In the year 1889 life in Montana was still very rough even when sparkling parties took place in beautifully renovated mansions. For many these parties were the place to be seen at and in a strange way McKenna Frasier had mixed feelings about just that. On one hand she wanted the people of Marietta to see that she was doing just fine – actually she really wasn’t – but the illusion was important. But she also dreaded the looks and stares she earned with her outgoing behavior in New York. Her behavior that polite society didn’t approve of. The behavior that caused her to be disinherited from her father having earned her the title of the most scandalous woman.

Well that’s where the story starts. McKenna back in her old home town lucky to procure a job teaching which also provided a small very rustic cabin near the schoolhouse. Definitely not the lifestyle McKenna was used to but she was in no position to be fussy. She needed a place to live and a way to make money to survive. Teaching provided both in a most meager capacity.

McKenna knew she was in a most precarious position back home where the stories about her missteps had spread voraciously and most people turned their back. Most people but not Sinclair Douglas. Sinclair and McKenna had a long standing friendship which in itself was rather notable. The Douglas family certainly didn’t move in the same circle as the Frasier’s. The Frasier’s owned the mine that Sinclair’s father had worked in and that now Sinclair did. His father had died as a result of working in that mine. But with the absence of his father Sinclair now was the sole breadwinner for his mother and sister.

Life makes choices for us. Sinclair had no choice to make. McKenna did and upon careful reflection it certainly appears that the choices she made met with disaster to her reputation.

Sinclair has never forgiven McKenna for abruptly ending their ongoing courtship. He knew she had to go and see the world but she was supposed to come back to Sinclair. He was waiting until he was aware that McKenna wasn’t coming back. She had moved on. Perhaps it was time for him to as well.

Best intentions I guess. Sinclair just can’t help but be watchful over anything regarding McKenna. Her lack of basics, friends, and trust. Just how long can a person stay on the sidelines watching the person he loves suffer. But it looks as though the decision is going to be made for this couple.

AWAY IN MONTANA is part of the PARADISE VALLEY RANCH series. Admittedly I missed this book and series but after reading one in Love on Chance Avenue series I corrected that. Jane Porter gives her characters soul. They appear real and wonderful – even when not so nice. That is life and in AWAY IN MONTANA Jane Porter gives us a birds eye view of what it must have been like to survive when conditions put many barriers in the way. Some physical, others emotional. Doesn’t really matter which. As in life it’s how you face your challenges and in AWAY IN MONTANA we met some very strong minded characters who are determined to meet those challenges.

Historical fiction at its most fun and its set during Christmas!! Loved this story to bits!!

Away in Montana by Jane Porter is book number one in the Paradise Valley Ranch series. This is McKenna Frasier and Sinclair Douglas' story.

This story takes place in 1889. Things were definitely different during that time especially for women. If a woman made a mistake, it could cost her everything.

McKenna and Sinclair 'Sin' have a history and their relationship did not end well. McKenna has been forced to return to Montana due to her reputation being destroyed. She has also been disowned by her wealthy father. McKenna is lucky to get a job teaching school.

Sinclair doesn't want to help McKenna or love her. But, will Sinclair move on with his life or take a chance on McKenna again? Will McKenna and Sinclair get a second chance at love?

This story was an emotional and sweet romance during a difficult time for woman. Be prepared for surprises and twists in this story.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

After having so many stories revolving around the town of Marietta, Montana, it was delightful to read the story of how it all began in the late 1800's. I hadn't realized, prior to reading, that the book was a historical romance, or that it takes place in the very same town of Marietta that I'd come to enjoy reading about.

Ms Porter did a remarkable job of setting up the historical foundation for all the stories to follow for the town and the Sinclair Douglas family. Her depiction of how hard life was for a woman, as well as the prejudices that took place towards what the town considered an outcast, was eye opening and just plain said. The hard conditions were laid out so perfectly that it was easy to immerse myself in the story and feel McKenna's fear and pain. The interactions between Sinclair and McKenna were enlightening, their relationship touching. I look forward to reading more books by Ms Porter, her style of writing was enjoyable to read.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Away in Montana is a really quick but good red. It is by Jane Porter and the first book of a series, and I can't wait to read more!

This book has all the good things in a romance, love, hate, hard feelings broken promises and redemption. It tells the story of McKenna Frasier, a 25 tear old young woman full of life and beautiful, the heiress to the Copper Kings Mine, and her fall from grace after going to college and then after travelling and staying in New York until she was totally disgraced and forced to go back home, and disinherited by her father and totally unable to marry because of her scandalous behavior.
She is so alone and now is forced to take a job as a school teacher in Marietta, and she knows that she will never be the same after everything.

However she does not know that the love of her life Sinclair Douglas, her friend since she was a child, the man she promised to return to and marry also has moved to Marietta, and he is no longer an employee of her father, and he is extremely wealthy. He is so sad how things turned out because he always loved her and still does.

When they run into each other at a Halloween party and he gives her a ride home, he knows she will not last in the cottage that the school house furnishes it does not even have a stove. He also knows she has hardy any money to buy anything to eat, and he can't stand by and watch her being turned into an old woman before her time, but though she loves him, she feels he is better than her and it is so heart wrenching, some of the scenes they go through. But the heart wants what the heart wants and you need to read to find out what happens-will they have a second chance, and will her father come around -you will get the answers when you read this awesome read.

I gave this book 5 stars!

Mackenna and Sinclair have been in love since school days but a huge divide of mine owners daughter and son of a miner. The reader is swept back to 1880s Marietta to watch these two work through scandal, observed norms for society and the opening of the west. Historical Marietta Montana draws you in to find the history of modern residents. Definitely recommend this to bother historical readers and to Marietta fans.

Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

(Goodreads and Amazon)
"Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review"
A solid written story that can be read as a historical depiction of an era and a particular setting (Montana), focused on the harsh conditions of mining. Even if I enjoyed the beginning and the writing style is good this book didn’t work for me.
As for the main characters, I felt that both are a bit inconsistent, the heroine with her supposed feminism vs. her concern with innocence/virginity/chastity. What could have been an interesting approach to feminism in 19th century America turned into a rather boring rambling.
There was really nothing very remarkable about the handsome, blue-eyed and broad-shouldered hero: he’s a self-made man, generous, hard-working. One moment he wanted the heroine and the next he didn’t.