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Badlands Bride
Shooting a bandit was reporter Hallie Wainwright's introduction to the Wild West, where she'd traveled with a bevy of mail-order brides. But it was the more intimate "hello" in the arms of Cooper DeWitt that sent her heart racing—and made it all the more difficult for her to tell the brawny plainsman that she wasn't the woman he'd sent for….
When she jumped from the stage, shining with true grit and spewing tall tales, Cooper DeWitt thought he just might have struck gold. Raised with the Sioux, Cooper needed a wife who could brave the frontier and corral his restless heart. The problem was, his would-be bride had no intention of marrying him!
When she jumped from the stage, shining with true grit and spewing tall tales, Cooper DeWitt thought he just might have struck gold. Raised with the Sioux, Cooper needed a wife who could brave the frontier and corral his restless heart. The problem was, his would-be bride had no intention of marrying him!
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
15 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl St. John
72 books554 followersCheryl is the author of more than fifty historical and contemporary romances. Her stories have earned numerous RITA nominations, Romantic Times awards and are published in over a dozen languages.
In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real-life situations.”
With a 4.9 star rating on amazon, her bestselling non-fiction book, Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writers Digest Books is available in print and digital.
In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real-life situations.”
With a 4.9 star rating on amazon, her bestselling non-fiction book, Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writers Digest Books is available in print and digital.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 8, 2018
Un Harlequin en donde la historia se ha centrado en un romance bastante lento dr los que me gustan y en donde los protagonistas han tenido que lidiar con el estigma de ser de mundos diferentes. El al ser un indio tiene unas costumbres muy diferentes a ella, una señorita de ciudad.
Los secundarios han aportado su granito de arena en los momentos adecuados y el villano, a pesar de conocerse desde muy temprano, ha tenido su merecido.
Una historia que recomiendo si se quiere leer algo ligero y que implique las costumbres de una América en la que el Oeste estaba cambiando.
Los secundarios han aportado su granito de arena en los momentos adecuados y el villano, a pesar de conocerse desde muy temprano, ha tenido su merecido.
Una historia que recomiendo si se quiere leer algo ligero y que implique las costumbres de una América en la que el Oeste estaba cambiando.
April 15, 2016
Bien, lo primero es lo primero, y voy a empezar por rectificar la sinopsis.
Pero fue la bienvenida tan íntima en brazos de Cooper DeWitt la que hizo latir su corazón a toda velocidad, haciendo que le resultara más difícil explicar al rudo hombre del oeste que ella no era la mujer que había ido para ser su esposa..."
Esto no tiene nada de cierto. Para empezar él no la recibe de ninguna manera que se pueda llegar a considerar, ni remotamente, íntima. De hecho la recibe bastante fríamente, especialmente cuando ella le dice que no era la novia que esperaba, que lo hace nada más bajar de la diligencia aunque la sinopsis nos haga pensar otra cosa.
Hallie ha vivido toda su vida intentando que su padre y sus hermanos la traten como una igual, pero todo lo que consigue es escribir aburridos articulos en el periódico familiar, llegando a su límite cuando se entera de que el nuevo proyecto que le han encargado, seguir a unas mujeres que han respondido a anuncios de periódicos para casarse con hombres en el oeste y escribir una serie de artículos sobre ellas, es sólo una estratagema para quitarsela de encima. Pero ella, dispuesta a demostrar que no sólo sirve para ser un bonito adorno, toma el billete de una de las novias que ha cambiado de idea y planea seguir su historia hasta el final.
Mientras tanto, Cooper, más que una esposa lo que busca es a alguien que pueda enseñarle a leer y a escribir a su sobrino y que de paso le ayude con su negocio. No lo importa lo más mínimo cómo será la mujer que se bajará de la diligencia mientras cumpla su único requisito: saber leer y escribir. Así que cuando se ve sin novia y con una periodista en su lugar no está precisamente contento, pero como Hallie no tiene a donde ir hasta que pueda volver a casa no le queda más remedio que hacerse cargo de ella. Pero Cooper, no es el típico hombre del oeste, sino que es más complejo que eso.
Debo reconocer que, por lo general, los libros sobre el oeste no son lo mío. El polvo, los indios, los caballos salvajes y los tramperos no me lleman para nada la atención y sin embargo, el libro me entretuvo bastante.
Hay un par de cosas que chocan un poco para el comportamiento de la época, especialmente una cosa que ocurre al final y que sería impensable en esa época, pero por lo demás me ha gustado y me ha hecho pasar un rato entretenido.
Pero fue la bienvenida tan íntima en brazos de Cooper DeWitt la que hizo latir su corazón a toda velocidad, haciendo que le resultara más difícil explicar al rudo hombre del oeste que ella no era la mujer que había ido para ser su esposa..."
Esto no tiene nada de cierto. Para empezar él no la recibe de ninguna manera que se pueda llegar a considerar, ni remotamente, íntima. De hecho la recibe bastante fríamente, especialmente cuando ella le dice que no era la novia que esperaba, que lo hace nada más bajar de la diligencia aunque la sinopsis nos haga pensar otra cosa.
Hallie ha vivido toda su vida intentando que su padre y sus hermanos la traten como una igual, pero todo lo que consigue es escribir aburridos articulos en el periódico familiar, llegando a su límite cuando se entera de que el nuevo proyecto que le han encargado, seguir a unas mujeres que han respondido a anuncios de periódicos para casarse con hombres en el oeste y escribir una serie de artículos sobre ellas, es sólo una estratagema para quitarsela de encima. Pero ella, dispuesta a demostrar que no sólo sirve para ser un bonito adorno, toma el billete de una de las novias que ha cambiado de idea y planea seguir su historia hasta el final.
Mientras tanto, Cooper, más que una esposa lo que busca es a alguien que pueda enseñarle a leer y a escribir a su sobrino y que de paso le ayude con su negocio. No lo importa lo más mínimo cómo será la mujer que se bajará de la diligencia mientras cumpla su único requisito: saber leer y escribir. Así que cuando se ve sin novia y con una periodista en su lugar no está precisamente contento, pero como Hallie no tiene a donde ir hasta que pueda volver a casa no le queda más remedio que hacerse cargo de ella. Pero Cooper, no es el típico hombre del oeste, sino que es más complejo que eso.
Debo reconocer que, por lo general, los libros sobre el oeste no son lo mío. El polvo, los indios, los caballos salvajes y los tramperos no me lleman para nada la atención y sin embargo, el libro me entretuvo bastante.
Hay un par de cosas que chocan un poco para el comportamiento de la época, especialmente una cosa que ocurre al final y que sería impensable en esa época, pero por lo demás me ha gustado y me ha hecho pasar un rato entretenido.
April 20, 2017
Oh my! This book has everything a historical western romance should have--a hunky guy, a spunky woman (and I do mean spunky) and lots of sexual tension. Cooper DeWitt can put his boots under my bed any time. I love this guy. He's tough yet tender, hard and forbidding yet carries such an ache inside for a woman to love. Hallie Wainwright is simply looking for a chance to show what she's made of, a chance to matter to someone. Her father is a wealthy newspaper man and he and his two sons run the business, pushing Hallie out.
She makes friends with a group of mail order brides who are going to the Dakota badlands to marry. When one of the women suddenly backs out, Hallie takes her spot. Writing a series of articles about these women and how their lives change will make her father look at her differently. She doesn't consider how Cooper DeWitt will react to a mail order bride who has no intention of marrying him. And it's not well.
This story is masterfully written and I loved how St. John showed the growth between these two people who come from different backgrounds and cultures. The love was always there, lurking just beneath the surface and when it comes out, it's breathtakingly beautiful. A wonderful book about a need to matter and the guts to make it happen against the stark landscape of the Dakota wilderness.
She makes friends with a group of mail order brides who are going to the Dakota badlands to marry. When one of the women suddenly backs out, Hallie takes her spot. Writing a series of articles about these women and how their lives change will make her father look at her differently. She doesn't consider how Cooper DeWitt will react to a mail order bride who has no intention of marrying him. And it's not well.
This story is masterfully written and I loved how St. John showed the growth between these two people who come from different backgrounds and cultures. The love was always there, lurking just beneath the surface and when it comes out, it's breathtakingly beautiful. A wonderful book about a need to matter and the guts to make it happen against the stark landscape of the Dakota wilderness.
January 27, 2016
Este libro lo encontré por casualidad y quedé encantada porque cada vez me cuesta más encontrar historias ambientadas en el viejo oeste y me refiero a historias consistentes, de más de 100 páginas.
Me ha gustado bastante y he decidido ser generosa en la puntuación. La protagonista es un tanto diferente ya que está muy centrada en su deseo de ser periodista, es espabilada y cae bien. Él, por su parte, es serio pero eso me ha gustado, la relación entre ellos tal vez no es tan profunda como me gustaría, quizá un poco cursi en algunos momentos, pero no me desagradó.
Hay personajes interesantes que ponen tensión en la historia y eso ha estado bien, aunque tal vez el tono general es de inocencia, lo veo en los padres que no se preocupan demasiado al saber que su hija está sola en un lugar desconocido y peligroso, en la protagonista al hacer un viaje así y salir de muchos apuros por pura suerte... Pero en general ha sido una historia diferente que habla sobre esa curiosa manera de casarse encargando una esposa por correo...
Me ha gustado bastante y he decidido ser generosa en la puntuación. La protagonista es un tanto diferente ya que está muy centrada en su deseo de ser periodista, es espabilada y cae bien. Él, por su parte, es serio pero eso me ha gustado, la relación entre ellos tal vez no es tan profunda como me gustaría, quizá un poco cursi en algunos momentos, pero no me desagradó.
Hay personajes interesantes que ponen tensión en la historia y eso ha estado bien, aunque tal vez el tono general es de inocencia, lo veo en los padres que no se preocupan demasiado al saber que su hija está sola en un lugar desconocido y peligroso, en la protagonista al hacer un viaje así y salir de muchos apuros por pura suerte... Pero en general ha sido una historia diferente que habla sobre esa curiosa manera de casarse encargando una esposa por correo...
January 2, 2022
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This book is very nearly perfect. I knew to expect fluff, since this is Cheryl St. John and all, but what I did NOT expect (and what came as a very pleasant surprise) was that there was a lot of Native American culture in there as well. Oh, to be sure, the hero isn't Native American ethnically, but since he grew up in a Sioux (I think?) tribe, he's got all the culture parts down just fine.
Anyway, the story follows the spunky Hallie Wainwright, who's out to prove herself as a reporter to her father by getting the best story she can of mail-order brides out West. One of the expectant grooms is Cooper DeWitt, who was also expecting a mail-order bride, only to have Hallie tell him that the woman changed his mind, so she came alone instead--to return his money, that is. Except that since Hallie's stagecoach got robbed on the way, she has no way of returning Cooper's money to him, and furthermore herself has no place to stay. They're thrown in together, and slowly but surely a romance blooms.
Now, I really did like this book from start to finish, as evidenced by my rating. The only .5 stars off is because I felt that the ending was rather abrupt, and I would have liked to read a bit more about the other mail-order brides from the beginning of the story. Like, for example, there is one of them that isn't able to adjust to frontier life as well as the others, and I would have liked to see some more of her story as well. I know that this is a standalone novel and all, and that it's Hallie's stories and not just the story of Stony Creek Brides, but I could easily see this as having developed as a series as well, just so show the growing of the town alongside difference romances. But, ah well!
In terms of Cheryl St. John books, this isn't her most well-known or widely read novel, but I still think it's really good and deserves a read. Cozy and fluffy, but with just the right amount of action to keep it interesting.
This book is very nearly perfect. I knew to expect fluff, since this is Cheryl St. John and all, but what I did NOT expect (and what came as a very pleasant surprise) was that there was a lot of Native American culture in there as well. Oh, to be sure, the hero isn't Native American ethnically, but since he grew up in a Sioux (I think?) tribe, he's got all the culture parts down just fine.
Anyway, the story follows the spunky Hallie Wainwright, who's out to prove herself as a reporter to her father by getting the best story she can of mail-order brides out West. One of the expectant grooms is Cooper DeWitt, who was also expecting a mail-order bride, only to have Hallie tell him that the woman changed his mind, so she came alone instead--to return his money, that is. Except that since Hallie's stagecoach got robbed on the way, she has no way of returning Cooper's money to him, and furthermore herself has no place to stay. They're thrown in together, and slowly but surely a romance blooms.
Now, I really did like this book from start to finish, as evidenced by my rating. The only .5 stars off is because I felt that the ending was rather abrupt, and I would have liked to read a bit more about the other mail-order brides from the beginning of the story. Like, for example, there is one of them that isn't able to adjust to frontier life as well as the others, and I would have liked to see some more of her story as well. I know that this is a standalone novel and all, and that it's Hallie's stories and not just the story of Stony Creek Brides, but I could easily see this as having developed as a series as well, just so show the growing of the town alongside difference romances. But, ah well!
In terms of Cheryl St. John books, this isn't her most well-known or widely read novel, but I still think it's really good and deserves a read. Cozy and fluffy, but with just the right amount of action to keep it interesting.
September 24, 2013
Badlands Bride is set in Colorado in the late 1800's. Lily HIghfill and Mason Donnelly are the two main characters. Lily is the daughter of a very prominent family from Boston. She has lived for years with her Aunt in Denver and is looking forward to finally going home to Boston. Mason is a journalist who lives and writes in the West. He is suffering from writers block. The two meet when Mason and Lily are both at her grandfather's fossil dig in the Colorado badlands. Both are very appealing characters.
This story has a great journey to the HEA. There is danger, excitement, romance, and a great many twists and turns before we get to the HEA. Both Lily and Mason have make changes in their lives and their perceptions in order to have a happy ending. One thing thtat kept the story interesting was that it is hard to tell who is the good guy and who is the bad guy until the very end of the story. One final twist in the story really blindsided me. Look for a good story with a great setting in Badlands Bride.
This story has a great journey to the HEA. There is danger, excitement, romance, and a great many twists and turns before we get to the HEA. Both Lily and Mason have make changes in their lives and their perceptions in order to have a happy ending. One thing thtat kept the story interesting was that it is hard to tell who is the good guy and who is the bad guy until the very end of the story. One final twist in the story really blindsided me. Look for a good story with a great setting in Badlands Bride.
June 23, 2014
The heroine is a newspaper reporter and the white hero was raised by the Sioux. This story should have been a hot mess, but the author totally works it by, once again, not writing characters prone to dramatics. The heroine doesn't come off as too-stupid-to-live, and the author focuses (wisely) and getting the reader to see things from the heroine's perspective. She makes some rash decisions, but you "get" why she makes them. I also appreciated that how the hero comes to live with the Sioux was given more thought than the ol' "he was kidnapped by renegades!" plot device. Not my favorite historical western by this author, but it was still a very enjoyable story. A solid B.
September 17, 2023
3.5/5
Hallie Wainwright es hija de una familia acomodada del este (Dueños de un periódico). Sin embargo al ser la única hija mujer siempre ha sentido como la hacen menos sus hermano hombres.
Es por eso que en un arrebato y para obtener una gran nota para el periódico decide ir al oeste, siguiendo a una caravana de novias que han conseguido a sus esposas por correo.
Obviamente de todo esto surgirán complicaciones, se descompletara el grupo inicial de novias y a Hallie la confundirán con una de ellas.
Cooper DeWitt, el novio se sentirá engañado al comienzo pero poco a poco ira abriéndose con Hallie se harán amigos y poco a poco se acercaran sentimentalmente. Terminaran juntos apoyándose y aceptando su realidad y sentimientos.
Una historia ligera/tierna y sin prisas – Si es algo machista para la época, pero si me pareció que los personajes se sintieron reales.
Hallie Wainwright es hija de una familia acomodada del este (Dueños de un periódico). Sin embargo al ser la única hija mujer siempre ha sentido como la hacen menos sus hermano hombres.
Es por eso que en un arrebato y para obtener una gran nota para el periódico decide ir al oeste, siguiendo a una caravana de novias que han conseguido a sus esposas por correo.
Obviamente de todo esto surgirán complicaciones, se descompletara el grupo inicial de novias y a Hallie la confundirán con una de ellas.
Cooper DeWitt, el novio se sentirá engañado al comienzo pero poco a poco ira abriéndose con Hallie se harán amigos y poco a poco se acercaran sentimentalmente. Terminaran juntos apoyándose y aceptando su realidad y sentimientos.
Una historia ligera/tierna y sin prisas – Si es algo machista para la época, pero si me pareció que los personajes se sintieron reales.
December 24, 2021
I loved it! You will enjoy the story-line; you will smile at characters; and, you will tear-up when things go wrong. Why do men send for mail-order brides? That was the question on the mind of Hallie Wainwright as she traveled west to talk to those who had answered letters. She wanted to write articles for her father who owned a newspaper but she was a woman, after-all, so he didn’t take her serious. This story has so much going on that you won’t want to stop reading. This author did a great job of telling the ways of the old west and I enjoyed every moment of this book.
October 6, 2023
Me gusto tanto.
Hallie es una protagonista fuerte, independiente y se mantiene en sus ideales. Su familia no la respeta profesionalmente así que ella decidida va en busca de su historia.
Cooper es tan humilde, su crecimiento lo desarrollo al lado de una tribu que ya es su familia así que ve las cosas de otro modo.
Los dos chocan pero al mismo tiempo se van conociendo y se enfrentan a los problemas juntos, así que son unos personajes muy bien escritos.
Hallie es una protagonista fuerte, independiente y se mantiene en sus ideales. Su familia no la respeta profesionalmente así que ella decidida va en busca de su historia.
Cooper es tan humilde, su crecimiento lo desarrollo al lado de una tribu que ya es su familia así que ve las cosas de otro modo.
Los dos chocan pero al mismo tiempo se van conociendo y se enfrentan a los problemas juntos, así que son unos personajes muy bien escritos.
November 25, 2023
História da colonização do oeste americano com um heroi um tanto incomum - um homem loiro de olhos azuis criado por índios e que aceita uma noiva por encomenda.
Helene, a mulher em questão, é uma cabeça-oca que troca de lugar com a noiva porque achou que essa seria uma ótima ideia para conquistar seu lugar de jornalista na empresa do pai... é muito disparate para uma trama só.
Em tempo: a edição da Nova Cultural colocou uma capa estilo medieval nesse romance estilo faroeste. Cuidado.
Helene, a mulher em questão, é uma cabeça-oca que troca de lugar com a noiva porque achou que essa seria uma ótima ideia para conquistar seu lugar de jornalista na empresa do pai... é muito disparate para uma trama só.
Em tempo: a edição da Nova Cultural colocou uma capa estilo medieval nesse romance estilo faroeste. Cuidado.
September 29, 2021
This was a good book.. interesting story and great hero and heroine. Though I got to admit long blond hair on the hero was hard to imagine as attractive lol
Mega slow burn as the hero was pretty beta. But i take off points because the one and only scene where they come together was kinda dissapointing 🙄
Mega slow burn as the hero was pretty beta. But i take off points because the one and only scene where they come together was kinda dissapointing 🙄
November 14, 2023
Hilarious old western romance I picked up used at a festival “library.” . So many moments of “you cannot say that anymore!” Throughout the book, since it was written in the mid 1990’s. So it might make you laugh a lot, or enraged, depending on how you look at it. Very amusing to read, and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
March 7, 2024
This story was a little different. Premise is underutilized daughter of newspaper magnet in 1850's Boston wants to be a reporter. The opportunity to report on the mail order bride industry is what the heroine intends to do.
I liked this story set in the old West. I liked the characters and the premise. The visual descriptions were great and added to the atmosphere. I was interested in the Native American plight that the story highlighted. The ending was a little bit over the top but nonetheless I enjoyed.
I liked this story set in the old West. I liked the characters and the premise. The visual descriptions were great and added to the atmosphere. I was interested in the Native American plight that the story highlighted. The ending was a little bit over the top but nonetheless I enjoyed.
May 18, 2017
DNF. Did not like the silly, self centered heroine.
August 19, 2020
Escribiendo una entrada de recomendaciones de libros romántico históricos me dieron ganas de releer unos cuantos títulos... y este sigue gustándome tanto como el primer día ♥
April 25, 2021
good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2022
Shelved. bad writing. zero story. Skipping and shelved.
May 11, 2024
Una historia muy sencilla, con un romance lento y con un par de protagonistas muy decentes y respetuosos, una lectura que disfrute un montón.
Read
June 9, 202540%
Just got bored. Maybe I will go back to this. Maybe not.
Just got bored. Maybe I will go back to this. Maybe not.
July 16, 2025
such a good read. Cooper and Hallie love story is so original I couldn't put the book down. it was such a fast read I finished the book in one day. Highly recommend.
March 9, 2017
Idk why I stopped reading a the 43% mark, because when I picked it up again I freaking loved it :)
Really nice story with amazing characters!
Also, keep reading! The best is yet to come. The second half of the book is WAY better than the first!!
I wished I wouldn't have stopped, because then I would have known the mail-order-bride better.
A really good book with solid writing and a few laughs in between. Definitely recommend!
Really nice story with amazing characters!
Also, keep reading! The best is yet to come. The second half of the book is WAY better than the first!!
I wished I wouldn't have stopped, because then I would have known the mail-order-bride better.
A really good book with solid writing and a few laughs in between. Definitely recommend!
October 23, 2015
At First Sight: Growing up the daughter of a news paper owner, Hallie Wainwright always wanted to be a reporter, but everyone else in her family had other ideas. As a way to keep her from being underfoot at the news paper, her father suggests Hallie writes a story about Mail Order brides, since a group of such women are about to leave Boston to go West in that capacity.
Once Hallie realizes of the ploy, and when one of the brides changes her mind, Hallie decides to go West herself and get all the scoop about Mail Ordered brides, and finally prove to her father that she has what it takes to be a great reporter.
But things are complicated in the Wild West, the journey is long and uncomfortable, and when Hallie and the brides reach their destination, they encounter a blink-and-you-miss-it town, and Hallie gets mistaken for the bride who balked.
Cooper DeWitt, the scorned groom, is vaguely relieved that his intended bride changed her mind - once he finally believes Hallie is who she says she is - since he saw his father suffer a lot when he married a city woman. Still, he sent for a bride because he needed help and, since Hallie is stuck with him without means of leaving, Cooper offers her shelter and a job: to teach his young nephew to read and write, and to help him put his business' books in order.
With only a handful of people for company, Hallie quickly grows close to the people around her - Cooper, his sister in law and nephew, mostly - and finally feels useful for the first time in her life.
Second Glance: Oh, I loved this book. With a relatively small cast of characters, I really got a sense of the time and place the story was set in, of the hardships of life in the frontier. And I loved both Cooper and Hallie. I was surprised at how much I liked Hallie, actually, because I usually don't like the heroine who does something really dumb just to prove a point, but Hallie assumes it and works hard and makes a place for herself in Cooper's life, even without realizing it.
Cooper was good too, and I loved all the references that were peppered across the book about the Sioux culture, as Cooper was brought up by them (he's constantly talking about how the whites' are this or that, and he's, like, blond, but he thinks he's just another one of the tribe).
I did feel like the ending dragged a little, but not for long, and the the resolution is quite satisfying and surprisingly funny.
Bottom Line: Badlands Bride is really nice read, a love story between two people who eventually realize that their place in life is by each other's side, regardless of their differences. Not my favorite St. John but I really liked it all the same.
Once Hallie realizes of the ploy, and when one of the brides changes her mind, Hallie decides to go West herself and get all the scoop about Mail Ordered brides, and finally prove to her father that she has what it takes to be a great reporter.
But things are complicated in the Wild West, the journey is long and uncomfortable, and when Hallie and the brides reach their destination, they encounter a blink-and-you-miss-it town, and Hallie gets mistaken for the bride who balked.
Cooper DeWitt, the scorned groom, is vaguely relieved that his intended bride changed her mind - once he finally believes Hallie is who she says she is - since he saw his father suffer a lot when he married a city woman. Still, he sent for a bride because he needed help and, since Hallie is stuck with him without means of leaving, Cooper offers her shelter and a job: to teach his young nephew to read and write, and to help him put his business' books in order.
With only a handful of people for company, Hallie quickly grows close to the people around her - Cooper, his sister in law and nephew, mostly - and finally feels useful for the first time in her life.
Second Glance: Oh, I loved this book. With a relatively small cast of characters, I really got a sense of the time and place the story was set in, of the hardships of life in the frontier. And I loved both Cooper and Hallie. I was surprised at how much I liked Hallie, actually, because I usually don't like the heroine who does something really dumb just to prove a point, but Hallie assumes it and works hard and makes a place for herself in Cooper's life, even without realizing it.
Cooper was good too, and I loved all the references that were peppered across the book about the Sioux culture, as Cooper was brought up by them (he's constantly talking about how the whites' are this or that, and he's, like, blond, but he thinks he's just another one of the tribe).
I did feel like the ending dragged a little, but not for long, and the the resolution is quite satisfying and surprisingly funny.
Bottom Line: Badlands Bride is really nice read, a love story between two people who eventually realize that their place in life is by each other's side, regardless of their differences. Not my favorite St. John but I really liked it all the same.
March 6, 2018
Hallie Wainwright is a woman on a mission. The youngest in a family of men she is determined to make her own name. Her father runs the local newspaper but doesn't take Hallie seriously as a reporter.
She has to prove herself and takes off with a group of mail-order brides that are headed for the Midwest. The plot thickens as she arrives on the stage and is held up with some others. She shows her toughness when things go south.
Cooper DeWitt lives and works in this rough country. Raised by the Sioux he is looking for a mail-order bride and thinks he has found her when he mistakes Hallie for someone else. Here is where the story glides along.
Hallie is not looking for a commitment. She wants that all-inspiring story that she can take home to win her father's favor. Unfortunately she'll have to wait for the next stage. In the meantime she figures out that life among these people can be rough at best. Sleeping quarters, food and cleanliness are no longer taken for granted. She becomes aware what it truly must be like for women (and men) to meet each other for the first time and try to make a life together.
The question becomes can Cooper win over Hallie? Is she his heroine? Finally, can she give up her past luxuries and learn to love him? For some reason this homespun romance drew me in. Take it for what it's worth; this is a somewhat silly Americana intrigue. As the reader you know some of the situations couldn't or wouldn't happen in real life but this story has both the elements of passion and enchantment. So cuddle up in a comfortable chair and prepare for a pleasant diversion with your quiet time.
She has to prove herself and takes off with a group of mail-order brides that are headed for the Midwest. The plot thickens as she arrives on the stage and is held up with some others. She shows her toughness when things go south.
Cooper DeWitt lives and works in this rough country. Raised by the Sioux he is looking for a mail-order bride and thinks he has found her when he mistakes Hallie for someone else. Here is where the story glides along.
Hallie is not looking for a commitment. She wants that all-inspiring story that she can take home to win her father's favor. Unfortunately she'll have to wait for the next stage. In the meantime she figures out that life among these people can be rough at best. Sleeping quarters, food and cleanliness are no longer taken for granted. She becomes aware what it truly must be like for women (and men) to meet each other for the first time and try to make a life together.
The question becomes can Cooper win over Hallie? Is she his heroine? Finally, can she give up her past luxuries and learn to love him? For some reason this homespun romance drew me in. Take it for what it's worth; this is a somewhat silly Americana intrigue. As the reader you know some of the situations couldn't or wouldn't happen in real life but this story has both the elements of passion and enchantment. So cuddle up in a comfortable chair and prepare for a pleasant diversion with your quiet time.
August 13, 2015
Cooper DeWitt sent for a mail order bride. He only had one qualification. She must be able to read and write.
Hallie Wainwright was the only girl in a newspaper family.Her father and brothers loved her but the work they allowed her to do for the newspaper was nothing more than busy work. They hired an outside the family guy to be a reporter and ignored her.
In an effort to keep her away from the fighters, they assigned her to interview the mail order brides going to the badlands. Her dad liked the interviews and printed them saying the real story would be on the other end of the trip. His son said they did not have a contact that far west.
Hallie went to see Tess the night before they were leaving to insure that she would be a contact for Hallie and write reports on how things worked out.
Tess was packed and leaving to go to Philadelphia. Her old boyfriend had decided to marry her and she was letting immediately. She shoved the ticket and the money into Hallie's hands and told her to be sure that Mr. DeWitt got the money and her apologies.
Hallie had an idea. What an opportunity! She would travel with the bride's and write stories, return Mr. DeWitt's money and he could order another bride. She would return home with her scoop for the paper. Her dad would really impressed.
Right before they arrived, the stagecoach was robbed. The badlands destination was in the middle of no where. Mr. DeWitt was not interested in Hallie's story. He had ordered a bride who could read and write and she would have to be it or she could work it off till she earned return passage.
Hallie Wainwright was the only girl in a newspaper family.Her father and brothers loved her but the work they allowed her to do for the newspaper was nothing more than busy work. They hired an outside the family guy to be a reporter and ignored her.
In an effort to keep her away from the fighters, they assigned her to interview the mail order brides going to the badlands. Her dad liked the interviews and printed them saying the real story would be on the other end of the trip. His son said they did not have a contact that far west.
Hallie went to see Tess the night before they were leaving to insure that she would be a contact for Hallie and write reports on how things worked out.
Tess was packed and leaving to go to Philadelphia. Her old boyfriend had decided to marry her and she was letting immediately. She shoved the ticket and the money into Hallie's hands and told her to be sure that Mr. DeWitt got the money and her apologies.
Hallie had an idea. What an opportunity! She would travel with the bride's and write stories, return Mr. DeWitt's money and he could order another bride. She would return home with her scoop for the paper. Her dad would really impressed.
Right before they arrived, the stagecoach was robbed. The badlands destination was in the middle of no where. Mr. DeWitt was not interested in Hallie's story. He had ordered a bride who could read and write and she would have to be it or she could work it off till she earned return passage.
June 13, 2019
In order to prove that she can be just a good newspaper journalist as her brothers, Hallie Wainwright embarks on a long trip to the Dakotas with three other mail-order brides. She wants to interview the women when they arrive, marry and start their lives in a new environment.
There’s only one small problem: Hallie accepted the ticket of one of the (originally 4) brides and promised to return the other money to the man who arranged for her passage. On the last leg, however, the stage is robbed and all money and jewelry were taken from the passengers.
When the stagecoach finally arrives, Cooper DeWitt finds that his bride did not come; a wealthy journalist took her place and has no intention of marrying him. However, Hallie has no money and no way to return home; DeWitt offers to hire her to straighten up his business ledgers and teach his nephew to read and write.
Hallie is thunder-struck when the Sioux Last Horse arrives and Cooper introduces him as his brother. Last Horse wants to buy (or trade for) Hallie and she is horrified!
Although he develops a strong attraction for Hallie, Cooper realizes that she cannot survive the difficult life and circumstances in the Dakotas. However, Hallie constantly amazes him with her ability to adapt and learn.
I’ve given a small part of the plotline in this wonderful book; the characters are well-defined and very likable. Once started, I couldn’t put the story aside. The main characters grow and learn from their interactions.
There’s only one small problem: Hallie accepted the ticket of one of the (originally 4) brides and promised to return the other money to the man who arranged for her passage. On the last leg, however, the stage is robbed and all money and jewelry were taken from the passengers.
When the stagecoach finally arrives, Cooper DeWitt finds that his bride did not come; a wealthy journalist took her place and has no intention of marrying him. However, Hallie has no money and no way to return home; DeWitt offers to hire her to straighten up his business ledgers and teach his nephew to read and write.
Hallie is thunder-struck when the Sioux Last Horse arrives and Cooper introduces him as his brother. Last Horse wants to buy (or trade for) Hallie and she is horrified!
Although he develops a strong attraction for Hallie, Cooper realizes that she cannot survive the difficult life and circumstances in the Dakotas. However, Hallie constantly amazes him with her ability to adapt and learn.
I’ve given a small part of the plotline in this wonderful book; the characters are well-defined and very likable. Once started, I couldn’t put the story aside. The main characters grow and learn from their interactions.
February 25, 2023
I thought this was such a good and refreshing plot
to have the heroine leave her home and try to make something of herself
the part where she discovers her father and brothers are still arranging plots to unburden themselves of her and think so little of her was very heartbreaking
which was why it was so disappointing in the end when the author chose to tie it all up in regards to her father in a couple or paragraphs and never even have a confrontation with her brothers ...
such a missed opportunity for closure and development
it was really a ridiculous writing decision
how did the editor miss this??...
but apart from the terrible ending I did love the book
to have the heroine leave her home and try to make something of herself
the part where she discovers her father and brothers are still arranging plots to unburden themselves of her and think so little of her was very heartbreaking
which was why it was so disappointing in the end when the author chose to tie it all up in regards to her father in a couple or paragraphs and never even have a confrontation with her brothers ...
such a missed opportunity for closure and development
it was really a ridiculous writing decision
how did the editor miss this??...
but apart from the terrible ending I did love the book
March 3, 2015
A beautiful love story set in the Wild West. It grabbed my attention right from the beginning and I fell in love with the author's descriptions of the area. I felt like I was right there with Hallie through her adventure. Hallie Wainwright is a reporter in search of a good story in the hopes she will make her father proud. She ends up on the mail-order brides coach and coming face to face with Cooper DeWitt. Hallie is tough and she proves to Cooper that she has what it takes to survive stage coach robberies and one mean grizzly. This was quite a story!
February 24, 2009
Never having been a fan of the female-reporter type storyline, I ended up skimming this book. Just couldn't get into the storyline.
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