Outcast

Dr. Olivia Barton has moved out to Elkhorn Montana on the request made by her best friend, Amy Talbot, who is expect her first child. Being a woman, Olivia isn't readily accepted by the community the year being 1889 and women weren't accepted in professions such as doctors easily. But that doesn't stop Olivia who takes it on as a challenge.Not much is known about Gabriel Danaher. He is thought of as an outcast who lives in the wilderness, who lives with 2 squaws and only comes out when he needs supplies. What they don't know is that Gabriel was falsely accused of murder and was to hang to his death except 1 of his 2 daughters made a perfect shot severing the rope allowing him to drop and escape by horse back. They have been living in hiding ever since.Gabriel is in town when Olivia arrives and finds himself taking up for the new doctor. Later when his daughters catch diptheria and are dying, Gabriel comes to town to convince the new doctor to come and care for the girls. Many of the towns people have come down with the same fever and Olivia is treating the ones that will accept her help. When Olivia refuses to come with Gabriel he refuses to take no for an answer and kidnaps her carrying her to his home in the wilderness. There Olivia finds 2 little girls close to death. Through her tender loving care they survive but because of a landslide Olivia is stuck there in the mountains with this outcast and his two indian girls for the winter. When discovered of her kidnapping the community tries to save her only to find out that they can't get through until spring. This unexpected time gives Olivia time to get to know the real Gabriel and finds herself falling in love with this mountain man. Gabriel whose wife was murdered thinks he can never love again only to findout that his heart doesn't feel that way. But he is still a wanted man and what kind of life is that for the doctor.The spring comes... along with the community up one side of the mountain and the possy looking for Gabriel up the other side catching Olivia and Gabriel in the middle. This new relationship they have found- can it stand on it's own? Will Olivia stand beside Gabriel or go back to her life in town? When Gabriel is captured and taken to jail to possible swing from the tree once again Olivia heart kicks into action and doesn't let her stand back. It a great romance set in the west. One that I enjoyed reading and has a good ending.

In my single lawyering days, I used to wish that a handsome stranger would turn up in my life and would have to hang around long enough to get past my work and get to know the real me.This book is that fantasy come to life. In late 1800's Montana, lady doctor Olivia is abducted by outcast Gabe to save his twin daughters from diptheria. Of course, when it's time to go home, a convenient landslide traps them for the winter. This is a very solid romance read. A pragmatist might find it a bit contrived. Still, it brings to life a fantasy that many women share. So enjoy it if you can find a copy.