Desert Rose (Virginia City Sisters #1) by Linda Chaikin

Jack Halliday struck it rich in the 1860 silver boom in Virginia City! As Annalee and her mother travel to join him in Nevada, their joy turns to ashes. They're unprepared for the savage mountain winter that traps them in a desperate struggle for survival.

At this critical moment, lawman Brett Wilder arrives in town. He's looking for the gunslinger who crippled his father--and he suspects Jack.

When Annalee and Brett meet as they each search for Jack, they must face what they believe about the sovereignty of God, justice, and mercy. They also must discover whether their growing love for one another will melt like snow into an icy mountain stream or bloom like a rose in the desert.