Publisher's Synopsis
Struggling rancher Ryan McKay needs a mother for his nineteen-month-old daughter. He requests a sedate, responsible young woman who thinks before she acts, unlike his deceased wife. She must be an exceptional cook and able to perform some outdoor chores. To prevent temptation, Ryan hopes the woman is as plain as homemade soap, because their marriage will be in name only. When bubbly, petite Annalyn Pierce hops off the stage in her fancy ball dress, Ryan's jaw drops. She's way too pretty and her resemblance to his dead wife stuns him.
Annalyn will be thrown out of the house when her aunt dies, so she contacts Agatha Sinclair's Matchmaker's Agency to request a valiant cowboy. Annalyn is thrilled when the agency pairs her with a wealthy Texas rancher who wants to wed an attractive young woman who enjoys travel and adventure. Ryan and Annalyn decide to wait 8 weeks to tie the knot, to ensure they are compatible. Ryan isn't the exciting cowboy Annalyn requested, but she is drawn to his kind and patient nature. After she burns two meals and almost sets the house on fire, Ryan suspects he was sent the wrong bride, but he's already smitten with the vivacious woman whose bubbly personality makes him laugh again. Fearing Ryan will discover she can't cook a lick, Annalyn engages a neighbor to give her secret cooking lessons each day while he checks on the herd. But when Ryan rides in early and discovers the neighbor lady hiding in the barn, Annalyn's secret is exposed and she loses Ryan's trust. She sets out to regain it, but makes a reckless decision that endangers his toddler's life. Will Annalyn's foolhardy act put her on the next stage out, or will Ryan open his heart to her, even though she's not the sedate. responsible woman he requested? How will God turn a mismatched couple into the perfect match?