Product DescriptionGiven an ultimatum by her interfering neighbors—to find a husband by Christmas or have one selected for her—reluctant widow Althea Winsloe searches for a possible mate and finds herself drawn to Simple Jess, a sweet and gentle man of less-than-average intelligence.Proclaimed "a refreshing new voice in romance" by Jude Deveraux, award-winning author Pamela Morsi has charmed millions with her touching stories of simple pleasures and heartfelt romances. Her novels, including Garters, Wild Oats and Something Shady, have won her rave reviews and loyal fans. Now, she presents an endearing story about what can happen when love turns up in the most unlikely place...The last thing widow Althea Winsloe wanted to do was remarry. Unfortunately, her meddlesome mountain neighbors had other plans. So, one autumn night they banded together and gave Althea a shocking ultimatum: She was to find herself a husband by Christmas...or the town would do it for her! Althea knew she had her choice of any single man in Marrying Stone, Arkansas. Yet the only one she felt truly comfortable with was Simple Jess. Sweet, gentle, Jess wasn't as smart as your average man. But his tender manner stirred Althea's heart in ways she had never dreamed possible.It would take a miracle to find a husband in Marrying Stone. But sometimes miracles are right under your nose ...Editorial ReviewsFrom Publishers WeeklyMorsi (Marrying Stone) returns to Marrying Stone, Ark., 1906, for this pleasant hearth-and-home romance. Althea Winsloe is a young widow with a son named Baby-Paisley and a farm with the finest corn bottom on the mountain. Just like the best Jane Austen society, the Ozark community thinks that Althea is in need of a husband. But instead of Regency balls, Morsi's courting is conducted at hog slaughters (described in non-gory detail) and mountain socials. Althea is given until Christmas to pick herself a man, and to everyone's surprise, except the reader's, she chooses Simple Jess, a combination of Forrest Gump, Mr. Universe and a really great golden retriever. Jess Best may not be a smart man, but he sure knows what love is-and sex. Morsi is clever enough to incorporate mountain vocabulary and customs without a lot of twangy dialect.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.National bestseller, RWA Hall of Fame member and two-time RITA winner, Pamela Morsi began writing in 1990 creating historical romance novels set in the small towns and farms of the early twentieth century. She was an immediate success garnering awards and accolades from reviewers, readers and peers. In 2000, with a new millennium, she decided to move in the direction of mainstream fiction. Her recent works depict the voices of ordinary people overcoming everyday challenges. Librarian Pamela Morsi once asked herself what she would do if she ever won the lottery. She decided, given the chance, that she would spend her time writing fiction. Now, years later, she is still waiting to win the lottery while working on her 27th novel. Pam lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband and daughter.