Once Upon a Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday – a Review

Once Upon a Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday – a Review

 

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Description:
When the West was wild and man’s law favored the few, these extraordinary women could be found…in the heart of an outlaw.

Accused of crimes he didn’t commit, ex-preacher Ridge Steele is forced to give up everything he knew and make his home with outlaws. Desperate for someone to confide in, he strikes up correspondence with mail-order bride Adeline Jancy, finding in her the open heart he’s been searching for. Upon her arrival, Ridge discovers Addie only communicates through the written word, but he knows a little of what trauma can do to a person and vows to stand by her side.

Addie is eager to start a new life with the kind ex-preacher and the little boy she’s stolen away from her father–a zealot priest of a terrorized flock. As her small family settles into life at Hope’s Crossing, she even begins to find the voice, and confidence, she’d lost so long ago.

But danger is not far behind, and her father will not be denied. While Addie desperately fights the man who destroyed her childhood, a determined Ridge races to the rescue. The star-crossed lovers will need more than prayers to survive this final challenge…and find their way back to each other again.

 

 

Review:

Once Upon a Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is the 4th and final book in her wonderful Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. I love this series, as Broday never fails to make us fall in love the couples in this western historical romance.   Refresher: The story takes place in Hope’s Crossing, which is a town run by outlaws, who have started a clean slate on their lives, with building a family and changing their lives for the better.

Ridge Steele, is an ex preacher, and because of the crime he did not commit, is one of the original outlaws who has built Hope Crossings. Ridge has been writing letters to a mail order bride, and is waiting impatiently for her arrival to marry him. 

Adeline (Addie) Jancy, has recently gotten out of a three-year prison term, and with the help of Luke and his wife, they manage get her away from men who are determined to kidnap her and bring her back to her evil father; who was the one who had her imprisoned.  Addie was in solitary confinement all those years, and she cannot speak due to the trauma; only using the written word to express herself.

When she meets Ridge, she finds him kind and patient, helping her take her time to learn how to speak again.  They immediately get married, and start their life together. Addie despite her inability to talk, wins over all the townsfolks, especially with her cooking.  In a short time, she learns more about the hardship Ridge has gone through and begins to fall hard for him, as he does with her.

They both have major issues; Ridge always on the lookout for those looking for him, even if he is innocent; and Addie running from her fanatical deranged father, who plans to kill her.  Both Addie and Ridge were great together, both strong, protective and loyal, and it was such a pleasure to watch them become closer.  When Ridge is in danger, with someone ready to attack him, Addie yells out a warning, bringing back her voice. 

What follows is an exciting story line, with nonstop action, heart stopping dangerous situations and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them.  Things do get desperate when Addie’s nightmare comes true, and Ridge do anything to find her and fight to save her, also bringing forth her mother, who was also under the father’s evil control.  

Ridge and Addie were so good together, and you couldn’t help loving them, as they were the best couple yet. I loved how they had young Bodie stay with them, and he being loyal to them.  It was great to see all the main characters from the previous books. Since this is the final book, I must say Broday did such a great job bringing us this outlaw town, with fantastic couples and secondary characters, as well as giving us beautiful heartwarming romances, with some dangerous elements.

Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful addition to this fabulous western historical series.  Once Upon a Mail Order Bride was a perfect conclusion to this series.  If you enjoy western historical romances, I suggest you read this series, and Linda Broday’s writing is superb.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday – a Review

The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday – a Review

 

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Description:
When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity’s doorstep, he knows he can’t help them—a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can’t bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail order bride he’d been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.

Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She’s rough and tumble…and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she’ll have to betray her new husband. There’s only one problem—the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister…or the man she loves.

 

 

Review:

The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday is the 3rd book in her Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. As I have said previously, I have become a big fan of Broday’s western historical romance stories, and The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is once again another fantastic story line. Refresher: The story takes place in Hope’s Crossing, which is a town run by outlaws, who have started a clean slate on their lives, with building a family and changing their lives for the better.  

Tait Trinity, our hero, is suddenly left with three young children (two twin boys and a baby girl), when his sister is brutally murdered.  Tait decides to get a mail order bride to help him take care of the children; he also knows his life could be short term and dangerous, as other criminals are also after Tait.

Melanie Dunbar, our heroine, finds herself in trouble, as she and her sister, Ava are put in jail because of something her father did.  The crooked Judge makes a deal with Melanie; he will free them if she can bring Tail Trinity to him, as well as the money he stole.   Knowing they could be in jail for a very long time, Melanie accepts the deal. In doing so, she responds to Tait’s letter accepting her as his bride.

When Melanie arrives in Hope’s Crossing, she is immediately surprised at her attraction to Tait, and though she has no experience taking care of children, in a short time she finds herself caring about them all.  Quickly, her relationship with Tait heats up, and they both find themselves caring deeply about each other.   Melanie feels guilty, and tries to find a way to get the money and return it to the Judge, to free her sister, and at the same time, not have Tait hurt.

Tait is determined to find the man who murdered his sister, and knows that the children and Melanie will always be in danger with threats against him.  He will take matters in his own hands when Becky (the baby girl) is kidnapped, and he with Jack and Clay (previous book heroes), will try to rescue her, and find the man who killed his sister. When Melanie gets a threat by the Judge to bring the money, she too takes matters in her own hands by traveling to free her sister.

What follows is an exciting story line, with nonstop action, dangerous situations, with their lives on the line and a wonderful sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them.  The last half of the book was tense and exciting, as they both find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with the evil villains.

Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful western historical romance story, as The Mail Order Bride’s Secret was a great addition to this series.   It was emotional, tense, exciting, sweet romantic story, with a fabulous group of secondary characters and a great couple.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday – a Review

 

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Description:
Outlaw Jack Bowdre is on his way to jail—and completely unaware that he’s traveling with Nora Kane, the mail order bride he’s been corresponding with for so long. No wonder the chemistry is flying…

It’s too bad Nora doesn’t know Jack is her groom-to-be. All she sees is a scoundrel. But when their stagecoach crashes, they’re suddenly left to fend for themselves—and each other. The longer they’re together, the stronger their feelings grow. Hounded by desperate men bent on doing them harm, Nora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find their happily ever after…but first, they’ll have to shake the devils from their trail.

 

 

Review:

Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is the 2nd book in her wonderful Outlaw Mail Order Brides series.  I have become a big fan of Broday’s western historical romance stories, and Saving the Mail Order Bride is once again another fantastic story line. Refresher: Hope’s Crossing started as a town run by outlaws who wanted to begin a new clean life, and build a family.   

We met our hero, Jack Bowden, in the previous book, and we felt sorry for Jack, since he did not get the warrants against him removed.  In Saving the Mail Order Bride, Jack has been captured by a US Marshall and being brought to a jail to await his probable hanging. 

Nora Kane, our heroine is traveling on the same stagecoach with Jack, and when the stagecoach crashes, they end up together to escape those chasing them.  The problem is that Nora snapped the handcuffs on Jack and her to keep herself safe, and without a key they are bound together.  Jack is escaping the lawmen, and Nora is running away from someone from her past who wants something she has.   At first, neither of them get along, but in a short time, especially after they both find out that Nora is a mail order bride, and she was supposed to marry Jack.  The chemistry between them grew with each difficult passing day, as they both began to find themselves attracted to each other.  The humor between them was also great; it was just fun to watch them show their true feelings.  Jack was tough and strong, in protecting Nora, as well as loyal; Nora was equally as tough, and was determined to help Jack and become his bride.  I loved them together, as they were perfect for each other.

What follows is an exciting story line, and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them.  When things appear desperate, they will get help from our last book’s heroes, Tally and Clay, and finally connect to Hope’s Crossing with the help of others.  I also loved when Jack and Nora rescued a young 8 year old boy from a mean outlaw, and takes the boy, Sawyer, with them, and eventually as part of their family when they arrive in Hope’s Crossing.  There is also a baby that is rescued along the way that becomes part of their family.  So nicely done

More people come to join their town, and help with the rebuilding process.  They all stick together to protect Nora, Sawyer and baby Willow. There were some great secondary characters they we got to meet, and learn to care for, such as the Tally, Rebel, Dr Mary, and Jack’s friends, Clay, Ridge, Luke, etc.   The last half of the book was very exciting, as a few times they find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with those who have been chasing them from the start.  Nora will try to use something valuable that she has to help save Jack.

Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful new western historical series, with a fantastic group of characters, and a couple we fell in love with.  Saving the Mail Order Bride was a great addition to this series, as it was emotional, exciting, sweet romantic story, with a fabulous group of secondary characters and a great couple. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday – Review & Giveaway

The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
When the West was wild
And man’s law favored the few
These extraordinary women could be found…in the heart of an outlaw.

Former outlaw Clay Colby is abuzz with his mail order bride’s expected arrival. He’s fought long and hard to drag Devil’s Crossing out of lawlessness…so when his homestead is set ablaze by a bitter rival, he’s heartbroken. There’s no woman in the world who’d stand by him now.

But Talley Shannon is no ordinary woman.

After escaping the psychiatric hospital in which she was wrongfully detained, Tally only wants someone to protect her and the little girl under her care. She doesn’t mind that Clay’s home is dang near burned to the ground–not when he makes her feel so safe. So cherished. But it’s only a matter of time before the ghosts of her past come calling…and her loving cowboy must defend his new bride–and the family they built together–to his very last breath.

 

 

Review:

The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is the 1st book in her new western Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. I have enjoyed Broday’s previous books book in a couple of her other series, and I am happy to say this was a wonderful start to another good series.

We meet our hero, Clay Colby, who is in the process with some of his outlaw friends, trying to rebuild a town (Devil’s Crossing) for them to start a new clean life.   Clay is waiting for the wagon train to arrive bringing him his mail order bride. When Clay meets his bride to be, he is shocked to see a young girl with her.

Talley Shannon is determined to protect herself, as well as the young blind girl under her care.   Tally is on the run from some bad guys, and marrying Clay will help her begin a new life.  Tally’s history is sad, as she escaped a terrible psychiatric hospital that she was falsely admitted by her greedy evil stepmother, after her father died.  Both she and the little girl, Violet were abused and tortured, but Tally is a strong and forceful woman. Tally explains that if he wants to marry her, he will have to accept Violet too.

What follows is both an exciting story line, and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them.  Tally has problems with trust, especially with always being on the look out of the evil men still stalking her.  In time she realizes that Clay is a good man, who will do anything to protect her, and Violet, whom he begins to treat like his own daughter.  Though early on, Tally tries to run in fear of those following her, but Clay will prove to her that he is in this for the long run, and promises to protect her.   Slowly more people come to join their town, and help with the rebuilding process.  They all stick together to protect Tally and Violet. There were some great secondary characters they we got to meet, and learn to care for, such as the Januarys, Dr Mary, Rebel, and it was great to see Luke and Josie from Broday”s previous series. 

What I loved the most was watching Tally fight her trust issues, and allow herself to fall in love with Clay. Violet, though struggling with her blindness, was a treasure, who became more self sufficient with the those in town who loved her.   Clay’s dog Bullet was a perfect companion for Violet, and protective of them all. 

The last half of the book was very exciting, as a few times they find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with the three evil men following Tally.  Another group of women who escaped the asylum were rescued by Clay and Tally, bringing some to their town.  When they stave off the bad men, and the nasty stepmother, they head home with good news.  Tally is free, and Clay receives amnesty, and a happy time for all.  But just when things begin to look good, a shocking surprise will come back to rear its ugly head, causing intense action and threats to their survival, with both Rebel and Bullet seriously injured.  

Linda Broday has once again given us another wonderful new western historical series, with a fantastic group of characters, and a couple we fell in love with.  The Outlaw Mail Order Bride was an emotional, exciting, romantic story that played often with our emotions.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Tally followed Clay into his dugout. She liked the strong set of his jaw and broad shoulders. He gave the impression that wouldn’t give under a heavy load. The two-inch scar down his face and the revolver swinging from his lean hip suggested he’d seen trouble too many times to count. His dark hair sported a few silver stands at the temples and curled possessively over his collarless shirt like a gunslinger’s hand around his gun.
She scanned the dim interior of the dugout, not caring that it was part of the hillside. She loved the scent of the earth and the safety Devil’s Crossing represented. A stack of uncut leather laid in a corner, and pink and yellow flowers on the table added an unexpected homey feel.
This outlaw was already surprising her in a lot of ways. Tally motioned to the leather. “What do you make?”
“Saddles, harnesses, boots, you name it.” Clay flicked her a nervous smile. “I know this doesn’t look like much, but it’s only temporary. As soon as I can, you’ll have a real house.”
Her mouth tried to turn up in a return smile but her nerves wouldn’t let it. She sat at the table in the chair Clay pulled out for her. “Don’t say anything you don’t mean. I’ve been lied to enough.”
Sunlight cast his shadow across the plank floor. “Look, Tally Shannon, I never waste words and what I say you can count on. I want something better for you, and already have the land picked out.”
Tally Shannon cleared her throat. “I have some things to ask of you, Clay. Refusal of any will be a deal-breaker.”
“Sounds fair enough. I’m sure you won’t need anything too difficult.”
“I’ll help build your town, share your bed, and raise your children.” She hardened her gaze. “In return, you promise never to put me back in the asylum and you’ll fight anyone who tries. Also extend that promise to Violet and if anything should happen to me, you’ll raise the child. You’ll never collect the reward that’s offered for me and I’ll never collect yours.” She paused before adding. “One last thing—you’ll release me next spring if this marriage doesn’t work.”
Clay brushed his fingers across her cheek that carried the mark. “You have my word on every stipulation.” His gaze shifted to the gun on her hip and she thought she saw admiration and some intimidation. “I only have one simple request. You have to promise never to shoot me, no matter how mad you get.”
“That depends on what you what do.” She leaned close, putting her lips next to his ear. “Hurt Violet and I’ll kill you in a heartbeat.”
He chuckled softly. “Trust me, I’d never be fool enough to cross you. Nor will I ever cause that little girl grief. That’s a vow I’ll never break.”
“Then we’re clear.” She straightened in her chair.
Clay leaned forward and lifted a tendril of hair, rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger. “Are you crazy, Tally?”
She allowed a smile. “Some would say that and at times I wonder. Back in Deliverance Canyon, I’d often wake in the dead of night and stand in the moonlight, letting the breeze brush my face. I needed the reassurance that I wasn’t back in that hellhole.”
“Do you mind if I ask why you were put there?”
“My stepmother put me there to get rid of me so she could steal what was mine. She told them that I was a sexual deviant and preyed on children.” She hated her strained voice.
“I can tell you’re not. I assume she had a ruthless plan.”
Tally’s voice turned cold and hardened. “When my father died, he had quite a large estate that included land, money, and other possessions. He left everything to me which angered my stepmother. She put something in my food that made me deathly ill and unable to fight her or speak. Some men loaded me into a wagon and Lucinda drove me to the Creedmore Lunatic Asylum.”
“I’ve heard of the place. Most never escape—except in a coffin. You were lucky, Tally.”
“A fierce determination helps. I was there a year and suffered—” her voice broke. She forced calm and continued. “Crimes you couldn’t imagine. But it only strengthened my resolve. I watched and waited for the right opportunity and when it came, I took it. Five of us broke out that moonless night. I’ve been back several times, once recently, for others like me.”
“Why do they want to imprison perfectly healthy women? What do they gain?”
“Money. Families pay a good deal to get rid of who they want. Men are getting rich off them and it’s become a big rotten business.” She watched his eyes darken, his anger build.
He let her strand of hair fall from his fingers. “Why was Violet there?” he asked, his voice tight.
“Her parents thought raising a blind child too much trouble.”
“Dear God! Such fools.” Clay rose to stand at the thick window.
She didn’t know what the tall, broad-shouldered outlaw was staring at, but the muscles of his jaw clenched tight, speaking of deep anger. He might convince himself that he was through dispensing justice but she could see that it continued to burn.
Could such a man love her?
An ache filled Tally. Could he make a little room in his heart for her?
She bit back a sob that tried to escape. Would she ever find someone who loved her fully and completely? Or would she have to settle for less as she’d always done? She was weary of settling. She wanted to be all of someone’s world, not just a part. She yearned to fill a man’s heart so full that his love for her spilled out all over the place.


 

 

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