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Love Across the Sea #1.5
Bluebonnet Bride
At the turn of the 20th century, Elli Korpela boards The Baltic with hundreds of eager women, all seeking new beginnings and brighter futures in America . . . as mail order brides.
Escaping a forced engagement, Elli seeks refuge in a faraway marriage, desperately needing her new life with a Texan named Nathan White to be safer than the one she left behind in Finland. And as she glimpses her future husband and his darling niece at the train station, she instantly knows her risk will prove the best decision she's ever made.
Until he became the guardian of four-year-old Hannah, Nathan White never took an interest in marriage, arranging a mail order wife to simply love and care for his orphaned niece. That is, he never took an interest until he laid eyes on the beautiful Elli Korpela.
After a fairytale ceremony in the gardens of the grandest estate Elli's ever seen, a place called Butterfly Palace, their peaceful beginning takes a disquieting turn as an intruder brutally attacks Elli in the middle of the night. Nathan intervenes, but the devil escapes unidentified, leaving Elli to face two chilling possibilities: either the attack was arranged by strike workers in Nathan's employ or her shadowy past followed her into the present – and across the sea.
As the danger mounts, Elli and Nathan must face their enemy together, fighting to stay alive – and fighting to stay man and wife.
Escaping a forced engagement, Elli seeks refuge in a faraway marriage, desperately needing her new life with a Texan named Nathan White to be safer than the one she left behind in Finland. And as she glimpses her future husband and his darling niece at the train station, she instantly knows her risk will prove the best decision she's ever made.
Until he became the guardian of four-year-old Hannah, Nathan White never took an interest in marriage, arranging a mail order wife to simply love and care for his orphaned niece. That is, he never took an interest until he laid eyes on the beautiful Elli Korpela.
After a fairytale ceremony in the gardens of the grandest estate Elli's ever seen, a place called Butterfly Palace, their peaceful beginning takes a disquieting turn as an intruder brutally attacks Elli in the middle of the night. Nathan intervenes, but the devil escapes unidentified, leaving Elli to face two chilling possibilities: either the attack was arranged by strike workers in Nathan's employ or her shadowy past followed her into the present – and across the sea.
As the danger mounts, Elli and Nathan must face their enemy together, fighting to stay alive – and fighting to stay man and wife.
67 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2014
61 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Coble
143 books6,617 followersUSAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 6 million books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 15, 2016
Super cute enjoyable book. Mail order bride, handsome man, need I say more!?
December 29, 2017
Eh... not awful, but definitely not comparable to Colleen's other books.
November 20, 2018
I didn't realize that this was a novella when I borrowed it from Overdrive. Novellas are predictable for me and leave me lacking meat of a good book.
The voices were a fair attempt but didn't like the narrator's voice for Ellie and Hannah. They both sounded like 4 year old girls. It made Ellie sound very immature.
Not a bad attempt at a novella but will prefer Coble's other works.
The voices were a fair attempt but didn't like the narrator's voice for Ellie and Hannah. They both sounded like 4 year old girls. It made Ellie sound very immature.
Not a bad attempt at a novella but will prefer Coble's other works.
December 29, 2018
Elli she was coming from Finland to Texas, which one was to be her husband. No correspondence outside of the application to the agency.
His niece Hannah was the main concern to give her a stable home.
The wedding took place at the Butterfly Palace a grand place. A stranger breakers in and try’s to kill her, why. Her father had a meeting with a man she refused to marry and never returned. Did he follow her across the sea, or something at her husband work.A short read but of interest
His niece Hannah was the main concern to give her a stable home.
The wedding took place at the Butterfly Palace a grand place. A stranger breakers in and try’s to kill her, why. Her father had a meeting with a man she refused to marry and never returned. Did he follow her across the sea, or something at her husband work.A short read but of interest
April 7, 2022
50/50 Book Quest category: Blue.
Sweet little novella about finding love!
Sweet little novella about finding love!
February 15, 2017
Had no idea that this was a such a short story when I borrowed the audio book from Overdrive. I picked it because the story occurs around Austin. It's short and sweet, literally. Entirely predictable. Wasn't a fan of the Christian back story. Just not my thing.
April 30, 2026
It’s a novella so really short and sweet (2hrs) but I enjoyed every second of this audiobook. I thought the narrator did a great job with Ellie’s Finnish accent. I like the build up of the relationship and they had plenty of cute moments. Over 1000 European woman arrived by a single boat to American to be brides. It was in the New York Times. I thought the suspense and mystery was engaging and not completely predictable. It was a fun ride.
SPOILERS and book notes:
Austin Texas 1907
Ellie is native finish from Finland. Has a cute accent! Hannah (Nathan’s neice) is four and they have to raise her. Nathan had taught her how to curtsy! How adorable! Nathan wants Hannah loved and cherished with a stable life and is why he sent for a Europe mail order bride. He called Ellie a “blonde goddess” hehe an automobile drive to the cutest cottage surrounded by other cute cottages. A man attacked Ellie in her room in the middle of the night! He is so protective! “I made a vow to protect you. You can trust me.” He loves her grit and spirit! She loves his thoughtfulness and kindness. She loves doing something that matters! Hannah matters NATHAN matters. She works so hard. “What would you say if I asked to court you properly?” “I would say it is what I have been praying for.” And he grins!! “Can I kiss you Ellie?” She had never been kissed before! Her softness melted into his strength. “I hope that wasn’t too rough. I’m not used to kissing women.” “You are quite good at it. I trust you Nathan.” Which is huge for her. They are so adorable!!!!!! Plot twist!! The sweet neighbor a part of it?? Hidden in the doll?? So she is rich??? But chooses to be poor with her husband?? Their honey moon is all heart eyes!
SPOILERS and book notes:
Austin Texas 1907
Ellie is native finish from Finland. Has a cute accent! Hannah (Nathan’s neice) is four and they have to raise her. Nathan had taught her how to curtsy! How adorable! Nathan wants Hannah loved and cherished with a stable life and is why he sent for a Europe mail order bride. He called Ellie a “blonde goddess” hehe an automobile drive to the cutest cottage surrounded by other cute cottages. A man attacked Ellie in her room in the middle of the night! He is so protective! “I made a vow to protect you. You can trust me.” He loves her grit and spirit! She loves his thoughtfulness and kindness. She loves doing something that matters! Hannah matters NATHAN matters. She works so hard. “What would you say if I asked to court you properly?” “I would say it is what I have been praying for.” And he grins!! “Can I kiss you Ellie?” She had never been kissed before! Her softness melted into his strength. “I hope that wasn’t too rough. I’m not used to kissing women.” “You are quite good at it. I trust you Nathan.” Which is huge for her. They are so adorable!!!!!! Plot twist!! The sweet neighbor a part of it?? Hidden in the doll?? So she is rich??? But chooses to be poor with her husband?? Their honey moon is all heart eyes!
April 9, 2018
Irresistible romance meets thrilling suspense in this novella from USA Today best-selling novelist Colleen Coble.
At the turn of the 20th century, Elli Korpela boarded The Baltic as a mail order bride. But the threat she thought she was escaping somehow followed her to America . . .
Escaping a forced engagement, Elli sought refuge in an arranged, mail-order marriage. Her betrothed is a Texan named Nathan White. As she glimpses her future husband and his darling niece at the train station, she instantly knows her risk will prove the best decision she's ever made.
Nathan White never took an interest in marriage until he became the guardian of four-year-old Hannah. He's arranged a mail order wife to love and care for his orphaned niece. But his mind changes when he first sees the beautiful Elli Korpela
After a glorious wedding ceremony in the gardens of a place called Butterfly Palace—the grandest estate Elli's ever seen—a peaceful beginning takes a disquieting turn. An intruder brutally attacks Elli. Nathan intervenes, but the devil escapes unidentified, leaving Elli to face two chilling possibilities: either the attack was arranged by strike workers in Nathan's employ or her shadowy past followed her across the sea.
As the danger mounts, Elli and Nathan must face their enemy together, fighting for their newfound marriage—and for their lives.
Irresistible romance meets thrilling suspense in this novella that will keep your attention. A quick
and awesome read. 5 stars
At the turn of the 20th century, Elli Korpela boarded The Baltic as a mail order bride. But the threat she thought she was escaping somehow followed her to America . . .
Escaping a forced engagement, Elli sought refuge in an arranged, mail-order marriage. Her betrothed is a Texan named Nathan White. As she glimpses her future husband and his darling niece at the train station, she instantly knows her risk will prove the best decision she's ever made.
Nathan White never took an interest in marriage until he became the guardian of four-year-old Hannah. He's arranged a mail order wife to love and care for his orphaned niece. But his mind changes when he first sees the beautiful Elli Korpela
After a glorious wedding ceremony in the gardens of a place called Butterfly Palace—the grandest estate Elli's ever seen—a peaceful beginning takes a disquieting turn. An intruder brutally attacks Elli. Nathan intervenes, but the devil escapes unidentified, leaving Elli to face two chilling possibilities: either the attack was arranged by strike workers in Nathan's employ or her shadowy past followed her across the sea.
As the danger mounts, Elli and Nathan must face their enemy together, fighting for their newfound marriage—and for their lives.
Irresistible romance meets thrilling suspense in this novella that will keep your attention. A quick
and awesome read. 5 stars
June 3, 2017
I liked this one 100% more than The Butterfly Palace. Though, admittedly, the plot was resolved a little to quickly and easily for my taste. It was nice to see Coble carry on the storyline of a familiar face without getting too in depth with the old faces (I say that largely due to how much I loathed The Butterfly Palace. Usually I love catching up with old friends.)
I'm surprised that the whole "mail-order-bride" storyline wasn't explored further. The story revolved more around who's attacking Elli than the historical element of girls being brought over on the Baltic (which, I admit, I don't know is a fictional element created for Coble's purposes). On that vein, I must say that what I found most unbelievable was how quickly Elli was found. I mean, she was attacked on her first day in town or something? After how long on the boat? After how long on the train? After how long in the States? I know it's speculated how she was found, but I think that could've been better established.
This is a short story, so it won't take long. Go for it if you feel like it; I don't think it would be a waste of your time.
I'm surprised that the whole "mail-order-bride" storyline wasn't explored further. The story revolved more around who's attacking Elli than the historical element of girls being brought over on the Baltic (which, I admit, I don't know is a fictional element created for Coble's purposes). On that vein, I must say that what I found most unbelievable was how quickly Elli was found. I mean, she was attacked on her first day in town or something? After how long on the boat? After how long on the train? After how long in the States? I know it's speculated how she was found, but I think that could've been better established.
This is a short story, so it won't take long. Go for it if you feel like it; I don't think it would be a waste of your time.
read-didn-t-finish
May 6, 2025I started the audiobook from the library. I enjoy mail order bride stories and TX pioneer stories so I thought this might be enjoyable. The narrator was awful. She used a weird little girl voice for the adult bride and a weird little boy voice for the man. It wasn’t researched at all. She’s from Finland but she speaks English because her mother is Australian? At the turn of the century? Plus, the way they spoke, using American sayings and vocabulary that wasn’t used then, was very annoying. Plus, what they said- not accurate. Plus, how she described the house and furnishings, etc. Very poorly written and atrociously narrated. I only made it a few chapters in and couldn’t take it anymore.
December 9, 2025
???
this book was like insanely traditional which of course makes sense for that era. really dove deep into stereotypical gender roles. it wasn’t bad at all, but that’s just not what i’m into. the stereotypes got me lol. but there’s nothing overtly wrong with it. also i liked the references to christ because it’s something that’s really important in my life and this is one of the few times i’ve seen it positively represented in media. (i’m not saying it’s not common, i’m sure it is, just not within with the genres/books i normally read).
this book was like insanely traditional which of course makes sense for that era. really dove deep into stereotypical gender roles. it wasn’t bad at all, but that’s just not what i’m into. the stereotypes got me lol. but there’s nothing overtly wrong with it. also i liked the references to christ because it’s something that’s really important in my life and this is one of the few times i’ve seen it positively represented in media. (i’m not saying it’s not common, i’m sure it is, just not within with the genres/books i normally read).
March 14, 2018
God Does Provide
It was going to be a whole new life for Elli. The old one had been very sad. Her Father had been killed, she had lost her home to their neighbor and she was left with nothing. The letter to solve all her troubles arrived. Did she dare take the plunge? Did she leave Finland for the strange country called America? What would be waiting for her there? Read this short booklet and find all the answers.
It was going to be a whole new life for Elli. The old one had been very sad. Her Father had been killed, she had lost her home to their neighbor and she was left with nothing. The letter to solve all her troubles arrived. Did she dare take the plunge? Did she leave Finland for the strange country called America? What would be waiting for her there? Read this short booklet and find all the answers.
June 18, 2019
This little gem was an ebook I found that comes after Colleen Coble’s The Butterfly Palace. This is a short story titled Bluebonnet Bride and follows a side sequel story over one of the characters in The Butterfly Palace as well as touching in on the other main character’s lives and allowing you to get a glimpse of where they ended up a few years later. Colleen packed romance, suspense, and mystery into this short story in a way that convinced me to stay and finish it in one sitting.
August 24, 2021
The general plot had potential, but it was all just a little too rushed and shallow - like a rough outline of a book more than a real work. I'm glad to see others mention that CC's other works are better, as I do like the historical mystery deal she has going on here. I felt like the plot lacked depth and emotion. There was a telling of events, but I didn't see a lot of the drive, motivation, or emotions that would generally drive people.
February 26, 2018
A fast read, intrigue, and a sweet romance. Always love the mail order bride books. The little girl Hannah is adorable and I liked the main characters Elli and Nathan. This is the 2nd and last in this series, Love Across The Sea. It takes place In the early 1900's in Texas. I loved it, but wish it had been a bit longer.
February 27, 2023
I did not remember reading this before, even thought it was marked as such. Colleen Coble is a favorite of mine. Bluebonnet Bride is a little different from the other books I have read by this author. Ms. Coble has a way after reading a few pages of her novels, you are taken along a journey. I could not put this down until I had finished.
July 9, 2018
Curl up in your favorite chair...
And enjoy this sweet romance with a mysterious twist. Is it something from Ellie's past...Or from something tied to the position management position Nathan had just acquired.You won't be disappointed!
And enjoy this sweet romance with a mysterious twist. Is it something from Ellie's past...Or from something tied to the position management position Nathan had just acquired.You won't be disappointed!
February 25, 2019
I listened to this as an audiobook. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had just read it because the voices the reader used in the audiobook kind of threw me off. The story is fine. Characters could have been better developed, but it was a sweet story.
February 13, 2020
Short story about a finish girl who sailed to the americas as a picture bride. She’s all ready to begin her new life with her new husband and daughter, but someone keeps attacking her.
Short, but entertaining.
Short, but entertaining.
December 5, 2024
That was...interesting...to say the least. I can kind of feel the thick, almost tangible, suffocating misogyny in the form of words trying to influence my mind. Like, what the fuck? Anyway, glad it was a short book, don't think I could've convinced myself to read more otherwise,
March 3, 2025
Was looking for something short to keep my interest while I did some laundry. This required a huge amount of suspension of belief and was just so improbable, I had a hard time forcing myself to finish.
Cute idea, but sadly, just meh.
Cute idea, but sadly, just meh.
December 13, 2017
A sweet short Christian-themed story about a mail-order bride and the man to whom she is wed. Very uplifting and just a nice read.
May 12, 2018
It was ok. A little too much action for the length of the story and not enough development.
June 11, 2018
very nice story
July 26, 2018
I enjoyed Bluebonnet Bride. It could have been longer, more to enjoy.
September 7, 2018
This was short and refreshing, just what I needed. It reminded me of the marriage of convenience book I read a while back. I always love stories where they marry as strangers then fall in love.
October 21, 2018
Cute novella. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery. Nice short easy listen & read.
November 11, 2018
3.5 stars
December 5, 2018
Quick short follow up to butterfly palace.
December 9, 2018
Sweet story. Well developed plot, character growth and interesting time in history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews