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Oregon Trail #2
An Angel in the Mail
In 1861, newly penniless society belle Angel Hardwick is on her way to Oregon to marry widower Nathan Hale, father of five, who is desperate for a wife to straighten his life out. Nate's looking for someone who loves children and can easily take over the cooking,cleaning and laundry. Instead, he is getting Angel, whose culinary knowledge consists of weekly meetings with Cook to decide the family's menu.
Angel is a strong-minded young woman, resigned to her fate, and determined to make the best of her situation. But will her new husband allow for mistakes? Or will he send her packing when she burns meals and misplaces his children?
Nate just wants a peaceful, well run household, without the distraction of an attractive wife. However, his beautiful wife with a very distractible body is not giving him peace. Somebody lied, because despite what he was told by the Bride Agency, this beauty knows nothing about running a home, buts he sure sets him on fire at night.
Nate and Angel have to come to a working arrangement, overcoming problems between them. But will they be able to find a happily ever after with someone desperately working behind the scenes to destroy their relationship?
Angel is a strong-minded young woman, resigned to her fate, and determined to make the best of her situation. But will her new husband allow for mistakes? Or will he send her packing when she burns meals and misplaces his children?
Nate just wants a peaceful, well run household, without the distraction of an attractive wife. However, his beautiful wife with a very distractible body is not giving him peace. Somebody lied, because despite what he was told by the Bride Agency, this beauty knows nothing about running a home, buts he sure sets him on fire at night.
Nate and Angel have to come to a working arrangement, overcoming problems between them. But will they be able to find a happily ever after with someone desperately working behind the scenes to destroy their relationship?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2012
244 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Callie Hutton
144 books1,441 followershttp://calliehutton.com/newsletter/ (receive a free book for signing up and be up to date on new releases and sales)
Hi Romance Fans,
My historical romances are full of heat, humor, and quirky characters. I’ve always loved history, which was my college major. Things of the past fascinate me. Not those boring history classes in high school, but the history of people. How they lived their lives, what they ate, what they wore, the challenges they faced, what they worried about.
I have recently delved into Historical Cozy Mysteries. My very first one, For the Love of the Baron, a Historical Romantic Suspense novella, spurred me to try a full length, non-romance focused cozy mystery. A Study in Murder released last year from Crooked Lane Publishing, and the reviews have been excellent. The second book, The Sign of Death, released this year and the next book, The Mystery of Albert E. Finch will release in January of 2022.
I've also been busy keeping up with my Regency/Victorian romances. Check out my latest series, The Rose Room Rogues. Four brothers who own a gambling club and find themselves caught in the net of love.
Watch for my new Highlander series, The Sutherlands of Dornoch. The first book in that series, To Deceive a Highlander, will release March 30th.
Take a look around my website and check out some of the books I write, and their lovely covers. www.calliehutton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 16, 2016
FREE via KINDLE TODAY!!
4 stars for this heartwarming, amusing, and smexy story. It's an American historical, set in Oregon in 1861, but it makes only slight reference to the Civil War. Perspective is 3rd person POV.
I enjoyed it! Nothing distracting in the writing style: The language and dialogue seemed realistic, not wooden. Just easy on the ears. Not terribly sophisticated writing, but not pretentious either. Also, I don't recall typos. There are some sex scenes, but only fairly explicit. However, there is sexual anticipation throughout. Sweet!
I really LIKED Nate and Angel, and wanted them to get their HEA. Angel's valiant spirit won me over within the first three chapters, but at first she seemed pampered and perhaps selfish. I enjoyed watching this "Angel-in-the-Mail" come into her own, learning to work, care for a family, a garden, etc. I totally ADORED Nate, who owns a gunsmith shop. His patience with a mail order bride who had no idea how to boil water was heartwarming. His response to his growing desire for her was fun, too, especially the bath scene. I liked hearing his thoughts occasionally (shifting POV, from Angel to Nate to the villain, mostly).
Nate's five children actually added a LOT to the story-- this author is able to write believable children's dialogue and actions. I found myself chuckling several times. And there were poignant scenes, like when Mark couldn't read. Loved the scene where Angel confronted his third-grade teacher -- a real B.
The secondary love story was fun, too. I liked Sylvia. I liked the secondary character, Alice, who befriended Angel.
The plot was mildly suspenseful, with a nasty surprise (this was handled well -- I did not guess what was coming). The plot moved along at a fairly good clip, most of the time.
Quibbles: The scenes with the attorney and the judge were interesting and well written, but did not seem necessary to the plot. The whole bit with the grandparents could have been left out, with nothing lost, and maybe something gained, in terms of tightness of plot, and pacing. After all, the death of the villain needed to be better resolved. This death will have serious consequences for the lead and secondary characters.
Perhaps not a keeper, but a solid 4 stars! Recommended for a good chuckle and family scenes.
4 stars for this heartwarming, amusing, and smexy story. It's an American historical, set in Oregon in 1861, but it makes only slight reference to the Civil War. Perspective is 3rd person POV.
I enjoyed it! Nothing distracting in the writing style: The language and dialogue seemed realistic, not wooden. Just easy on the ears. Not terribly sophisticated writing, but not pretentious either. Also, I don't recall typos. There are some sex scenes, but only fairly explicit. However, there is sexual anticipation throughout. Sweet!
I really LIKED Nate and Angel, and wanted them to get their HEA. Angel's valiant spirit won me over within the first three chapters, but at first she seemed pampered and perhaps selfish. I enjoyed watching this "Angel-in-the-Mail" come into her own, learning to work, care for a family, a garden, etc. I totally ADORED Nate, who owns a gunsmith shop. His patience with a mail order bride who had no idea how to boil water was heartwarming. His response to his growing desire for her was fun, too, especially the bath scene. I liked hearing his thoughts occasionally (shifting POV, from Angel to Nate to the villain, mostly).
Nate's five children actually added a LOT to the story-- this author is able to write believable children's dialogue and actions. I found myself chuckling several times. And there were poignant scenes, like when Mark couldn't read. Loved the scene where Angel confronted his third-grade teacher -- a real B.
The secondary love story was fun, too. I liked Sylvia. I liked the secondary character, Alice, who befriended Angel.
The plot was mildly suspenseful, with a nasty surprise (this was handled well -- I did not guess what was coming). The plot moved along at a fairly good clip, most of the time.
Quibbles: The scenes with the attorney and the judge were interesting and well written, but did not seem necessary to the plot. The whole bit with the grandparents could have been left out, with nothing lost, and maybe something gained, in terms of tightness of plot, and pacing. After all, the death of the villain needed to be better resolved. This death will have serious consequences for the lead and secondary characters.
Perhaps not a keeper, but a solid 4 stars! Recommended for a good chuckle and family scenes.
January 26, 2018
A sweet little bon bon of a romance.
The heroine is a mail order bride to a widower with 5 children. No worries safety gang, while he mourns his wife she was never the love of his life.
The h is pathetic as a wife in frontier America, but she's adorable and loving which the H and the kids are smart enough to realize.
An evil woman gets the ultimate comeuppance and all is well on the frontier.
The heroine is a mail order bride to a widower with 5 children. No worries safety gang, while he mourns his wife she was never the love of his life.
The h is pathetic as a wife in frontier America, but she's adorable and loving which the H and the kids are smart enough to realize.
An evil woman gets the ultimate comeuppance and all is well on the frontier.
June 27, 2021
3.5 ☆☆☆☆
It was a classic mail order bride story. But all the characters were lovely, human and real. Well, except from Lucy, now that's a B***.
I liked how the story progressed and the relationship between Nate and Angel evolved.
Now, Angel was truly an angel. It's not easy to take care of another woman's children, but 5 of them??? That is a different kind of commitment.
I also liked Sylvia's story, I wish we could have seen more.
All in all the book was nice and homily.
It was a classic mail order bride story. But all the characters were lovely, human and real. Well, except from Lucy, now that's a B***.
I liked how the story progressed and the relationship between Nate and Angel evolved.
Now, Angel was truly an angel. It's not easy to take care of another woman's children, but 5 of them??? That is a different kind of commitment.
I also liked Sylvia's story, I wish we could have seen more.
All in all the book was nice and homily.
May 25, 2022
NYC then Oregon 1861, onward. This had some sex
scenes & true love. A second couple found each other.
Angelina's father was a well-off banker in NYC.
His health declined and he trusted a bank employee
to take over for him. Dad died 2 yrs later and some
irregularities RE bank deposits were discovered.
Now stepmother Sylvia explained they were broke.
The plan: Sylvia would travel via RR to Va. to live
with her sister & Angel via RR & stagecoach & would
arrive in Oregon as a mail order bride. They had
no other options.
Widow Nathan Hale requested a MO bride who could
cook, clean, garden & care for his 5 kids aged 9 mos
to 9 yrs. Angel had none of these skills but the last one.
Nate was patient while she learned. Mrs. Darby helped
too. Nate was sexually attracted to his wife & surprised
she did not act spoiled, based on her upbringing. The
children grew to love her, especially the son, who Angel
helped become a better reader. The mature hero reacted
calmly to whatever came his way.
The antagonist acted OTT at times. Besides the MCs,
I liked best, Mrs. Darby, the dream neighbor we'd all
like to have. The spiritual references didn't overwhelm
the story, didn't get preachy.
Readers learned Sylvia was 42 at the beginning of the
story and in her late 30s at the end. Perhaps she had
access to Oil of Olay before the general public?
scenes & true love. A second couple found each other.
Angelina's father was a well-off banker in NYC.
His health declined and he trusted a bank employee
to take over for him. Dad died 2 yrs later and some
irregularities RE bank deposits were discovered.
Now stepmother Sylvia explained they were broke.
The plan: Sylvia would travel via RR to Va. to live
with her sister & Angel via RR & stagecoach & would
arrive in Oregon as a mail order bride. They had
no other options.
Widow Nathan Hale requested a MO bride who could
cook, clean, garden & care for his 5 kids aged 9 mos
to 9 yrs. Angel had none of these skills but the last one.
Nate was patient while she learned. Mrs. Darby helped
too. Nate was sexually attracted to his wife & surprised
she did not act spoiled, based on her upbringing. The
children grew to love her, especially the son, who Angel
helped become a better reader. The mature hero reacted
calmly to whatever came his way.
The antagonist acted OTT at times. Besides the MCs,
I liked best, Mrs. Darby, the dream neighbor we'd all
like to have. The spiritual references didn't overwhelm
the story, didn't get preachy.
Readers learned Sylvia was 42 at the beginning of the
story and in her late 30s at the end. Perhaps she had
access to Oil of Olay before the general public?
January 26, 2013
I'm a sucker for mail order bride stories. I enjoyed this one a great deal. I enjoyed the hero who seemed very human. He had some episodes in his past that made him unique but he wasn't a tortured hero. He was a very level headed man who loved his 5 children. The children were very well written especially the three youngest. It's rare that authors get children's dialog done right but here it was. The heroine was also nice, a society lady who loses her money but tries her very best to be the wife that the hero needs. The story isn't all about them falling in love but also involves a bit of other woman problems and stepmother shenanigans. A well rounded story overall.
Thanks, Kathleen for the rec.
Thanks, Kathleen for the rec.
February 22, 2014
I wanted to like this book more. In fact, in the beginning, I was really surprised how much I was liking it. It was funny and endearing. I loved the H and the h although raised privileged didn't act spoiled or ungrateful. She was sweet and caring and when she cared for the H's little baby girl, my heart melted right alongside hers. Until the introduction of the OW. Now, I'm all for a bit of angst amongst the characters: misunderstandings, feelings of inadequacies, self esteem issues, etc. You name it, I'm all for it. In fact, seeing that this is a story about a woman who was duped into being a mail order bride and a man who was expecting someone more domestic than the h, those factors would have made this story delicious. However, the OW made things ridiculous. She seemed to not add anything to the story except page numbers. The H wasn't even tempted. His low opinion of her was made evident early on and was vocal that even though he just met his wife, he was staying put. So why introduce her? Why give her so much weight in this story? She was a major distraction with her craziness. I'm not even talking about jealousy invoking or intrusive behavior. She was CRAY CRAY, of the bunny boiling variety. By the time all was revealed, I said "Who the EFF cares?" With it being the good ole West, I probably would have just shot her.
January 16, 2023
The villain in book one is the hero in book two. He really does seen more like a nice guy than a crazy person. There is little backstory, and I would have had no idea of his villainous history if I had not read the first book.
Angel is a wonderful heroine. She was rich and spoiled, yet she took to being a mother of five quickly. She had a positive attitude, and I appreciated her determination.
Angel is a wonderful heroine. She was rich and spoiled, yet she took to being a mother of five quickly. She had a positive attitude, and I appreciated her determination.
May 15, 2016
The 50% of the book was really good. I thought oh how refreshing! I think I am loving it. But in the 2nd half the book became entirely something else. I skim-read the 2nd half and just did not care what happened to the lead characters anymore. It was quite a shame.
What I love about the book:
1. Nate: this is a down to earth, not putting on air, hardworking, practical kind of man. He married his first wife and had 5 kids with her. The marriage was peaceful and practical. She got pregnant so they married. Then his first wife died, he decided to marry again. Not a sex-crazed animal, not a playboy, just a rather normal man who had a family to support and did not mind an active sex life with his wife.
2. Nate and Angel's relationship: it really was quite a relief to read that Nate and Angel approached their sexual relationship practically. This was simply a part of life. They were married and this was what married people did. So they did it and counted themselves lucky that they enjoyed it with this particular person they were married to. I get tired of all the withholding sex in an arranged marriage in the romance genre. It is so tiring. I don't get the hype about all these heroines withholding sex from their lawfully wedded husbands. Unless either of the parties did not want to get married, I mean, if you make your bed, then lie in it. You agree to such a marriage, then be practical about it.
Nate and Angel were rather sweet together. Angel's relationship with the children was also very endearing. But since Nate and Angel did not have any real problems in their marriage (they had overcome Angel's stepmother's deceit and they enjoyed their marital relations), Callie Hutton apparently needed some conflicts in the book. So she wrote in Lucy, the spoiled daughter of a rich man who had dreamed of marrying Nate after his first wife died, and Angel's stepmother Sylvia, to fill the pages of the 2nd half. I got really bored reading about how Lucy plotted to get her hands on Nate and how Sylvia re-entered the scene and Nate's first wife's parents fighting for custody of the 5 children. The book lost its initial allure as a romance novel and became a family-themed drama. I flipped through the 2nd half and honestly did not know what happened to Nate and Angel. No ordeals, no struggles, no romance. Just a lot of drama about other people in their lives.
I would have rated the book much better but it fizzled out and degraded into something completely unrecognizable. 3 stars are a kind rating.
What I love about the book:
1. Nate: this is a down to earth, not putting on air, hardworking, practical kind of man. He married his first wife and had 5 kids with her. The marriage was peaceful and practical. She got pregnant so they married. Then his first wife died, he decided to marry again. Not a sex-crazed animal, not a playboy, just a rather normal man who had a family to support and did not mind an active sex life with his wife.
2. Nate and Angel's relationship: it really was quite a relief to read that Nate and Angel approached their sexual relationship practically. This was simply a part of life. They were married and this was what married people did. So they did it and counted themselves lucky that they enjoyed it with this particular person they were married to. I get tired of all the withholding sex in an arranged marriage in the romance genre. It is so tiring. I don't get the hype about all these heroines withholding sex from their lawfully wedded husbands. Unless either of the parties did not want to get married, I mean, if you make your bed, then lie in it. You agree to such a marriage, then be practical about it.
Nate and Angel were rather sweet together. Angel's relationship with the children was also very endearing. But since Nate and Angel did not have any real problems in their marriage (they had overcome Angel's stepmother's deceit and they enjoyed their marital relations), Callie Hutton apparently needed some conflicts in the book. So she wrote in Lucy, the spoiled daughter of a rich man who had dreamed of marrying Nate after his first wife died, and Angel's stepmother Sylvia, to fill the pages of the 2nd half. I got really bored reading about how Lucy plotted to get her hands on Nate and how Sylvia re-entered the scene and Nate's first wife's parents fighting for custody of the 5 children. The book lost its initial allure as a romance novel and became a family-themed drama. I flipped through the 2nd half and honestly did not know what happened to Nate and Angel. No ordeals, no struggles, no romance. Just a lot of drama about other people in their lives.
I would have rated the book much better but it fizzled out and degraded into something completely unrecognizable. 3 stars are a kind rating.
June 13, 2012
I truly enjoy historical romances and this was a good. Loaded with plot twists, Hutton takes us on a wild ride.
I did not expect to like Angel when we first met her. Vapid and pampered she came off as someone who would perhaps be a little hard to stomach in a new situation. Hutton shows us her skill when she makes this woman not only likable but believable. Nathan Hale is also one of the better romance male characters I've read. Not overbearing and willing to help his wife adjust (if only, at first, because she has a nice body), he's a genuinely good guy and fun to read. What's more, you know those five kids are going to grow up to be genuine good and kind.
Speaking of children, Ms. Hutton writes them well. The four that can speak come off as very real and age appropriate. One of my favorite interactions with the kids comes early on in the novel when Nathan takes the carrots from the baby's plate afraid that she'll choke and one of the little boys says, "I'm choking, steal my carrots too." A very real reaction.
As a result of such well formed characters, this novel was a treat to read. Hutton doesn't drag out the parts of the storyline that shouldn't be. She gets to the point and gets there in a way that the reader believes and enjoys.
Ms. Hutton creates characters that we'd like to see again and again.
This novel, set in the Civil War era, is set realistically far away so that Ms. Hutton touches on the War but it really only touches the character who stayed behind in Virginia.
I recommend this book for all romance readers as a fun read.
I did not expect to like Angel when we first met her. Vapid and pampered she came off as someone who would perhaps be a little hard to stomach in a new situation. Hutton shows us her skill when she makes this woman not only likable but believable. Nathan Hale is also one of the better romance male characters I've read. Not overbearing and willing to help his wife adjust (if only, at first, because she has a nice body), he's a genuinely good guy and fun to read. What's more, you know those five kids are going to grow up to be genuine good and kind.
Speaking of children, Ms. Hutton writes them well. The four that can speak come off as very real and age appropriate. One of my favorite interactions with the kids comes early on in the novel when Nathan takes the carrots from the baby's plate afraid that she'll choke and one of the little boys says, "I'm choking, steal my carrots too." A very real reaction.
As a result of such well formed characters, this novel was a treat to read. Hutton doesn't drag out the parts of the storyline that shouldn't be. She gets to the point and gets there in a way that the reader believes and enjoys.
Ms. Hutton creates characters that we'd like to see again and again.
This novel, set in the Civil War era, is set realistically far away so that Ms. Hutton touches on the War but it really only touches the character who stayed behind in Virginia.
I recommend this book for all romance readers as a fun read.
January 24, 2018
Such a cute cute story. i loved all about this book... it was like a hallmark movie
February 4, 2020
'In 1861, newly penniless society belle Angel Hardwick is on her way to Oregon to marry widower Nathan Hale, father of five, who is desperate for a wife to straighten his life out. Nate’s looking for someone who loves children and can easily take over the cooking, cleaning and laundry. Instead, he is getting Angel, whose culinary knowledge consists of weekly meetings with Cook to decide the family’s menu.
Angel is a strong-minded young woman, resigned to her fate, and determined to make the best of her situation. But will her new husband allow for mistakes? Or will he send her packing when she burns meals and misplaces his children?
Nate just wants a peaceful, well run household, without the distraction of an attractive wife. However, his beautiful wife with a very distractable body is not giving him peace. Somebody lied, because despite what he was told by the Bride Agency, this beauty knows nothing about running a home, but she sure sets him on fire at night.
Nate and Angel have to come to a working arrangement, overcoming problems between them. But will they be able to find a happily ever after with someone desperately working behind the scenes to destroy their relationship?'
________________________________
When the book first started out, I didn't find Angel's character to be very likable. She was spoiled and shallow and, although I sympathized with her over the situation she was in, I was worried that I had the rest of the book to struggle through following a main character that I didn't care for. But she really earned my repect as the book went on. Angel underwent so much growth thoughout this book and I loved it. Don't get me wrong, it's not an easy, smooth transition for her, there are many bumps for her along the way, but she keeps at it.
Sylvia's actions were so selfish and unforgivable. She was forgiven quite quickly in the story, which I don't believe she deserved. Considering that she sent Angel blindly hundred of miles away with no way to fend for herself and no one to turn to. All to marry a stranger that Sylvia had lied to and conned into agreeing to this arrangement. She had no way of knowing whether or not this man would have reacted in anger or violence when he discovered this bride he paid so much money for was incapable of doing any of the things that he expected of her. Whilst Sylvia kept a maid for herself and travelled comfortably to go live with her sister in Virginia. I'm sure if things hadn't gone south for her, Angel likely wouldn't have ever heard from her again. But because they did she's there expecting protection from the very step-daughter she treated so poorly.
The Hales are such a sweet and rambunctious family. I can't even imagine having five young children and trying to raise them on my own while working to support them and keep house. The fact that Nate was able to make it six months(plus the three while Amy was sick) on his own, even with the help from his neighbors. Nate is a very patient man that can roll with any punches thrown his way. The man in unflappable.
I wish that Lucy would have faced some form of legal and social repercussions before running off and that possibility being taken away, but things still ended pretty neatly so I make my peace with it. But oh my, what a selfish and unlikable young woman.
I have read some of Callie Hutton's regency romances, but this was the first western by her that I have read. I really enjoyed An Angel in the Mail and will be reading more of her western historical fictions. I recommend this book to fans of Callie Hutton and histoical romances.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Angel is a strong-minded young woman, resigned to her fate, and determined to make the best of her situation. But will her new husband allow for mistakes? Or will he send her packing when she burns meals and misplaces his children?
Nate just wants a peaceful, well run household, without the distraction of an attractive wife. However, his beautiful wife with a very distractable body is not giving him peace. Somebody lied, because despite what he was told by the Bride Agency, this beauty knows nothing about running a home, but she sure sets him on fire at night.
Nate and Angel have to come to a working arrangement, overcoming problems between them. But will they be able to find a happily ever after with someone desperately working behind the scenes to destroy their relationship?'
________________________________
When the book first started out, I didn't find Angel's character to be very likable. She was spoiled and shallow and, although I sympathized with her over the situation she was in, I was worried that I had the rest of the book to struggle through following a main character that I didn't care for. But she really earned my repect as the book went on. Angel underwent so much growth thoughout this book and I loved it. Don't get me wrong, it's not an easy, smooth transition for her, there are many bumps for her along the way, but she keeps at it.
Sylvia's actions were so selfish and unforgivable. She was forgiven quite quickly in the story, which I don't believe she deserved. Considering that she sent Angel blindly hundred of miles away with no way to fend for herself and no one to turn to. All to marry a stranger that Sylvia had lied to and conned into agreeing to this arrangement. She had no way of knowing whether or not this man would have reacted in anger or violence when he discovered this bride he paid so much money for was incapable of doing any of the things that he expected of her. Whilst Sylvia kept a maid for herself and travelled comfortably to go live with her sister in Virginia. I'm sure if things hadn't gone south for her, Angel likely wouldn't have ever heard from her again. But because they did she's there expecting protection from the very step-daughter she treated so poorly.
The Hales are such a sweet and rambunctious family. I can't even imagine having five young children and trying to raise them on my own while working to support them and keep house. The fact that Nate was able to make it six months(plus the three while Amy was sick) on his own, even with the help from his neighbors. Nate is a very patient man that can roll with any punches thrown his way. The man in unflappable.
I wish that Lucy would have faced some form of legal and social repercussions before running off and that possibility being taken away, but things still ended pretty neatly so I make my peace with it. But oh my, what a selfish and unlikable young woman.
I have read some of Callie Hutton's regency romances, but this was the first western by her that I have read. I really enjoyed An Angel in the Mail and will be reading more of her western historical fictions. I recommend this book to fans of Callie Hutton and histoical romances.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
June 13, 2012
I really liked this story. I have alot of respect and admiration for Angel's strong loving character. Angel had to leave a rich and pampered lifestyle and start a new way oflife she had no knowledge of how to do. A patient and loving man and his five children, housekeeping, cooking and taking care of the family was a challage for any women.
The book brought you into this family through laughter and tears. what a great read.
The book brought you into this family through laughter and tears. what a great read.
May 1, 2022
Love story! Love of a family!
Angel a mail order bride, who had not signed up for this. Nate, who only wanted someone to look after the children and take care of the house. A page turner just to watch the romance between them. Many twist and turns that keeps you reading to find out more. Great story.
Angel a mail order bride, who had not signed up for this. Nate, who only wanted someone to look after the children and take care of the house. A page turner just to watch the romance between them. Many twist and turns that keeps you reading to find out more. Great story.
March 20, 2017
Wow did not see that coming
Loved the story. It was wonderful and the H was so so sweet. The kids were adorable and the whole book was great and the came a twist I would never have seen coming at all. Not going to spoil it though. It has to be read to be believed.
Beware that a character named Lucy is the wannabe OW but Nate only has eyes for his Angel. But she is true evil. Then throw in Lucy's wealthy Dad and Angel's step mom and drama and angst ensue. I loved it though. Really like this author.
Loved the story. It was wonderful and the H was so so sweet. The kids were adorable and the whole book was great and the came a twist I would never have seen coming at all. Not going to spoil it though. It has to be read to be believed.
Beware that a character named Lucy is the wannabe OW but Nate only has eyes for his Angel. But she is true evil. Then throw in Lucy's wealthy Dad and Angel's step mom and drama and angst ensue. I loved it though. Really like this author.
February 7, 2017
4.5 stars
September 7, 2012
Callie Hutton's book is wonderfully written. She has a firm handle on how to create strong characters and interesting plots. This story was one of those feel-good-romances!
What's a young woman of fine breeding to do when she is sent out west as a mail order bride against her will? That is what Angel wonders when she finds herself wed to a perfect stranger with five chldren. She decides to make the best of it since she has no other choice. Having had servents all her life, she has no idea how to cook, organize a busy household or even how to change a diaper.
Just reading about Angel's personal growth makes for a good story, but add a romance with a to-die-for guy, and it moves up another notch. Not all of life is rosy for the newlyweds. Pieces of their past threaten their marriage and the entire family is in jeopardy.
This well-rounded book has so many positive aspects worth mentioning, but then I'd be giving away the story if I told you about them! Just read it yourself!
Please note: The author sent me an ARC of "An Angel in the Mail" for an honest review.
What's a young woman of fine breeding to do when she is sent out west as a mail order bride against her will? That is what Angel wonders when she finds herself wed to a perfect stranger with five chldren. She decides to make the best of it since she has no other choice. Having had servents all her life, she has no idea how to cook, organize a busy household or even how to change a diaper.
Just reading about Angel's personal growth makes for a good story, but add a romance with a to-die-for guy, and it moves up another notch. Not all of life is rosy for the newlyweds. Pieces of their past threaten their marriage and the entire family is in jeopardy.
This well-rounded book has so many positive aspects worth mentioning, but then I'd be giving away the story if I told you about them! Just read it yourself!
Please note: The author sent me an ARC of "An Angel in the Mail" for an honest review.
January 14, 2022
4-star read, minus 1 star for abrupt ending.
Want to read
May 15, 2016Free on Amazon 05-15-16
March 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this story! It's sweeter than I normally read, but it's still fairly spicy as well.
Nate and Angel were really adorable together, and even though I think Nate was written a little too perfectly, I really like him. He was written as a great husband AND father, and was very hands on. He clearly loved his kids.
One of my favorite things about this book is how on the fence I was about Angel, and how much I love her now. She definitely grew up as a spoiled princess, but she wasn't mean. She was oblivious of many things, but she still ended up having a desire to learn and persevere. She was much stronger than I expected.
This was my first book by Callie Hutton, but won't be my last.
Nate and Angel were really adorable together, and even though I think Nate was written a little too perfectly, I really like him. He was written as a great husband AND father, and was very hands on. He clearly loved his kids.
One of my favorite things about this book is how on the fence I was about Angel, and how much I love her now. She definitely grew up as a spoiled princess, but she wasn't mean. She was oblivious of many things, but she still ended up having a desire to learn and persevere. She was much stronger than I expected.
This was my first book by Callie Hutton, but won't be my last.
November 17, 2025
I like this book. It is a good light read with fun and easy-going family dynamics and small town slice-of-life feels. This is just the book I am looking for. Plus it is refreshing that the misunderstandings have been cleared early on so the couple had an honest and clear start. I had fun reading the interactions of the four boys and the little girl. The author really wrote their conversations so child-like that it gave me a few chuckles here and there.
I guess if there is something that made me rate this lower is that, I didn’t like the way the first wife was treated in this book.
I didn’t mean that the MMC was an asshole to the first wife or was a terrible husband towards her. But it seems like the late mother of the children has been constantly treated as an after thought throughout the pages. The woman in me could feel the injustice with this treatment.
Even if the MMC never did love his first wife romantically, it seems a bit cruel to me that this book didn’t do anything to honor that woman. The MMC didn’t expound about his feeling towards her except that she was only an ok bed partner. The children never mentioned about missing their mother, not even the older boys. No opening up about the trauma of losing a woman who had birthed and loved them. And this was just six months after she died. It is scary to think that a woman is easily replaceable when she dies so I feel really bad for the first wife, despite me liking that the FMC became a good wife and stepmother in her place.
I guess if there is something that made me rate this lower is that, I didn’t like the way the first wife was treated in this book.
I didn’t mean that the MMC was an asshole to the first wife or was a terrible husband towards her. But it seems like the late mother of the children has been constantly treated as an after thought throughout the pages. The woman in me could feel the injustice with this treatment.
Even if the MMC never did love his first wife romantically, it seems a bit cruel to me that this book didn’t do anything to honor that woman. The MMC didn’t expound about his feeling towards her except that she was only an ok bed partner. The children never mentioned about missing their mother, not even the older boys. No opening up about the trauma of losing a woman who had birthed and loved them. And this was just six months after she died. It is scary to think that a woman is easily replaceable when she dies so I feel really bad for the first wife, despite me liking that the FMC became a good wife and stepmother in her place.
April 9, 2018
Angel Hardwick discovers that her step-mother has contracted a husband through a mail order bride agency -- the day before she is to board a train west to Oregon. Angel's father died, but during the time he was wasting away, his bank manager had him signing papers moving clients' money. The manager was embezelling the funds, and leaving the blame with her father. The court took all their funds, possession and home to pay the clients back.
Her step-mother traveled to Virginia to join her sister, but there was no room for Angel there.
Angel had a rough trip on the seven-day stage coach, which included a robbery. By the time she meets Nathan Hale and his five children, she is exhausted and throws up on his shoes. After getting cleaned up with the help of several ladies, Angel marries Nate and heads to her new home.
What follows is a collection of humorous and touching family scenes as the new family bonds. Nate discovers that he loves and can not live without his Angel.
BUT a series of things stand in their way to happiness. His in-laws want the children. A young lady in town is obsessed with Nate. Angel's step-mother moves into their home. AND murder.
A great adventure with suspense plus lots of heart.
Her step-mother traveled to Virginia to join her sister, but there was no room for Angel there.
Angel had a rough trip on the seven-day stage coach, which included a robbery. By the time she meets Nathan Hale and his five children, she is exhausted and throws up on his shoes. After getting cleaned up with the help of several ladies, Angel marries Nate and heads to her new home.
What follows is a collection of humorous and touching family scenes as the new family bonds. Nate discovers that he loves and can not live without his Angel.
BUT a series of things stand in their way to happiness. His in-laws want the children. A young lady in town is obsessed with Nate. Angel's step-mother moves into their home. AND murder.
A great adventure with suspense plus lots of heart.
May 23, 2021
An Angel in the Mail is a really sweet old west mail-order bride story. I really enjoyed this book. Angel is a high-society woman whose father has died and left her and her stepmother penniless. Her stepmother arranges for her to travel west and marry a widower, sight unseen, who has five children. She has no idea how to cook, keep house or any other domestic chores. She is scared witless that this man will be disappointed and send her back east ASAP.
Nate swore that he didn't want a pretty wife. Just one to help raise his children and keep his house. He got a beautiful bride who completely helpless. He was surprised but is pretty quickly falling in love with the woman who intrigues him.
Can Angel and Nate make their marriage work after the subterfuge? And will a woman from Nate's past destroy their happiness? This is a light-hearted book to read. Not real steamy - could turn the heat up, but I really enjoyed it.
Nate swore that he didn't want a pretty wife. Just one to help raise his children and keep his house. He got a beautiful bride who completely helpless. He was surprised but is pretty quickly falling in love with the woman who intrigues him.
Can Angel and Nate make their marriage work after the subterfuge? And will a woman from Nate's past destroy their happiness? This is a light-hearted book to read. Not real steamy - could turn the heat up, but I really enjoyed it.
February 22, 2022
OMG, Angel in the Mail was something else, LOL. I was thinking about giving this book 2 stars, however, since I read this book in only 2 days (and completed reading it on 02.22.2022 at that!), I figure I ought to break the 2 trend and give it a 3.
An Angel in the Mail was more like two love stories in one; featuring Angel (well, duh!) and Nate (who was an obsessed stalker in Book #1 of the series...) as well as Eli and Sylvia (Angel's stepmother). I found it kinda ironic that the stalker became a stalkee as the book progressed...
Angel in the Mail was a humorous, easy, and entertaining read.
An Angel in the Mail was more like two love stories in one; featuring Angel (well, duh!) and Nate (who was an obsessed stalker in Book #1 of the series...) as well as Eli and Sylvia (Angel's stepmother). I found it kinda ironic that the stalker became a stalkee as the book progressed...
Angel in the Mail was a humorous, easy, and entertaining read.
February 15, 2019
First half 4 stars-2nd half 3 stars. The really werid thing in this story is the stepmother Sylvia is 42 and then page 279 in the epilogue that she was only in her late thirties.
I loved the first half. Angel and Nate romance was cute even his five children were adorable. However, that second half took the glow off of the sweet romance. Still, ended with that I liked this romance story and Sylvia's romance story even though her age changed. My guess the age changed because the author decided that Sylvia would get pregnant near the end of the story and forgot to fix it in chapter one.
I loved the first half. Angel and Nate romance was cute even his five children were adorable. However, that second half took the glow off of the sweet romance. Still, ended with that I liked this romance story and Sylvia's romance story even though her age changed. My guess the age changed because the author decided that Sylvia would get pregnant near the end of the story and forgot to fix it in chapter one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
An Angel in the Mail
The love story of Angel and Nate. After the dead of her father, Angel find out she is penniless. Her stepmother, Sylvia, put het name in as a mail order bride to a man with five children. Then tell her the day before she is to leave to Oregon City. Will she learn to love him. Nate is a widower with five children and he us looking for a wife to take care of them and him. So he send for a mail order bride. When he find out that his new bride has no experience as mother or housekeeper will her send her parking? Great story.
The love story of Angel and Nate. After the dead of her father, Angel find out she is penniless. Her stepmother, Sylvia, put het name in as a mail order bride to a man with five children. Then tell her the day before she is to leave to Oregon City. Will she learn to love him. Nate is a widower with five children and he us looking for a wife to take care of them and him. So he send for a mail order bride. When he find out that his new bride has no experience as mother or housekeeper will her send her parking? Great story.
August 7, 2021
Mail order bride and father of five
Angel’s father dies, and instead of continuing their life of luxury she and her stepmother Sylvia find themselves penniless. Sylvia contacts a mail order bride company and pretends to be Angel. The day before they both leave, Sylvia finally tells Angel what she has done and gives her a train ticket to Oregon. Numerous complications occur along the way, not the least of which is scheming, despicable Lucy, who wants Nate for herself. In the end, everything works out for everyone except Lucy.
Angel’s father dies, and instead of continuing their life of luxury she and her stepmother Sylvia find themselves penniless. Sylvia contacts a mail order bride company and pretends to be Angel. The day before they both leave, Sylvia finally tells Angel what she has done and gives her a train ticket to Oregon. Numerous complications occur along the way, not the least of which is scheming, despicable Lucy, who wants Nate for herself. In the end, everything works out for everyone except Lucy.
July 22, 2021
An Angel in the Mail
Set in 1800's in Oregon City, OR, Nathan (Nate) Hale meets his mail order 👰 named Angelina (Angel) Hardwick coming from NYC. The West meets the East and all hell breaks loose. See Nate is a widower with five children. And Angel is an only child, a debutant who has not known a day of hard work. Makes for a fun story which I enjoyed.
This was another good 📖 by the author Callie Hutton.
7/21/2021.
Set in 1800's in Oregon City, OR, Nathan (Nate) Hale meets his mail order 👰 named Angelina (Angel) Hardwick coming from NYC. The West meets the East and all hell breaks loose. See Nate is a widower with five children. And Angel is an only child, a debutant who has not known a day of hard work. Makes for a fun story which I enjoyed.
This was another good 📖 by the author Callie Hutton.
7/21/2021.
January 22, 2024
In spite of the overall rating, I can't say I was extremely impressed. I disliked the heroine from the start and the last part of the book went a little too far with so many problems over a few days.
I think the main issue I had was that I couldn't believe someone as capable and responsible as the hero would be ok with the additional burden of a woman incapable of cooking bacon. The fact that she's hot is not reason enough to keep her around.
I think the main issue I had was that I couldn't believe someone as capable and responsible as the hero would be ok with the additional burden of a woman incapable of cooking bacon. The fact that she's hot is not reason enough to keep her around.
June 13, 2021
This could not be any better! I felt like this was a true mail-order bride situation. The trials and tribulations that followed Angel made this story into a fascinating page turner. Nathan could have had every woman falling for him with his patience and good looks. The surprises that ensued made this adventurous book turn suspenseful. A must read!
September 19, 2017
I was recommended this book and decided to give it a shot. I loved it! It was a great story and I just couldn't put it down. I even purchased another book by this author because I loved this story so much.
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