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The Perfect Wife
Keeping secrets and telling lies was no way to start a marriage. But what else, Jenna Winslow ruminated, could a woman running from scandal do? Who would ever want an unschooled virgin with a fatherless baby in tow? Certainly not rugged rancher Rowe Mercer, a man with demanding standards -- and compelling charms...!
Ex-bounty hunter Rowe Mercer had spent a lifetime riding with danger. Now he craved more peaceful pursuits, but when mail-order bride Jenna Winslow arrived "C.O.D." he wondered if his prayers had truly been answered. Could there possibly be a future for a polished Eastern angel and a man with a past he wanted to forget...!
Ex-bounty hunter Rowe Mercer had spent a lifetime riding with danger. Now he craved more peaceful pursuits, but when mail-order bride Jenna Winslow arrived "C.O.D." he wondered if his prayers had truly been answered. Could there possibly be a future for a polished Eastern angel and a man with a past he wanted to forget...!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2002
38 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burton
69 books4,127 followersMary Burton, whose latest novel is THE LIES I TOLD, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.
Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, thriller and mystery. Upon publication, her novels, including NEVER LOOK BACK and BURN YOU TWICE, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List. Her novels CUT AND RUN and YOU'RE NOT SAFE were nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Romantic Suspense.
A Richmond native, Mary is the author of forty-five published novels and five novellas as Mary Burton and as Mary Ellen Taylor.
A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters and/or place.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 9, 2024
Historia corta pero que me ha dado todo lo que me gusta encontrar en una lectura.
Jenna es una protagonista que no es perfecta pero que tiene una fuerza y una determinación que me han encantado. Cuidar de su sobrina, Kate, y proporcionarle el amor y la seguridad que necesita es su prioridad y por eso toma una valiente decisión. Casarse con alguien a quien no conoce y cambiar su vida para siempre.
Rowe me ha conquistado. Su pasado de cazarrecompensas lo ha endurecido pero ahora que tiene su rancho quiere llenarlo con una familia y eso espera conseguir con Jenna y Kate.
Al tener pocas páginas la historia transcurre algo rápida pero no por eso apresurada y sin darle tiempo a la pareja para pasar de la atracción inicial a los sentimientos sinceros que nacen entre ellos. La determinación de Jenna en adaptarse a su nueva vida en el rancho y la intención de Rowe de ganarse su confianza, dan paso a una historia de amor muy bonita, llena de momentos muy tiernos. Me ha enamorado la buena voluntad y ternura de los personajes, me han ganado.
Tengo que decir que los secundarios también son estupendos.
Una lectura que he disfrutado y que por fin, después de algunos fiascos literarios, me ha transmitido y emocionado. Un libro que aunque no es muy extenso, no le falta de nada. Totalmente recomendable ❤️.
Jenna es una protagonista que no es perfecta pero que tiene una fuerza y una determinación que me han encantado. Cuidar de su sobrina, Kate, y proporcionarle el amor y la seguridad que necesita es su prioridad y por eso toma una valiente decisión. Casarse con alguien a quien no conoce y cambiar su vida para siempre.
Rowe me ha conquistado. Su pasado de cazarrecompensas lo ha endurecido pero ahora que tiene su rancho quiere llenarlo con una familia y eso espera conseguir con Jenna y Kate.
Al tener pocas páginas la historia transcurre algo rápida pero no por eso apresurada y sin darle tiempo a la pareja para pasar de la atracción inicial a los sentimientos sinceros que nacen entre ellos. La determinación de Jenna en adaptarse a su nueva vida en el rancho y la intención de Rowe de ganarse su confianza, dan paso a una historia de amor muy bonita, llena de momentos muy tiernos. Me ha enamorado la buena voluntad y ternura de los personajes, me han ganado.
Tengo que decir que los secundarios también son estupendos.
Una lectura que he disfrutado y que por fin, después de algunos fiascos literarios, me ha transmitido y emocionado. Un libro que aunque no es muy extenso, no le falta de nada. Totalmente recomendable ❤️.
December 2, 2017
Romance com tema de Noivas encomendadas por correios, onde Jenna - viúva com uma filha - depois de perder o apoio dos pais e do noivo, aceita casar-se com Rowe, caçador de recompensas, que conseguiu a custo um lugar onde começou criar gado, rico e que desejava construir uma família.
Mocinho encantador que aceita a proposta de não dormir com ela, até que esteja pronta para se envolver com ele. As poucos eles vão aprendendo a se conhecer e descobrir que nem tudo é que parece ser. Eles sentem uma atração imediata. Mas, antes precisam escolher entre a verdade e a mentira.
Personagens secundários muitos bons, enriquecendo a história dos dois. Enredo muito bom, que me prendeu. Boas cenas, cenário do Oeste.
Mocinho encantador que aceita a proposta de não dormir com ela, até que esteja pronta para se envolver com ele. As poucos eles vão aprendendo a se conhecer e descobrir que nem tudo é que parece ser. Eles sentem uma atração imediata. Mas, antes precisam escolher entre a verdade e a mentira.
Personagens secundários muitos bons, enriquecendo a história dos dois. Enredo muito bom, que me prendeu. Boas cenas, cenário do Oeste.
June 15, 2014
I did not understand the heroine's motives from the beginning. Why she would think it prudent to lie, and then keep lying...I have no idea. She was a pain.
June 13, 2019
There’s something about Mary Burton’s writing style that is so good; it grabs the reader from page 1. Although Jenna Winslow is innocent, she must leave Alexandria, Virginia. A scandal surrounds her family – and Jenna is the only one left for the community to shun.
The man she thought she loved, Everett, wants no part of the swirling scandal. He demands she divest herself of the remaining evidence and become his wife. Jenna is devastated that Everett refuses to support her position – then she finds out why he cannot. She has no alternative than to leave.
She accepts the marriage proposal of a rancher in Colorado (after the exchange of a few letters). Jenna leaves her social life and the easy existence she would have as the wife of a physician – all because of her belief in what was right.
Rowe Mercer, Jenna quickly learns, is a force of nature. He doesn’t worry what others think and has a strong sense of right and wrong. Jenna instantly feels safe although she cannot imagine why; Rowe frightens most folks.
The books I’ve read by Mary Burton delve into emotional issues. Readers recognize how deeply felt these concerns are to the characters; they take the books to another level of appreciation and insight.
The man she thought she loved, Everett, wants no part of the swirling scandal. He demands she divest herself of the remaining evidence and become his wife. Jenna is devastated that Everett refuses to support her position – then she finds out why he cannot. She has no alternative than to leave.
She accepts the marriage proposal of a rancher in Colorado (after the exchange of a few letters). Jenna leaves her social life and the easy existence she would have as the wife of a physician – all because of her belief in what was right.
Rowe Mercer, Jenna quickly learns, is a force of nature. He doesn’t worry what others think and has a strong sense of right and wrong. Jenna instantly feels safe although she cannot imagine why; Rowe frightens most folks.
The books I’ve read by Mary Burton delve into emotional issues. Readers recognize how deeply felt these concerns are to the characters; they take the books to another level of appreciation and insight.
January 29, 2015
Una bonita y entretenida historia ambientada en el lejano oeste. Es una historia tierna que hubiera mejorado con más profundidad y más páginas. Me ha gustado el tema pero creo que el desarrollo de la relación amorosa es muy rápida y no da tiempo a conocer mejor a los personajes. No obstante, me ha gustado y me ha dejado un buen sabor de boca.
January 12, 2015
Mail order bride misrepresents her circumstances & a groom that tries to forget his dangerous past but it comes knocking.
March 5, 2015
3.5 stars!!!
September 9, 2017
"Le parole erano solo una formalità. Il suo cuore era già, a sua insaputa, prigioniero di Jenna. Non era più questione di decidere se l’amasse o si fidasse di lei. Jenna era parte di lui come nessun’altra persona era mai stata in precedenza. Se la sua ragione tentava di negarlo, il suo cuore non aveva dubbi. Amava Jenna."
Era un bel po' che non leggevo una storia con questa ambientazione e sono stata fortunata nel trovare una storia così dolce, romantica e affascinante! *ç* Mi è piaciuto molto Rowe, ex cacciatore di taglie e ora orgoglioso proprietario di una fattoria che si è conquistato col sangue e il sudore (cosa che gli ha lasciato più di qualche nemico) e che desidera ardentemente condividere con una donna che lo ami...ed ecco che appare la dolce e raffinata Jenna, che farebbe di tutto per l'amata nipotina, anche sposare un affascinante sconosciuto e imparare da zero la dura vita di moglie nel mezzo del nulla XD I due restano entrambi colpiti l'una dall'altro fin da subito ma l'amore nasce pian piano e la loro vita quotidiana, seppur difficile, è ricca di momenti dolci e commoventi! *ç* Bella anche la storia degli amici di Rowe, una coppia amichevole e innamoratissima che passerà parecchi guai ma troveranno anche loro il lieto fine! <3
Era un bel po' che non leggevo una storia con questa ambientazione e sono stata fortunata nel trovare una storia così dolce, romantica e affascinante! *ç* Mi è piaciuto molto Rowe, ex cacciatore di taglie e ora orgoglioso proprietario di una fattoria che si è conquistato col sangue e il sudore (cosa che gli ha lasciato più di qualche nemico) e che desidera ardentemente condividere con una donna che lo ami...ed ecco che appare la dolce e raffinata Jenna, che farebbe di tutto per l'amata nipotina, anche sposare un affascinante sconosciuto e imparare da zero la dura vita di moglie nel mezzo del nulla XD I due restano entrambi colpiti l'una dall'altro fin da subito ma l'amore nasce pian piano e la loro vita quotidiana, seppur difficile, è ricca di momenti dolci e commoventi! *ç* Bella anche la storia degli amici di Rowe, una coppia amichevole e innamoratissima che passerà parecchi guai ma troveranno anche loro il lieto fine! <3
April 25, 2024
A middle of the road, mediocre, luke-warm, just OK read. The romance felt a bit wooden, lacking any substance. After being in each other's company for a scant few hours these two are giving off 'soulmate' vibes that felt rushed and undeserved. He's barely said a few words to her and his inner monologue has her pegged as the most perfect person, precious, so so special... dude you don't even *know* this chick how the hell do you know she's perfect?
I also got a bit fed up with the heroine. Her motivation for telling lies was wishy-washy in the the extreme. Something something 'scandal back east', even when she's about to walk out of the door and leave him, when she has *no reason* to continue the lie, she does so anyway. I also didn't get the whole 'give me a month before we sleep together' thing. It was such an arbitrary declaration, and entirely unreasonable considering the time period and the fact she had literally gone there for the specific purpose of being married. It was artificially generated conflict for conflicts sake and I don't like it.
I also got a bit fed up with the heroine. Her motivation for telling lies was wishy-washy in the the extreme. Something something 'scandal back east', even when she's about to walk out of the door and leave him, when she has *no reason* to continue the lie, she does so anyway. I also didn't get the whole 'give me a month before we sleep together' thing. It was such an arbitrary declaration, and entirely unreasonable considering the time period and the fact she had literally gone there for the specific purpose of being married. It was artificially generated conflict for conflicts sake and I don't like it.
November 8, 2020
En realidad: 2'5 🌟
Me gustan las novelas ambientadas en el oeste americano, con todos sus clichés. En este caso, es el de las novias por correspondencia, buscaban una nueva vida casándose con una persona a la que no conocían y marchándose a una tierra inhóspita.
La protagonista se ha hecho cargo de su sobrina, lo que la pone en el punto de mira de las habladurías de la ciudad, y que también rechaza su prometido, por lo que la única salida que encuentra es aceptar la propuesta de matrimonio del propietario de un rancho situado a miles de kilómetros.
Me gustan las novelas ambientadas en el oeste americano, con todos sus clichés. En este caso, es el de las novias por correspondencia, buscaban una nueva vida casándose con una persona a la que no conocían y marchándose a una tierra inhóspita.
La protagonista se ha hecho cargo de su sobrina, lo que la pone en el punto de mira de las habladurías de la ciudad, y que también rechaza su prometido, por lo que la única salida que encuentra es aceptar la propuesta de matrimonio del propietario de un rancho situado a miles de kilómetros.
January 2, 2026
Feel good fun, for when you’re down
So every time I feel out of sorts, which is often during winter months, I reach for feel good books. They give me an extra hit of dopamine and perk me up. This one was the first of the year, and I hadn’t read a western in a long time. Glad I picked it up. It was well written and very enjoyable. Will be searching for another Mary Burton western to read. Really love her writing and characters.
So every time I feel out of sorts, which is often during winter months, I reach for feel good books. They give me an extra hit of dopamine and perk me up. This one was the first of the year, and I hadn’t read a western in a long time. Glad I picked it up. It was well written and very enjoyable. Will be searching for another Mary Burton western to read. Really love her writing and characters.
January 31, 2024
Tengo debilidad por las historias del lejano oeste, laksnsk.
Jenna, la protagonista, está en una posición delicada al cuidado de su sobrina pequeña después de la "caída en desgracia de su hermana" y posterior muerte. Sus padres y prometidos (incluida toda la sociedad) le dió la espalda por lo que no le queda otra que responder el aviso que busca esposa y tratar de empezar de nuevo en un lugar lejano con un desconocido.
Es corta y entretenida para pasar unas horas ocupada, no hay mucha profundidad en el asunto.
Jenna, la protagonista, está en una posición delicada al cuidado de su sobrina pequeña después de la "caída en desgracia de su hermana" y posterior muerte. Sus padres y prometidos (incluida toda la sociedad) le dió la espalda por lo que no le queda otra que responder el aviso que busca esposa y tratar de empezar de nuevo en un lugar lejano con un desconocido.
Es corta y entretenida para pasar unas horas ocupada, no hay mucha profundidad en el asunto.
January 28, 2025
I loved this book. I did not want to put it down. Jenna becomes a mother after her sister dies. The candle forces her to answer an add for a wife.
Jenna and Rowe meet and in no time are married. They are both keeping their pasts from each other. When truths are learned will the marriage last?
Jenna and Rowe meet and in no time are married. They are both keeping their pasts from each other. When truths are learned will the marriage last?
February 14, 2020
Cute, cute, cute!!
Chapter 11 caught me off guard O.O
Chapter 11 caught me off guard O.O
December 5, 2021
Short but easy to read.
July 6, 2023
This is a period romance that takes place in frontier Colorado.
September 29, 2023
3.5 stars
Sometimes a book knows exactly what it needs to be and just does the damn job. This is a mail order bride book that I found quite enjoyable!!
Sometimes a book knows exactly what it needs to be and just does the damn job. This is a mail order bride book that I found quite enjoyable!!
October 1, 2023
**3.5**
This was a cute, quick read. Really well paced and the couple had a great connection.
- Marriage of convenience
This was a cute, quick read. Really well paced and the couple had a great connection.
- Marriage of convenience
Read
October 7, 2023Good
September 5, 2024
It was ok.
wanted more , this one seemed too fluctuating on feelings and love specifically from the h's side, one min she doesn't think she will love the H another she is in love with him.
wanted more , this one seemed too fluctuating on feelings and love specifically from the h's side, one min she doesn't think she will love the H another she is in love with him.
August 7, 2022
Tampoco es el libro de mi vida pero oye entretenido es y me he reído así que eso le suma puntos.
No se si estaba escrito con la intención de hacer risa o si es una novela sería pero mis risas me las he echado y me lo pasé muy bien leyéndolo nunca imaginé que se me hiciera tan ameno el libro
No se si estaba escrito con la intención de hacer risa o si es una novela sería pero mis risas me las he echado y me lo pasé muy bien leyéndolo nunca imaginé que se me hiciera tan ameno el libro
April 25, 2014
Cute quick read. The ex-bounty hunter is looking to forget his past but it doesn't want to stay in the past. The society miss had society turn on her and is running from her past. Secrets, lies and love.
April 27, 2014
Sweet easy read
May 24, 2014
Great Book
Had everything for an enjoyable experience in reading western romance. Would highly recommend for first time or anytime western romance novels.
Had everything for an enjoyable experience in reading western romance. Would highly recommend for first time or anytime western romance novels.
July 20, 2015
I bought this book super cheap and brought it on a trip to South America to support my Spanish skills before I really needed them. I enjoyed it and now I can leave it behind and lighten my luggage.
January 13, 2020
Buena trama para comenzar, pero mientras más se acercaba al final, más corriente me iba pareciendo.
April 29, 2016
Titulo en Español. Secretos de Mujer???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2018
Oh I loved this book. The differences between the two was great but I think that makes for a better story.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews