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MAIL-ORDER BRIDES OF THE WEST is a collaborative series by New York Times bestselling author Debra Holland and USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fyffe.
When Lina Napolitano’s nanny position ends, she has no desire to return to the crowded family compound in St. Louis and endure the pressure from all her boisterous and overbearing Italian relatives to marry a local man. After eight years of living away from her family, she’s accustomed to making her own decisions. Lina wishes to be a wife—just not of the local garbage man or fishmonger. Traveling as a mail-order bride to Sweetwater Springs, Montana seems like the perfect solution to escaping her smothering family and forging her own life.
After childbirth robs Jonah Barrett of his Indian wife, he is left to raise their toddler Adam alone. When Adam falls into the fireplace and burns his hand, Jonah becomes desperate to find the boy a mother—one who’ll care for him and accept the child’s half-breed heritage. And a woman who doesn’t know Jonah’s whole past.
Will outgoing, demonstrative Lina fit into his solitary world and want to stay? Or will this mail-order marriage be over before the relationship really begins?
See Caroline Fyffe’s companion book, Mail-Order Brides of the West: Heather, to find out what happens to Lina’s friend and fellow mail-order bride when she travels to Y Knot, Montana to become the wife of lumber mill owner Hayden Klinkner.
1880s Mail-Order Brides of the West Series in order:
Mail-order Brides of the West: Trudy, by Debra Holland
Mail-order Brides of the West: Evie, by Caroline Fyffe
Mail-order Brides of the West: Heather, by Caroline Fyffe
Mail-order Brides of the West: Lina, by Debra Holland
Watch for more exciting Mail-Order Brides of the West books to come.
1890s Montana Sky Series in Order:
Wild Montana Sky
Starry Montana Sky
Stormy Montana Sky
Painted Montana Sky
Montana Sky Christmas
Sweetwater Springs Christmas
Glorious Montana Sky (Fall, 2014)
When Lina Napolitano’s nanny position ends, she has no desire to return to the crowded family compound in St. Louis and endure the pressure from all her boisterous and overbearing Italian relatives to marry a local man. After eight years of living away from her family, she’s accustomed to making her own decisions. Lina wishes to be a wife—just not of the local garbage man or fishmonger. Traveling as a mail-order bride to Sweetwater Springs, Montana seems like the perfect solution to escaping her smothering family and forging her own life.
After childbirth robs Jonah Barrett of his Indian wife, he is left to raise their toddler Adam alone. When Adam falls into the fireplace and burns his hand, Jonah becomes desperate to find the boy a mother—one who’ll care for him and accept the child’s half-breed heritage. And a woman who doesn’t know Jonah’s whole past.
Will outgoing, demonstrative Lina fit into his solitary world and want to stay? Or will this mail-order marriage be over before the relationship really begins?
See Caroline Fyffe’s companion book, Mail-Order Brides of the West: Heather, to find out what happens to Lina’s friend and fellow mail-order bride when she travels to Y Knot, Montana to become the wife of lumber mill owner Hayden Klinkner.
1880s Mail-Order Brides of the West Series in order:
Mail-order Brides of the West: Trudy, by Debra Holland
Mail-order Brides of the West: Evie, by Caroline Fyffe
Mail-order Brides of the West: Heather, by Caroline Fyffe
Mail-order Brides of the West: Lina, by Debra Holland
Watch for more exciting Mail-Order Brides of the West books to come.
1890s Montana Sky Series in Order:
Wild Montana Sky
Starry Montana Sky
Stormy Montana Sky
Painted Montana Sky
Montana Sky Christmas
Sweetwater Springs Christmas
Glorious Montana Sky (Fall, 2014)
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2014
821 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Debra Holland
65 books318 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Debra Holland is a three-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist and one time winner. She’s the author of the award winning Montana Sky Series, sweet, historical Western romance. Book Two, Starry Montana Sky, was selected by Amazon as one of 50 Greatest Love Stories. Debra is also the author of The Gods’ Dream Trilogy, fantasy romance. Painted Montana Sky Christmas is her latest book.
Debra has written a nonfiction book, The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving from Alpha Books (a subsidiary of Penguin). She has a free ebooklet available on her website, http://drdebraholland.com: 58 Tips for Getting What You Want From a Difficult Conversation.
Debra has written a nonfiction book, The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving from Alpha Books (a subsidiary of Penguin). She has a free ebooklet available on her website, http://drdebraholland.com: 58 Tips for Getting What You Want From a Difficult Conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 1, 2020
FIERY ITALIAN BRIDE GETS MELANCHOLIC GROOM
This is the second of the Mail Order Brides of the West series. This is Angelina's story.
Trudy has moved to Sweetwater Springs, Montana. Lina is next. She comes from a huge Italian family and wants a big family of her own. She doesn't even mind becoming a stepmother, although she still wants children of her own, too. Not minding being a stepmother is a good thing, as Mrs. Seymour matches her with Jonah, whose wife died in childbirth, leaving him with an almost two-year-old son, Adam.
Lina is excited. It seems like this match is everything she hoped for. When she arrives, however, she's not sure she can help Jonah overcome the loss of his first wife, let alone get to the point where he'd be willing to give her some children of her own. The one thing she's grateful for is that Trudy is close enough to visit, and they see each other in church. But that would never be enough to sustain anyone, and Lina knows it won't be enough to sustain her, especially if she has to continue facing the scorn of a lot of the townspeople.
This book is bittersweet. Women dying in childbirth happened much more often than it does now, and Lina also had some racial issues to overcome. I love reading a lot of these stories, because these women who chose to become mail-order brides had to overcome so many hardships. They had to be tough indeed, and Angelina's sturdy Italian heritage carries her through some of the hardest times she's likely to ever face.
The next two stories in this set are Evie and Heather, but they're also in the McCutcheon family series and I've already read those. The first two are in Sweetwater Springs, Montana. Heather and Evie are also in Montana but nowhere near these two, so except for letter-writing, they don't interact anymore. It's interesting to see how these books are connected but different. I'm trying to decide if I like the McCutcheon series better, or if, after reading two of these so far, I like this one better, but they're both good in their own right.
This is the second of the Mail Order Brides of the West series. This is Angelina's story.
Trudy has moved to Sweetwater Springs, Montana. Lina is next. She comes from a huge Italian family and wants a big family of her own. She doesn't even mind becoming a stepmother, although she still wants children of her own, too. Not minding being a stepmother is a good thing, as Mrs. Seymour matches her with Jonah, whose wife died in childbirth, leaving him with an almost two-year-old son, Adam.
Lina is excited. It seems like this match is everything she hoped for. When she arrives, however, she's not sure she can help Jonah overcome the loss of his first wife, let alone get to the point where he'd be willing to give her some children of her own. The one thing she's grateful for is that Trudy is close enough to visit, and they see each other in church. But that would never be enough to sustain anyone, and Lina knows it won't be enough to sustain her, especially if she has to continue facing the scorn of a lot of the townspeople.
This book is bittersweet. Women dying in childbirth happened much more often than it does now, and Lina also had some racial issues to overcome. I love reading a lot of these stories, because these women who chose to become mail-order brides had to overcome so many hardships. They had to be tough indeed, and Angelina's sturdy Italian heritage carries her through some of the hardest times she's likely to ever face.
The next two stories in this set are Evie and Heather, but they're also in the McCutcheon family series and I've already read those. The first two are in Sweetwater Springs, Montana. Heather and Evie are also in Montana but nowhere near these two, so except for letter-writing, they don't interact anymore. It's interesting to see how these books are connected but different. I'm trying to decide if I like the McCutcheon series better, or if, after reading two of these so far, I like this one better, but they're both good in their own right.
March 19, 2020
A no burn mail order bride romance (seriously they hold hand and peck cheeks) free on KU. There is also audio that’s part of audible escapes but I didn’t listen to it.
Lina Napolitano is a fiery Italian gal looking for a husband. Enter Jonah Barrett, recently widowed of his Native American wife in need of help for his young “half-breed” son. I originally selected it because I thought it sounded so similar to Nicole Jordan’s The Heart Breaker, but that is where the similarities end.
Jonah is not broody or rude, or plagued with feelings of guilt over replacing his wife. He’s quiet and introverted and antisocial. (He was shunned as the son of the town drunk, and having a squaw wife made things worse)
Lina is kind and instantly takes a liking to little Adam declaring she “is his mother” at their first meeting. It’s a sweet read, a few times I may have felt a twitching of emotion, but there just wasn’t any substance for me. There isn’t any real conflict, and any little thing that comes up is dealt with. It’s all very wholesome... and honestly quite boring.
Lina Napolitano is a fiery Italian gal looking for a husband. Enter Jonah Barrett, recently widowed of his Native American wife in need of help for his young “half-breed” son. I originally selected it because I thought it sounded so similar to Nicole Jordan’s The Heart Breaker, but that is where the similarities end.
Jonah is not broody or rude, or plagued with feelings of guilt over replacing his wife. He’s quiet and introverted and antisocial. (He was shunned as the son of the town drunk, and having a squaw wife made things worse)
Lina is kind and instantly takes a liking to little Adam declaring she “is his mother” at their first meeting. It’s a sweet read, a few times I may have felt a twitching of emotion, but there just wasn’t any substance for me. There isn’t any real conflict, and any little thing that comes up is dealt with. It’s all very wholesome... and honestly quite boring.
August 11, 2018
My Musings
Another delightful romance with engaging characters and a fantastic plot. Just love Sweetwater, MN. Can't wait to read the next one in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Another delightful romance with engaging characters and a fantastic plot. Just love Sweetwater, MN. Can't wait to read the next one in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
October 13, 2015
A beautiful story about an Italian city girl moving to Montana to marry a recluse. Jonah has lost both his mother and his Indian first first wife to childbirth. He blames himself and avoids all people because he fears the way they will judge he and his son. He doesn't want his new mail order bride to face the same judgement. Lina is accustomed to a large boisterous family and thrives on the relationships she shares with others. Lina and Jonah are united in wanting to care for Jonah's young son, Adam. They both want him to feel loved, accepted, and cared for. Trying to work together to accomplish this end is more difficult than either of them expected. I enjoyed watching Lina and Jonah learn how to relate to each other. Their strong characters sometimes clashed yet their growing love held them together. A beautiful story of hope overcoming difficult trials.
December 30, 2018
STAYING STRONG
The story of Lina will read well as a stand-alone and even better if you have also read some of the other stories about the other mail-order brides from the same Matrimonial agency, with brides by the names of Evie, Kathryn, and Heather, and Trudy. Several of the other mail-order brides may be mentioned in the story, but not reading about them prior will not hinder the understanding of the friendships developed. There are several more stories in this series by Debra Holland, including Darcy, Prudence, and Bertha. Mrs. Seymour seems to have a special talent for matching the right bride to the gentleman seeking a bride.
Lina Napolitano will be a requested bride with the match made by former mail-order bride, Trudy, married to Seth Flanagan. When Trudy meets Seth’s childhood friend, Jonah Barrett, and his toddler son, Adam, learning his plight as a widower, she knows the perfect bride, Lina, an Italian who has the love and compassion that not only Jonah needs, but his son, Adam.
The story is a beautiful tale of undying love, compassion, and one woman who is non-judgmental of people. Lina is kind, caring, and has so much love to give, along with patience and understanding. Jonah is a broken man with a son who needs a mother and yet; he feels he is caught between a rock and a hard place. Losing the woman he loved during childbirth along with their daughter leaves him with guilt. Knowing that her being an Indian, their children are considered half-breeds, has he doomed his son?
The story is a clean, sweet, historical based mail order bride story with Christian elements but not preachy. It has the good, the bad, and the trouble-makers that are ugly. It is an emotional story that includes loss, acceptance of death, and moving forward and making the best out of whatever situation you find yourself. It is also fun seeing Trudy and Lina together again, and the correspondence between Lina and her friend, Heather (Caroline Fyffe’s story) who moves to Y Knot, Montana Territory.
The story of Lina will read well as a stand-alone and even better if you have also read some of the other stories about the other mail-order brides from the same Matrimonial agency, with brides by the names of Evie, Kathryn, and Heather, and Trudy. Several of the other mail-order brides may be mentioned in the story, but not reading about them prior will not hinder the understanding of the friendships developed. There are several more stories in this series by Debra Holland, including Darcy, Prudence, and Bertha. Mrs. Seymour seems to have a special talent for matching the right bride to the gentleman seeking a bride.
Lina Napolitano will be a requested bride with the match made by former mail-order bride, Trudy, married to Seth Flanagan. When Trudy meets Seth’s childhood friend, Jonah Barrett, and his toddler son, Adam, learning his plight as a widower, she knows the perfect bride, Lina, an Italian who has the love and compassion that not only Jonah needs, but his son, Adam.
The story is a beautiful tale of undying love, compassion, and one woman who is non-judgmental of people. Lina is kind, caring, and has so much love to give, along with patience and understanding. Jonah is a broken man with a son who needs a mother and yet; he feels he is caught between a rock and a hard place. Losing the woman he loved during childbirth along with their daughter leaves him with guilt. Knowing that her being an Indian, their children are considered half-breeds, has he doomed his son?
The story is a clean, sweet, historical based mail order bride story with Christian elements but not preachy. It has the good, the bad, and the trouble-makers that are ugly. It is an emotional story that includes loss, acceptance of death, and moving forward and making the best out of whatever situation you find yourself. It is also fun seeing Trudy and Lina together again, and the correspondence between Lina and her friend, Heather (Caroline Fyffe’s story) who moves to Y Knot, Montana Territory.
November 30, 2020
Lina is book 4 of the Mail Order Brides of the West series by Debra Holland. These books can be read as stand alones but there are updates of each of the brides before in the series. It is not real hard to follow without the rest of the series though. I have listened to book 1 Trudy but this is my 2nd book in the series. I was able to catch up on Trudy and Evie easy enough.
In the book Lina Napolitano is one of the woman who befriended Trudy at Mrs. Seymour home where the bride's all live and learn to become good wives. Lina was a Nanny but her charges are now old enough to go off to school so her services are no longer needed. Not wanting to return to her huge families home she signs up to be a Mail order Bride.
Jonah Barrett has just lost his wife during childbirth of their stillborn daughter. He is left to run his farm and raise a toddler son named Adam alone. When Adam falls into the fire Jonah decides it is time he needs another wife to care for Adam. He knows Trudy and Seth and knows Trudy's story of being a mail order bride. Trudy and Seth help him with the letters and references to go through the agency. Trudy also thinks she knows the perfect bride, her friend Lina.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Debra Holland. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
In the book Lina Napolitano is one of the woman who befriended Trudy at Mrs. Seymour home where the bride's all live and learn to become good wives. Lina was a Nanny but her charges are now old enough to go off to school so her services are no longer needed. Not wanting to return to her huge families home she signs up to be a Mail order Bride.
Jonah Barrett has just lost his wife during childbirth of their stillborn daughter. He is left to run his farm and raise a toddler son named Adam alone. When Adam falls into the fire Jonah decides it is time he needs another wife to care for Adam. He knows Trudy and Seth and knows Trudy's story of being a mail order bride. Trudy and Seth help him with the letters and references to go through the agency. Trudy also thinks she knows the perfect bride, her friend Lina.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Debra Holland. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
November 13, 2022
Finding Affection On The Frontier
This is a sweet story of how a city girl takes on a broken family and brings them to love her and themselves. Nina grew up in a large, boisterous Italian American family with love and care and hearty eating a constant of life. Jonah exists in Montana territory with his son Adam. His Native American wife, Adam's mother, died in childbirth along with their daughter. Tragedy has haunted Jonah his entire life, but responsibility for his son keeps him from succumbing to loss. He moves forward, but barely. Read how Lina and Jonah grow together to forge a new life for all three of them.
This is an intriguing novel certain to keep you reading long into the night.
I absolutely loved reading it, well written, engaging, I recommend it to anyone.
This is a sweet story of how a city girl takes on a broken family and brings them to love her and themselves. Nina grew up in a large, boisterous Italian American family with love and care and hearty eating a constant of life. Jonah exists in Montana territory with his son Adam. His Native American wife, Adam's mother, died in childbirth along with their daughter. Tragedy has haunted Jonah his entire life, but responsibility for his son keeps him from succumbing to loss. He moves forward, but barely. Read how Lina and Jonah grow together to forge a new life for all three of them.
This is an intriguing novel certain to keep you reading long into the night.
I absolutely loved reading it, well written, engaging, I recommend it to anyone.
March 25, 2017
Lina - Mail Order Brides of the West by Debra Holland
The second of the mail-order brides. Lina is of Italian descent and fiercely protects the child in the story while making minestrone for everyone that visits.
It's a charming historical romance story that focuses briefly on the hardships of the west and the role of women but more on the hopes and dreams of finding love and friendships.
My final question on this book was that Johan was a hunter and that's how he fed the family. Is that also how he earned money? I know nothing about this era so wondered how he was able to come up with the money for the bride, and the mercantile purchases.
The second of the mail-order brides. Lina is of Italian descent and fiercely protects the child in the story while making minestrone for everyone that visits.
It's a charming historical romance story that focuses briefly on the hardships of the west and the role of women but more on the hopes and dreams of finding love and friendships.
My final question on this book was that Johan was a hunter and that's how he fed the family. Is that also how he earned money? I know nothing about this era so wondered how he was able to come up with the money for the bride, and the mercantile purchases.
February 6, 2017
Montana meets minestrone...Italian American city girl meets reclusive Montana fella. Problems faced by Lina and Jonah range from alcoholism, depression, racial tensions, bigotry, suicide, and blended families to the hardships of love, loss and life. Historical fiction that touches the heart. Characters are believable and richly developed. The reader can readily imagine Lina's desire to engage with others, while Jonah can't imagine being off the ranch. Well done book!
July 28, 2017
I think I'm done with these for awhile. I've read 4 of them and I think there are 4 more. Perhaps I'll read them sometime in the future but right now I am tired of them.
In this one, Lina is looking for a husband with children as she loves kids and looks forward to having both stepchildren and her own babies too. She ends up in Trudy's town. Trudy was the bride in book #1. Again, an entertaining fun read.
In this one, Lina is looking for a husband with children as she loves kids and looks forward to having both stepchildren and her own babies too. She ends up in Trudy's town. Trudy was the bride in book #1. Again, an entertaining fun read.
July 16, 2020
This was a incredibly good storyline!
This book brought me to tears, the stark reality of how many babies and mothers lost their lives in those days really struck me hard. My great grandfather and his first wife lost 10 out 11 children, his second wife lost my grandpa's twin brother and died of childbirth fever. I loved this story, Lina reminded me of my ex's mother with a sweet personality.
This book brought me to tears, the stark reality of how many babies and mothers lost their lives in those days really struck me hard. My great grandfather and his first wife lost 10 out 11 children, his second wife lost my grandpa's twin brother and died of childbirth fever. I loved this story, Lina reminded me of my ex's mother with a sweet personality.
May 8, 2023
Minestrone in Montana
An Italian young woman of St Louis finds herself at the end of her service as a governess and must make her own way in the world. She chooses not go home to her large and loving family but to strike out for Montana and a marriage to a widower with a toddler half breed son. Finding her way and love in this isolated frontier with a ready-made family is her greatest challenge.
An Italian young woman of St Louis finds herself at the end of her service as a governess and must make her own way in the world. She chooses not go home to her large and loving family but to strike out for Montana and a marriage to a widower with a toddler half breed son. Finding her way and love in this isolated frontier with a ready-made family is her greatest challenge.
June 27, 2023
Mail-Order Brides of the West:Lina
Debra Holland has become one of my favorite authors. I love the Montana Sky Series. This is the second in the Mail-Order Brides of the West that I have read. If you are looking for a good,clean romance then I would recommend Debra Holland and The Montana Sky series.I love reading about the adventure as the ladies find their prospective husbands.
Debra Holland has become one of my favorite authors. I love the Montana Sky Series. This is the second in the Mail-Order Brides of the West that I have read. If you are looking for a good,clean romance then I would recommend Debra Holland and The Montana Sky series.I love reading about the adventure as the ladies find their prospective husbands.
September 6, 2018
Beautifully woven into the Mail Order Bride stories
To see how a different author could continue the story. Seamlessly done. Can't wait to start Darcy.
As always, the characters are brought to life in ways these experienced authors bring from the depths of their own experience.
'll
To see how a different author could continue the story. Seamlessly done. Can't wait to start Darcy.
As always, the characters are brought to life in ways these experienced authors bring from the depths of their own experience.
'll
September 1, 2017
I enjoyed that there were two different cultures represented in this story. It added an interesting element to the mail order bride flavor. Things just seemed to resolve themselves so easily and with just a little bit of effort on each character's part that it just fell flat for me.
September 21, 2018
This is the third one I read from the Mail-Order Brides of the West and I liked it as much as the other two, its very sweet and clean, its set on the 1800's, there are horses, farms, making butter and all of those thing, I just loved them, I will continue with the series.
December 2, 2020
Mail-Order Brides of the west: Linda: A Montana
Linda was a nanny for two boys until they sent the boys to school. She became a mail order bride and Johan was in need of a wife for his son Adam.
Linda was a nanny for two boys until they sent the boys to school. She became a mail order bride and Johan was in need of a wife for his son Adam.
June 17, 2017
Lina
An emotional story this one was. I enjoyed every page. Jonah is a troubled soul but Lina brings the healing he needs.
An emotional story this one was. I enjoyed every page. Jonah is a troubled soul but Lina brings the healing he needs.
February 27, 2019
Audible Romance Package
AUDIOBOOK: Read February 25
6hrs 15min
Narrator: Lara Asmundson is ok.
Sweet one as she takes care of baby Adam little half breed.
AUDIOBOOK: Read February 25
6hrs 15min
Narrator: Lara Asmundson is ok.
Sweet one as she takes care of baby Adam little half breed.
September 26, 2019
I enjoyed reading about Lina and how she adapted to her new life in Sweetwater Springs. I like that you got to see the sadness of Jonah and how Lina brought about happiness and love.
July 28, 2020
Love Sweet Water Springs
I love all of these books. I am reading them for the second time. Hope you enjoy them as much as me
I love all of these books. I am reading them for the second time. Hope you enjoy them as much as me
December 19, 2021
This one will make you cry.
January 7, 2023
Love can overcome all things
Five stars loved this book from the beginning and to the end filled with such hopes of dreams of early life pioneers
Five stars loved this book from the beginning and to the end filled with such hopes of dreams of early life pioneers
May 1, 2023
Enjoyed
I enjoyed this mail order bride story and her grieving husband. They had a lot of cultural differences that made for some fun arguments. Clean romance.
I enjoyed this mail order bride story and her grieving husband. They had a lot of cultural differences that made for some fun arguments. Clean romance.
December 13, 2014
I just loved this story, it is a very touching read that will break your heart. You have a man who is an outcast from a young age, he marries an Indian which makes him more of an outcast. They have a child which makes him even more of one along with his child. His wife dies in child birth as did his mother did both losing a child, so much love lost that it makes you want to cry. Jonah cannot take care of his young son and get the work done around the farm. He decides he needs a wife and a mother for his boy, he can’t marry anyone around where he lives because his son is half Indian. He places an ad for a mail order bride, he is very up front and writes a very touching letter.
Lina has been a nanny, all she wants is a family of her own. She doesn’t mind taking on someone else child to raise she loves children. She agrees to marry Jonah and raise his son as her own. Lina has had a trying time as well, she has lost an important person in her life. She tries her best to be supportive of Jonah but his wife’s death has been hard. Moving to a new home in a land she knows nothing about is trying add to that the fact her husband doesn’t spend time outside of the farm and she needs people around her she makes up her mind that life will be different and works on bring him and the town together. Now if she could just talk him into having another child….
This is the second book I have read or listen to of Ms. Holland she is a wonderful author and has become one of my favorites very fast. She writes from the heart and gives her characters with soul that you can relate to. She writes compelling stories that gets right to the heart that will break your heart as she makes you smile. All her characters are wonderful caring people with passion about life, you feel their pain and their joy. She knows how to bring a story to life, their little town and its people become a part of your family. It is a town you would be proud to live in and be a part of. If you haven’t read any of Ms. Holland’s books you should give her a try, they are a clean read which is very refreshing. It is full of trying times with many lessons to remind us of who we want to be to make us a better person. Her books are full of life as she brings the land around the town to life, you feel you are there. She brings her wonderful characters from prier books into each read so you feel like you are coming home. If you haven’t listen to her audio books you do not know what you are missing. The narrator is outstanding as she makes you feel the passion for the characters in her many wonderful voices. You won’t be sorry you pick up to read or listen to one of Ms. Holland books. I haven’t found anything in this series I don’t just love…
Lina has been a nanny, all she wants is a family of her own. She doesn’t mind taking on someone else child to raise she loves children. She agrees to marry Jonah and raise his son as her own. Lina has had a trying time as well, she has lost an important person in her life. She tries her best to be supportive of Jonah but his wife’s death has been hard. Moving to a new home in a land she knows nothing about is trying add to that the fact her husband doesn’t spend time outside of the farm and she needs people around her she makes up her mind that life will be different and works on bring him and the town together. Now if she could just talk him into having another child….
This is the second book I have read or listen to of Ms. Holland she is a wonderful author and has become one of my favorites very fast. She writes from the heart and gives her characters with soul that you can relate to. She writes compelling stories that gets right to the heart that will break your heart as she makes you smile. All her characters are wonderful caring people with passion about life, you feel their pain and their joy. She knows how to bring a story to life, their little town and its people become a part of your family. It is a town you would be proud to live in and be a part of. If you haven’t read any of Ms. Holland’s books you should give her a try, they are a clean read which is very refreshing. It is full of trying times with many lessons to remind us of who we want to be to make us a better person. Her books are full of life as she brings the land around the town to life, you feel you are there. She brings her wonderful characters from prier books into each read so you feel like you are coming home. If you haven’t listen to her audio books you do not know what you are missing. The narrator is outstanding as she makes you feel the passion for the characters in her many wonderful voices. You won’t be sorry you pick up to read or listen to one of Ms. Holland books. I haven’t found anything in this series I don’t just love…
July 23, 2016
I just loved this story, it is a very touching read that will break your heart. You have a man who is an outcast from a young age, he marries an Indian which makes him more of an outcast. They have a child which makes him even more of one along with his child. His wife dies in child birth as did his mother did both losing a child, so much love lost that it makes you want to cry. Jonah cannot take care of his young son and get the work done around the farm. He decides he needs a wife and a mother for his boy, he can’t marry anyone around where he lives because his son is half Indian. He places an ad for a mail order bride, he is very up front and writes a very touching letter.
Lina has been a nanny, all she wants is a family of her own. She doesn’t mind taking on someone else child to raise she loves children. She agrees to marry Jonah and raise his son as her own. Lina has had a trying time as well, she has lost an important person in her life. She tries her best to be supportive of Jonah but his wife’s death has been hard. Moving to a new home in a land she knows nothing about is trying add to that the fact her husband doesn’t spend time outside of the farm and she needs people around her she makes up her mind that life will be different and works on bring him and the town together. Now if she could just talk him into having another child….
This is the second book I have read or listen to of Ms. Holland she is a wonderful author and has become one of my favorites very fast. She writes from the heart and gives her characters with soul that you can relate to. She writes compelling stories that gets right to the heart that will break your heart as she makes you smile. All her characters are wonderful caring people with passion about life, you feel their pain and their joy. She knows how to bring a story to life, their little town and its people become a part of your family. It is a town you would be proud to live in and be a part of. If you haven’t read any of Ms. Holland’s books you should give her a try, they are a clean read which is very refreshing. It is full of trying times with many lessons to remind us of who we want to be to make us a better person. Her books are full of life as she brings the land around the town to life, you feel you are there. She brings her wonderful characters from prier books into each read so you feel like you are coming home. If you haven’t listen to her audio books you do not know what you are missing. The narrator is outstanding as she makes you feel the passion for the characters in her many wonderful voices. You won’t be sorry you pick up to read or listen to one of Ms. Holland books. I haven’t found anything in this series I don’t just love…
Lina has been a nanny, all she wants is a family of her own. She doesn’t mind taking on someone else child to raise she loves children. She agrees to marry Jonah and raise his son as her own. Lina has had a trying time as well, she has lost an important person in her life. She tries her best to be supportive of Jonah but his wife’s death has been hard. Moving to a new home in a land she knows nothing about is trying add to that the fact her husband doesn’t spend time outside of the farm and she needs people around her she makes up her mind that life will be different and works on bring him and the town together. Now if she could just talk him into having another child….
This is the second book I have read or listen to of Ms. Holland she is a wonderful author and has become one of my favorites very fast. She writes from the heart and gives her characters with soul that you can relate to. She writes compelling stories that gets right to the heart that will break your heart as she makes you smile. All her characters are wonderful caring people with passion about life, you feel their pain and their joy. She knows how to bring a story to life, their little town and its people become a part of your family. It is a town you would be proud to live in and be a part of. If you haven’t read any of Ms. Holland’s books you should give her a try, they are a clean read which is very refreshing. It is full of trying times with many lessons to remind us of who we want to be to make us a better person. Her books are full of life as she brings the land around the town to life, you feel you are there. She brings her wonderful characters from prier books into each read so you feel like you are coming home. If you haven’t listen to her audio books you do not know what you are missing. The narrator is outstanding as she makes you feel the passion for the characters in her many wonderful voices. You won’t be sorry you pick up to read or listen to one of Ms. Holland books. I haven’t found anything in this series I don’t just love…
November 26, 2014
First, let me say, I read / listened to this book in audio format via audible.com. I always choose the audio format when available as the narrator breathes life into the book, all books! With multiple voices, accents and excitement in all the right places, it is like listening to a movie as it plays, but better as we all know the book is always better! Audio books also allow us to be hands free in our busy lives to do more than just read & make a fantastic companion on long drives!
Lina, A Mail-order Brides of the West is another fantastic tale of the Mail-Order Brides series. First we met Trudy, then the next book,we met Evie. Now in this book, we get to meet Lina (short for Angelina), a mail-order bride with Italian blood in her. Trudy went to Sweetwater, Montana and Evie went to Y Knot, Montana. Now Lina goes to Sweetwater too.
Trudy had written to Lina, to tell her of a man (Jonah) whom desperately needed a woman in his life. Jonah was married to an Indian woman (Coco) and she died during childbirth if their 2nd child. Trudy mailed Lina to tell her of the perfect match for her as Lina has great experience with kids & loves them.
Lina reads this letter and agrees to move to Sweetwater, Montana and marry Jonah. We follow along as Jonah & Lina get to know each other and grow to love each other. Lina is a strong Italian woman and it shows in everything she does.
Many times during this book Lina mentions Heather, a friend of her who also went to Y Knot, Montana to marry too, but that didn't work out according to the many letters Lina read to us. I suspect in the next book, we will learn more about Heather and get to know her better!
This is a really great book! The author, Debra Holland captured my interest in the very first book of this series and hasn't lost me yet. These books are all so exciting! I just love hearing the tales of the old wild west! The narrator, Lara Asmundson once again does a fabulous job! I just love the voice she uses for Lina complete with the strong Italian accent! The narrator breathes so much life in these stories. All of the voices this narrator has used through out this entire series has been fantastic, exciting and adventurous! Just like they say in the west... Onward hooooo.
Lina, A Mail-order Brides of the West is another fantastic tale of the Mail-Order Brides series. First we met Trudy, then the next book,we met Evie. Now in this book, we get to meet Lina (short for Angelina), a mail-order bride with Italian blood in her. Trudy went to Sweetwater, Montana and Evie went to Y Knot, Montana. Now Lina goes to Sweetwater too.
Trudy had written to Lina, to tell her of a man (Jonah) whom desperately needed a woman in his life. Jonah was married to an Indian woman (Coco) and she died during childbirth if their 2nd child. Trudy mailed Lina to tell her of the perfect match for her as Lina has great experience with kids & loves them.
Lina reads this letter and agrees to move to Sweetwater, Montana and marry Jonah. We follow along as Jonah & Lina get to know each other and grow to love each other. Lina is a strong Italian woman and it shows in everything she does.
Many times during this book Lina mentions Heather, a friend of her who also went to Y Knot, Montana to marry too, but that didn't work out according to the many letters Lina read to us. I suspect in the next book, we will learn more about Heather and get to know her better!
This is a really great book! The author, Debra Holland captured my interest in the very first book of this series and hasn't lost me yet. These books are all so exciting! I just love hearing the tales of the old wild west! The narrator, Lara Asmundson once again does a fabulous job! I just love the voice she uses for Lina complete with the strong Italian accent! The narrator breathes so much life in these stories. All of the voices this narrator has used through out this entire series has been fantastic, exciting and adventurous! Just like they say in the west... Onward hooooo.
April 3, 2015
This story deals with so many issues that are still relevant today. The problems faced by Lina and Jonah range from alcoholism, depression, racial tensions, bigotry, suicide, and blended families to the hardships of love, loss and life. It touched me so deep in my heart! This was my favorite by far of the Mail-Order Brides of the West series because it had so many layers. I love the characters that Debra Holland and Caroline Fyffe but Lina has been the one I relate to the best. She overcomes so much to find her HEA! I also love how we get to see Trudy and Seth throughout Lina's story as well as keeping tabs on Evie and Heather. The Mail-Order Brides of the West series has taken me by surprise and brought a love of a new (to me) genre of books that I did not think I would find to be so amazing! I recommend these stories to any one who loves a great love story, with amazing, strong, loving women, great characters and a new adventure with each new book!!!
March 21, 2015
Loved this story. Jonah needs a mother for his little boy and Lina needs a little boy to love. She comes from a very large family and doesn't want to marry someone that they pick out for her. Jonah hasn't been around people much since his mother died and then his Indian wife dies and leaves him alone with his little boy. Some of the people in town shun him because of his father and because he married an Indian woman. He isn't sure any woman would want to put up with someone like him. Lina doesn't care what anyone else thinks about them and will have no problem telling them to mind their own business. She immediately falls in love with her new step-son and is eager to get on with their life together. But Jonah isn't quite ready to have any more children.
June 23, 2015
Another great story about the Sweetwater Springs brides. This is the story of Lina. She is from a large Italian family. She married a man who rarely goes into town and basically has one friend. It's fun to read how Lina gets her husband out of his shell and become a part of the community.
As I read I could picture Lina's big family and all of the Sweetwater Springs gatherings. One of my favorite parts is when Jonah goes into town to check his mail. When he mentions that his mail order bride will be arriving soon, the station master tells him that he's going to need his own mailbox like the Flanigans. He figured that Lina would be writing as many letters as Trudy.
As I read I could picture Lina's big family and all of the Sweetwater Springs gatherings. One of my favorite parts is when Jonah goes into town to check his mail. When he mentions that his mail order bride will be arriving soon, the station master tells him that he's going to need his own mailbox like the Flanigans. He figured that Lina would be writing as many letters as Trudy.
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