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Nebraska Historicals #2
Her Heart's Desire
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0085MBTVO
Some men don't realize the right woman is the one they aren't pursuing....
As soon as Sally Larson meets Rick Johnson, she knows he's the one for her. The catch? He's interested in her friend, Ethel Mae. But Sally has a plan. With Ethel Mae's help, she convinces Rick that the only way he'll get Ethel Mae is to make her jealous. So he agrees to pretend to be interested in Sally in order to get Ethel Mae's attention.
But Rick has a trick or two up his sleeve, and Sally just might find that the one playing cat is really the mouse.
Some men don't realize the right woman is the one they aren't pursuing....
As soon as Sally Larson meets Rick Johnson, she knows he's the one for her. The catch? He's interested in her friend, Ethel Mae. But Sally has a plan. With Ethel Mae's help, she convinces Rick that the only way he'll get Ethel Mae is to make her jealous. So he agrees to pretend to be interested in Sally in order to get Ethel Mae's attention.
But Rick has a trick or two up his sleeve, and Sally just might find that the one playing cat is really the mouse.
204 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
325 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Ann Nordin
172 books712 followersWhat's to say? I write a lot. I read often. I sleep little. Once in awhile, I've been known to clean the house. A number of kids live in my house and there's this guy they call dad and I call husband. All in all, it's a pretty good life. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 4, 2018
I love American historical romance, western historical romance, mail order bride type books. The biggest problem I have with these books are they are almost always clean books. Meaning no sex in them. Now if written right I can over look the no sex thing, I have read tons of YA books with no sex and they were great. Most of the American/western/mail order bride historical romance books lack romance when clean. I mean they don't even touch, hold hands, kiss in most of the clean books. I need romance! Also there is something sweet about reading a couples first time together back in a day when sex was very private. I have found a few authors that have tasteful sweet sex in their American historical/western/mail order bride books and I love them. Ruth Ann Nordin is one of those authors. Her books are so sweet, romantic, at times funny and they have plenty of tasteful romance. Her Heart's Desire was a very cute read. I not only fell in love with Sally but her whole family. Rick was a very sweet hero. This book was a nice easy read. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
*on a side note* If anyone can give me names of authors that DON'T write clean romance in the America/Western/Mail order bride HR please leave them in the comments. I am always looking for new authors in this genre with tasteful sex in their books and they are so hard to find!
*on a side note* If anyone can give me names of authors that DON'T write clean romance in the America/Western/Mail order bride HR please leave them in the comments. I am always looking for new authors in this genre with tasteful sex in their books and they are so hard to find!
August 17, 2016
++Spoilers+++
3.5
Another fantastically sweet comfort read!
So why the lower rating? Well, even though I enjoyed this book, it just wasn't as good as others I have read by this author.
What I liked:
-A sweet romance with another perfect hero.
-It was fun seeing the heroine and her friend conspiring together
-I loved how Rick totally fell in love with Sally, forgetting about her friend Ethel Mae
-It was awesome that his inital attraction to Ethel Mae didn't bother me as a reader, thanks to the author's writing skill
What made me lower the stars?
-I feel it could have used a bit more conflict
-The last chapter (there is no epilogue) was a bit boring and almost unnecessary
-The book could have been shorter, or should have had a major conflict instead of a small one with the mother in law
-"Rolled his/her eyes" appeared 18 times in the book. A bit overused.
On the whole, It was a nice gentle comfortable read and I plan to go on to the next one in the series.
Safety:
Hero/heroine - both virgins (first/ last and only)
Cheating-No
OW/OM - No
Violence-No
Cursing-No
Adultery-No
Rape-No
Abuse-No
Sex- yes one time nicely done - tender, detailed not erotic.
Hea/ILY's - yes to both
Marriage/Baby-Yes to both
3.5
Another fantastically sweet comfort read!
So why the lower rating? Well, even though I enjoyed this book, it just wasn't as good as others I have read by this author.
What I liked:
-A sweet romance with another perfect hero.
-It was fun seeing the heroine and her friend conspiring together
-I loved how Rick totally fell in love with Sally, forgetting about her friend Ethel Mae
-It was awesome that his inital attraction to Ethel Mae didn't bother me as a reader, thanks to the author's writing skill
What made me lower the stars?
-I feel it could have used a bit more conflict
-The last chapter (there is no epilogue) was a bit boring and almost unnecessary
-The book could have been shorter, or should have had a major conflict instead of a small one with the mother in law
-"Rolled his/her eyes" appeared 18 times in the book. A bit overused.
On the whole, It was a nice gentle comfortable read and I plan to go on to the next one in the series.
Safety:
Hero/heroine - both virgins (first/ last and only)
Cheating-No
OW/OM - No
Violence-No
Cursing-No
Adultery-No
Rape-No
Abuse-No
Sex- yes one time nicely done - tender, detailed not erotic.
Hea/ILY's - yes to both
Marriage/Baby-Yes to both
September 17, 2021
3 stars. I didn’t like the heroine very much, she was young and she acted young. The hero also doesn’t compare to others written by this author. He had so much potential but it was mostly wasted. I mean… HE KIDNAPPED HER TO PROPOSE. If that’s not the most ridiculous thing I’ve read recently, I don’t know what is. Def. not a highlight of this series.
Safety was fine, hero originally interested in heroine’s friend but changed his mind quickly. Heroine only interested in hero. Virgin heroine, Idk for sure about the hero because a friend wrote he was a virgin but I might have missed the part that declared him that. 🤷🏻♀️
Safety was fine, hero originally interested in heroine’s friend but changed his mind quickly. Heroine only interested in hero. Virgin heroine, Idk for sure about the hero because a friend wrote he was a virgin but I might have missed the part that declared him that. 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2014
This book isn't bad but it isn't very good either. The heroine is young, immature , selfish and a bit manipulative. At first I thought this might be tailored more towards a teen audience. Then came the sex scene which I found more descriptive than I would want my teens to read. At the end of the book they have a flash forward from 3 years later after book two. This gives away what happens in the next book so I guess I don't even need to read it. Why would she do that? Finally there are several typos and consistency errors. Still it isn't too bad for a free book.
June 29, 2025
2.5 stars
This was ok. I didn't care for either character and thought they both seemed very young. I do not believe that he is a judge. I also could not get the crazy plot of making him jealous. All around strange and not very good.
This was ok. I didn't care for either character and thought they both seemed very young. I do not believe that he is a judge. I also could not get the crazy plot of making him jealous. All around strange and not very good.
November 9, 2016
Could not even finish this book
Struggling to finish. I am not sure that I'm going to be able to finish this book. The only reason I even selected it was because I was going to start another book, but found out it is apparently part of this series and came several books after this one. I thought I might like to read the books in order, so I started this one and have been very disappointed.
The characters are shallow, especially the main female lead, who is manipulative and immature. The writing is weak and lacks depth. It feels like a junior high school student's level of writing skills. It makes me wonder how I came to choose the other book in the first place.
Struggling to finish. I am not sure that I'm going to be able to finish this book. The only reason I even selected it was because I was going to start another book, but found out it is apparently part of this series and came several books after this one. I thought I might like to read the books in order, so I started this one and have been very disappointed.
The characters are shallow, especially the main female lead, who is manipulative and immature. The writing is weak and lacks depth. It feels like a junior high school student's level of writing skills. It makes me wonder how I came to choose the other book in the first place.
February 19, 2014
At the outset it sounds like a sweet old fashioned comedy. With a classic switch and bait. But, the heroine is too young. No real depth to the characters. The hero is easily lead. And the idea that this is clean HAH! JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE MARRIED, THIS IS STILL GRAPHIC SEX. NO THANKS, this is not clean!
January 21, 2014
it was an ok book. Ok story, ok characters. Very unrealistic. Was easy to put down. Didn't fall in love with any character. Vivian was probably the most endearing and realistic of them all and one of the smaller parts. The story just didn't hold credence with me. I would pass on this one.
March 22, 2024
Very fast read. Problems were resolved to quickly. Best part of the book it's free.
Read
June 4, 2016I tried...but this was just so unbelievable...immature characters I just never took a liking to...and a plot that just got more and more ludicrous as it went on.
October 28, 2018
I love Ruth Ann Nordin's books! This was a prequel to the rest of the books about the Larson family. It was sweet and simple, which I enjoy in her books.
If you'd been waiting for Sally's story, here it is. Fun to see the younger kids, who we see grown up in later book.
Read in order!
1 - Wagon Trail Bride (pioneer series book 1) - Richard Larson & Amanda's story - 1864
2 - The Marriage Agreement (Amanda's friend, Laura's story) - 1865
3 - Groom for Hire (Joe Otto) 1866
4 - Forced into Marriage (4 in Pioneer Series) - Brandon Herman - 1866
Then the previous books from Nebraska Historical series
1 - Her Heart’s Desire (Nebraska Book 1) – Sally Larson’s romance 1867
2 - A Bride for Tom (Nebraska Book 2) – Tom Larson’s romance 1868
3 - A Husband for Margaret (Nebraska Book 3) – Joseph Conneally’s romance
4- Eye of the Beholder (Nebraska Book 4) – Dave Larson and Mary’s first book
5 - The Wrong Husband (Nebraska Book 5) – Jenny Larson’s romance
6 - Shotgun Groom (Nebraska Book 6) – Joel Larson’s romance
7 - To Have and To Hold (Nebraska Book 7) – Dave and Mary’s Second Book
8 - His Redeeming Bride (Nebraska Book 8) – Neil Craftsman’s romance
9 - Isaac’s Decision (Nebraska Book 9) – Isaac Larson and Emily Craftsman’s romance
Pretty sure there are a number more now (October 2018)
Okay, let’s help everyone out a bit as the Larsons are in so many stories
*********
This is the best order to read these in
——- 1 ——
1 - Wagon Trail Bride (pioneer series book 1) - Richard Larson & Amanda's story - 1864
July 1864 - October, then November 1865 & June 1866
Richard Larson - 20 - school together, carpenter/house building, moved with family from NYC to Omaha, Nebraska; predicable & secure
Amanda - 20 around January - orphaned at 18, not girly-girl
(June 1866 - twins: Anthony & Mark)
Sally - 17 - always the smart one, quick to catch on
Tom - 15 - Joel gets under his skin
Dave - 12 - quiet, works a lot with his pa
Jenny - 10 - in a hurry to do everything; scream could wake the dead
Joel - 7 - needs someone to prod him along; feel sorry for Joel. Being so little, he doesn’t have a chance unless he learns how to outwit his older brothers and sisters. Joel likes to pick on Tom most
Also, Joe Otto - needs some who enjoys being outside
Laura Rufus - 20 - big heart
Jesse Palmer & MIL Mrs. Shaw & Elsie
Elliot - baby born in July (early October, 4.5 months old) - stronger than he looks, born early
Mr. Carmichael
—— 2 ——
2 - Marriage Agreement - Amanda’s friend, Laura’s story with Jesse
May 1865 +
Laura Rufus - 21 - from Pennsylvania, only child
Jesse Palmer - 23 from NYC
Mrs. Fanny Shaw - spoiled, outspoken, was youngest of 15 kids & no one wants her (even brother, Burt)
Elliot Palmer - 10 months in May 1865 (born July 1864)
Mr. & Mrs. Rufus - came from Ireland, arranged marriage, 25 years married
Larson Family (no bdays August or September & most likely not July or October, either):
Richard (22)
Amanda (22)
Sally - 18
Tom - 16
Dave - 13
Jenny - 11
Joel - 8
Also, Joe Otto - knows lots of people between driving wagon trains & doing odd jobs
Ralph Lindon - merchant, likes to haggle
—— 3 ——
3 - Groom for Hire - Joe Otto’s story
March 1866 - Omaha, Nebraska to San Francisco, California (late October), March 1867 back to Omaha
Joe Otto - dark brown hair and eyes, thin built, loves the process & adventure of the trip, running wagon trains for 5 years, horse: Buck, only child
Michelle Heller - 21 - Mother died when she was 10, rich, taught to always look pretty, pays piano, always inside before wagon train, wants to try new things
“The sense of adventure beckoned to her. And that was what the tune made her think of as she played it. Her mother hadn’t been one to shy away from the opportunity to do something new, and she wouldn’t, either.” Sense of freedom being outside, long dark brown hair, slender build, and bright blue eyes, only child
Bernard Heller - Michelle’s Dad
Jesse & Laura Palmer Elliot (20 months March 1866/ born July 1864) & Benjamin (born April 1866) & Laura’s mom married Hans (German)
Danny Taylor - 22 - traveling with sister & mother, afraid of shadow
Henrietta Taylor - 19
Alice Woods - 30 - gossip, traveling with cousin & family (Ferns)
Stuart Fern - better hunter than Danny
Sherry Fern - late 30s - nice to everyone, married to Alice’s cousin
10 year old daughter
Brandon Hermon - other hired person - early 30s, recently divorced & drunk (left in Wyoming Territory)
Ted Gilbert - middle-aged man
Phillipa Grady - husband & 3 young kids: son (12), Liz (10) & 1 more not mentioned
Matthew - leader of hunting party
Diana & Ruby - “older” women, learned to hunt
Nancy - keep to herself & family mostly
—— 4 ——
4 - Forced into Marriage (4 in Pioneer Series) - Brandon Herman - 1866
Early July 1866 Wyoming Territory (about 4 months since started out in Omaha on Wagon Train) with epilogue 5 years later
Brandon Clint Herman - 29, wife (Hester) cheated with best friend, when he started drinking and ended up losing mercantile because of it & gambling debt (in Omaha), to Ralph Lindon, married 6 years,
Lokni - 19, from Crow tribe, US military killed friends & family & sold her to 4 terrible men who abused & raped her for a year: Orson Pitt, Hank Pitt, Zane Wilson, Barney Pitt (sheriff his brother), 4th man: Nolan Anders, 1st husband married her & her 2 sisters and she was not even first wife, had stillborn girl,
Clint Herman (born July 1866)
Wilma (3 years younger)
Donna
Matt
(Brandon and Lokni Herman found their happily ever after in a quaint home in San Francisco. Brandon did work at the mercantile, and he eventually bought it from the owner who decided to go further north to set up another business. Brandon and Lokni had more children together. After Clint, Lokni gave birth to Wilma, Donna, and Matt. Donna and Matt were named after a couple they had befriended in California.)
Also:
Craig - boss when cut trees
Mrs. Wilma Samson - laundry, widow
Mr. Burke - works or owns mercantile
Donald Jones - leading another wagon train to Washington Territory
Michelle & Joe Otto - see book 3: Groom for Hire
By 1871 - 3rd year going to California, 1870 - lead one to Nevada, also have done the Oregon Territory. Try to get out to Omaha at least every 2 years to see her father
(No children. They did, however, often visit Jesse and Laura Palmer, and those children were like nephews and nieces to them. They also got to travel the entire country, including Canada and Alaska, and lived out a lot of adventures along the way.)
Richard and Amanda Larson - book 1: Wagon Trail Bride
(had twin boys, Anthony and Mark, and a girl, Annabelle. I am going to write Anthony’s and Mark’s romances in the Misled Mail Order Brides Series, which are due out in 2018. The first book in the series is due out November 2017, and that features Sep Wilson, who was Joel Larson’s younger brother-in-law in Shotgun Groom (Book 6 in the Nebraska Series). So you will be seeing some more of Richard and Amanda as they continue to live their happy ending in this series.)
Jesse and Laura Palmer - book 2: The Marriage Agreement
(had Elliot, Benjamin, Mark, and Teresa. Amanda and Laura remained very close friends, and Jesse went on to acquire more farmland, which he farmed with two of his sons. They ended up selling a lot of their crops and made a good living this way.)
—— 5 ——
5 - Her Heart’s Desire (Nebraska Book 1) – Sally Larson’s romance
April 1867
Larson Family (no bdays August or September & most likely not July or October, either):
Richard (22)
Amanda (22)
Sally - 19
Tom - 17
Dave - 14
Jenny - 12
Joel - 9
6 - A Bride for Tom (Nebraska Book 2) – Tom Larson’s romance
September 1868
7 - A Husband for Margaret (Nebraska Book 3) – Joseph Conneally’s romance
8 - Eye of the Beholder (Nebraska Book 4) – Dave Larson and Mary’s first book
9 - The Wrong Husband (Nebraska Book 5) – Jenny Larson’s romance
10 - Shotgun Groom (Nebraska Book 6) – Joel Larson’s romance
11 - To Have and To Hold (Nebraska Book 7) – Dave and Mary’s Second Book
12 - His Redeeming Bride (Nebraska Book 8) – Neil Craftsman’s romance
13 - Isaac’s Decision (Nebraska Book 9) – Isaac Larson and Emily Craftsman’s romance
Misled Mail order brides series
More, too...
If you'd been waiting for Sally's story, here it is. Fun to see the younger kids, who we see grown up in later book.
Read in order!
1 - Wagon Trail Bride (pioneer series book 1) - Richard Larson & Amanda's story - 1864
2 - The Marriage Agreement (Amanda's friend, Laura's story) - 1865
3 - Groom for Hire (Joe Otto) 1866
4 - Forced into Marriage (4 in Pioneer Series) - Brandon Herman - 1866
Then the previous books from Nebraska Historical series
1 - Her Heart’s Desire (Nebraska Book 1) – Sally Larson’s romance 1867
2 - A Bride for Tom (Nebraska Book 2) – Tom Larson’s romance 1868
3 - A Husband for Margaret (Nebraska Book 3) – Joseph Conneally’s romance
4- Eye of the Beholder (Nebraska Book 4) – Dave Larson and Mary’s first book
5 - The Wrong Husband (Nebraska Book 5) – Jenny Larson’s romance
6 - Shotgun Groom (Nebraska Book 6) – Joel Larson’s romance
7 - To Have and To Hold (Nebraska Book 7) – Dave and Mary’s Second Book
8 - His Redeeming Bride (Nebraska Book 8) – Neil Craftsman’s romance
9 - Isaac’s Decision (Nebraska Book 9) – Isaac Larson and Emily Craftsman’s romance
Pretty sure there are a number more now (October 2018)
Okay, let’s help everyone out a bit as the Larsons are in so many stories
*********
This is the best order to read these in
——- 1 ——
1 - Wagon Trail Bride (pioneer series book 1) - Richard Larson & Amanda's story - 1864
July 1864 - October, then November 1865 & June 1866
Richard Larson - 20 - school together, carpenter/house building, moved with family from NYC to Omaha, Nebraska; predicable & secure
Amanda - 20 around January - orphaned at 18, not girly-girl
(June 1866 - twins: Anthony & Mark)
Sally - 17 - always the smart one, quick to catch on
Tom - 15 - Joel gets under his skin
Dave - 12 - quiet, works a lot with his pa
Jenny - 10 - in a hurry to do everything; scream could wake the dead
Joel - 7 - needs someone to prod him along; feel sorry for Joel. Being so little, he doesn’t have a chance unless he learns how to outwit his older brothers and sisters. Joel likes to pick on Tom most
Also, Joe Otto - needs some who enjoys being outside
Laura Rufus - 20 - big heart
Jesse Palmer & MIL Mrs. Shaw & Elsie
Elliot - baby born in July (early October, 4.5 months old) - stronger than he looks, born early
Mr. Carmichael
—— 2 ——
2 - Marriage Agreement - Amanda’s friend, Laura’s story with Jesse
May 1865 +
Laura Rufus - 21 - from Pennsylvania, only child
Jesse Palmer - 23 from NYC
Mrs. Fanny Shaw - spoiled, outspoken, was youngest of 15 kids & no one wants her (even brother, Burt)
Elliot Palmer - 10 months in May 1865 (born July 1864)
Mr. & Mrs. Rufus - came from Ireland, arranged marriage, 25 years married
Larson Family (no bdays August or September & most likely not July or October, either):
Richard (22)
Amanda (22)
Sally - 18
Tom - 16
Dave - 13
Jenny - 11
Joel - 8
Also, Joe Otto - knows lots of people between driving wagon trains & doing odd jobs
Ralph Lindon - merchant, likes to haggle
—— 3 ——
3 - Groom for Hire - Joe Otto’s story
March 1866 - Omaha, Nebraska to San Francisco, California (late October), March 1867 back to Omaha
Joe Otto - dark brown hair and eyes, thin built, loves the process & adventure of the trip, running wagon trains for 5 years, horse: Buck, only child
Michelle Heller - 21 - Mother died when she was 10, rich, taught to always look pretty, pays piano, always inside before wagon train, wants to try new things
“The sense of adventure beckoned to her. And that was what the tune made her think of as she played it. Her mother hadn’t been one to shy away from the opportunity to do something new, and she wouldn’t, either.” Sense of freedom being outside, long dark brown hair, slender build, and bright blue eyes, only child
Bernard Heller - Michelle’s Dad
Jesse & Laura Palmer Elliot (20 months March 1866/ born July 1864) & Benjamin (born April 1866) & Laura’s mom married Hans (German)
Danny Taylor - 22 - traveling with sister & mother, afraid of shadow
Henrietta Taylor - 19
Alice Woods - 30 - gossip, traveling with cousin & family (Ferns)
Stuart Fern - better hunter than Danny
Sherry Fern - late 30s - nice to everyone, married to Alice’s cousin
10 year old daughter
Brandon Hermon - other hired person - early 30s, recently divorced & drunk (left in Wyoming Territory)
Ted Gilbert - middle-aged man
Phillipa Grady - husband & 3 young kids: son (12), Liz (10) & 1 more not mentioned
Matthew - leader of hunting party
Diana & Ruby - “older” women, learned to hunt
Nancy - keep to herself & family mostly
—— 4 ——
4 - Forced into Marriage (4 in Pioneer Series) - Brandon Herman - 1866
Early July 1866 Wyoming Territory (about 4 months since started out in Omaha on Wagon Train) with epilogue 5 years later
Brandon Clint Herman - 29, wife (Hester) cheated with best friend, when he started drinking and ended up losing mercantile because of it & gambling debt (in Omaha), to Ralph Lindon, married 6 years,
Lokni - 19, from Crow tribe, US military killed friends & family & sold her to 4 terrible men who abused & raped her for a year: Orson Pitt, Hank Pitt, Zane Wilson, Barney Pitt (sheriff his brother), 4th man: Nolan Anders, 1st husband married her & her 2 sisters and she was not even first wife, had stillborn girl,
Clint Herman (born July 1866)
Wilma (3 years younger)
Donna
Matt
(Brandon and Lokni Herman found their happily ever after in a quaint home in San Francisco. Brandon did work at the mercantile, and he eventually bought it from the owner who decided to go further north to set up another business. Brandon and Lokni had more children together. After Clint, Lokni gave birth to Wilma, Donna, and Matt. Donna and Matt were named after a couple they had befriended in California.)
Also:
Craig - boss when cut trees
Mrs. Wilma Samson - laundry, widow
Mr. Burke - works or owns mercantile
Donald Jones - leading another wagon train to Washington Territory
Michelle & Joe Otto - see book 3: Groom for Hire
By 1871 - 3rd year going to California, 1870 - lead one to Nevada, also have done the Oregon Territory. Try to get out to Omaha at least every 2 years to see her father
(No children. They did, however, often visit Jesse and Laura Palmer, and those children were like nephews and nieces to them. They also got to travel the entire country, including Canada and Alaska, and lived out a lot of adventures along the way.)
Richard and Amanda Larson - book 1: Wagon Trail Bride
(had twin boys, Anthony and Mark, and a girl, Annabelle. I am going to write Anthony’s and Mark’s romances in the Misled Mail Order Brides Series, which are due out in 2018. The first book in the series is due out November 2017, and that features Sep Wilson, who was Joel Larson’s younger brother-in-law in Shotgun Groom (Book 6 in the Nebraska Series). So you will be seeing some more of Richard and Amanda as they continue to live their happy ending in this series.)
Jesse and Laura Palmer - book 2: The Marriage Agreement
(had Elliot, Benjamin, Mark, and Teresa. Amanda and Laura remained very close friends, and Jesse went on to acquire more farmland, which he farmed with two of his sons. They ended up selling a lot of their crops and made a good living this way.)
—— 5 ——
5 - Her Heart’s Desire (Nebraska Book 1) – Sally Larson’s romance
April 1867
Larson Family (no bdays August or September & most likely not July or October, either):
Richard (22)
Amanda (22)
Sally - 19
Tom - 17
Dave - 14
Jenny - 12
Joel - 9
6 - A Bride for Tom (Nebraska Book 2) – Tom Larson’s romance
September 1868
7 - A Husband for Margaret (Nebraska Book 3) – Joseph Conneally’s romance
8 - Eye of the Beholder (Nebraska Book 4) – Dave Larson and Mary’s first book
9 - The Wrong Husband (Nebraska Book 5) – Jenny Larson’s romance
10 - Shotgun Groom (Nebraska Book 6) – Joel Larson’s romance
11 - To Have and To Hold (Nebraska Book 7) – Dave and Mary’s Second Book
12 - His Redeeming Bride (Nebraska Book 8) – Neil Craftsman’s romance
13 - Isaac’s Decision (Nebraska Book 9) – Isaac Larson and Emily Craftsman’s romance
Misled Mail order brides series
More, too...
January 8, 2025
Rating: 4.4 / 5
My most honest first opinion about this is that it's really cute--and just the perfect, wholesome, Ruth Ann Nordin story that I've become accustomed to!
In this tale, our heroine, Sally Larson, is head over heels in love with Rick Johnson; the only catch is that he's interested in Sally's friend, Ethel Mae, and barely knows she's alive. So, in a twisty comedy-of-errors style, Sally suggests that the only way to get Ethel Mae interested in Rick is to make her jealous, and suggests that Rick pretend to court her to make that happen. Ethel Mae, being a good friend and not at all interested in Rick, agrees to play along and thus the hunt(?) is on.
Having already experienced this lovely Nebraska world of Nordin's in Eye of the Beholder, it was nice to return to what's honestly just a nice, neat little cast of characters, each with their own quirks but ultimately a nice personality and world. This is what I read for good-time-comfort-reads, with a side of spice as there is at least one love scene to heat things up.
All in all, it's all I'd expect of a Ruth Ann Nordin read, and therefore a nice re-read to come back to in times of comfort (and giggling).
My most honest first opinion about this is that it's really cute--and just the perfect, wholesome, Ruth Ann Nordin story that I've become accustomed to!
In this tale, our heroine, Sally Larson, is head over heels in love with Rick Johnson; the only catch is that he's interested in Sally's friend, Ethel Mae, and barely knows she's alive. So, in a twisty comedy-of-errors style, Sally suggests that the only way to get Ethel Mae interested in Rick is to make her jealous, and suggests that Rick pretend to court her to make that happen. Ethel Mae, being a good friend and not at all interested in Rick, agrees to play along and thus the hunt(?) is on.
Having already experienced this lovely Nebraska world of Nordin's in Eye of the Beholder, it was nice to return to what's honestly just a nice, neat little cast of characters, each with their own quirks but ultimately a nice personality and world. This is what I read for good-time-comfort-reads, with a side of spice as there is at least one love scene to heat things up.
All in all, it's all I'd expect of a Ruth Ann Nordin read, and therefore a nice re-read to come back to in times of comfort (and giggling).
April 8, 2021
It was a great short read. Glad it was free. Part of the love story made it more a Teen romance. When Sally and Rick got married the author was more descriptive with love scene. For being short they still could of added more conflict to the story. I usually like a build up to the romance, they didn’t really have that in this book. All the characters where great.
Maybe for a short story the author thought the way Sally and her friend Ethel Mea got Rick to notice Sally could be a conflict. Rick likes Ethel Mae wanted to court her. Ethel Mae doesn’t like Rick, ask Sally for help. I loved Ethel Mae sister Vivian who also helps.
I didn’t care for the last chapter where it skips 3 years ahead, talks about other siblings in the book who got married, who where single the whole time in the Sally/Rick love story.
It makes you wonder do I need to read their story or is author not going to do their story.
The author does write about Sally siblings in other books of their own.
Maybe for a short story the author thought the way Sally and her friend Ethel Mea got Rick to notice Sally could be a conflict. Rick likes Ethel Mae wanted to court her. Ethel Mae doesn’t like Rick, ask Sally for help. I loved Ethel Mae sister Vivian who also helps.
I didn’t care for the last chapter where it skips 3 years ahead, talks about other siblings in the book who got married, who where single the whole time in the Sally/Rick love story.
It makes you wonder do I need to read their story or is author not going to do their story.
The author does write about Sally siblings in other books of their own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2018
Good read.
I chose this book because of its interesting synopsis. Two young women who are best friends concoct a "perfectplan" to get their dream man and live happily ever after. I must say I liked reading the trickery that the characters played on each other. I was able to guess who ended up with whom, but it was still a page turned that keep me wondering "on no, what happens when all the trickery and deceit is unraveled to their perspective families?"
Will this is a good book, I would not recommend anyone under the age of sixteen or seventeen to read it due to certain intimate scenes are are received in great detail; so much so that after several descriptions l became embarrassed. I found this under Christian/Romance and whilst it does use God and faith through the book, there should be some kind of warning label - certainly not something I would want my twelve or thirteen -year-old reading.
I chose this book because of its interesting synopsis. Two young women who are best friends concoct a "perfectplan" to get their dream man and live happily ever after. I must say I liked reading the trickery that the characters played on each other. I was able to guess who ended up with whom, but it was still a page turned that keep me wondering "on no, what happens when all the trickery and deceit is unraveled to their perspective families?"
Will this is a good book, I would not recommend anyone under the age of sixteen or seventeen to read it due to certain intimate scenes are are received in great detail; so much so that after several descriptions l became embarrassed. I found this under Christian/Romance and whilst it does use God and faith through the book, there should be some kind of warning label - certainly not something I would want my twelve or thirteen -year-old reading.
May 31, 2019
This is a nice story with excellent characters who are totally entertaining, thinking especially of Joel and Tom Larson's antics, and even when drama rears its head the swift resolution worked for me.
The chapter set three years later was a nice set-up to further entice the reader to want more.
I have two more reads in this series and looking forward to both.
The chapter set three years later was a nice set-up to further entice the reader to want more.
I have two more reads in this series and looking forward to both.
March 9, 2023
a simple historic romance
Sally and Ethel Mae help each other find Mr. Right. Sibling side stories were cute additions to the story. The proposal was not my cup of tea, but others may find it very romantic. I would have liked more details and depth to support the story cute storyline.
Sally and Ethel Mae help each other find Mr. Right. Sibling side stories were cute additions to the story. The proposal was not my cup of tea, but others may find it very romantic. I would have liked more details and depth to support the story cute storyline.
March 4, 2024
Well damn - these are just the cutest, silliest, sweetest things. No angst, just loveliness and the sex scenes in these books feel like normal sex (absolutely no virgins firing off three orgasms their first time from just penetration here). It's official, I'm a fan of Ruth Anne Nordin's fluffy historical romances.
December 15, 2018
He wanted her girlfriend instead of her
She devised a plan to get him to spend time with her because her girlfriend didn't want him and she figured he might fall in love with her if he got to know her.
She devised a plan to get him to spend time with her because her girlfriend didn't want him and she figured he might fall in love with her if he got to know her.
July 18, 2017
It was a sweet read. Nothing super exciting, but it was cute.
December 22, 2018
Good story well written. HEA.
September 29, 2021
Great book
September 12, 2022
he's in love with her friend, her friend and she work together to turn his eye to the right woman.
January 13, 2023
Scribd
April 23, 2023
CH 12 - elopement
DNF for some reason but yeah, decent book
DNF for some reason but yeah, decent book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2023
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I did other books in this series. I didn’t feel a huge connection between the couple and looked forward to the side characters plot a lot more
May 10, 2023
For the majority of the book, this book has a YA tone -- the female MC is immature and manipulative and the conversations have very little depth. The romantic gestures have an odd feel (I don't know how many women would enjoy thinking they're being kidnapped by a stranger and then told "Surprise! We're getting married today" when there hasn't even been a proposal). But then the book veers into more explicit content, so it's obviously not meant for non-adults . . . it's just a mixed bag.
May 25, 2012
Rick Johnson wants to court Ethel Mae Jordan. Ethel Mae Jordan does not want to be courted by Rick Johnson so she has her friend, Sally Larson, over when Rick comes calling in hopes that she will want him. Sally immediately sees that she would love to be courted and even marry the handsome Judge Johnson...only if he could see her past Ethel Mae. But Sally's a clever girl and sets out to win her man...Her Heart's Desire.
After reading the previous books in this series and have this book come out as the first one, had me wondering how it would be. It was great. Starting in the past while knowing what the future held for these characters was quite enjoyable. A seventeen-year-old Tom, fourteen-year-old Dave, twelve-year-old Jenny and a nine-year-old Joel...who was the naughty and mischievous youngster we first met in A Bride For Tom. We finally get a good look at Richard and Amanda as well. Vivian Jordan, who not only ended up playing a part in Sally's plan but the poor ten year old had to constantly dodge Hugh, the neighbor boy. If you have not had the opportunity to read any of this series yet...here's where you start. If you go to Ruth's website you will find the order of her books and where to get them as well. A Bride for Tom and A Husband for Margaret are the next two books and they are both free. You will find she writes with humor, romance and lots of good food and family.
**Sexual situations within marriage.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
After reading the previous books in this series and have this book come out as the first one, had me wondering how it would be. It was great. Starting in the past while knowing what the future held for these characters was quite enjoyable. A seventeen-year-old Tom, fourteen-year-old Dave, twelve-year-old Jenny and a nine-year-old Joel...who was the naughty and mischievous youngster we first met in A Bride For Tom. We finally get a good look at Richard and Amanda as well. Vivian Jordan, who not only ended up playing a part in Sally's plan but the poor ten year old had to constantly dodge Hugh, the neighbor boy. If you have not had the opportunity to read any of this series yet...here's where you start. If you go to Ruth's website you will find the order of her books and where to get them as well. A Bride for Tom and A Husband for Margaret are the next two books and they are both free. You will find she writes with humor, romance and lots of good food and family.
**Sexual situations within marriage.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
December 20, 2013
Historical Western romance with a cat chasing a mouse when there is some turn around and happy ever afters for most people which is the usual goodness from Ruth Ann Nordin. I've read half a dozen book by Ms.Ruth Ann Nordin and it is always quality story telling so I dove into this slightly silly story.
Sally Larson wants to marry Judge Rick Johnson as soon as she meets him at her best friend's house, Ethel Mae, but there is a problem because Rick wants to court Ethel Mae and didn't even notice Sally. But Sally has a bunch of brothers, so she knows men and won't give up the chase so she gets a plan to help Rick court her bestie Ethel Mae in order to spend more time with him.
Which works!
Of course it works, because we wouldn't have a story to read otherwise, but what was surprising was the fact that the marriage is in the middle of the book and we get a gimpse at married life and how to deal with in-laws when Rick's parents suddenly move from Vermont to Omaha to be closer to their son and instantly don't like Sally for a variety of reasons. HEA is gaurenteed and I did like everyone involved because no one is perfect which makes the characters all too human and fun to read about.
222 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Sally Larson wants to marry Judge Rick Johnson as soon as she meets him at her best friend's house, Ethel Mae, but there is a problem because Rick wants to court Ethel Mae and didn't even notice Sally. But Sally has a bunch of brothers, so she knows men and won't give up the chase so she gets a plan to help Rick court her bestie Ethel Mae in order to spend more time with him.
Which works!
Of course it works, because we wouldn't have a story to read otherwise, but what was surprising was the fact that the marriage is in the middle of the book and we get a gimpse at married life and how to deal with in-laws when Rick's parents suddenly move from Vermont to Omaha to be closer to their son and instantly don't like Sally for a variety of reasons. HEA is gaurenteed and I did like everyone involved because no one is perfect which makes the characters all too human and fun to read about.
222 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
April 7, 2014
Her Heart's Desire
By Ruth Ann Nordin
This was such a fun read. Witty characters, easy-going plot and sweet romance. Great one to grab a blanket, a cup of coffee and relax in your favorite chair as you have a can't put the book down afternoon. No it doesn't have complicated plot and much is predictable but Nordinn weaves her storytelling in such a way you just enjoy the relaxed tone.
I loved how she developed so many of the characters. I felt I was sitting on the porch of farmhouse and could envision not only the characters but the surroundings. Nordin paints a picture with her pen taking us along with her on this ride.There were a couple spots I felt some could have been changed. Discussing these would spoil parts of the book for those who have not read. No way.
** This contain explicit sexual material within marriage.
By Ruth Ann Nordin
This was such a fun read. Witty characters, easy-going plot and sweet romance. Great one to grab a blanket, a cup of coffee and relax in your favorite chair as you have a can't put the book down afternoon. No it doesn't have complicated plot and much is predictable but Nordinn weaves her storytelling in such a way you just enjoy the relaxed tone.
I loved how she developed so many of the characters. I felt I was sitting on the porch of farmhouse and could envision not only the characters but the surroundings. Nordin paints a picture with her pen taking us along with her on this ride.There were a couple spots I felt some could have been changed. Discussing these would spoil parts of the book for those who have not read. No way.
** This contain explicit sexual material within marriage.
May 1, 2015
What are friends for if not to help each other convince the man they love to want them. Sally Larson's friend Ethel Mae and her younger sister Vivian are two such friends as they work together to switch Rick Johnson's affections from Ethel Mae to Sally. After Rick spends time with Sally, he realizes he is more interested in her than Ethel Mae and plots a plan to show her how much he cares.
The book had love, love scenes, humor and a happy ever after ending within a strong family, which should have made it a very good romance but it lacked a spark for me. Her Heart's Desire, book one of the Nebraska Historical Romance Series is still a fun book.
The book had love, love scenes, humor and a happy ever after ending within a strong family, which should have made it a very good romance but it lacked a spark for me. Her Heart's Desire, book one of the Nebraska Historical Romance Series is still a fun book.
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