Declan O'Bryan left Ireland to seek his fortune in the New World, but the journey was long for a man without a penny to his name. It took years of back-breaking work as a sailor and a journeyman for him to finally reach Montana, and to have enough money to his name to earn the title of proud homesteader. There's only one thing missing from his life now, and unlike the boys in town, he's not convinced a man should find a wife in a catalog, the same way he buys a plow. But for Margaret McGreggor, answering an advertisement for a wife is the only way she can get out of her sister's cramped apartment and start a new life for herself. She came to America for adventure and opportunity, and marrying a stranger just might provide her with both.
When Brianna Darcy left Ireland to marry a stranger, she expected her life to change for the better. But one surprise after another has left her questioning everything she thought she knew. For Cassidy Campbell, finding a sweet wife to settle down with is the only thing missing from his life. He owns his claim, he's raised his livestock, and he's made a name for himself in Montana. All he needs now is Brianna. But she brings a secret with her that can threaten their happiness, and their freedom. Can Cassidy overlook what he believes to accept what's right in front of him?
What kind of woman would answer an advertisement and marry a stranger? Escape into the history of the American West along with nine couples whose relationships begin with advertisements for mail-order brides. Placing their dreams for new beginnings in the hands of a stranger, will each bride be disappointed, or will some find true love? Perfect for the Preacher by Megan Besing 1897, Indiana Fresh from seminary, Amos Lowry believes marriage will prove to his skeptical congregation that he’s mature. If only his mail-order bride wasn’t an ex-saloon girl, and worse, pregnant. The Outlaw’s Inconvenient Bride by Noelle Marchand 1881, Wyoming After a gang of outlaws uses a mail-order bride advertisement to trick an innocent woman into servitude, an undercover lawman must claim the bride—even if it puts his mission in jeopardy. Train Ride to Heartbreak by Donna Schlachter 1895, Train to California John Stewart needs a wife. Mary Johannson needs a home. On her way west, Mary falls in love with another. Now both must choose between commitment and true love. Mail-Order Proxy by Sherri Shackelford 1885, Montana A mail-order marriage by proxy goes wrong when a clerical error leads to the proxies actually being married instead of the siblings they were standing in for. In their quest to correct the mistake, the two discover outlaws, adventure, and even love. To Heal Thy Heart by Michelle Shocklee 1866, New Mexico When Phoebe Wagner answers a mail-order bride ad that states Confederate widows need not apply, she worries what Dr. Luke Preston will do when he learns her fiancé died wearing gray. Miss-Delivered Mail by Ann Shorey 1884, Washington Helena Erickson impulsively decides to take advantage of her brother’s deception and travels to Washington Territory in response to a proposal of marriage intended for someone else. How will Daniel McNabb respond when Helena is nothing like he expected? A Fairy-Tale Bride by Liz Tolsma 1867, Texas Nora Green doesn’t feel much like Cinderella when her mail-order groom stands her up. But could the mysterious jester from the town’s play be her Prince Charming? The Brigand and the Bride by Jennifer Uhlarik 1876, Arizona Jolie Hilliard weds a stranger to flee her outlaw family but discovers her groom is an escaped prisoner. Will she ever find happiness on the right side of the law? The Mail-Order Mistake by Kathleen Y’Barbo 1855, Texas Pinkerton detective Jeremiah Bingham is investigating a mail-order bride scam bankrupting potential grooms. When unsuspecting orphan May Conrad answers his false ad, she becomes the prime suspect in the case.
In 1836, Savannah debutante Margaret Porter travels by schooner to the wild, unsettled Florida Territory, and learns that her fiance' has been killed in a fierce conflict between the army and Seminole Indians. Margaret is befriended by shipboard acqaintance Mikal Lee, who helps her launch a millenery business in Apalachicola, a flourishing seaport. Margaret's business soars. Mikal tries to open Margaret's heart to the loving care of the God whom Margaret feels has deserted her. Will she find her fulfillment in the wealth that the dashing Harry Robards is anxious to give her, or will her quest lead to a Christ-centered life with Mikal Lee?
“A hardworking gentleman of 26 years old, 6 feet, owner of a small cabin who lives off the land desires marriage. Lady must be between 18-25 years, have a loving disposition, and be willing to mother a baby boy. Though comforts will be few, would like a happy marriage.” Mail Order Bride Ad Written by Allen Grover on March 20, 1878 It wasn’t until September that Al’s bride came to the Black Hills of the South Dakota Territory. He expected Hazel McPherson. But he got Sadie Miller. Before Hazel died in Omaha, she told Sadie to take her place as Al’s mail-order bride. Under ordinary circumstances, Sadie would never pretend to be another woman. But in this case, it was her only chance of escaping the prison that had become her life. And there was no way she could tell anyone the truth. No. Her secret would stay with her to the grave, especially from the one man she was beginning to love.
Maeve Fitzpatrick has always been brave. Moving from Ireland to America was just a big adventure to her, but the reality has turned out to be so much less than she imagined. Living in grey and dreary Pittsburgh is hardly her dream come true! But she is not one to ever give up on herself, or her goals and so she places an advertisement to find herself a husband, eager for the opportunity that another change of scenery might bring. But, there are obstacles to face she had never considered, obstacles she cannot change alone. Jesse Fountain has a great job, working for a man he admires and respects, and after many years of wandering has finally found the place he wants to call home. Faith Creek has welcomed him with open arms, and he is found well enough that he wants to build his own home and fill the rooms with a wife and children. But his past is always lurking, always threatening to resurface. Will he ever allow himself to take the biggest risk of all? To leave it all behind him and allow himself to love and be loved?
Margaret Roe, orphaned at the age of eight, lives her life in the same orphanage where her father was forced to leave her when he went off to fight in the Civil War. Now, fifteen years later, she takes care of the present set of children who are in the orphanage and has only a visit to the local confectionery shop as the highlight of her week. Margaret makes an uncharacteristically bold move and signs on as a mail order bride and quickly finds herself on a train to Iowa City, Iowa where she becomes Mrs. Russell Chadwick. Margaret's marriage is by no means usual as her husband is kind but distant. As she builds relationships with her neighbors and even her in-laws, her relationship with her husband remains confusing, emotionally hurtful and a test of her faith and trust in God and her husband. How does she know what God really wants her to do? Should she stay with Russell or leave him and begin yet again? This is author Kimberly Gordon's third published historical novel. While the characters and settings reflect well the history and mores of the time, the reader can easily draw insight into contemporary life lessons. Mrs. Gordon is a master at laying down biblical principles within the context of the story.
When Phoebe Durbin answers a mail-order bride ad, she doesn't realize the groom-to-be didn't post it. Worse, the day she arrives at her destination, she learns he doesn't even want to get married. Having nowhere else to go, she convinces him to give her a chance to prove having a woman cook and clean for him will be the best thing that ever happened to him. Abe Thomas reluctantly agrees to take Phoebe in, though he doubts they will make a good match. They're much too different. While she sees the best in things, he knows the world is much darker than she can ever imagine. No woman in her right mind would be his convenient wife. He's sure when the stagecoach comes back to town, she'll be the first one on it. After all, two people so completely different can't make a good match, can they?
Lost and alone after her step-father is murdered on the streets of New York, Katie takes her two young siblings and claims them as her own. Pretending to be a widow, she flees to Colorado Territory as a mail-order bride and into the arms of the handsome gunsmith, Robert Wallace. The attraction is instant, but just when things are looking up for her, the past comes calling--and Katie discovers harsh truths about her stepfather that put everything at risk. Her stepfather had secrets, and they're not done with her yet. Robert Wallace was a skeptic until he watched his friends settle happily with their mail-order brides. When his own seemingly perfect family arrives, he's thrilled. Until he discovers his new bride is surrounded by layer-upon-layer of lies. He's been tricked by a scheming woman before and he won't be taken in by another one, no matter how innocent she seems. No matter how badly he wants her. Katie is determined to keep her new family together, come hell or high water. And no one is going to get in her way. Not the man from New York who followed her to Colorado. Not her past. And not the stubborn, irresistible Scot who is her husband.
Most gentlemen wait to get married because they want time to enjoy being a bachelor before taking on the responsibilities of a married gentleman. Baldwin Darby, the Duke of Edmondstone, isn’t one of them. The life of a rogue never appealed to him. He’s wanted nothing more than to fall in love and live a quiet and uneventful life ever since he could remember. It wasn’t by choice that he hasn’t married yet. He’s just not very comfortable around ladies, which makes the marriage mart difficult for him. So when his acquaintance mentions a sister at his country estate who is ready for marriage, he jumps at the chance for an arranged marriage. He’s been told she is extremely shy and that it takes her time to open up around strangers, so he might find her a bit strange when he initially meets her. But this doesn’t bother him. He’s a patient gentleman and can give her time to get used to him. What he doesn’t count on, however, is just how strange everything is when he gets to the country estate. She refuses to leave her section of the manor, she has to go to bed before it’s dark, and she has an unusual fascination for monsters. Despite all of that, she is beautiful and possesses a sweet temperament. He wishes he could figure out a way to help her embrace a normal life. If he keeps pressing for her to have a normal life, he just might get his wish. But nothing will prepare him for the truth. *This is loosely based off the Rapunzel fairy tale.
