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Montana Mavericks: Historicals #3
A Convenient Wife
All she wanted was a kitchen to run and a garden to tend. But when Doc Gray offered his name to her and the baby she carried, Ellie Mitchum was overwhelmed. How could she, a girl of "a certain reputation," ever be the kind of wife he needed — and deserved?
Winston Gray knew that Ellie was the answer to his prayers. His life required a woman's touch; she needed a man to protect her. It was simple. But when her baby's real father returned, Win would learn that marriage, no matter how convenient, was never simple!
Winston Gray knew that Ellie was the answer to his prayers. His life required a woman's touch; she needed a man to protect her. It was simple. But when her baby's real father returned, Win would learn that marriage, no matter how convenient, was never simple!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2001
26 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Davidson
68 books90 followersCarolyn Davidson began writing in 1986, knowing absolutely nothing about the craft. Her first three books were rejected by Harlequin.
She met Dixie Browning at a Harlequin dinner in Charleston, South Carolina, and told Dixie she was writing, but that she feared she was too old to begin such an undertaking. Dixie's response spurred Carolyn to pursue her dream. Dixie said, in her own inimitable fashion, "Well, honey, you can't start any younger!" And she was right.
Having spent her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and working woman, she's privileged to have a career that makes her dreams possible. Writing historical romance gives her the opportunity to travel, to visit all those places where our forefathers staked their claim on this country of ours. And then she goes home and writes their stories, maybe not exactly as they lived them, but as her imagination portrays them.
Carolyn lives in the South, where romance thrives, and where the sun shines almost every day of the year. In fact, some days it is difficult to stay glued to her computer, especially when the birds are singing and the flowers are in full bloom.
She lives not far from the ocean, close to Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Moreover, time at the beach is easy to come by. Does she enjoy her life? You bet! Harlequin allows her to write the books she loves, and her editor is patient with her quirks and foibles. Her family, though scattered in various states, is supportive, and her husband is a constant source of inspiration.
She met Dixie Browning at a Harlequin dinner in Charleston, South Carolina, and told Dixie she was writing, but that she feared she was too old to begin such an undertaking. Dixie's response spurred Carolyn to pursue her dream. Dixie said, in her own inimitable fashion, "Well, honey, you can't start any younger!" And she was right.
Having spent her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and working woman, she's privileged to have a career that makes her dreams possible. Writing historical romance gives her the opportunity to travel, to visit all those places where our forefathers staked their claim on this country of ours. And then she goes home and writes their stories, maybe not exactly as they lived them, but as her imagination portrays them.
Carolyn lives in the South, where romance thrives, and where the sun shines almost every day of the year. In fact, some days it is difficult to stay glued to her computer, especially when the birds are singing and the flowers are in full bloom.
She lives not far from the ocean, close to Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Moreover, time at the beach is easy to come by. Does she enjoy her life? You bet! Harlequin allows her to write the books she loves, and her editor is patient with her quirks and foibles. Her family, though scattered in various states, is supportive, and her husband is a constant source of inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 19, 2011
I wanted to like this book better than I did. It had elements that seemed really interesting, like the realism of a young girl without a mother who didn't realize she could become pregnant without being married and was clueless about what was happening to her body. So the doctor marries her. If that had been the thrust of the book, the learning to be married thing, then I would have been okay. But about halfway through the father of the baby comes back with his mother for some reason wanting the girl to divorce her husband, like that's likely in 1897, when the boy's family had rushed him away originally when they found out he knocked her up. But she needs the baby for some nefarious doings. Then the heroine is kidnapped. The heroine's father who never loved her, who beat her up and kicked her out when she told him she was pregnant, shows up and does more dirty deeds with the baby's evil grandmother. After she is rescued and the baby is born he apologizes later and all is forgiven. WTF? This book just jumped the shark for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2011
Written at a 5th grade reading level, full of anachronisms and way too over-reliant on external conflict. The romance is pretty much concluded by page 90. All that holds off the end of the book is a half-baked kidnapping plot and the birth of the baby.
I should knock this down to one star for its shameless treatment of American Indian themes. The secondary character Ruth is some kind of magical healer, mind-reader and future-seer, natch, and is used as a focal point of a patently ridiculous prejudice/tolerance morality play. All the good characters made a point of rejecting society's bias against Indians while only the unlikeable characters held any hard feelings toward Ruth. Would that racial bias actually worked that way! Wouldn't it be lovely if racism wasn't something otherwise nice, agreeable people who are kind to animals participated in? We might actually be able to talk about it then.
I should knock this down to one star for its shameless treatment of American Indian themes. The secondary character Ruth is some kind of magical healer, mind-reader and future-seer, natch, and is used as a focal point of a patently ridiculous prejudice/tolerance morality play. All the good characters made a point of rejecting society's bias against Indians while only the unlikeable characters held any hard feelings toward Ruth. Would that racial bias actually worked that way! Wouldn't it be lovely if racism wasn't something otherwise nice, agreeable people who are kind to animals participated in? We might actually be able to talk about it then.
September 19, 2014
I didn't hate this book, but it was most definitely not my cup of tea. It was saccharine sweet and exuded the fumes of a Christian romance. There was some mild sexual content, so it wasn't clean, but damn close. My biggest complaint is that it was just so damn corny.
September 11, 2011
★★★★✩ Sometimes simple and sweet is just my cuppa tea and this story is both those things – with the added bonus of having a touch of spice. Carolyn Davidson, a favorite author when I’m seeking turn-of-the-century rural America, didn’t let me down with this one. Her style and tone are subtle, and such that she weaves a sense of ambience into the everyday life of the characters; effortlessly bringing to life the setting in this period piece.
Built in 1897; a beautiful example of Queen Anne style architecture of the period, by architect Charles Henry Holden.
It's 1897, in Whitehorn, Montana, and Eleanor Mitchum has discovered herself in the “family way.” Or rather the young town doctor has. Alas, there’s no groom in sight. When her father kicks her off his ranch she ends up becoming a housekeeper to the handsome, bespectacled physician. While Doctor Winston Gray hasn’t been marriage minded, he sure likes having gentle, efficient Ellie around; so her “fallen woman” reputation is certain to change.
“Louise Nursing Her Child” by Impressionist artist, Mary Cassatt (1898)
At first blush, this seems like the standard “pregnant with another man’s baby” theme, which isn’t a favorite of mine; even so, this one is well done and has a couple of surprises, but nothing outstanding. I just like being transported to small town living and lovin’. Nice to see some returning characters from the Montana Mavericks: Return to Big Sky Country Series (written by several different authors for Silhouette Books), but works nicely as a stand-alone. The time starts in August and ends in December (sans epilogue), making it Christmas Perfect.
Built in 1897; a beautiful example of Queen Anne style architecture of the period, by architect Charles Henry Holden.
It's 1897, in Whitehorn, Montana, and Eleanor Mitchum has discovered herself in the “family way.” Or rather the young town doctor has. Alas, there’s no groom in sight. When her father kicks her off his ranch she ends up becoming a housekeeper to the handsome, bespectacled physician. While Doctor Winston Gray hasn’t been marriage minded, he sure likes having gentle, efficient Ellie around; so her “fallen woman” reputation is certain to change.
“Louise Nursing Her Child” by Impressionist artist, Mary Cassatt (1898)
At first blush, this seems like the standard “pregnant with another man’s baby” theme, which isn’t a favorite of mine; even so, this one is well done and has a couple of surprises, but nothing outstanding. I just like being transported to small town living and lovin’. Nice to see some returning characters from the Montana Mavericks: Return to Big Sky Country Series (written by several different authors for Silhouette Books), but works nicely as a stand-alone. The time starts in August and ends in December (sans epilogue), making it Christmas Perfect.
November 10, 2016
++SPOILERS++
3.5 stars
Sweet, low angst. The hero and the heroine are both perfect.
She is strong and a hard worker, but very naive when it comes to sex.
He is a smart kind and compassionate man, a total beta hero.
There is some conflict and the pace was pretty steady. I did not skim nor feel bored. It is a very comfortable read.
Not much else to say.
I would recommend to friends, and would consider reading more of this authors books in the future.
Safety:
Hero - One sentence indicates he is most likely a virgin. It is not spelled out. But there is no talk about any other women so... there it is.
Heroine-Not a virgin. Had sex one time and didn't even know it. Was not pleasurable. She got pregnant too.
Cheating-No
OW/OM - no
Cursing-No
Adultery - no
Sex- yes nicely done and very sweet.
Abuse - the h's father does hit her a few times and kicks her.
Violence-Only what I mentioned above
HEA/ILY-Yes
Marriage-yes
Baby-yes
3.5 stars
Sweet, low angst. The hero and the heroine are both perfect.
She is strong and a hard worker, but very naive when it comes to sex.
He is a smart kind and compassionate man, a total beta hero.
There is some conflict and the pace was pretty steady. I did not skim nor feel bored. It is a very comfortable read.
Not much else to say.
I would recommend to friends, and would consider reading more of this authors books in the future.
Safety:
Hero - One sentence indicates he is most likely a virgin. It is not spelled out. But there is no talk about any other women so... there it is.
Heroine-Not a virgin. Had sex one time and didn't even know it. Was not pleasurable. She got pregnant too.
Cheating-No
OW/OM - no
Cursing-No
Adultery - no
Sex- yes nicely done and very sweet.
Abuse - the h's father does hit her a few times and kicks her.
Violence-Only what I mentioned above
HEA/ILY-Yes
Marriage-yes
Baby-yes
April 19, 2009
Carolyn Davidson is the master of tender romances that make me fall in love with the hero. This book is no exception to this. The doctor is a good guy who sees a young pregnant woman who's been thrown out of her father's house. He offers her a place to work and stay and keeps his distance. The father of the baby returns and to protect her, the doctor marries her. What is great is that the hero was a virgin. They aren't that easy to find. What's even better is that the message of forgiveness and grace shone throughout this book. It was a touching romance, showing that love can overcome a nasty father who actually abducts her for his own gain and other obstacles this couple finds in the first year of their marriage.
November 23, 2017
Ellie finds herself pregnant in the late 1890s. Of course, that is better than finding out she is dying of a tumor in her belly. Doc Gray offers her employment when she finds herself beat and kicked off the ranch by her pa. This is a really good story. At the same time it is kinda sickeningly sweet. She is a paragon. Doc is a saint. The town is full of sweethearts. But you won't want to put it down.
November 21, 2014
Very Sweet, but too many plot twists and unneeded conflicts that end up derailing the true story of how two people from different walks of life can find each other and make a wonderful life together.
June 16, 2019
This is one of those stories that gives an accurate picture of 1890's small-town America. There isn't much commotion, just people trying to get by. The real drama is in the relationships between individuals.
Ellie Mitchum is a naive 18 (almost 19 years old) who comes to the town doctor to find out why she is dying. Without any adult woman to guide her, Ellie is clueless about her pregnancy. Dr. Win Gray gently talks with her and offers future help, if things don't go well with her father. Mr. George Michum is enraged to find that his daughter is expecting a baby and throws her off his ranch. Ellie walks to town and asks for work. Word soon gets to the doctor and he offers her a job as a cook and housekeeper.
Now, of course, an unmarried woman living in the same house as an unmarried man is a no-no in frontier culture. Before long, Win finds himself faced with a choice -- marry Ellie or let her go. Now, Dr. Gray.is from a prominent family of lawyers in St. Louis; however, Win has turned his back on that life and loves what he does and where he lives. When Win offers Ellie a marriage of convenience, she is overwhelmed by his kindness. Ellie has spent her young life taking care of an ungrateful father who constantly bemoaned the fact that she was useless.
Just when Ellie and Win settle into a happy home of mutual respect and love, the father of Ellie's baby returns and insists that she get the marriage annulled, then he will take her to Pennsylvania and a life of luxury. By now, Ellie has learned the difference between real love and just sex; she isn't interested in the offer. Just because she isn't interested, won't make the problem go away. The problem of Ellie's abusive father and even Win's haughty mother will require the couple's attention before the end of the story.
This is a well-written book with excellent pacing of the story. However, this is a quiet book about relationships. It is well worth reading, just be aware that it is a homey type of story without a lot of snap, sizzle and high drama.
Ellie Mitchum is a naive 18 (almost 19 years old) who comes to the town doctor to find out why she is dying. Without any adult woman to guide her, Ellie is clueless about her pregnancy. Dr. Win Gray gently talks with her and offers future help, if things don't go well with her father. Mr. George Michum is enraged to find that his daughter is expecting a baby and throws her off his ranch. Ellie walks to town and asks for work. Word soon gets to the doctor and he offers her a job as a cook and housekeeper.
Now, of course, an unmarried woman living in the same house as an unmarried man is a no-no in frontier culture. Before long, Win finds himself faced with a choice -- marry Ellie or let her go. Now, Dr. Gray.is from a prominent family of lawyers in St. Louis; however, Win has turned his back on that life and loves what he does and where he lives. When Win offers Ellie a marriage of convenience, she is overwhelmed by his kindness. Ellie has spent her young life taking care of an ungrateful father who constantly bemoaned the fact that she was useless.
Just when Ellie and Win settle into a happy home of mutual respect and love, the father of Ellie's baby returns and insists that she get the marriage annulled, then he will take her to Pennsylvania and a life of luxury. By now, Ellie has learned the difference between real love and just sex; she isn't interested in the offer. Just because she isn't interested, won't make the problem go away. The problem of Ellie's abusive father and even Win's haughty mother will require the couple's attention before the end of the story.
This is a well-written book with excellent pacing of the story. However, this is a quiet book about relationships. It is well worth reading, just be aware that it is a homey type of story without a lot of snap, sizzle and high drama.
November 27, 2013
I really liked this book. I suppose it's the knight in shining armour idea of a man saving a badly treated woman from a terrible life. I like the chemistry between Ellie and Winston. I thought the story line was good, and I liked the character development. It's definitely a feel good book. And Carolyn Davidson was at her best for the steamy sex scenes.
January 28, 2019
He was a young doctor. She came to him thinking she had a tumor and was going to die. She was very naive. Her mother had died and she was raised by her father. When she told her father she was pregnant he almost beat her to death. She's back at the doctor's and he feels sorry for her so he gives her a job as his housekeeper. This was a wonderful read loved it.
September 6, 2010
Pretty mucked up plot ... with gazillion couples from former books. OK, just ok.
April 23, 2012
The only excuse for this book having been written the way it was, is if the author was a blind drunk.
July 16, 2020
A sweet romance that is sure to warm your heart. There's enough drama to keep you turning the pages, but the romance is a slow build that leaves you satisfied.
May 17, 2021
One of my favorite novels
November 10, 2025
DNF @ 54%
This book started out *wonderfully* and I was enjoying it's calm and cozy pace so much.
Then out of the blue the baby's father and his crazy mother show up and kidnap the heroine to force her to annul her marriage.... and to be honest the whole book just collapsed into an infuriating mess that had me pissed the fuck off every single page. Talk about whiplash, I went from loving it to feeling this irritating 'oh hurry the fuck up and be resolved already' feeling which signaled it was time to bail.
This book started out *wonderfully* and I was enjoying it's calm and cozy pace so much.
Then out of the blue the baby's father and his crazy mother show up and kidnap the heroine to force her to annul her marriage.... and to be honest the whole book just collapsed into an infuriating mess that had me pissed the fuck off every single page. Talk about whiplash, I went from loving it to feeling this irritating 'oh hurry the fuck up and be resolved already' feeling which signaled it was time to bail.
June 8, 2020
A little too kitsch for me. Instead of escaping bed-warming duties for Tommy, she fulfilled bed-warming duties for Win. A better man, sure. But he also went to her for himself and not really out of consideration for her. Like he was like "I want it, so I'll make it good for you, for you." I don't know. It was an ok-read up until it got to when he just wanted to bed her frequently near the end.
I will say it did help fill up some time during a pandemic, so props for that.
I will say it did help fill up some time during a pandemic, so props for that.
April 7, 2025
very nice
A very nice and sweet book to read. This book written by Carolyn Davidson is written very well. All the characters are very strong. A woman made a mistake and found herself pregnant, after telling her father she is kicked out of her home. She is later found to be the Doctor’s housekeeper. Later his wife. This is a very enjoyable book to read with several different things happening.
A very nice and sweet book to read. This book written by Carolyn Davidson is written very well. All the characters are very strong. A woman made a mistake and found herself pregnant, after telling her father she is kicked out of her home. She is later found to be the Doctor’s housekeeper. Later his wife. This is a very enjoyable book to read with several different things happening.
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July 20, 2019h is incredibly and unbearably stupid. Had to give up reading.
November 2, 2019
Enjoy reading the Montana Maverick series. This is a historical story - very enjoyable.
December 7, 2023
Awesome book. I loved it.
January 12, 2015
It was nice
Hero is a doctor who is in dire need of a housekeeper he meets the heroine as a patient who needs his medical expertise later on he feel sorry for her and he offers to hire her as his housekeeper then things develop
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I love stories where heroine gets pregnant.
However I don't feel that much attachment here between the hero and heroine child
The kidnapping was too soon in the book for me
Hero is a doctor who is in dire need of a housekeeper he meets the heroine as a patient who needs his medical expertise later on he feel sorry for her and he offers to hire her as his housekeeper then things develop
-----------------------------------------------------
I love stories where heroine gets pregnant.
However I don't feel that much attachment here between the hero and heroine child
The kidnapping was too soon in the book for me
August 27, 2015
Sweet story.
Ellie, a brow beaten rancher's daughter, is beaten thrown out as an unwed mother. Though she's been treated badly kidnapped, slapped around while pregnant and disparaged in her own home she manages to find compassion for estranged family (his & hers).
Who knew a small town doctor could be formidable when protecting his wife. Through his strength Ellie finds self worth & a backbone.
Love the quiet dignity of Ruth the healer.
Ellie, a brow beaten rancher's daughter, is beaten thrown out as an unwed mother. Though she's been treated badly kidnapped, slapped around while pregnant and disparaged in her own home she manages to find compassion for estranged family (his & hers).
Who knew a small town doctor could be formidable when protecting his wife. Through his strength Ellie finds self worth & a backbone.
Love the quiet dignity of Ruth the healer.
July 3, 2012
It was so much more than just a tale of a man needing a womans touch, Dr. Gray was honestly concerned for the girl who lived in his home. Concerned that the talk of the town would hurt her, worried that people would be mean. So he offers the only solution that he believes will settle the rumors and give the girl a permanent place to live. It is a riveting tale that I could again and again.
January 20, 2012
good book. Not a waste of time. Nice for one that wasn't as emotional as some of the others I've read recently. :)
July 27, 2014
It was a sweet read, although with a few lengths in it. However I liked both of the protagonists and it was quite a cute story.
April 11, 2017
DNF 11 pages in. The heroine is ignorant and gushes out her every thought and life story, I predict a very frustrating read.
April 9, 2019
The only excuse for this book having been written the way it was, is if the author was a blind drunk.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews