Books like Open country by Kaki Warner

Open Country, the second installment of the 1870s family saga, follows Molly McFarlane as she flees with her late sister’s children, evading a ruthless stepfather intent on capturing them. With her finances exhausted and options dwindling, Molly marries Hank Wilkins, a wounded survivor of a train derailment, hoping his railroad settlement will sustain their westward journey. Hank, grappling with the aftermath of the accident, does not recall his marriage to Molly. As he recovers on the Wilkins ranch in the New Mexico Territory, the notion of a genuine union surfaces. When Hank’s memories return, his trust in Molly fractures, prompting the stepfather to intensify his pursuit. The story unfolds as the once‑hopeful alliance unravels amidst the harsh frontier landscape. Set against the backdrop of a rugged western territory, the novel explores themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle to protect loved ones in a perilous era.

First publish date: 2010