Publication Date: May 6, 2025
Nothing would please her family more than her securing an admirable match, but true love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined.
At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities–including dances almost every evening.
As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart.
When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty.
With a Southern flair and a spark of intrigue, this stand-alone clean historical romance will charm readers with masterful artists, colorful dances, a love triangle, and endearing family relationships.
With the recent death of her father and a subsequent push from her mother, a young woman finds herself torn between obligation and love.
Author Ann H. Gabhart takes readers to Graham Springs for The Pursuit of Elena Bradford. This Kentucky location is a significant part of the story because it serves as a gathering spot for people seeking the healing waters.
The time period of 1842 also plays a role. By today’s standards, being unmarried at 22 would be typical. Although perfectly content with sketching and drawing, Elena must discard the spinster title and save her family from financial ruin by getting married.
The irony about this is Elena feels a connection to two men. While neither one quite meets the expectations of her mother, the love triangle livens up the visit. The author takes a page from history by weaving in a mysterious dancing lady who suddenly dies, which adds intrigue to the story.
An unexpected plot twist alters the urgency for Elena to make a match, which gives her an opportunity to select who will offer her love and freedom to pursue her art.
The Pursuit of Elena Bradford offers a clean historical romance featuring a compelling storyline and interesting characters.
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of many novels, including The Song of Sourwood Mountain, In the Shadow of the River, When the Meadow Blooms, Along a Storied Trail, An Appalachian Summer, River to Redemption, These Healing Hills, and Angel Sister. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm’s fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. Learn more at AnnHGabhart.com.
