The Uphill Climb
1913
A man wakes from a drunken bender to discover he's married a complete stranger in this rollicking early Western from B.M. Bower. Ford Campbell's head throbs, his muscles ache, and his memory fails him utterly when he tries to recall the previous night. The only thing crystal clear: he's now a husband to a woman whose name he doesn't know. His pragmatic friend Sandy offers commentary that's equal parts unhelpful and hilarious, leaving Ford to piece together how he went from one whiskey too many to standing at the altar. What follows is a charmingly awkward quest of redemption and romance, as Ford attempts to win over the mysterious wife he can't even remember meeting. B.M. Bower brings authentic Montana frontier humor to this forgotten gem, writing with warmth and wit about the absurdities of love, liquor, and long chances. The novel captures a particular American optimism: that even our worst decisions can become our greatest stories. Perfect for readers who enjoy Westerns with heart, humor, and a healthy dose of situational irony.
