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The Flat River Matchmaker #5
The Marshal's Bride
★★★ The much anticipated fifth story in the Flat River Matchmaker Series, which began in The Farmer's Wife. ★★★
A young widow and mother, Justine McGuthry, finds herself in danger and in need of a fresh start following the untimely demise of her husband. Drawn to the promise of a new life, she seizes an opportunity to travel to Flat River, Nebraska. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Sam Davis, a dedicated and handsome U.S. Marshal, who challenges her notions of love and healing.
Sam Davis, despite his focus on professional accomplishments and eschewing marriage, finds himself captivated by Justine’s profound sadness and adorable daughter. As their bond strengthens, an unexpected obstacle arises—a shadow from Justine’s past emerges, bent on creating turmoil. As Sam takes on the role of Justine’s protector, the local matchmaker endeavors to change her perspective on love and past tragedies.
When tragedy strikes once again and Justine’s daughter vanishes, their shared determination to find the child brings them closer together. As they race against time, will Sam’s steadfastness and genuine care be enough to win Justine’s heart, reunite their fractured family and convince Justine to become the Marshal’s Bride?
Find out in this small-town, historical romance with a touch of faith.
♥♥♥♥♥♥
The Flat River Matchmaker series features characters you know from Christine's popular series The Chapmans. Each book in this series is stand-alone and can be read in any order. Want to read more romance set in Flat River, Nebraska? Check out Christine's page at www.flatrivernebraska.com
A young widow and mother, Justine McGuthry, finds herself in danger and in need of a fresh start following the untimely demise of her husband. Drawn to the promise of a new life, she seizes an opportunity to travel to Flat River, Nebraska. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Sam Davis, a dedicated and handsome U.S. Marshal, who challenges her notions of love and healing.
Sam Davis, despite his focus on professional accomplishments and eschewing marriage, finds himself captivated by Justine’s profound sadness and adorable daughter. As their bond strengthens, an unexpected obstacle arises—a shadow from Justine’s past emerges, bent on creating turmoil. As Sam takes on the role of Justine’s protector, the local matchmaker endeavors to change her perspective on love and past tragedies.
When tragedy strikes once again and Justine’s daughter vanishes, their shared determination to find the child brings them closer together. As they race against time, will Sam’s steadfastness and genuine care be enough to win Justine’s heart, reunite their fractured family and convince Justine to become the Marshal’s Bride?
Find out in this small-town, historical romance with a touch of faith.
♥♥♥♥♥♥
The Flat River Matchmaker series features characters you know from Christine's popular series The Chapmans. Each book in this series is stand-alone and can be read in any order. Want to read more romance set in Flat River, Nebraska? Check out Christine's page at www.flatrivernebraska.com
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
About the author
Christine Sterling
130 books283 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Christine Sterling loves immersing her readers in the small towns she’s created. Her inspirational stories feature humor, redemption, and romance, with themes of friendship, forgiveness, and fighting for the love you want.
She’s the author of over eighty romances, including the reader favorites, First Families of Flat River, and The Flat River Matchmaker series. She loves to create tight-knit families with strong family values, and you’ll often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories. Her readers describe her characters as old friends and her settings as places they would love to visit.
An empty nester, she lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals on a Pennsylvania farm. When she’s not writing, she can be found drinking tea, being judged by her cat, eating snacks, or napping.
Sign up for her newsletter and get a free book at www. flatrivernebraska. com
She’s the author of over eighty romances, including the reader favorites, First Families of Flat River, and The Flat River Matchmaker series. She loves to create tight-knit families with strong family values, and you’ll often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories. Her readers describe her characters as old friends and her settings as places they would love to visit.
An empty nester, she lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals on a Pennsylvania farm. When she’s not writing, she can be found drinking tea, being judged by her cat, eating snacks, or napping.
Sign up for her newsletter and get a free book at www. flatrivernebraska. com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 6, 2026
Esse livro é de tirar o fôlego! Justine e Sam, desde o livro anterior já demonstravam que se tornariam um dos casais mais encantadores. Na verdade, o encantador é o Sam, o delegado da cidade, e Justine é prática. E se preparem para o pedido dele de casamento. Que pedido foi esse ?!?!
Novamente, o leitor se encontra diante de relatos onde as mulheres eram impedidas de conquistar algo por não ser casada ou não ter o nome de um homem que a patrocinasse.
Por isso, Justine em certos momentos se sente revoltada com a cidade e com os moradores. E sua frustração acaba que a atrapalhando para sentir novas emoções e viver uma vida mais feliz.
Mas Sam, fará o possível para conquistar Justine e provar que ele será o apoio que ela precisa mas que jamais irá cortar suas asas. Além disso, o amor que sente por ela e por Hope, a garotinha que só diz “Quack!”, lhe dá a certeza que elas são a família que ele sempre quis, e que Flat River é a melhor cidade para viver!
Contudo, o passado de Justine vem atormenta-lá, e para conseguir seguir em frente, ela precisará perdoar a si e ao seu passado.
Esse livro fala muito sobre o relacionamento, o apoio que o casal deve dar um ao outro. E de uma forma simples e nem sei se esse era o objetivo, mas a forma como a autora descreve o relacionamento de Ingrid e Weston Chapman, é uma boa forma de se entender o significado da submissão feminina.
E a autora nos surpreende com um dos momentos mais desesperadores da série: a chegada da ex-sogra de Justine e o futuro que ela deseja para Hope. Eu só não sei dizer qual o final dos livros da autora é o mais dramático, o final de Everett (série Os Chapmans) ou o final de A Noiva do Delegado!!
O que posso dizer? Que mais um livro se torna um favorito!!!!
Novamente, o leitor se encontra diante de relatos onde as mulheres eram impedidas de conquistar algo por não ser casada ou não ter o nome de um homem que a patrocinasse.
Por isso, Justine em certos momentos se sente revoltada com a cidade e com os moradores. E sua frustração acaba que a atrapalhando para sentir novas emoções e viver uma vida mais feliz.
Mas Sam, fará o possível para conquistar Justine e provar que ele será o apoio que ela precisa mas que jamais irá cortar suas asas. Além disso, o amor que sente por ela e por Hope, a garotinha que só diz “Quack!”, lhe dá a certeza que elas são a família que ele sempre quis, e que Flat River é a melhor cidade para viver!
Contudo, o passado de Justine vem atormenta-lá, e para conseguir seguir em frente, ela precisará perdoar a si e ao seu passado.
Esse livro fala muito sobre o relacionamento, o apoio que o casal deve dar um ao outro. E de uma forma simples e nem sei se esse era o objetivo, mas a forma como a autora descreve o relacionamento de Ingrid e Weston Chapman, é uma boa forma de se entender o significado da submissão feminina.
E a autora nos surpreende com um dos momentos mais desesperadores da série: a chegada da ex-sogra de Justine e o futuro que ela deseja para Hope. Eu só não sei dizer qual o final dos livros da autora é o mais dramático, o final de Everett (série Os Chapmans) ou o final de A Noiva do Delegado!!
O que posso dizer? Que mais um livro se torna um favorito!!!!
July 21, 2023
I just finished this one, and in turn, finished the Matchmaker series. And I have to be honest, this was perhaps my favorite one in the series!
Hope was adorable!! Her little quacks are going to make me smile for a while. Kids automatically make any book better, and her interactions with Sam just melted my heart.
Justine also was one of my fav heroines in this series so far. She was headstrong and instantly likable. I loved Sam so much and the main characters had amazing chemistry.
The kidnapping scene was written amazingly well and kept me engaged the entire time. Hope's reunion with her parents was absolutely a tear-jerker. Overall, I loved this one a lot. If I can convince you to read one book from this series, it would be this one.
Highly recommend it if you like the found family trope. I am looking forward to more books in this series!
Hope was adorable!! Her little quacks are going to make me smile for a while. Kids automatically make any book better, and her interactions with Sam just melted my heart.
Justine also was one of my fav heroines in this series so far. She was headstrong and instantly likable. I loved Sam so much and the main characters had amazing chemistry.
The kidnapping scene was written amazingly well and kept me engaged the entire time. Hope's reunion with her parents was absolutely a tear-jerker. Overall, I loved this one a lot. If I can convince you to read one book from this series, it would be this one.
Highly recommend it if you like the found family trope. I am looking forward to more books in this series!
May 4, 2024
The Marshall's Bride is book 5 in the Flat River Matchmaker Series by Christina Sterling.
Justine McGuthry and her young daughter, Hope, arrive in Flat River to start over after the death of her husband. She is determined to maintain her mourning period even though she is fighting feelings for a Marshall she met on the stagecoach out.
Marshall Sam Davis has spent his life focusing on his career. But when he meets the beautiful Justine and her daughter, his focus immediately changes. Then, when danger from her past surfaces, he will stop at nothing to protect his new family.
Like all of the previous books, this one is awesome. There is a great love story and the added element of suspense. I am sad for this series to end, but I will be reading more by this author as I have enjoyed all of these books so much.
Justine McGuthry and her young daughter, Hope, arrive in Flat River to start over after the death of her husband. She is determined to maintain her mourning period even though she is fighting feelings for a Marshall she met on the stagecoach out.
Marshall Sam Davis has spent his life focusing on his career. But when he meets the beautiful Justine and her daughter, his focus immediately changes. Then, when danger from her past surfaces, he will stop at nothing to protect his new family.
Like all of the previous books, this one is awesome. There is a great love story and the added element of suspense. I am sad for this series to end, but I will be reading more by this author as I have enjoyed all of these books so much.
June 6, 2024
My favorite "Matchmaker" so far!
I just got caught up on Christine Sterling's Flat River Matchmaker Series this week, and while I have enjoyed every one of them, this one, The Marshall's Bride, has been my favorite so far. A tough, teddy bear hearted US Marshall new to the area, a grieving young widowed mother looking for a fresh start and her adorable mostly nonverbal daughter who is quick to bond with Marshall Davis - heart melting. Throw in a town that feels more like family, some tension with the former in-law, and, a marriage of convience, a kidnapping and find out if Marshall Davis can not only save the little one he adores, but also win her mother's heart.
I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series as well as The First Families of Flat River.
Keep up the great work, ma'am!
I just got caught up on Christine Sterling's Flat River Matchmaker Series this week, and while I have enjoyed every one of them, this one, The Marshall's Bride, has been my favorite so far. A tough, teddy bear hearted US Marshall new to the area, a grieving young widowed mother looking for a fresh start and her adorable mostly nonverbal daughter who is quick to bond with Marshall Davis - heart melting. Throw in a town that feels more like family, some tension with the former in-law, and, a marriage of convience, a kidnapping and find out if Marshall Davis can not only save the little one he adores, but also win her mother's heart.
I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series as well as The First Families of Flat River.
Keep up the great work, ma'am!
July 4, 2023
The Marshal’s Bride
Justine is a young mother and widow being harassed by a grieving mother in law. After the death of her husband, she travels to Flat River where she has distant family. She encounters Sam, a U. S. Marshal, headed to Flat River as well when her mother in law appears and accuses her once again. Sam checks into the accusations to find them false. He also manages to become enamored with the young widow and her little girl. When trouble follows Justine, will Sam be able to protect her and the child?
Justine is a young mother and widow being harassed by a grieving mother in law. After the death of her husband, she travels to Flat River where she has distant family. She encounters Sam, a U. S. Marshal, headed to Flat River as well when her mother in law appears and accuses her once again. Sam checks into the accusations to find them false. He also manages to become enamored with the young widow and her little girl. When trouble follows Justine, will Sam be able to protect her and the child?
October 3, 2023
Sweetest ending
Ok, this book just seemed average when I started to read it. It was enjoyable and the story pleasant, but the last 20-30% was amazing and the story has the sweetest ending! Made me cry! It is a story of a widow starting a new life and her mother-in-law unable to come to grips with the loss of her son. This creates the story, and a hero is always needed! Our Hero delivers!
The Epilogue is perfect, endearing, and full of the sweetest home and family moment! "Quack!"
Ok, this book just seemed average when I started to read it. It was enjoyable and the story pleasant, but the last 20-30% was amazing and the story has the sweetest ending! Made me cry! It is a story of a widow starting a new life and her mother-in-law unable to come to grips with the loss of her son. This creates the story, and a hero is always needed! Our Hero delivers!
The Epilogue is perfect, endearing, and full of the sweetest home and family moment! "Quack!"
September 21, 2024
Good story
This one was emotional for me. There was a lot of excitement to keep you on the edge of the seat, but there was just as much romance.
Justine had lost her husband to a house accident. She left the town she was from and moved to Flat River, where her cousin lived, because her mother-in-law kept claiming that Justine had killed her son because she chose to stay in the house with their sick baby instead of go to the fields with her son.
Justine was making new friends in Flat River and getting on with life. Until, life took a turn.
This one was emotional for me. There was a lot of excitement to keep you on the edge of the seat, but there was just as much romance.
Justine had lost her husband to a house accident. She left the town she was from and moved to Flat River, where her cousin lived, because her mother-in-law kept claiming that Justine had killed her son because she chose to stay in the house with their sick baby instead of go to the fields with her son.
Justine was making new friends in Flat River and getting on with life. Until, life took a turn.
June 7, 2023
nice
A nice read written by Christine Sterling. Sam and Justine meet while they are boarding the stagecoach. Justine’s mother-in-law is accusing her of murder, and is trying to take Justine’s daughter from her. Sam stops this from happening and finds out the Justine’s husband died from a horse hoof injuries. Justine’s daughter is later kidnapped after Sam and Justine are married. Enjoyable read.
A nice read written by Christine Sterling. Sam and Justine meet while they are boarding the stagecoach. Justine’s mother-in-law is accusing her of murder, and is trying to take Justine’s daughter from her. Sam stops this from happening and finds out the Justine’s husband died from a horse hoof injuries. Justine’s daughter is later kidnapped after Sam and Justine are married. Enjoyable read.
June 7, 2023
Loved this book. It was full of energy and kept me reading. Justine and Sam have a unique friendship that will eventually blossom into a lasting love. But the fireworks began almost the instant they met.
The daughter Justine loves so deeply brings her to realize that Sam is a well rounded man that will bring love and laughter to their lives.
You will enjoy this latest book in the Flat River Matchmaker Series.
The daughter Justine loves so deeply brings her to realize that Sam is a well rounded man that will bring love and laughter to their lives.
You will enjoy this latest book in the Flat River Matchmaker Series.
June 15, 2023
Sam, Justine and little Quack
This is an unusual mail order bride tale. Sam, Justine a a sweet little girl met at the stage depot not realizing they were headed to the same town. Sam is the new Marshall and Justine was arriving with her young daughter to me one of Marmees new brides. You will love how these three finally work through ups and downs to make a happily ever after family.
This is an unusual mail order bride tale. Sam, Justine a a sweet little girl met at the stage depot not realizing they were headed to the same town. Sam is the new Marshall and Justine was arriving with her young daughter to me one of Marmees new brides. You will love how these three finally work through ups and downs to make a happily ever after family.
August 8, 2024
Not listed as religious but is ...
Overall the series is sweet but the timelines just don't add up from book to book. The author is very specific about how many months and years but if you're paying attention it just doesn't add up. The other books in the series so far haven't been overly religious but this one was. A little disappointing, in personally not one that looks for Bible verses to be filler.
Overall the series is sweet but the timelines just don't add up from book to book. The author is very specific about how many months and years but if you're paying attention it just doesn't add up. The other books in the series so far haven't been overly religious but this one was. A little disappointing, in personally not one that looks for Bible verses to be filler.
August 20, 2024
The Marshall’s Bride
I really enjoyed this story. Justine had moved to Flat City to escape the memories of her husband dieting and her mother in law accusing her of killing him. She had taken her daughter and found a new life, She wanted to buy a building and start a cafe but could not buy unless she had a man. Sam, the new Marshall, was interested in her, more to come. Enjoy their story
I really enjoyed this story. Justine had moved to Flat City to escape the memories of her husband dieting and her mother in law accusing her of killing him. She had taken her daughter and found a new life, She wanted to buy a building and start a cafe but could not buy unless she had a man. Sam, the new Marshall, was interested in her, more to come. Enjoy their story
August 9, 2026
Justine's husband passes away, leaving her in a lurch. She travels with her daughter to Flat River to start a new life, not expecting to meet and fall in love with Sam Davis. Justine's mother in law blames her for her husband's death, and plots to ruin her life. When Justine's daughter vanishes, they race to find the child, drawing the two closer together. Can they form a new, stronger family in the wake of tragedy and hardships?
June 7, 2023
Justine
Being a widow brings many new aspects to life. A young widow with a child even more. But all this and a blaming,revenge driven mother in law will drive one to escape. Meeting Sam might be the answer but it's too soon. Will her mother in law ever quit interfering? Can she and Hope find a happy life? Grab your copy and find out!
Being a widow brings many new aspects to life. A young widow with a child even more. But all this and a blaming,revenge driven mother in law will drive one to escape. Meeting Sam might be the answer but it's too soon. Will her mother in law ever quit interfering? Can she and Hope find a happy life? Grab your copy and find out!
November 6, 2023
Go get em Marshal
Wow! That was a great tale with lots of romance, crime, intrigue, and a crazy mother-in-law to make it interesting. All this was window dressing around the central theme of forgiveness. I appreciate the author's storytelling, historical accuracy, but most of all the solid Christian faith that drives her stories.
Wow! That was a great tale with lots of romance, crime, intrigue, and a crazy mother-in-law to make it interesting. All this was window dressing around the central theme of forgiveness. I appreciate the author's storytelling, historical accuracy, but most of all the solid Christian faith that drives her stories.
June 9, 2023
Oh, that was good!
That was so good! To continue with Flat River! I read all the Chapmans and the other Matchmaker’s books. This just continues the wonderful series! I recommend this book and all the others in this series! Christine Sterling is a great storyteller! ❤️📖📖❤️
That was so good! To continue with Flat River! I read all the Chapmans and the other Matchmaker’s books. This just continues the wonderful series! I recommend this book and all the others in this series! Christine Sterling is a great storyteller! ❤️📖📖❤️
June 24, 2023
Justine and Sam
Flat River is a community built on love and trust coming together as family. Justine questions this as her former experience left her doubtful. Sam hopes to aid her and her daughter.
Flat River is a community built on love and trust coming together as family. Justine questions this as her former experience left her doubtful. Sam hopes to aid her and her daughter.
July 10, 2023
Justine
An entertaining sweet read about family and how everyone needs someone. The whole town works hard to protect all of its citizens and when there is a threat they stand together.
An entertaining sweet read about family and how everyone needs someone. The whole town works hard to protect all of its citizens and when there is a threat they stand together.
July 21, 2023
Justine and Sam 💞
Very sweet love story! Theirs was a chance meeting, but both Justine and Sam felt an instant connection. And little Hope knew right away who her soon to be Papa would be!
Very sweet love story! Theirs was a chance meeting, but both Justine and Sam felt an instant connection. And little Hope knew right away who her soon to be Papa would be!
February 25, 2025
Great story!
Justine and Sam's story is so good, filled with tension and excitement! Hope's experience of being separated from her parents then being reunited led her to a breakthrough !
Justine and Sam's story is so good, filled with tension and excitement! Hope's experience of being separated from her parents then being reunited led her to a breakthrough !
June 6, 2023
I enjoyed the book! The story was exciting! The part about Hope saying Quack was entertaining! I highly recommend reading this book!
June 9, 2023
Worth the wait
Christina delivers a sterling second chance at love story. It's always a pleasure to visit Flat River. Just wish I didn't have to wait so long between visits!
Christina delivers a sterling second chance at love story. It's always a pleasure to visit Flat River. Just wish I didn't have to wait so long between visits!
November 19, 2023
loved it
The Flat River Matchmaker series was very good. Good Christian morals and shows how to love God and live for him thru everyday life.
The Flat River Matchmaker series was very good. Good Christian morals and shows how to love God and live for him thru everyday life.
September 17, 2024
Awesome book. I really enjoyed it.
October 1, 2024
beautiful read!
It’s such a sweet book. I have read many by this author and have enjoyed every one of them. Look forward to more.
It’s such a sweet book. I have read many by this author and have enjoyed every one of them. Look forward to more.
October 23, 2024
The marshal quacks
I really enjoyed this sweet historical romance and Hope, the adorable toddler who wrapped the marshal around her little finger.
I really enjoyed this sweet historical romance and Hope, the adorable toddler who wrapped the marshal around her little finger.
August 27, 2025
Swoon
It's fast paced. The characters are all ones we love. (Especially if you've read first families) I love that she wraps it up nicely both at the ending and epiloge.
It's fast paced. The characters are all ones we love. (Especially if you've read first families) I love that she wraps it up nicely both at the ending and epiloge.
November 20, 2025
Great book
Christine has done it again. Fabulous book. I enjoyed it. I recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet clean romance.
Christine has done it again. Fabulous book. I enjoyed it. I recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet clean romance.
January 14, 2026
Ah nice
I enjoyed this story. Sam, our hero is a fantastic character, he's of my favorites in this series. I love how love wins. Matchmakers are the best. A good read.
I enjoyed this story. Sam, our hero is a fantastic character, he's of my favorites in this series. I love how love wins. Matchmakers are the best. A good read.
May 19, 2026
I laughed. I cried. I laughed while crying!
This book was wild and so sweet and I never wanted it to end.
This book was wild and so sweet and I never wanted it to end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews