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A Bride's Flight from Virginia City, Montana
Join the chase as an unlikely foursome, threatened by a ruthless gang of ne’er-do-wells, strives to reach safety. Montana ranchers Zephaniah Parker and Charlotte Spence are determined to get two Amish children, who witnessed their family’s massacre, back home to relatives in Pennsylvania. Will they succumb to the plans of blood-thirsty outlaws or reach Bird-in-Hand alive? Along the treacherous trek, Charlotte and Zephaniah’s friendship blossoms into love. Will wedding bells soon chime, or will Charlotte’s startling admission forever silence potential peals? How will God redeem outlaws and law-abiding citizens in this epic Old West adventure?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Murray Pura
151 books747 followersreader, writer, author, free thinker
books published in 2023
KINGFISHER CROSS
NEVENA IN LOVE
CLARA RAVEN
UNDER THE STONES
available on Amazon, B&N, Indigo, etc.
listed for Best Series of the Year Award 2023
Hemingway Award 2022 Seattle
Word Guild Award 2022, 2012 Toronto
books published in 2023
KINGFISHER CROSS
NEVENA IN LOVE
CLARA RAVEN
UNDER THE STONES
available on Amazon, B&N, Indigo, etc.
listed for Best Series of the Year Award 2023
Hemingway Award 2022 Seattle
Word Guild Award 2022, 2012 Toronto
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 2, 2021
Positively loved this book! I was pulled in from page one and couldn't put it down until I reached the end!
November 30, 2012
I really liked this book. I wasn't sure what to expect from the title but the story took off and was full of adventure, peril, faith, uncertainty, and forgiveness.
The author took us through a lot of twists and turns and one very unexpected revelation! How this all works out in the end was a page turner! I couldn't put the book down!
If you are looking for a book that is full of action and surprises, than this is the book for you! I highly recommend it!
The author took us through a lot of twists and turns and one very unexpected revelation! How this all works out in the end was a page turner! I couldn't put the book down!
If you are looking for a book that is full of action and surprises, than this is the book for you! I highly recommend it!
April 10, 2012
Murray Pura in his new book, “A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana” published by Barbour Publishing Inc. takes us into the lives of Charlotte Spence and Zephaniah Parker
From the Back Cover: A Beautiful woman who harbors secrets too shameful to share… A brave man determined to protect two children who are witnesses to murder… And the ruthless outlaw who threatens their survival.
It’s an ordinary day on the range until Zephaniah Parker, owner of the Bar Zee Ranch, finds two children alone and cowering in fear. Young Cheyenne and Cody Wyoming managed to evade the vicious Raber Gang–led by notorious Seraphim Raber, aka the Angel of Death–but after witnessing a cold-blooded massacre by the gang, the children aren’t safe. And neither are the other inhabitants of southwest Montana.
Sweet Blue Meadows rancher Charlotte Spence is determined to see Cheyenne and Cody out of harm’s way and back among their Amish relatives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. But she’ll need Zeph’s help. Together, the two begin a long journey east, fraught with danger–and unexpected emotions.
When Zeph and Charlotte find their relationship deepening into romance, can they keep their heads, hearts and lives together long enough to see their journey through?
Or will evil designs and one shocking confession divide them forever?
“A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana” is great fun to read. This book is chock full of everything. First, it is a thriller as all the main characters lives are in danger from the Raber Gang. Second it is a cross-country trek from Montana to Pennsylvania that should not be deadly but turns out to be. Finally, it is a romance. A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana deals with secrets. Unless the past is fully dealt with it has a way to hamper the future so secrets are exposed and dealt with so healing and growth can begin. Only God can really deal with a person’s emotional baggage and Mr. Pura clearly shows this during the course of this book. Mr. Pura has a great way of telling the story and moving it along at a nice pace. His characters are wonderful and he gives them life and unique voices. Well done.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: A Beautiful woman who harbors secrets too shameful to share… A brave man determined to protect two children who are witnesses to murder… And the ruthless outlaw who threatens their survival.
It’s an ordinary day on the range until Zephaniah Parker, owner of the Bar Zee Ranch, finds two children alone and cowering in fear. Young Cheyenne and Cody Wyoming managed to evade the vicious Raber Gang–led by notorious Seraphim Raber, aka the Angel of Death–but after witnessing a cold-blooded massacre by the gang, the children aren’t safe. And neither are the other inhabitants of southwest Montana.
Sweet Blue Meadows rancher Charlotte Spence is determined to see Cheyenne and Cody out of harm’s way and back among their Amish relatives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. But she’ll need Zeph’s help. Together, the two begin a long journey east, fraught with danger–and unexpected emotions.
When Zeph and Charlotte find their relationship deepening into romance, can they keep their heads, hearts and lives together long enough to see their journey through?
Or will evil designs and one shocking confession divide them forever?
“A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana” is great fun to read. This book is chock full of everything. First, it is a thriller as all the main characters lives are in danger from the Raber Gang. Second it is a cross-country trek from Montana to Pennsylvania that should not be deadly but turns out to be. Finally, it is a romance. A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana deals with secrets. Unless the past is fully dealt with it has a way to hamper the future so secrets are exposed and dealt with so healing and growth can begin. Only God can really deal with a person’s emotional baggage and Mr. Pura clearly shows this during the course of this book. Mr. Pura has a great way of telling the story and moving it along at a nice pace. His characters are wonderful and he gives them life and unique voices. Well done.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 19, 2013
I really liked the premise behind this story. The blend of the Amish and Western genres worked really well, and the suspense of trying to escape the outlaws and return the children to their families in Pennsylvania definitely kept the tension up throughout the novel. I really liked Charlotte's character, and the romance had some really sweet points.
But there were a few things that niggled at me and stopped me from completely enjoying the story:
-- The premise behind Cody and Cheyenne being named felt contrived, as it did when Charlotte and Zeph had to take on fake names. It kind of felt like the author just wanted to prove that he knew a lot about US History.
-- On that note, there were several instances of info-dumping, especially regarding the type of guns different characters were using. If you're into guns, it probably won't bother you, but I'm British--the only time I've seen a gun is in a museum! The details went right over my head.
-- Zeph was romantic, but at times it felt over-the-top and a bit unbelievable.
-- I don't want to spoil too much about the ending, but I felt the villain repented too easily. I never understood what his motivation was for all the killing either, so his character felt a bit unrealistic.
This is the fourth Murray Pura novel I've read, and I can definitely pick up on some trademark story elements. He definitely likes to explore the issue of pacifism a lot, especially the idea that it's not always viable. The info-dumping about guns/planes/ships/etc is something he does a lot as well. He definitely comes up with some unique premises for his novels, and I appreciate the fact that his heroines are strong and unconventional. Although some elements of this story didn't feel entirely realistic, I still really enjoyed it. This was a compelling read and I'd definitely recommend it to those who like Amish or Western romances and are looking for something a little different. 3.5*
But there were a few things that niggled at me and stopped me from completely enjoying the story:
-- The premise behind Cody and Cheyenne being named felt contrived, as it did when Charlotte and Zeph had to take on fake names. It kind of felt like the author just wanted to prove that he knew a lot about US History.
-- On that note, there were several instances of info-dumping, especially regarding the type of guns different characters were using. If you're into guns, it probably won't bother you, but I'm British--the only time I've seen a gun is in a museum! The details went right over my head.
-- Zeph was romantic, but at times it felt over-the-top and a bit unbelievable.
-- I don't want to spoil too much about the ending, but I felt the villain repented too easily. I never understood what his motivation was for all the killing either, so his character felt a bit unrealistic.
This is the fourth Murray Pura novel I've read, and I can definitely pick up on some trademark story elements. He definitely likes to explore the issue of pacifism a lot, especially the idea that it's not always viable. The info-dumping about guns/planes/ships/etc is something he does a lot as well. He definitely comes up with some unique premises for his novels, and I appreciate the fact that his heroines are strong and unconventional. Although some elements of this story didn't feel entirely realistic, I still really enjoyed it. This was a compelling read and I'd definitely recommend it to those who like Amish or Western romances and are looking for something a little different. 3.5*
September 28, 2012
Finished "Bride’s Flight from Virginia City" by Murray Pura. I give it 5 stars. Charlotte's ,owner of a ranch, life is changed forever when Zephaniah shows up with 2 children who parents have been killed by the outlaw Angel. She agreed to return them to the Amish clan that the family has been shunned from but only from a strange request. But for Charlotte and Zephaniah is it pretend as much as wishing it was really the truth! Charlotte has a couple of secrets of her own. This book made me want to keep reading till the end to see what her secrets were and if the 2 children were going to be okay. I hope we see a book 2. I would like to see what Charlotte and Zephaniah life is like in a couple of years! This was my first time reading a book by Murray Pura, but definitely not my last!
December 3, 2012
In this adventurous story Zephaniah Parker takes two young children—who survived and witnessed a brutal murder—and a beautiful young woman named Charlotte Spence, on a journey to safety from Montano to Lancaster County. But they are not safe on their journey and have to face several dangers…
While Zeph and Charlotte are spending time together they start to have feelings for each other, but Charlotte has a big secret and she’s sure that will destroy their newfound love when Zeph finds out.
Travel with Charlotte, Zeph and the children from the ranches in Montano to the Amish country in Lancaster, and enjoy the sweet romance blooming between a young man and young woman while dangers rage around them.
While Zeph and Charlotte are spending time together they start to have feelings for each other, but Charlotte has a big secret and she’s sure that will destroy their newfound love when Zeph finds out.
Travel with Charlotte, Zeph and the children from the ranches in Montano to the Amish country in Lancaster, and enjoy the sweet romance blooming between a young man and young woman while dangers rage around them.
October 19, 2012
This book was surprisingly good to me. Although it is of the Amish sub-genre, it also has a western bend to it. I really enjoyed it which says a lot for the author's ability to weave a good story because I'm not a person to read a lot of westerns. The story kept me on my toes and interested the whole time. I really enjoyed the few surprising twists thrown in, along with some history. I look forward to reading more by Murray Pura!
May 9, 2020
This is THAT book, THAT story, THAT love. Murray Pura has a writing style that will give the reader the vivid detail which will transport them to THAT place, THAT time, THAT feeling. This story is THAT story....If you love romance, Amish fiction, Christian love, and a great story this is THAT book. (Special note - I read under the title The Bride From Virginia City.)
January 13, 2013
A Bride's Flight From Virginia City, Montana by Murray Pura
-From The Back Cover-
A beautiful woman who harbors secrets
Too Shameful To Share...
A brave man determined to protect two children who are
witnesses to murder...
And the ruthless outlaw who threatens their survival.
It's an ordinary day on the range until Zephaniah Parker, owner of the Bar Zee Ranch, finds two children alone and cowering in fear. Young Cheyenne and Cody Wyoming managed to evade the vicious Raber Gang — led by notorious Seraphim Raber, aka the Angel of Death — but after witnessing a cold-blooded massacre by the gang, the children aren't safe. And neither are the inhabitants of southwest Montana.
Sweet Blue Meadows rancher Charlotte Spence is determined to see Cheyenne and Cody out of harm's way and back among their Amish relatives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. But she'll need Zeph's help. Together, the two begin a long journey east, fraught with danger — and unexpected emotions.
When Zeph and Charlotte find their relationship deepening into romance, can they keep their heads, hearts, and lives together long enough to see their journey through?
Or will evil designs and one shocking confession divide them forever?
___________________________________
This is the first book that I have read by Murray Pura but I doubt it will be the last... I chose this as the first one purely on the title, I live in Montana and I have been to Virginia City.
This isn't exactly your typical Amish story. For one thing, it's set in the 1870's so the normal technology vs. The Faith isn't an issue, everyone rides horses and plowing is done the long and hard way. Another difference is the fact that this book is a Western and most of it takes place far from the usual Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana Amish communities. Since this book is a Western there is a lot of gunplay which, again, isn't quite typical in an Amish story.
The hero is a pacifist of sorts, refusing to use a gun (he has his reasons stemming from the Civil War), but he will do whatever it takes to protect the heroine and the children. He's a good guy, wanting to be left to run his ranch in peace, and by the end of the story raise a few kids with a pretty girl in the hills of Montana.
The heroine is gentle and kind but there is also a good bit of steel in her. In the first few pages she manages to shoot a mountain lion that is attacking her, not only that but she fires right after she falls of her horse and she actually manages to hit something! There were some shades of a Louis L'Amour heroine in that scene.
If you can't decide between a Western or an Amish story to read before bed, try A Bride's Flight and you can have both.
Tell Tale Book Reviews (my blog) gives A Bride's Flight From Virginia City, Montana a 3 Bark (3 star) Rating
-From The Back Cover-
A beautiful woman who harbors secrets
Too Shameful To Share...
A brave man determined to protect two children who are
witnesses to murder...
And the ruthless outlaw who threatens their survival.
It's an ordinary day on the range until Zephaniah Parker, owner of the Bar Zee Ranch, finds two children alone and cowering in fear. Young Cheyenne and Cody Wyoming managed to evade the vicious Raber Gang — led by notorious Seraphim Raber, aka the Angel of Death — but after witnessing a cold-blooded massacre by the gang, the children aren't safe. And neither are the inhabitants of southwest Montana.
Sweet Blue Meadows rancher Charlotte Spence is determined to see Cheyenne and Cody out of harm's way and back among their Amish relatives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. But she'll need Zeph's help. Together, the two begin a long journey east, fraught with danger — and unexpected emotions.
When Zeph and Charlotte find their relationship deepening into romance, can they keep their heads, hearts, and lives together long enough to see their journey through?
Or will evil designs and one shocking confession divide them forever?
___________________________________
This is the first book that I have read by Murray Pura but I doubt it will be the last... I chose this as the first one purely on the title, I live in Montana and I have been to Virginia City.
This isn't exactly your typical Amish story. For one thing, it's set in the 1870's so the normal technology vs. The Faith isn't an issue, everyone rides horses and plowing is done the long and hard way. Another difference is the fact that this book is a Western and most of it takes place far from the usual Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana Amish communities. Since this book is a Western there is a lot of gunplay which, again, isn't quite typical in an Amish story.
The hero is a pacifist of sorts, refusing to use a gun (he has his reasons stemming from the Civil War), but he will do whatever it takes to protect the heroine and the children. He's a good guy, wanting to be left to run his ranch in peace, and by the end of the story raise a few kids with a pretty girl in the hills of Montana.
The heroine is gentle and kind but there is also a good bit of steel in her. In the first few pages she manages to shoot a mountain lion that is attacking her, not only that but she fires right after she falls of her horse and she actually manages to hit something! There were some shades of a Louis L'Amour heroine in that scene.
If you can't decide between a Western or an Amish story to read before bed, try A Bride's Flight and you can have both.
Tell Tale Book Reviews (my blog) gives A Bride's Flight From Virginia City, Montana a 3 Bark (3 star) Rating
August 28, 2013
I did end up liking this but wasn’t “wowed” by it. I admit that the first half of the book held my attention a lot more than the last half. I enjoyed the train travel & the tension in that part of the book and was a little disappointed when the tension seemed to fall a little flat after the “showdown” on the train.
Charlotte/Lynndae was not consistent throughout the novel. In nearly the very first scene, we see her wrestle with and shoot a wild animal…I’m all for a hardened character to soften throughout the course of the novel, but to me, it was a bit overboard.
And then there are the names. This aggravated me almost the entire time I read the book. Not only did they have all of the fake names, but the characters continually used each other’s names. People don’t talk like that in real life. It was too much.
The most intriguing aspect of the novel to me was the issue of pacifism and the discussion about having guns for protection. I’m not sure ultimately what the author was trying to say about this. On one hand, with the character that lost his wife & children because he didn’t have a way to protect them, it seemed that he was advocating for them. On the other, the male lead didn’t believe in carrying a weapon, which felt so unrealistic, given his occupation, the area in which they lived and the time period the book was set. Even if it wasn’t used for protection from people, wild animals were enough to warrant carrying a weapon.
The ending felt a bit odd to me. I didn't ever really grasp the villain's motivation, and I felt like his redemption was a little too simplistic and not altogether realistic.
For me this was just a one-time read. I think that readers who enjoy more "western" style stories might like this one. They aren't really my thing, which could have been why I didn't love it.
Charlotte/Lynndae was not consistent throughout the novel. In nearly the very first scene, we see her wrestle with and shoot a wild animal…I’m all for a hardened character to soften throughout the course of the novel, but to me, it was a bit overboard.
And then there are the names. This aggravated me almost the entire time I read the book. Not only did they have all of the fake names, but the characters continually used each other’s names. People don’t talk like that in real life. It was too much.
The most intriguing aspect of the novel to me was the issue of pacifism and the discussion about having guns for protection. I’m not sure ultimately what the author was trying to say about this. On one hand, with the character that lost his wife & children because he didn’t have a way to protect them, it seemed that he was advocating for them. On the other, the male lead didn’t believe in carrying a weapon, which felt so unrealistic, given his occupation, the area in which they lived and the time period the book was set. Even if it wasn’t used for protection from people, wild animals were enough to warrant carrying a weapon.
The ending felt a bit odd to me. I didn't ever really grasp the villain's motivation, and I felt like his redemption was a little too simplistic and not altogether realistic.
For me this was just a one-time read. I think that readers who enjoy more "western" style stories might like this one. They aren't really my thing, which could have been why I didn't love it.
February 19, 2012
I loved this book!! It is the first book I have read by Murray Pura. I am looking forward to reading The Wings of Morning. I am ashamed to say that I am not familiar with this author although I see a couple of other books listed under his name. I hope we will hear more from him.
February 21, 2013
this book is such a good book I'm not going to give anything away. though this book is historical fiction and most people don't like these kind of books and I don't favor them either that much this is one to remeber. To save two kids who are wittness to a murder the main charater will have to travel acroos the USA to save them from the murder. She must go back to the place of terrible memoris to save them.
June 3, 2015
Good story
This book was hard for me to get into at first but got better as it went along. This was a good message of God's grace. This book had so many eternal messages I recommend it to anyone. I appreciate that it didn't have any sexual content, thank you.
This book was hard for me to get into at first but got better as it went along. This was a good message of God's grace. This book had so many eternal messages I recommend it to anyone. I appreciate that it didn't have any sexual content, thank you.
February 1, 2012
A great read with many reminders of God's protection, mercy, grace, and healing He offers to all who call upon His name and accept what He offers.
April 3, 2013
This books was very good, it was full of excitement, traveling and twist and turns that you don't see coming!! I would recommend it was a good read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews