Ruth
Ruth came to Denver City as one of a group of orphaned young women. Upon arrival, the women learn they were tricked: they were told they would become mail order brides, but found they were brought to work in the gold mines of Colorado. Their wagon master and a handsome young U.S. Marshal, Dylan McCall, rescue them. Ruth, however, falls right back into trouble when she tries to escape the advances of an 80-year-old miner who thinks she has accepted his marriage proposal. To escape this second fate, Ruth asks Dylan McCall to escort her to Wyoming where her cousin resides. Dylan is on his way west on official business. When Dylan refuses, Ruth dresses as a man and follows him into the wilderness.
Ms. Copeland’s descriptions of the Colorado and Wyoming wilderness are realistic, but her storyline is hard to believe. Why would a woman run away from an 80-year-old suitor instead of explaining a misunderstanding to him? Why would a supposedly wise woman follow a headstrong man into a wilderness she was not equipped to handle? The inspirational elements of the story are indicative of a gentle and loving God who doesn’t make everything easy but always has a purpose. This book should be of interest to readers who enjoy pioneer series authors such as Dana Fuller Ross and Janette Oke.
