"For the Thornton brothers, the Oklahoma Land Rush is the perfect opportunity to finally put down some roots. A new start, a new community--what more could preacher Elijah Thornton need? Not a wife--not after the pain of losing his fiancee. But something draws him to the pretty nurse whose eyes are clouded by trouble. Only by claiming her own homestead can Alice Hawthorne avoid an unwanted marriage. Even Oklahoma may not be far enough away from New York to escape her past. Yet with courage--and the handsome reverend's support--can she forge a loving future"--Page 4 of cover.