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The O’Brien Family Saga #1
Unlawfully Wedded Bride
Kate O'Brien can't believe her ears. She's been married, by proxy, to a man she's never met, thanks to her young siblings' meddling! Kate offers her "groom" room and board at her farm until the annulment is granted—nothing more. After all, what else could this predicament be but a blunder that needs fixing?Nathan Rutledge arrives on Kate's doorstep, seeking a fresh start—with a family that needs his help more than Kate will admit. The shadows in both their pasts will be no match for a bright new beginning. But first, he has to convince a woman frightened of love to throw caution to the Texas wind…
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Noelle Marchand
31 books123 followersNoelle Marchand's love of literature began as a child when she would spend hours reading beneath the covers long after she was supposed to be asleep. Over the years, God began prompting her to write. Eventually, those stories became like "fire shut up in her bones" leading her to complete her first novel at fifteen.
Noelle is a Houston-native who graduated from Houston Baptist University in May 2012. She received bachelors degree in Mass Communication with a focus in journalism and Speech Communication.
Noelle is a Houston-native who graduated from Houston Baptist University in May 2012. She received bachelors degree in Mass Communication with a focus in journalism and Speech Communication.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 16, 2025
Enjoyable read, I liked the characters.
January 7, 2012
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
Often in a love story the size of Unlawfully Wedded Bride, the romance is not very realistic—at least, not realistic that the characters could become so ‘madly in love’ so quickly. But, delightfully, that was not the case in Noelle Marchand’s debut novel. Unlawfully Wedded Bride.
Kate, Nathan, Ellie, Sean, Lawson…they all made for a wonderful, fun, and endearing cast of characters. After the death of their parents, Kate takes on the responsibility of running their farm and caring for her siblings, Ellie and Sean. I could really feel the strain of growing up so quickly in how she acted and what she did. And I loved watching how Nathan, slowly but surely, helped her ease those burdens that weighted so heavily on her.
From the start, I am sure that other readers will take an instant liking to Nathan. There was just something about him, from that first scene written from his point of view, that I liked! And as the story continues, and as you learn more about his winsome ways, tender heart, and hardworking hands throughout the book, you begin to fall in love with him right alongside Kate. It isn’t long until I was saying, “Don’t get an annulment, Kate!” ;-)
The book moves along at a good pace and I found it easy to stay lost within the town of Peppin and the lives of Kate and Nathan. And the humorous moments that were included on occasion were so sweet and memorable. There was even a bit of action that I had not expected toward the end of the book! Once or twice the scene kinda jumped without my realizing it, and it threw me a bit, but not too much.
This historical read, while it might look like a small book, packs a wonderful, inspirational message within its pages. A book you do not want to miss out on! With Unlawfully Wedded Bride as an introduction to Noelle Marchand’s talent, I am sure I will be seeing more of her work in the future.
I reviewed this book for the author. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.
Often in a love story the size of Unlawfully Wedded Bride, the romance is not very realistic—at least, not realistic that the characters could become so ‘madly in love’ so quickly. But, delightfully, that was not the case in Noelle Marchand’s debut novel. Unlawfully Wedded Bride.
Kate, Nathan, Ellie, Sean, Lawson…they all made for a wonderful, fun, and endearing cast of characters. After the death of their parents, Kate takes on the responsibility of running their farm and caring for her siblings, Ellie and Sean. I could really feel the strain of growing up so quickly in how she acted and what she did. And I loved watching how Nathan, slowly but surely, helped her ease those burdens that weighted so heavily on her.
From the start, I am sure that other readers will take an instant liking to Nathan. There was just something about him, from that first scene written from his point of view, that I liked! And as the story continues, and as you learn more about his winsome ways, tender heart, and hardworking hands throughout the book, you begin to fall in love with him right alongside Kate. It isn’t long until I was saying, “Don’t get an annulment, Kate!” ;-)
The book moves along at a good pace and I found it easy to stay lost within the town of Peppin and the lives of Kate and Nathan. And the humorous moments that were included on occasion were so sweet and memorable. There was even a bit of action that I had not expected toward the end of the book! Once or twice the scene kinda jumped without my realizing it, and it threw me a bit, but not too much.
This historical read, while it might look like a small book, packs a wonderful, inspirational message within its pages. A book you do not want to miss out on! With Unlawfully Wedded Bride as an introduction to Noelle Marchand’s talent, I am sure I will be seeing more of her work in the future.
I reviewed this book for the author. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.
November 18, 2011
I enjoyed this book. It had enough going on that it held my attention. My only complaint, and it is a small one, is that the signing of the Affidavit didn't seem realistic.
I too wish that it said what happened to Lawson but I am guessing that will be told in the next book in this series. I hope that at some point there is a book about him.
I too wish that it said what happened to Lawson but I am guessing that will be told in the next book in this series. I hope that at some point there is a book about him.
February 1, 2016
Hi! I'm the author of Unlawfully Wedded Bride. This is the first book in the (unofficial) series about the O'Brien family.
I'd love to hear what you guys think about it. Rate and review to your heart's content!
I'd love to hear what you guys think about it. Rate and review to your heart's content!
August 14, 2012
Kate O’Brien is not impressed. The words “We ordered a husband for you” coming from her younger siblings lips are not words she wants to hear. She dismisses them, & views the marriage papers she needs to sign so she can be married by proxy with disdain. Since her parents died, Kate has managed just fine running the farm & bringing up Sean & Ellie without a man– hasn’t she? With the bank about to foreclose & won’t offer her a loan without a husband, in a fit of despair Kate sees a way out & impulsively signs the papers. Then frowns. No! There has to be another way. She almost got married before, & look how that turned out. She puts the forms aside. They would be fine!
When Sean sees the signed form he thinks his sister has relented. Pleased, he mails the papers, only to realise later; it wasn’t those ones he was supposed to have posted. Now he & Ellie have to break the news to Kate, that she is married.
Nathan Rutledge arrives at the farm, hoping to start a new life with a wife & farm, & leave the past behind. He is disappointed to learn the whole thing is a mistake & that Kate wants an annulment. However, he receives a reprieve when they learn that the judge in town is away. Kate lets him stay in another building on the farm, just until the judge returns & they can get the annulment. Now he has a chance to woo Kate & show her that just maybe, God does want them together.
Kate is wary of men & marriage. Nathan’s past is following him. Will Nathan ever get his chance for a family & “happily ever after”?
I loved this fun, action & faith filled historical romance from debut author Noelle Marchand. I ached for Kate who was wary to reach out & love; I loved Nathan & his steadfastness, loyalty, gentleness but firmness with the children, & love for the Lord; I rooted for Lawson as he accepted he was loved & had a family to belong to; I respected Sean as he reached out to protect his sisters as the “man of the family” & enjoyed Ellie as she got into mischief.
#2
#3 Matchmade Bride - Coming 2013!
When Sean sees the signed form he thinks his sister has relented. Pleased, he mails the papers, only to realise later; it wasn’t those ones he was supposed to have posted. Now he & Ellie have to break the news to Kate, that she is married.
Nathan Rutledge arrives at the farm, hoping to start a new life with a wife & farm, & leave the past behind. He is disappointed to learn the whole thing is a mistake & that Kate wants an annulment. However, he receives a reprieve when they learn that the judge in town is away. Kate lets him stay in another building on the farm, just until the judge returns & they can get the annulment. Now he has a chance to woo Kate & show her that just maybe, God does want them together.
Kate is wary of men & marriage. Nathan’s past is following him. Will Nathan ever get his chance for a family & “happily ever after”?
I loved this fun, action & faith filled historical romance from debut author Noelle Marchand. I ached for Kate who was wary to reach out & love; I loved Nathan & his steadfastness, loyalty, gentleness but firmness with the children, & love for the Lord; I rooted for Lawson as he accepted he was loved & had a family to belong to; I respected Sean as he reached out to protect his sisters as the “man of the family” & enjoyed Ellie as she got into mischief.
#2
#3 Matchmade Bride - Coming 2013!
August 24, 2011
I loved this book, clean down to earth, great story line, Great characters. the only thing I didn't like about it is that fact the author did not say what happened to Larson, I was hoping he would stay where he was.
October 21, 2012
Really 4.5 stars. The best part, initially, was the fact that Nathan was a mail-order groom...we need more of those stories lol. I found the general role reversals refreshing since it's usually the girl who has to 'measure up' to expectations. As you can tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to find out what happens to Sean in the next one:)
...JUST realized that I already read Sean's story>< I've read so many since, I completely forgot:/ Oh boy...
...JUST realized that I already read Sean's story>< I've read so many since, I completely forgot:/ Oh boy...
April 7, 2012
How would you feel if you found out you were married to someone you had never met before? The story follows many twists and turns before the reader finds out if this marriage will last. Very well written with just enough intrigue to keep one from putting the book down! The salvation message is clear and easy to understand. Thanks!
November 6, 2011
A little Christian romance.
January 25, 2012
Funny side characters!
January 19, 2012
Good, easy to read book. I enjoyed the story line and thought the characters were great especially Lawson. Can't wait to hear what happens with him.
October 14, 2012
** This is a QUICK REVIEW of my thoughts on the book **
Started this one but couldn’t be bothered with it. The premise could’ve been plausible if it was handled skilfully but, unfortunately, it wasn’t. The prologue was extremely shaky and I mentally cringed whilst reading it. Then came the first chapter and the stereotypical main characters and setting made me lose all interest whatsoever.
This book is from the Harlequin ‘Love Inspired’ line (which I believe are all ‘clean romance’ stories) so I was using it as a tester for the series. But I now see I was mistaken in thinking they would be ‘non-Harlequin’ books; this very definitely is one, just presumably without the bedroom scenes.
At their very first meeting the two main characters are immediately attracted to each other (even though they haven’t the faintest understanding of each other) and he ogles her (albeit fairly respectfully) and she blushes and wonders who the stranger with the ‘dangerously handsome features’ is. Pleeeeeeeease! Learn to be subtle and take your time developing the characters and their relationship; you’ve got a WHOLE BOOK to do it in!
Will probably donate this one to the library (if they’ll even take it!) and not waste any more money on others in the series. (P.S. If this is just an extremely bad apple in an otherwise generally good barrel please leave a comment and I may give some of the others a chance to prove their worth.)
Is there a Happy Ending? I don’t care, but obviously there’s a 99.9% likelihood of a happy ending.
Content Rating: I didn’t come anywhere near to finishing the book but I believe it’s from a ‘clean’ romance line so the content should be fairly ok.
Romance Rating: Gag worthy
Take me out and shoot me now so I don’t have to watch her drown in his liquid eyes and endure him longing to claim the fiery red-haired beauty as his own!! (Yes, it’s really that bad.)
Started this one but couldn’t be bothered with it. The premise could’ve been plausible if it was handled skilfully but, unfortunately, it wasn’t. The prologue was extremely shaky and I mentally cringed whilst reading it. Then came the first chapter and the stereotypical main characters and setting made me lose all interest whatsoever.
This book is from the Harlequin ‘Love Inspired’ line (which I believe are all ‘clean romance’ stories) so I was using it as a tester for the series. But I now see I was mistaken in thinking they would be ‘non-Harlequin’ books; this very definitely is one, just presumably without the bedroom scenes.
At their very first meeting the two main characters are immediately attracted to each other (even though they haven’t the faintest understanding of each other) and he ogles her (albeit fairly respectfully) and she blushes and wonders who the stranger with the ‘dangerously handsome features’ is. Pleeeeeeeease! Learn to be subtle and take your time developing the characters and their relationship; you’ve got a WHOLE BOOK to do it in!
Will probably donate this one to the library (if they’ll even take it!) and not waste any more money on others in the series. (P.S. If this is just an extremely bad apple in an otherwise generally good barrel please leave a comment and I may give some of the others a chance to prove their worth.)
Is there a Happy Ending? I don’t care, but obviously there’s a 99.9% likelihood of a happy ending.
Content Rating: I didn’t come anywhere near to finishing the book but I believe it’s from a ‘clean’ romance line so the content should be fairly ok.
Romance Rating: Gag worthy
Take me out and shoot me now so I don’t have to watch her drown in his liquid eyes and endure him longing to claim the fiery red-haired beauty as his own!! (Yes, it’s really that bad.)
April 28, 2020
I loved Unlawfully Wedded Bride!! The family was so sweet and I loved the way they cared about their sister so much...even if it meant going behind her back to get a groom (they had the best intentions, lol!).
A wonderful historical romance!
*I won a copy of this book. I wasn't required to review it. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
A wonderful historical romance!
*I won a copy of this book. I wasn't required to review it. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
September 11, 2016
I hate to rag on the author's first book (she started it when she was sixteen)... but this wasn't all that wonderful. By a lot.
First is the premise: her younger siblings went behind her back and advertised for a husband, enlisting the help of neighborly Ms. Lettie (which itself is bad writing: in those days it would be Miss or Miz, but Ms. is a modern abbreviation). The heroine 'in a moment of weakness' signs the affidavit her family springs on her and tells the little boy who admitted to setting her up to 'take care of it'. And then she's irate about the handsome stranger who shows up at her place. No. I'm sorry, but no.
The reasoning for Nathan to reply to the ad... No. It didn't hold water, nor did his father wanting to skip over the firstborn and give him the farm. No.
Him finding her in the woods, starving after no food for three days and making her wait to eat until the next morning? No.
Finding a stray boy, stray puppy, and stray cat within a mere couple weeks of each other? No.
There was no chemistry between the H/h, the secondaries weren't well developed, the description was almost totally missing... No.
Marchand might do better with time and experience, as a writer, but... No.
First is the premise: her younger siblings went behind her back and advertised for a husband, enlisting the help of neighborly Ms. Lettie (which itself is bad writing: in those days it would be Miss or Miz, but Ms. is a modern abbreviation). The heroine 'in a moment of weakness' signs the affidavit her family springs on her and tells the little boy who admitted to setting her up to 'take care of it'. And then she's irate about the handsome stranger who shows up at her place. No. I'm sorry, but no.
The reasoning for Nathan to reply to the ad... No. It didn't hold water, nor did his father wanting to skip over the firstborn and give him the farm. No.
Him finding her in the woods, starving after no food for three days and making her wait to eat until the next morning? No.
Finding a stray boy, stray puppy, and stray cat within a mere couple weeks of each other? No.
There was no chemistry between the H/h, the secondaries weren't well developed, the description was almost totally missing... No.
Marchand might do better with time and experience, as a writer, but... No.
August 3, 2013
I checked this book out from the library because the premise sounded interesting. Unfortunately, I found the blurb stronger written than the rest of the book. I never felt a strong connection to the hero or heroine, a couple major historical inaccuracies pulled me out of the story, and there wasn't enough action to hold my interest.
Kate's parents die and she is raising her two younger siblings Sean and Ellie. The two children know that Kate needs help on the farm so they arrange for a mail order husband.
Kate doesn't know about their plan until she is asked to sign the absentee marriage certificate. When Nathan Rutledge comes can the cowboy truly win her heart?
The inspirational angle in this book was well done. All the characters felt they were following the will of God and it seemed realistic not preachy.
If you are looking for a slow paced Christian romance you might like this one.
Kate's parents die and she is raising her two younger siblings Sean and Ellie. The two children know that Kate needs help on the farm so they arrange for a mail order husband.
Kate doesn't know about their plan until she is asked to sign the absentee marriage certificate. When Nathan Rutledge comes can the cowboy truly win her heart?
The inspirational angle in this book was well done. All the characters felt they were following the will of God and it seemed realistic not preachy.
If you are looking for a slow paced Christian romance you might like this one.
March 18, 2016
This was a great story! Set in 1877 Texas, Kate's parents passed away in an accident two years earlier and she's been struggling to keep the family farm and support her two younger siblings and herself ever since. During those two years she mistrusted a young man and he broke her heart and almost ruined her life, leaving her with feelings of distrust toward everyone. Her younger siblings, Sean and Ellie, are determined that she needs a man to help her out and manage to get her married by proxy to Nathan. Nathan is running from his own tortured past and seeking a fresh start. Believing that it's God's will for him to be a part of Kate's life he sets out to woo her. His past comes calling and things get scary for the fledgling little family but love and faith conquers all! A sweet little love story!! One of the best Love Inspired Historical Romances I've read, I really enjoyed it!
May 20, 2012
While Nathan was a likeable character, I could not get emotionally interested in he or Kate. His reasoning for marrying by proxy didn't fly with me and Kate being married off by her friends and siblings was ridiculous. I could not buy off on that at all, so it set me up with a bad start. Later on in the story the characters grew on me enough to stick with the book, but I would have enjoyed them much more with a plot that wasn't based on so much literary convenience.
Read
January 6, 2012While most Steeple hill books released monthly are easy reads, I love the questions they bring up. Does love have to follow a formula? Do others know us better than we know ourselves? Do we judge situations too quickly? Do we allow our pasts to determine too much of our future? While you usually know they end up happy, the themes and thoughtful situations make you think and I love that. :)
April 28, 2013
This was a cute story, but unfortunately for me not one that I could see actually happening. I just couldn't believe that the two younger siblings hatched up the scheme to help their sister get married...nor that they actually had help in doing so. Sorry, it just didn't "fly" with me. I gave the book 3 stars as it was cute and I did find myself smiling in places.
April 1, 2013
This was a pleasant book to read, and I especially enjoyed the personalities of the children in the story. I read the book that comes after this one and liked it so well I wanted to go back and pick up this book, and I'm glad I did.
August 18, 2018
Absolutely loved it, this is definetly one of my favorites. I was hooked from the very first line. I never wanted to put it down. Half the time I wondered what the characters would do and was pleasantly surprised that they never did do what I first thought.
June 19, 2012
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
I loved everything! The characters, the witty conversations, the humor, the focus on family and love, everything! Absolutely wonderful and enchanting! Must MUST read!!
AAH! LOVED IT!
I loved everything! The characters, the witty conversations, the humor, the focus on family and love, everything! Absolutely wonderful and enchanting! Must MUST read!!
AAH! LOVED IT!
October 17, 2011
Good book. Really enjoyed reading it. Easy to follow story line that keeps you interested until the end.
February 19, 2012
Good read.
August 14, 2012
Not my favorite.
October 12, 2012
i liked it alot. the people were really real.
April 30, 2013
I loved this story! The characters were awesome, I felt instantly connected to all of them. I am excited this is a series, can't wait to read the next one.
May 19, 2014
A little much on the Hallelujah stuff but a really cute story.
November 9, 2014
really good!
May 6, 2015
4 1/2 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews