in inspirational romance.”
“Spring for Susannah follows one woman’s journey to the Dakota territory where she learns not only to survive the elements, but to also trust that God has a plan for her. I loved watching Susannah transform from a shy and timid woman who feels unworthy to a strong, independent pioneer in this new world. Filled with history and well researched, Spring for Susannah kept me cheering for these well developed characters until the very last page. Fans of this genre will welcome this refreshing read from debut author Catherine Richmond.”
“Brimming with fascinating details and endearing characters, Spring for Susannah is as refreshing as a cool Dakota breeze. An accomplished debut!”
“This is the kind of character-driven book many first novelists hope to write and few achieve. Richmond leaves the reader begging to know what happens next to her protagonists. More, please!”
“I devoured Spring for Susannah in one lovely gulp. Richmond is an author to watch. Highly recommended!”
“Spring for Susannah is a captivating debut! Susannah’s plight captured me from the beginning, and I didn’t want the book to end. Catherine Richmond wove beautiful details throughout this novel, and I savored her wonderful description along with her story.”
“Richmond arrives on the inspirational fiction scene with a moving debut novel . . . The backstory of the emotions of a mail-order bride—a favorite among historical-romance readers—deepens Richmond’s tale, and readers will be filled with hope that Susannah will learn the true meaning of love. Highly recommended where inspiring, romantic historical fiction is in demand.”
“. . . charming inspirational story about a man’s extreme faith, a woman’s bravery, and God’s amazing grace. Catherine Richmond has penned a treasure in her debut novel, Spring for Susannah. She gives realistic details of life in the 1870s, works in a good measure of inspiration, and just the right amount of romance. This is truly a must read!”