Orphaned by Fire, Tempered by Love — Susan Hart

In the rugged landscape of 19th century America, Cora Stewart found herself alone in the world at the tender age of twenty-two. Born into a life of hardship, she was orphaned in a devastating tenement fire that claimed the lives of her entire family, leaving her to be raised by a sickly aunt who eventually had no choice but to surrender her to the harsh realities of the orphanage system.But Cora was a resilient soul, and she refused to let her past define her future. With a heart full of dreams and a determination as fierce as the sun beating down on the dusty plains, she made a bold decision that would change the course of her life forever.Cora had heard whispers of a new opportunity for women like herself seeking a fresh start out West. The chance to become a mail-order bride was a risky venture, but she knew in her heart that it was the leap of faith she needed to take. So, she penned a letter to a rancher named William McKinley, whose ad in the newspaper promised a life of love and adventure in the untamed wilderness of Montana.