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Three Magic Words Trilogy #3
Life After Wife
All's fair in love and war, and Sophie is determined to win the battle for her aunt Maud's cattle ranch - even if it means fighting Elijah, a rude ex-military man. But it seems that even from the grave Aunt Maud is still matchmaking; her will states that both Sophie and Elijah must share the ranch evenly, and neither wants to give up a share. But Sophie's main focus is on the ranch, not romance; she just put her life back together after being betrayed in her previous marriage.
As the two work side by side, their feelings begin to change. But before they can find their happily ever after, Elijah must see through Sophie's hard armor to the sweet soul beneath, and Sophie must help Elijah overcome his wartime nightmares of fallen friends. In Life After Wife, second chances and true love are strong, triumphing amid heartache and despair.
As the two work side by side, their feelings begin to change. But before they can find their happily ever after, Elijah must see through Sophie's hard armor to the sweet soul beneath, and Sophie must help Elijah overcome his wartime nightmares of fallen friends. In Life After Wife, second chances and true love are strong, triumphing amid heartache and despair.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2013
2925 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,123 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
January 20, 2019
Easy read, not captivating, yet somewhat pleasant read.
Goes fine as a standalone, deposited being a port in a series.
Goes fine as a standalone, deposited being a port in a series.
March 7, 2019
Ending of a cute, light, easy read Carolyn Brown series. Nice break from my last serial killer/grizzy/murder mystery reads. Just what I needed! I will be picking up more Carolyn Brown books in the future. 3.5
April 6, 2018
Life After Wife was a nice southern romance, with characters I want to know even better. Reading the third book in the series without having read the prior books took nothing away from my enjoyment.
April 7, 2020
Just the laughs I needed!
Sad to end the trilogy, but these wonderful characters brought the happiness and laughter I was looking for. I think I laughed the hardest throughout this volume!
Sad to end the trilogy, but these wonderful characters brought the happiness and laughter I was looking for. I think I laughed the hardest throughout this volume!
August 14, 2018
Great story
Easy to read, laugh and cry, great love story, very colorful characters, read it in two settings, love and loved it.
Easy to read, laugh and cry, great love story, very colorful characters, read it in two settings, love and loved it.
November 27, 2021
I picked this book up because of the cover.
I didn’t know it was the third book in the series and yes they do say it a few times about the characters in the previous books but I still think you can listen to it out of order and not be put out by it.
It was light hearted and fun and I just enjoyed it.
Great narration.
I didn’t know it was the third book in the series and yes they do say it a few times about the characters in the previous books but I still think you can listen to it out of order and not be put out by it.
It was light hearted and fun and I just enjoyed it.
Great narration.
September 5, 2019
Great book. Audible book was awesome!
July 28, 2020
Loved the last in this series!
March 16, 2015
It's been a while since I've read Carolyn Brown. I love her southern stories. I actually find myself reading with a drawl! LIFE AFTER WIFE finds you mourning Aunt Maud. Her passing was sudden and sad. Sadder still was the fact that she left half the cattle farm to Elijah and half to Sophie. Sophie is determined to sell him off but he will not have it. Elijah is strong, tough and stubborn. He also happens to be easy on the eyes and charming. How will they manage to keep the farm working while battling over the whose, what's and where's?
Brown does not disappoint. This is an excellent Summer read and truly hard to put down!
Brown does not disappoint. This is an excellent Summer read and truly hard to put down!
October 2, 2019
Life After Wife: Three magic Words romance Book 3 is by Caroline Brown. This is the second in this delightful series. It all revolves around three young ladies who are having problems and it is left to them to figure things out.
Sophie was dead set against marriage. She had just buried her preacher husband amid lies to everyone. They thought he was a wonderful person and devoted husband; but she knew he was a cheating SOB who had died in a place accident with two women who were not members of the conference he was supposedly attending. Sophie was free from him and planned to stay away from men forever. She had moved to this small town to be with her Aunt Hattie who owned a small ranch. Hattie was dying of cancer and had told Sophie that she had left the ranch with Sophie and Elijah, a nephew of Hattie’s late husband and he had wanted his nephew to inherit. Sophie was planning to buy the nephew’s half of the land off and then she would have the ranch on her own. However, Elijah wanted to buy Sophie out and run the ranch on his own. Sparks begin to fly fast and furious.
Sophie was dead set against marriage. She had just buried her preacher husband amid lies to everyone. They thought he was a wonderful person and devoted husband; but she knew he was a cheating SOB who had died in a place accident with two women who were not members of the conference he was supposedly attending. Sophie was free from him and planned to stay away from men forever. She had moved to this small town to be with her Aunt Hattie who owned a small ranch. Hattie was dying of cancer and had told Sophie that she had left the ranch with Sophie and Elijah, a nephew of Hattie’s late husband and he had wanted his nephew to inherit. Sophie was planning to buy the nephew’s half of the land off and then she would have the ranch on her own. However, Elijah wanted to buy Sophie out and run the ranch on his own. Sparks begin to fly fast and furious.
December 25, 2019
I want more of this story!!!
I love how Carolyn writes every book!! BUT...Please continue this story!!!
I want to know if Kate and Hart finally have children?? And what is ahead in
Elijah and Sophias life with all that ranching and fires??? And those handsome
twins!! She writes just enough information so the reader can picture and enjoy
each character...as though even as you're reading her words you picture the every detail in your head!!! I so enjoyed this story !! After reading every book of Carolyn Browns'..I tell all my family and friends so they can enjoy her books also!
Thank you for taking us to Texas and for teaches us a little something in every book about humans and how love can truly change the way you think about
others!! I appreciate how she writes and what she writes!!!
I love how Carolyn writes every book!! BUT...Please continue this story!!!
I want to know if Kate and Hart finally have children?? And what is ahead in
Elijah and Sophias life with all that ranching and fires??? And those handsome
twins!! She writes just enough information so the reader can picture and enjoy
each character...as though even as you're reading her words you picture the every detail in your head!!! I so enjoyed this story !! After reading every book of Carolyn Browns'..I tell all my family and friends so they can enjoy her books also!
Thank you for taking us to Texas and for teaches us a little something in every book about humans and how love can truly change the way you think about
others!! I appreciate how she writes and what she writes!!!
April 19, 2024
This was the third book in the trilogy. Its ending was disappointingly abrupt. Though I liked the first two, this one did not have the magic story after the first half. Sophie and Elijah are willed a ranch. Both want to buy each other out. There is banter and tension. They are stuck living under the same roof together while forging ahead with running a ranch. After they develop a routine, the arguments slow down. Attraction yes, but love? Then they get married. No dating, no real deep talking. They just got married because his loins told him he wanted a family. I get the words were “Life after Wife,” but, the development of the love relationship part before the marriage was also missing.
After finishing this series, I did want to think about three words to live by. What would your three words be?
After finishing this series, I did want to think about three words to live by. What would your three words be?
January 21, 2018
Life After Wife is another contemporary, some what sophisticated love-story by Carolyn Brown. This is now my fourth novel of this author and must say I find the loads of fun. They are not at all like the old “bodice-rippers.” They’re not gutsy tales of teens or early-twenty somethings either.
In this story Sophie and Elijah have each inherited equal parts in Aunt Maud’s Texas cattle ranch. Each wants sole ownership and they’re willing to buy out the other. But, of course, events occur to make it difficult to do that. Since this is a sweet love story I was pretty sure how it was going to end. However, all the little twists the author threw in made it quite enjoyable. If you’re for s light love story, I rcommend trying a Carolyn Brown story.
In this story Sophie and Elijah have each inherited equal parts in Aunt Maud’s Texas cattle ranch. Each wants sole ownership and they’re willing to buy out the other. But, of course, events occur to make it difficult to do that. Since this is a sweet love story I was pretty sure how it was going to end. However, all the little twists the author threw in made it quite enjoyable. If you’re for s light love story, I rcommend trying a Carolyn Brown story.
September 25, 2018
Sophie is a selfish, rich btch who just inherited half a ranch from her great aunt. She tells Elijah who inherited the other half that she doesn't care that he served his country as a soldier for 20 years. She says there are no machine guns or drug cartel in Texas so he should take the million dollars she inherited from her deceased televangelist husband as payment for his half of the ranch and get out leaving the only home he has ever known.
I hate this btch and don't think she deserves a happy ending. Her husband cheated on her. Boo hoo hoo. It serves her right for marrying the kind of "religious man" who sells religion for profit. She knew he was dishonest and unscrupulous. Why would she expect honesty or honor in marriage when he had none in his professional life.
I hate this btch and don't think she deserves a happy ending. Her husband cheated on her. Boo hoo hoo. It serves her right for marrying the kind of "religious man" who sells religion for profit. She knew he was dishonest and unscrupulous. Why would she expect honesty or honor in marriage when he had none in his professional life.
October 17, 2019
Don't miss this ending!!
This was a perfect ending to the Three Magic Words Trilogy. All three women had been through unhappy times and come out on the other side stronger than before. In Life After Wife, Sophie is the widow of a not so faithful husband and for a year spent time with a beloved relative while she healed. But things never go the way you want them to. Instead of inheriting her Aunt's ranch, she has to share it with the great nephew of Maud's dead husband. Like chalk and cheese, Elijah and Sophie clash from the beginning. This is a wonderful story told by a master storyteller and even though you are sad that the series is ending, Carolyn Brown has written a satisfying romance between these two unlikely people.
This was a perfect ending to the Three Magic Words Trilogy. All three women had been through unhappy times and come out on the other side stronger than before. In Life After Wife, Sophie is the widow of a not so faithful husband and for a year spent time with a beloved relative while she healed. But things never go the way you want them to. Instead of inheriting her Aunt's ranch, she has to share it with the great nephew of Maud's dead husband. Like chalk and cheese, Elijah and Sophie clash from the beginning. This is a wonderful story told by a master storyteller and even though you are sad that the series is ending, Carolyn Brown has written a satisfying romance between these two unlikely people.
May 8, 2019
This Book Felt Like Home
What wonderful surprise to begin reading and know not just the names of the town's in your trilogy, but to have actually lived in that part of Texas for almost 8 years. I have spent many weekends at the Ridge Motel. We lived in Eastland, which is 28 miles from Breckenridge. My brother-in-law is still a Deputy in Eastland. This trilogy made me feel like I was reading about friends and family. Everyone should read The trilogy. You are one of my favorite writers. Thank you for allowing me the joy of reading your books. I have read A LOT of your books and will find another now.
What wonderful surprise to begin reading and know not just the names of the town's in your trilogy, but to have actually lived in that part of Texas for almost 8 years. I have spent many weekends at the Ridge Motel. We lived in Eastland, which is 28 miles from Breckenridge. My brother-in-law is still a Deputy in Eastland. This trilogy made me feel like I was reading about friends and family. Everyone should read The trilogy. You are one of my favorite writers. Thank you for allowing me the joy of reading your books. I have read A LOT of your books and will find another now.
July 10, 2020
Sophie McSwain’s first glance at her cousin Elijah Jones at Aunt Maud’s funeral is pure disdain the first time she sees him since they were kids. Matchmaking after death, Aunt Maud decided Sophie and Elijah would be an ideal couple. To ensure they’d have to talk she left half the ranch to each of them knowing they intended to buy the other out.
Military vet and knowledgeable rancher Eli’s just as stubborn as Sophie but a couple of kisses later and in no time at all the stubborn starts to melt and thoughts of happily ever after are floating through both their minds. However, a big fail for this reader was the unfortunately abrupt ending!
Rating: 3.25stars
Military vet and knowledgeable rancher Eli’s just as stubborn as Sophie but a couple of kisses later and in no time at all the stubborn starts to melt and thoughts of happily ever after are floating through both their minds. However, a big fail for this reader was the unfortunately abrupt ending!
Rating: 3.25stars
April 5, 2018
Elijah and Sophie
Elijah and Sophie were made partners on the ranch when Maude died. She was matchmaking from the grave.
Sophie being a hot headed Irish woman and Elijah being a stubborn ex military man makes a rollicking tale of two pitted against each other to try and get control of the ranch.
It will make you laugh and hold your sides with glee.
As always Carolyn Brown keeps the story moving and thirsty for the next book to come.
Elijah and Sophie were made partners on the ranch when Maude died. She was matchmaking from the grave.
Sophie being a hot headed Irish woman and Elijah being a stubborn ex military man makes a rollicking tale of two pitted against each other to try and get control of the ranch.
It will make you laugh and hold your sides with glee.
As always Carolyn Brown keeps the story moving and thirsty for the next book to come.
May 1, 2018
Surprise.Surprise.Surprise!
No one told me and no where is it written that this was book number three of a trilogy. I read number two first and just lucked out when I chose this one to read next. As I was getting ready to pick my next read I noticed by title of Carolyn's books that I had missed number one. They all stand alone wonderfully but, so much better if read in correct order. You must read them all. Especially if you are a TEXAN.
No one told me and no where is it written that this was book number three of a trilogy. I read number two first and just lucked out when I chose this one to read next. As I was getting ready to pick my next read I noticed by title of Carolyn's books that I had missed number one. They all stand alone wonderfully but, so much better if read in correct order. You must read them all. Especially if you are a TEXAN.
November 30, 2018
Life After Wife
Well, this was another winner from the talented Carolyn Brown. I have loved every book that I’ve read by her and I still have many more to read. Sophie has been half of the ranch and Elijah was left half. They don’t get off on a good note and you never know what will come out of Sophie’s sassy mouth, lol. If you love books about cowboys, then you will not be disappointed by this book.
Well, this was another winner from the talented Carolyn Brown. I have loved every book that I’ve read by her and I still have many more to read. Sophie has been half of the ranch and Elijah was left half. They don’t get off on a good note and you never know what will come out of Sophie’s sassy mouth, lol. If you love books about cowboys, then you will not be disappointed by this book.
February 19, 2022
secret to lasting marriage
Every minister/marriage counselor needs to incorporate the life after wife concept before marriage vows are taken!!! It’s not about the wedding ladies, that’s an event. If you like the event, become a wedding planner. If you want a good life, think about having a life after wife. Conflict is part of it. Chose a man who can go a few rounds and still stand by you. I love this phrase!!!
Every minister/marriage counselor needs to incorporate the life after wife concept before marriage vows are taken!!! It’s not about the wedding ladies, that’s an event. If you like the event, become a wedding planner. If you want a good life, think about having a life after wife. Conflict is part of it. Chose a man who can go a few rounds and still stand by you. I love this phrase!!!
September 26, 2022
Pretty good
I have read many books by this author. She is one of my favorites. However, this book was just okay for me. Not up to her normal level. I had a hard time relating to any of the characters and the chemistry between the two main characters was little to none. The ending seemed abrupt. Overall, it was a good lighthearted read but not one I would pick up again. Maybe because I read it as a standalone?
I have read many books by this author. She is one of my favorites. However, this book was just okay for me. Not up to her normal level. I had a hard time relating to any of the characters and the chemistry between the two main characters was little to none. The ending seemed abrupt. Overall, it was a good lighthearted read but not one I would pick up again. Maybe because I read it as a standalone?
October 5, 2022
5 stars
Life after wife is what Sophie was looking for if she were to ever be remarried. Book three is a lovely conclusion to the three magic words trilogy. Mrs Brown delivered another winner as Sophie and Eli struggle with coming to grips over their inheritance. The emotions run high and there are plenty of good Ol down south expressions to keep you laughing throughout this novel.
Life after wife is what Sophie was looking for if she were to ever be remarried. Book three is a lovely conclusion to the three magic words trilogy. Mrs Brown delivered another winner as Sophie and Eli struggle with coming to grips over their inheritance. The emotions run high and there are plenty of good Ol down south expressions to keep you laughing throughout this novel.
July 7, 2017
Another Winner
If hot weather & drought hadn't set the grasslands and pastures on fire, then the tension between Elijah and Sophie sure could have done it! Those two had had enough sparks flying around them to start their own 5-alarm blaze! Don'tcha just love it when a plan comes together? Thanks, Miz Brown.
If hot weather & drought hadn't set the grasslands and pastures on fire, then the tension between Elijah and Sophie sure could have done it! Those two had had enough sparks flying around them to start their own 5-alarm blaze! Don'tcha just love it when a plan comes together? Thanks, Miz Brown.
October 10, 2018
A review of the trilogy
,, I have read the full trilogy of stories in the series . The stories are well told the characters are sublime and the characterization and intensity of the story intriguing. I have found that Carolyn Brown stories are well worth my time and effort to read and I find her one of my favorite authors
,, I have read the full trilogy of stories in the series . The stories are well told the characters are sublime and the characterization and intensity of the story intriguing. I have found that Carolyn Brown stories are well worth my time and effort to read and I find her one of my favorite authors
October 16, 2018
A fun romance
I haven't read the first two in the series, but was easily able to catch up...without a lot of repeating for those who had. It's a fun story with a great ending...a bit predictable, but hey, that's why we love this genre! I had to read it through til the end...couldn't put it down into I knew exactly how things would end.
I haven't read the first two in the series, but was easily able to catch up...without a lot of repeating for those who had. It's a fun story with a great ending...a bit predictable, but hey, that's why we love this genre! I had to read it through til the end...couldn't put it down into I knew exactly how things would end.
January 19, 2019
Average
Pretty good story but nothing spectacular. I don’t see Carolyn Brown becoming a favorite. While I can’t say what was wrong, the book just didn’t flow. The dialect seemed forced. It wasn’t like the author fully understood the culture of the region. I just didn’t connect with the characters.
Pretty good story but nothing spectacular. I don’t see Carolyn Brown becoming a favorite. While I can’t say what was wrong, the book just didn’t flow. The dialect seemed forced. It wasn’t like the author fully understood the culture of the region. I just didn’t connect with the characters.
February 9, 2019
You Have Done It Again
Thank you. I have fallen hard for you marvelous stories. Of course they so far all ended right where they should. I love the historical places and facts, the humanity in the characters, the decency of the folks, your backgrounds that describe the weather, the scenes, the whole ambiance. You give me the means to imagine.
Thank you. I have fallen hard for you marvelous stories. Of course they so far all ended right where they should. I love the historical places and facts, the humanity in the characters, the decency of the folks, your backgrounds that describe the weather, the scenes, the whole ambiance. You give me the means to imagine.
October 30, 2019
I wasn’t completely convinced I would finish this book. It was kind of slow, but interesting enough to keep me going. But as I got toward the end of the book, I was fully invested. I was hoping and then cheering for the main characters as the story unfolded. At the conclusion I was fully satisfied and glad I chose to continue. This story is good for relax time reading or a travel distraction.
July 6, 2020
This story was pretty easy to read, it wasn't bad but I felt like there wasn't anything that could keep me from wanting more, it was light, fast paces and there is no angst in case you're looking for something soft to read and spend time with.
if you're looking for a summer read with love, and easy stories to share this is a great book.
you will definitely lose yourself in the characters and story.
if you're looking for a summer read with love, and easy stories to share this is a great book.
you will definitely lose yourself in the characters and story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews