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The Lonely Schoolmaster’s Surprise: Inspirational Western Cowboy Romance
When love is meant to be, you'll always find it... But is it strong enough to hold firm against all the obstacles life has in store for you?Schoolmaster James Denny is lonely. After watching his friends’ successes with the mail-order bride system, he decides to place an ad of his own – and it’s not long before he starts getting replies. At first, it seems that love will never be on the cards for James… and then hope comes in the form of a letter, not from a potential bride, but from his mother.
When she tells him that the woman he loved as a young man is recently widowed, he writes to Marianne immediately. Communication flows naturally, and it’s not long before she comes to visit him in Montana.
Marianne and James have always held a torch for each other, and what she first expects to be a stop-gap while she decides what to do with her life quickly becomes something much deeper… But once she tells him that she may never bear children, will their love be enough to keep them together?
Desperate to give her life meaning, Marianne throws herself into helping local orphans, and a surprising find one morning leaves her and James with the hope of a family of their own. But heartbreak is just around the corner, and the pair are in for far more pain and drama than they ever imagined would be in store for them.
The Lonely Schoolmaster's Surprise is the third book in the Eagle Creek Brides series. Filled with romance, action, and page-turning twists, you’ll be rooting for James and Marianne every step of the way.
Is their love enough to carry them through… and will they ever have a family of their own? Unlock the answers and discover their secrets as you throw yourself into a deep and passionate romance that has already endured so much.
Lose yourself in a tale of love, longing, and Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now.
When she tells him that the woman he loved as a young man is recently widowed, he writes to Marianne immediately. Communication flows naturally, and it’s not long before she comes to visit him in Montana.
Marianne and James have always held a torch for each other, and what she first expects to be a stop-gap while she decides what to do with her life quickly becomes something much deeper… But once she tells him that she may never bear children, will their love be enough to keep them together?
Desperate to give her life meaning, Marianne throws herself into helping local orphans, and a surprising find one morning leaves her and James with the hope of a family of their own. But heartbreak is just around the corner, and the pair are in for far more pain and drama than they ever imagined would be in store for them.
The Lonely Schoolmaster's Surprise is the third book in the Eagle Creek Brides series. Filled with romance, action, and page-turning twists, you’ll be rooting for James and Marianne every step of the way.
Is their love enough to carry them through… and will they ever have a family of their own? Unlock the answers and discover their secrets as you throw yourself into a deep and passionate romance that has already endured so much.
Lose yourself in a tale of love, longing, and Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now.
- GenresAmazonHistorical
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2023
About the author
Karla Gracey
74 books68 followersKarla Gracey was born with a very creative imagination and a love for creating stories that will inspire and warm people's hearts. She has always been attracted to historical romance including mail order bride stories with strong willed women. Her characters are easy to relate to and you feel as if you know them personally. Whether you enjoy action, adventure, romance, mystery, suspense or drama- she makes sure there is something for everyone in her historical romance stories!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 8, 2023
so glad i got this free ebook today, i love this series
she was forced to marry her fathers business partner in ny but they lived in tx. she nursed him till he died, her father wanting to marry her off again. but she wasnt having it again, she was going to sell the house and business and move somewhere else
her childhood friend was estranged from his father who wanted him to go into business with him, but he became a teacher in montana and loved it there. his mom wrote and told him of his childhood friend whos husband just died
he wrote her a letter and she wrote back to him. he had a ad for mail order bride but none of the answers interested him
she got there and she was sad as when he asked to marry her he wanted kids and she didnt think she could have any. then they found out her mom was going to die so they went to ny and got there just in time
then they got married. he found a baby and they were raising it but he went to find the mom. she was 14 yrs old and couldnt take care of the baby. the father was arrested and killed
so she loved to sing and went away to be a singer and gave the baby to them. when she came back to visit the wife was preg and then the book just stopped! i would have loved for it to go a little further but it was good
they also made a trade school in town for young kids
she was forced to marry her fathers business partner in ny but they lived in tx. she nursed him till he died, her father wanting to marry her off again. but she wasnt having it again, she was going to sell the house and business and move somewhere else
her childhood friend was estranged from his father who wanted him to go into business with him, but he became a teacher in montana and loved it there. his mom wrote and told him of his childhood friend whos husband just died
he wrote her a letter and she wrote back to him. he had a ad for mail order bride but none of the answers interested him
she got there and she was sad as when he asked to marry her he wanted kids and she didnt think she could have any. then they found out her mom was going to die so they went to ny and got there just in time
then they got married. he found a baby and they were raising it but he went to find the mom. she was 14 yrs old and couldnt take care of the baby. the father was arrested and killed
so she loved to sing and went away to be a singer and gave the baby to them. when she came back to visit the wife was preg and then the book just stopped! i would have loved for it to go a little further but it was good
they also made a trade school in town for young kids
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2023
Great story, clean romance
This isn't a Christian romance, but ut is a clean one, for which I'm thankful. And it was full of situations...from a death in the family to a vo-tech school in the mountains to a wonderful event in the end. The author did a wonderful job of keeping this reader entertained. I only wished once that she would quit writing too many details. This particular instance was like filling the quota for wods in a chapter. It was at the point when James & Marianne were in a hotel room & Marienne apologized to the maid for James leaving a mess after his bath. There was nothing that indicated James was messy. In fact, he was very organized in his home & at school. The comment was totally useless, meant to fill rest of page. The author had almost done that with James' morning routine in his house..details weren't important to me or to any other reader. I expected author to tell which leg he put into his pants first. Ha! But otherwise, this was an excellent story
This isn't a Christian romance, but ut is a clean one, for which I'm thankful. And it was full of situations...from a death in the family to a vo-tech school in the mountains to a wonderful event in the end. The author did a wonderful job of keeping this reader entertained. I only wished once that she would quit writing too many details. This particular instance was like filling the quota for wods in a chapter. It was at the point when James & Marianne were in a hotel room & Marienne apologized to the maid for James leaving a mess after his bath. There was nothing that indicated James was messy. In fact, he was very organized in his home & at school. The comment was totally useless, meant to fill rest of page. The author had almost done that with James' morning routine in his house..details weren't important to me or to any other reader. I expected author to tell which leg he put into his pants first. Ha! But otherwise, this was an excellent story
June 17, 2023
This is such an exciting, sweet series, I love it! This book is the story of Marianne and James, attracted as young people, but they never really pursued what could have been. Marianne went on to marry someone else, but now she's a widow. A problem for Marianne moving on is that she knows she can never have children, and of course all men wanted children back in those days, to help with the family farm/ranch etc. and to carry on the family name. When James finds out Marianne is a widow, he reconnects with her. Hang on to your seats because there is a lot of pain, heartbreak, and difficulties, but there is also long-lasting love and overcoming as well. It is a delightful "love rollercoaster" and I enjoyed it very much.
October 13, 2023
A Wonderful HEA
The romance is sweet and long overdue. The widow is barren and this is an obstacle to any possible future happiness-especially with someone who loves children. The story is well thought out and presented and held my attention. There was only one noticeable point of annoyance, the constant mention off the widow's inability to have children. I do think it was way overstated but the rest of the story was so nicely delivered I can only recommend this as great reading for teens and adults. Note, there is mention of a pregnancy from abuse (nothing sexual mentioned), so keep that in mind for young readers.
The romance is sweet and long overdue. The widow is barren and this is an obstacle to any possible future happiness-especially with someone who loves children. The story is well thought out and presented and held my attention. There was only one noticeable point of annoyance, the constant mention off the widow's inability to have children. I do think it was way overstated but the rest of the story was so nicely delivered I can only recommend this as great reading for teens and adults. Note, there is mention of a pregnancy from abuse (nothing sexual mentioned), so keep that in mind for young readers.
June 12, 2023
Disowned by his father because he did not bend to his wishes James goes back to Eagle Creek ,Montana. Marianne had always liked James from her young days. Now a widow she is forced to go to work for James . They have their differences in opinions but things turns around for the better. Another fact of James working with “Many Birds” community helping the children to learn the ways of the white man gives it a interesting twist to the read.A very enjoyable read. I received this book free and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
June 12, 2023
A mail-order bride story that was not the usual tale. There were lots of surprises and twists. The story takes place in 1886 in New York and 1888 in Eagle Creek, Montana. The storyline is one of renewed love, compassion for others, and mending strained relationships.
I loved the small-town descriptions of Eagle Creek. The main characters, James & Marianne are well-developed and I liked them from the beginning.
If you like sweet romance, second chances, and 1800s mail-order bride stories, this is the one for you.
Highly recommended.
I loved the small-town descriptions of Eagle Creek. The main characters, James & Marianne are well-developed and I liked them from the beginning.
If you like sweet romance, second chances, and 1800s mail-order bride stories, this is the one for you.
Highly recommended.
June 12, 2023
Thanks to their parents, childhood friends, Marianne and James travelled separate life-paths, until Marianne’s husband died. A letter of condolence from James gives Marianne options previously not considered, especially after joining him in the town of Eagle Creek, Montana.
Karla Gracey’s eloquent writing style and her well-thought-out story plot makes this a novel that is difficult to put down. She is definitely an author I will return to.
I received a free advance review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion
Karla Gracey’s eloquent writing style and her well-thought-out story plot makes this a novel that is difficult to put down. She is definitely an author I will return to.
I received a free advance review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion
June 13, 2023
A bit of a twist on the normal mail-order bride story. Although James originally advertised for a bride, as soon as he found out that his childhood friend (and the only girl he had ever cared for) had been widowed, his focus changed immediately. Though neither of them had the courage to admit their attraction in their younger years, they were both hoping for a second chance to have a happy life together. Just when you think you've got things figured out in this book, there's a new twist to grab your attention. Definitely a well-written book!
June 30, 2023
Really good
I loved that it was a longer, more developed story. Eagle creek sure does sound idyllic. Really enjoyed the wise, forward-thinking ideas the characters come up with, and implement to the benefit of all. Enjoyed how it dealt with hard issues as well. Highly recommend it. A really enjoyable and satisfying read. Stays with you after finished reading it, like savouring a good chocolate.
I loved that it was a longer, more developed story. Eagle creek sure does sound idyllic. Really enjoyed the wise, forward-thinking ideas the characters come up with, and implement to the benefit of all. Enjoyed how it dealt with hard issues as well. Highly recommend it. A really enjoyable and satisfying read. Stays with you after finished reading it, like savouring a good chocolate.
June 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this different take on a mail-order bride book. Sometimes these types of books can be mundane, however, I assure you, this one was not. I loved the twists and turns. The characters were wonderfully written and well-developed. The story flowed great with some things I was not expecting. Loved it.
June 17, 2023
I love visiting our friends in Eagle Creek. Our cast of characters has grown so much. I really enjoyed this book. It is good to see James standing up for himself and finding his own path. I love that he and Marianne find their way back to each other and Eagle Creek can do its healing on their families. Can’t wait to find out who joins us next.
June 17, 2023
It’s was fantastic seeing two lost souls find each other and heal both families only to find other obstacles. Following their path was enlightening and fun. I found several ways to make the book longer that I would have liked, but I can see another book will be made in the future. I look forward to hopefully ready follow ups to some of the characters mentioned. Book gifted to me.
July 18, 2023
Grabber of a Story
This story grabbed me quickly. It was so wonderful to find a book that carries you through the meeting on through the first year of marriage. I just can't find the exact words go describe the depth of the author's since of story telling in this book. I kept thinking, I am ready to read the next book about this family.
This story grabbed me quickly. It was so wonderful to find a book that carries you through the meeting on through the first year of marriage. I just can't find the exact words go describe the depth of the author's since of story telling in this book. I kept thinking, I am ready to read the next book about this family.
July 20, 2023
Lovely Story
I read a lot of stories. But the ones I truly like most are the stories of our proneer ancestors. Karla Gracey writes with such love. You will find yourself with tears and laughter. Most of all, her stories are believable. So sit back and relax and her books will be a real treat.
I read a lot of stories. But the ones I truly like most are the stories of our proneer ancestors. Karla Gracey writes with such love. You will find yourself with tears and laughter. Most of all, her stories are believable. So sit back and relax and her books will be a real treat.
March 6, 2024
Has a good story line, but it got kinda boring. the book was to long considering all the fluff that didn't need to be told. All in all the author is a good writer, and has some really good stories to tell, this one just didn't hit the mark with me. Now don't go by my opinion, try it, you may enjoy it immensely.
August 5, 2024
exciting and well written
This author knows how to write an exciting historical novel! The characters are well developed, and there are several plots interwoven throughout the book.
Many mail bride books are simple and childish, but this was three great stories interwoven into one. I can’t wait to dig into the next one.
This author knows how to write an exciting historical novel! The characters are well developed, and there are several plots interwoven throughout the book.
Many mail bride books are simple and childish, but this was three great stories interwoven into one. I can’t wait to dig into the next one.
January 3, 2026
what an adorable story
This was an adorable story of strength, love, perseverance, and patience. It is shocking how things were so skewed but also how things have not changed in all this time. But it also shows that it is not only women who had to adhere to parents pressure. James unfortunately had to find his voice. His courage helped Marianne. Such a great storyline!
This was an adorable story of strength, love, perseverance, and patience. It is shocking how things were so skewed but also how things have not changed in all this time. But it also shows that it is not only women who had to adhere to parents pressure. James unfortunately had to find his voice. His courage helped Marianne. Such a great storyline!
June 12, 2023
A story that has it all, discord between father and son, grief and sadness, second chances and even finding a baby! There were quite a few twists and turns throughout this amazing story. Don’t miss out!
June 20, 2023
My Musings
The story jumps around a bit with very little warning. I found myself getting lost and had to go back a few pages to see if I missed something, but I didn't. It jumps forward a bit without details. I did like the characters though. Happy reading!
The story jumps around a bit with very little warning. I found myself getting lost and had to go back a few pages to see if I missed something, but I didn't. It jumps forward a bit without details. I did like the characters though. Happy reading!
July 8, 2023
Big Surprises
The characters were brought to life by the author early and thoroughly described not only physically but emotionally. The twists and turns of their experiences were not only surprising but realistic, drawing the reader into their lives.
The characters were brought to life by the author early and thoroughly described not only physically but emotionally. The twists and turns of their experiences were not only surprising but realistic, drawing the reader into their lives.
January 7, 2024
Great book
Loved this book, so many details and adventures followed by happiness. Karla described places, things and people in such detail it was like being there. Eagle Creek sounds like a great place to live. I can't wait to read the next book. Keep up the great work.
Loved this book, so many details and adventures followed by happiness. Karla described places, things and people in such detail it was like being there. Eagle Creek sounds like a great place to live. I can't wait to read the next book. Keep up the great work.
December 4, 2024
Wonderful book! Karla Grace is quite the author! This book was such a pleasure to read! The exciting plot and many interesting subplots were so very fun to follow. I definitely recommend this book! (the author, too)
June 12, 2023
A verry nice heartwarming story based on Christian principles. The story is a moving and captivating til the end.
June 16, 2023
This was a wonderful story that reached out to me because of two people that still cared about the other after a long time apart. James was disowned by his father because he didn't want to join the family business. Marianne is now a widow alone in Texas. She decides to write to an old friend in Montana who has become the schoolmaster. Letters abound and Marianne decides to visit and the rest as they say is history.
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June 28, 2023great story and characters
October 18, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this story. His young live came to see him in his new life out west. Enjoy their reunion and their happiness
October 20, 2023
A great read. Keep up the good writing., Karla.
November 11, 2023
Good reading. Believable character s, and events.
March 31, 2024
Heartwarming story! On to the next.
May 19, 2024
I am loving this series! Great stand alone books, and great series too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews