The Pursuit of Miss Parish — Grace Hitchcock

Love's gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson's letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.Colt Lawson didn't want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn't back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?Praise for Grace Hitchcock's Novels:Sparkling with vivacious energy, this romance launches Hitchcock's American Royalty series. . . . Fans of the TV's The Bachelorette will adore this historical spin on competitive courtship that features all of the glitz, glamour, and drama that the Gilded Age brought to New York City's elite. Booklist on My Dear Miss DupréTo the modern reader, the plot of this book is reminiscent of the popular reality show, The Bachelorette. In what is a unique take, author Grace Hitchcock has combined the modern with the old fashioned by setting her book at the height of America's Gilded Age. . . .Overall, the book is amusing and entertaining, a relatively quick read. The characters are interesting and possess great depth. Historical Novels Review on My Dear Miss DupréIn 1893 Chicago, the World's Fair brings excitement to residents and visitors, and danger to a group of young ladies in this rousing solo debut novel [. . .] Hitchcock keeps the pace quick and tension high as the characters face dangers both physical and emotional. Readers will enjoy the snappy dialogue, vivid depictions of the famous World's Fair, and the surprising historical details. Publishers Weekly on The White CityHer Darling Mr. Day is a delightful and charming romantic romp. Grace Hitchcock has created wonderful characters who face mystery and adventure while falling in love. I know my readers will find this novel as endearing as I did and highly recommend it. Tracie Peterson, bestselling author of the Ladies of the Lake seriesGrace Hitchcock does an excellent job of weaving history of the era and Louisiana region into the romance with well-drawn characters, who came alive in their first scene and stole their way into this reader's heart. A gutsy heroine with determination to spare, trapped in society's rules of the day, had me cheering for her from the beginning. Her Darling Mr. Day kept me reading when other things needed doing. Lauraine Snelling, bestselling author of the Red River of the North seriesDelightfully original! Set during the glittering Gilded Age, My Dear Miss Dupré is a captivating story that will charm readers from the first page until the last. Grace Hitchcock is a writer to watch! JEN TURANO, USA Today Bestselling Author