*Starred Review* The Gallatin sisters are all alone in the world, and there's no one but the three of them to run the family hotel in the wild Montana territory. Gwen, the oldest, figures it's her fault they're in this situation she feels she's been cursed by God. Her mother has passed away. Her groom, Harvey, succumbed to measles only 10 days after their wedding. And now Gwen's father, whom she sent on an errand, is the victim of a drunken shooting spree. It's hard enough for Gwen, Beth, and Lacy to manage their business, but they must also keep their property from the clutches of Rafe Reynolds, who owns the adjacent saloon/bordello. Then Hank Bishop appears, claiming to be Harvey's brother. Since Harvey told Gwen that he was an orphan and an only child, Hank is a mystery. Unforgettable characters, from Major, a dog mourning his master's death, to Lacey, who refuses to conform to society's norms, enhance this poignant story of Gwen's journey back to hope and love. This is the first book in Peterson's Brides of Gallatin County trilogy.--Mosley, Shelley Copyright 2008 Booklist