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Bridger Brothers #1

To Win His Wife

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An attack tore them apart. The Oregon trail will force them back together. Is it possible for him to win his wife back?

She doesn’t remember their secret marriage.

When an accident in the woods steals her memories, orphan Fenna Jennings finds refuge in the warm embrace of the Bridger family. As they embark on the Oregon Trail, Fenna is determined to prove her worth to them even if her heart no longer belongs to their son, Will.

He’s not ready to reveal the truth.

They may be married, but Fenna doesn’t remember him, nor does she love him. Unwilling to disclose the truth and risk losing her forever, Will determines to make her fall in love with him before he tells her she’s already his wife.

But a secret can’t stay hidden forever.

Through midnight conversations, bar fights, train rides, and tornadoes, Will discovers an entirely new Fenna from the one he lost. When she decides to find him a wife, he'll have to convince her he wants the woman she's become.

Join the Bridger family on the Oregon Trail with To Win His Wife , a tale of hope, loss, and love. This is a clean romance and the first book in the Bridger Brothers series.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

374 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Kate Condie

16 books63 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
800 reviews372 followers
October 24, 2023
What would you do if the person you married got Amnesia and couldn't remember getting married? Will and Fenna got married in secret but then tragedy strikes, and she no longer remembers. In fact, she freaks out at his presence. Will let's his mother know about their marriage but since Fenna can't bear to even look at him, he leaves her with his family. When they are reconnected, and she can now look at him, he tries to get his wife to fall in love with him, again. This was a really good story. I loved how strong Will's love was for Fenna. He tries so hard to do his best by her. Fenna is afraid to face what she can't remember because she fears she is different now. I love how Will stood by her and helped her as well as Will's family. They are all very kind to her. Fenna is a great nurse to Will's doctoring, and she has the desire to help people. Overall, I really liked this story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,307 reviews670 followers
October 29, 2023
This start in the series takes readers from the east coast to the mid west as a group plans to move to Oregon for a new start.

The novel starts off intensely with young Fenna and Will having just secretly married. Tragedy strikes and Fenna loses some of her memory. She wants nothing to do with Will after that.

Meanwhile, Will is away learning to become a doctor.

My favorite parts of the novel were the medical emergencies along the Oregon Trail and character Molly.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,168 reviews
November 6, 2023
To Win His Wife is the first book in a new series, and one that I really enjoyed! It’s a historical western romance with an amnesia and slow burn trope.

The story begins with Will and Fenna secretly getting married. On their way back home, Fenna has an accident that steals some of her memory, including the fact that Will is the man she loved and married.

While recovering, she seems traumatized around Will, so he gives her space and leaves for two years to study medicine.

When the Bridger Family heads west on the Oregon Trail, Fenna decides to travel with them, and Will returns to join them. Fenna still doesn’t remember him, nor does she love him, but Will is determined to win back his wife, and have her fall in love with him again.

Through close proximity, private conversations, and the dangers and challenges of the wagon train, Will discovers a different Fenna—one who has grown into a strong and more independent woman, and one he loves even more than before.

I loved Will’s constancy and devotion to Fenna. I loved Fenna’s growth and seeing her self confidence evolve. Pioneer life fascinates me and the glimpses of the Oregon Trail were really interesting.

The other Bridger Brothers are bound to have some great adventures of their own, and I’m looking forward to Ben’s story next.

Many thanks to the author for an ebook copy!
Profile Image for Ashlee.
459 reviews13 followers
November 1, 2023
It's always great to start a new series and have it come out swinging. The prologue is super intense and really draws you in. I tend to read more in the contemporary genre, but I know I can always take a chance on a historical book by Kate Condie because her writing is just so good. It's definitely not a stiff story. It has great flow so many moments, whether they be funny or sad, to keep you engaged. I'm already looking forward to the rest of this series! The author does a great job of connecting you to the characters in a way that does keep you wanting to read more about them to figure out what happens next. 

I loved this plot line of Fenna and Will already being married, even if she couldn't remember getting married. I love my romance novels to end in marriage so since they were already there, I got to enjoy the journey of them falling in love again. Fenna falling almost for the first time since she doesn't remember and Will falling for the new parts of Fenna that she's built in the years since the accident that took her memories. Though, there was some tension as Fenna was very adamant about not being engaged to him again so it could have still ended in diaster but I was banking on a happily ever after from Kate Condie. Spoiler alert, I was not disappointed.

I love a good "that's my wife" moment when it's said in a protective way. It doesn't have to be done in like a possessive, raunchy way and I think the author nailed that line in a nice clean romance vibe. I'm totally here for it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Moonlight 🌸.
664 reviews97 followers
July 9, 2025
Very strong writing. Very strong concept—but the concept also seemed too big for the author to wrangle. (Spoilers)

I was instantly swept in by the author’s lovely prose and was expectant of a great time. I also kept seeing mentions of a perilous journey to the west. I expected to be thrilled. But this book suffered immensely from repetition. 70% of the book was Will and Fenna going in circles (both in thought and dialogue) about how Fenna no longer remembers Will and if she’ll ever remember him.

Over and over. It was maddening. I understand that it’s the heart of the plot and that we totally should be reminded of it, but REMINDED is the keyword. Not repeating it like we’re stuck in a loop. We either spent most chapters in their heads as they went over this again and again. Or any time we managed to move to a new scene, it ended with the same conversations.

Didn’t anyone beta read and tell the author? And so we just wasted time that could’ve been used to explore their steps toward healing, having the same thoughts/dialogue.

And the worst part was that when Fenna finally decided she was growing affections for Will, THAT felt jarring and out of nowhere. Because the time that could have been used to build up to it, was wasted. There were hints of her feelings growing about 70% in, but she ended even those with determined feelings to find Will another woman so he moved on. It would’ve been better if she had first stopped wanting to pair him off with someone, realized the thought made her ill, before she then had the moment of realization that she loved him.

Quite a bit more things felt over-stressed. I first liked Will’s nerves about being the only doctor on the trail, and the one everyone depended on. It was a realistic fear. But then it got too stressed, sounding like he didn’t have any training to rely on at all. He began to sound as if he was really a bricklayer who was just given a scalpel and thrown into a hospital. Bro, you trained for years to be a doctor—there should be some confidence.

I first liked Fenna’s insecurity about not really belonging anywhere. But that too was overstressed until it became annoying and even when someone obviously loved/wanted her, she would doubt it. And have long thoughts of how she didn’t really fit.

I could’ve liked Fenna but the author didn’t quite hit the balance with her character. She spent most of the book doubting people’s goodness and rejecting Will and mentally detaching herself from people who actually wanted her close, that it overshadowed the few good traits she had. Even helping Will heal people could’ve made her likable, but she ended up quitting the job just so that she could avoid Will.

You can help SAVE lives, miss, but that’s the petty reason you decide not to?

I did like Will. I liked his patience and gentleness, and abiding love for Fenna. Although the age gap was… yeah. It was alright the second time, but the first time, it made me uncomfortable.

I loved the tension of Will knowing Fenna was his wife and having to watch other men flirt with her while wanting to unalive them. I loved the moments where his possessiveness slipped, or when he gave in to the familiarity of loving her even when she didn’t quite understand. I liked the scene where he blearily told her she was his wife. There was so much potential but the author didn’t use it up.

I didn’t think the brothers were set up well enough for me to be curious about their stories. The only side characters set up well were Molly and Mam. Even Ben had no personality, so seeing the author call him ‘grumpy’ feels like a stretch. But I like the writing style, so I’ll probably check the book out and hope it’s better developed!

I liked the setting too. I wished at least 60% of it had been set on the trail. All that time set in the city felt slow and so boring. I think most of the story could’ve happened on the trail, with Will and Fenna having their late night meetings after a rough day of traveling. And more time exploring the journey instead of squashing it all together with a string of disasters (I enjoyed these though!) at the end.

I really liked Mam, and it’s so sad that she died. I don’t like Molly. I thought I would, but she’s truly a brat and just does “too much”. I stopped liking her when she took Fenna to that bar and Will broke his hand

Oh yeah, that was one of the many inconsistencies in the book. Will broke his hand and in two days, seemed fully healed. Never thought of it again, used his hand normally, until he got into another fight. And somehow the finger wasn’t totally destroyed in that one. SO many things didn’t add up.
- Like how a random yet upstanding priest in a neighboring town agrees to wed two young couples in secret with his wife as their witness. And then the explanation was that he saw ‘they were obviously in love.’ Uh if they were so in love, why didn’t their parents let them have an open wedding? It would have made more sense if the pastor had been a shady man who had collected a bribe. Or if he’d somehow known Will personally in the past.
-The “no showing of ankles as a lady” bit felt so randomly thought up and added, that it was inconsistent and annoying.
I can’t recall them all but the more inconsistencies, the more I realized the book wasn’t very well researched or edited.

All that said, I kept coming back to it and that’s why it gets three stars!
Profile Image for Jami Pruitt (My.lovely_readingcorner).
298 reviews9 followers
October 28, 2023
I really enjoyed enjoyed this story. It had a unique twist with Will and Fenna having married, but then she gets amnesia and forgets they are married so Will has to try and win her love again.

Will had been away for a couple of years, trying to let Fenna heal (and hopefully recover her memories), while he was working at becoming a doctor. When they are finally in the same company again he does all that he can to show her that he still loves her and tries to earn her love in return. I love how devoted Will is to Fenna.

I love how they trials that they go through bring them closer together. I also love how Fenna is able to move on from her past, mainly her forgotten memories, and come to the understanding that those lost memories don't have to define her.

I look forward to being able to learn more about Wills brothers and especially read Ben's story next!

This is the first book in the Bridger Brothers series.

Thank you so much Kate Condie for giving me the chance to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kylie Bingham.
163 reviews7 followers
November 3, 2023
This book really stuck with me after finishing it. The romance in this book was fought for and well won. They really faced some tragedies together. This book started off pretty heavy and it had some pretty tough moments throughout. I am really looking forward to the rest of this series! I love a good brother series and I think the setting of these will make for really good stories!
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Content: kissing, innuendo between married couple
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,523 reviews333 followers
October 31, 2023
To Win His Wife is such an interesting take on the amnesia trope, as it takes place historically when not a lot was known about it.

As the story opens, Fenna and Will were on their way home to tell their families they had secretly married against their wishes when tragedy strikes, leaving Fenna without her memory. It's so easy for me to sit back and say what I would or wouldn't do, but I really wished for Will to fight harder. However, the beliefs at the time were different than they are now.

Will's whole goal in life is to become a doctor and it was interesting to watch him practice and walk Fenna through the steps as his assistant once the family decided to embark on the trail heading West. They worked well together and it was a joy to watch Fenna work through her issues.

I enjoyed the snippets of connection, although some of it was through deception, and found it to be a sweet historical story.

Content: mild romance; mild+ moments of injury/death/etc and a doctor's response

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Miss R.
11 reviews
November 14, 2023
As a young girl I was always drawn to sweet romances set in the old west. It has been many years since I returned to such a setting. I thought this book, To Win His Wife, would be a delightful way to revisit a setting I was once so fond of. I do hate spoilers of any kind be it literary or film so I will try to be as thorough as can be while keeping exact details minimal so as not to spoil the story for anyone who chooses to read the tale for themselves.

Upon beginning the tale it was pretty apparent I would struggle to read this story. There was so much left to interpretation or imagination whereas Fenna’s thoughts and feelings were at any given moment. She wasn’t a well rounded character in my opinion. In my experience, most characters with information not yet privy to other characters within their story at least share said information with the reader by way on flashback or inner monologue. That was not the case here and left much to be desired and understood.

Will, while a kind man, lacks some rounding out in his character as well. For a man about to set out on the Oregon Trail as the only doctor in his party I feel as though he lacks the grit to sustain that type of character would need to develop or already attain. I’d say he needed less development than Fenna did but it was obvious enough that it bothered me throughout the entire tale.

There is a fight scene at one point that is started by way of jealousy that truly makes no sense to the story’s timeline. How would a jilted suitor, from rural North Carolina, show up post tragedy that had happened merely days before on the Oregon Wagon Trail? There was nothing to allude this jilted suitor harbored any remaining fondness for Fenna and yet he appears in Virginia within hours of the Wagon Train returning post tragedy? It does not make any sense at all. But is used as a way to drive the plot forward as the climax and I simply do not think it works or is justified.

There is plenty of tragedy, in fact one actually made me gasp aloud not expecting the author to take a turn like that; however, much like my previous statements, there was much left to interpretation or left without exact detail to what happened. Therefore, making the tragedies less impactful in my opinion.

There was no great climax to the book either. It was all just so-so. Almost stalled on the hill climb up but never peaking and finding resolution. Even when books are part of a series, personally, I feel that each book within itself should reach its own resolution for that particular story. That was not achieved here and does not bring forth any desire to purchase the remainder of the series to learn what happens next, despite the open ended-ness of the conclusion. And I absolutely hate cliff hangers and/or lack of resolution to my stories.

That sweet, nostalgic, revisiting of tales I loved as a young girl was certainly not achieved here. I do not recommend this book to anyone who seeks a tale of sweet love, triumph in the old west and tender resolution. Had I purchased this book with my own money I would be seeking a refund.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Reah N..
503 reviews19 followers
May 11, 2024
I’m not sure when exactly this story took place. Either way, it was definitely a refreshing change from the regency romances, and even the western ones, that I most often read. It was interesting to see hints of the Civil war about to happen, as well as to see life on the Oregan trail (at least for a few chapters).
The story itself had an interesting twist, too. Instead of the traditional story of a hero and heroine falling in love, this was a story of a couple who had already fallen in love, and only had to rediscover these memories and feelings.
Fenna was a strong heroine, and I appreciated Will’s patience towards her as well.
The ending was a bit too short for my liking, with Fenna slowly rediscovering her feelings for Will, but not specifically wanting anything more between them, until, in a few sudden revelations later, they were back in love. Over the course of maybe three chapters, . I would've loved if this was slower, too, like the rest of their feelings. These last few chapters are the main reason I gave this 3 stars instead of four.

Overall, a sweet, decidedly different historical romance.

Similar:
The Sheriffs of Savage Wells (Savage Wells, #1) by Sarah M. Eden A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham Annie, Between the States by L.M. Elliott A Heart Revealed (A Proper Romance #1) by Josi S. Kilpack Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

Content:
Romance: Will and Fenna married in secret, and Fenna no longer remembered. She almost married someone else unknowingly. There were also quite a few mentions of men trying to force themselves on Fenna, including the men who killed her father, and another who attempted to take Fenna upstairs in a tavern (which was never called a brothel, though it definitely sounded like one). And a few more mentions of men and women being together, including Fenna's guessing at why she and Will were out alone in the woods, though Will denies anything happened.
Violence: death and moments of peril . Will was a doctor and he dealed with various injuries such as setting a broken leg.
Religion: a few mentions of praying.
Profile Image for Laura Miller.
Author 3 books46 followers
February 1, 2024
To Win His Wife is the first book in a new series and my first book by Katie Condie. I really enjoyed this story. It was a unique, slow burn, historical romance.

Will and Fenna are headed home after secretly getting married at a young age when an attack pulls them apart. An accident happens during this attack causing Fenna to get amnesia and no longer remember getting married to Will. Not only that but she screams at the sight of him. Not knowing what else to do, Will leaves home to study to become a doctor; leaving Fenna in his family's care. When Will returns two years later to head West with his family he wants nothing more than for Fenna and him to be together. He is not ready to disclose this truth as she no longer loves him, but can he make her fall in love with him again and win his wife back?

I was intrigued and pulled into this story right from the start. It was so good and I just couldn’t get enough of Will and Fenna! When Will discovers that Fenna can now look at him without screaming he is patient with her and works to let her get to know him again without pushing her to remember anything that happened in the past. His love for her is so strong and he is so loyal. Fenna doesn’t want to face what she can’t remember. She is afraid she is different now and not the same person Will fell in love with. I love how Will makes her feel seen and reminds her of who she was and loves her even more now than he did before. I loved Will's vulnerable side; he is a young doctor and often wonders if he knows or is enough. This book is filled with action, adventure, and a beautiful tender romance. I loved the longing glances and little touches. I love the tender scene of Fenna working on Will's broken fingers and caring for him again. I loved how it helped her remember a forgotten part of herself. This was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also need to mention Will's cousin Molly! She was such a fun side character. She was confident and tough and I enjoyed her friendship with Fenna. The ending of this book is just beautiful and an amazing treat. I highly recommend this book for any fan of historical romance. In fact, I immediately preordered the second book in the series upon finishing this one!

Things I loved (just a couple highlights):
Will and Fenna’s late night talks
Fenna and Molly's relationship
Will helping Fenna when she goes out with Molly
Fenna setting Will’s fingers
The ending!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

660 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2023
I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this first book in a new series. The Bridger family has many boys and living in a slave state when they don't believe in slavery has their neighbors treating them coldly. All of the sons are still unmarried since the local families won't let their daughters marry any of them.

This story started off with Fenna Jennings (16 at the time) and Will Bridger sneaking off to get married. On their way home from the ceremony, her father finds them and is not happy. When a group of men come upon Fenna, Will and her father, they threaten to attack her, the father protects her by sending her with Will. Fenna is hurt as they try to escape and her father is killed leaving her an orphan. Fenna loses her memories and has no idea that she married Will. She actually has panic attacks just looking at him. She continues to live with the Bridger family and feels she has to earn their love by working as hard as she can.

Will has no choice but to keep their marriage a secret from everyone but his mother. He goes back to work with his mentor studying medicine and keeps tabs on Fenna through his mother. Now almost two years later the family plans on moving to the Oregon Territory due to the difficulty with their neighbors and the chance of homesteading land to start over. Will is going with the family and he hopes that he can make his wife fall in love with him again.

I really liked Will as he struggled with his feelings for a wife who had no idea she was a wife. Being a doctor he wanted to protect her by not forcing her to try to regain her memories. He had t force himself to stay away from her when she had panic attacks being around him.

I enjoyed this first book and look forward to what comes next for the Bridger family as they continue their difficult journey to Oregon.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Profile Image for Kristin (Her Literary Travels).
179 reviews
December 19, 2023
This book is the beginning of a new series by author Kate Condie featuring the Bridger brothers during the time of the Oregon Trail. I’m always grateful to Kate for featuring romantic stories in this setting. There’s much to be said about the struggles and hardships that people went through in early America.

Fenna and Will fell in love at an early age and married in secret, only for tragedy to strike immediately afterwards, causing Fenna to lose her memories and push him away. Deciding to give her the time to heal that she needs, Will leaves her in the care of his family to go east to train to become a doctor. Skip ahead, and now you have a beautiful second chance romance. The family decides to head off on the Oregon Trail and Fenna and Will have to come to terms with their past, and how to heal and learn to love each other again.

I absolutely loved Will and his dedication to Fenna. He was so determined to love her and support her no matter what. At times I wanted Fenna to come around a little faster, this is definitely a slow burn, but I also can’t imagine what it must be like to have no memory of loving someone. She feels like she’s lost her identity and is trying to rebuild that, while carving out her own sense of independence. I appreciated that side of her. My biggest complaint would be I was over halfway through the book and felt like she hadn’t had enough growth. I still wasn’t loving her as a character so I felt like her redemptive qualities could’ve come a little faster.

For those loving settings of the old American West, sweet second chance romances, and an Oregon Trail story that, while truthful to the history, is not so heavy that you can’t enjoy it, this will be the book for you!

I’m excited to see where Kate takes the rest of the Bridger brothers, certain ones definitely have me intrigued, and I’m looking forward to following this new series by her.
Profile Image for Janalyn, the blind reviewer.
4,640 reviews140 followers
November 16, 2023
Despite Will and Finna‘s parent’s objections they snuck off to the next town and married anyway on their way back Finna‘s father is looking for her right after he finds her and Will in the woods so does three outlaws who want to rob them. Finnas father puts up a brave fight so will and his new bride can get away but lost his life in the process. Unfortunately she spent her wedding night unconscious and when she woke will’s present only evolved negative emotional flashbacks and this is why Will went back to Virginia alone to study to be a doctor and Finna stayed with the Bridgers. Even when Will came home she would go and stay with friends because in her mind just the sight of him cause terror in her heart or at least it did. When the family decides to move west however Finna Will be forced to keep company with the Will who never stopped loving her since their marriage. Despite Finnas initial aversion to will they eventually become friendly but will will get her to love him again and if not what would she say when she learns they’re married? The trail is a dangerous place so can Will show Finna he wants to protect her and not the opposite? There is only two authors whose books give me a thrill just opening them and Kate Conde is definitely one of them there is just something about the waY she writes that just speaks to me I have read all her books and love them all inTo Win His Wife the first book in the Bridgers Siri‘s is no exception. I love her characters her well rounded sweet romances and her great eye for historical detail. This is a book I highly highly recommend for any historical romance ban if you have never read one of her books you’re truly missing out. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind.
Profile Image for Mireille (readingwithmrleo).
530 reviews24 followers
November 13, 2023
THE STORY  |  Will and Fenna got married in secret, the only problem is, Fenna doesn't remember it. After losing her memory due to a tragic accident in the woods, Fenna can't remember her husband and she's even scared of him. Afraid of losing her forever, Will decides to keep their marriage a secret and try to win her back slowly. When Will's family decides to embark on the Oregon Trail, Fenna joins them. Forced to spend time together in close proximity, Will and Fenna learn to know each other once again, and though they both have changed, there is still a strong connection between them.

READ IF YOU LIKE:
Second Chances
Western romances
Amnesia trope
Found family

MY REVIEW  |  I'm not used to reading books about that time period and place so it's always a delight to get to discover more of it. In this first book of the Bridger Brothers series, we get to meet this beautiful family through a touching story. A story of hope, loss, heartbreak, acceptance and learning to listen to your heart.

There was something very nice in the way Will was waiting and being so considerate about Fenna's wellbeing. Such devotion. It sure was hard for him and I did love the jealousy he was feeling at times, wanting to shout to the world that she was his wife. Our main characters had a beautiful relationship before, but as they learned to know each other after the accident, we were part of it and I loved that we got to fall for them as they did again. I really enjoyed their secret meetings at night. It was just the best thing ever.

I enjoyed the different parts of the story, from going to meet Will and his cousin, to then coming back together, to the part on the Oregon Trail. It made for different setups, and situations and it kept me engaged in the story. I'm a big fan of found family and the relationship between Fenna and the Bridger family was just that. I loved how even if the memory does not remember, sometimes the body does. It's all about that feeling! I'll be looking forward to more of the Bridger Brothers, the ending of book one definitely made me all excited for the next book!

Thanks to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
268 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2023
Oh, my goodness, I loved this book so much. I started the book one night and was finished with it by the next day. The story was so compelling that I did not want to put the book down. I had to force myself to put the book down, so I could get some sleep. Otherwise, I would have finished reading it in one sitting.
To Win His Wife is the story of Fenna and Will, who married in secret. Unfortunately, a tragedy strikes them before they can announce their marriage—a tragedy that causes Fenna to lose all her memories of falling in love with and marrying Will. The story that follows is beautiful and emotional.
Fenna struggles to figure out who she is and how she differs from the person she was before the tragedy. She is scared and unsure of who really sees her for who she is now. Kate did a wonderful job of bringing Fenna’s struggles and fears to the page. Fenna did everything she could to avoid Will and the love she is told they shared. My heart broke for Fenna as she tried to find her way.
Unlike Fenna, Will has not forgotten anything about his love for Fenna. He desperately wants to be reunited with his wife, but he has stayed away for Fenna. Once they are forced into each other’s company again, Will does his best to make Fenna fall in love with him again. My heart broke as Will struggled with courting a woman who was determined to keep him at arm’s length—a woman he had already married.
This story was so compelling. Fenna and Will were both great characters with strong arcs. The story is slow, slow burn but the ending is so worth it.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
406 reviews
December 29, 2025
An attack tore them apart. The Oregon trail will force them back together. Is it possible for him to win his wife back?

She doesn’t remember their secret marriage.

When an accident in the woods steals her memories, orphan Fenna Jennings finds refuge in the warm embrace of the Bridger family. As they embark on the Oregon Trail, Fenna is determined to prove her worth to them even if her heart no longer belongs to their son, Will.

He’s not ready to reveal the truth.

They may be married, but Fenna doesn’t remember him, nor does she love him. Unwilling to disclose the truth and risk losing her forever, Will determines to make her fall in love with him before he tells her she’s already his wife.

But a secret can’t stay hidden forever.

Through midnight conversations, bar fights, train rides, and tornadoes, Will discovers an entirely new Fenna from the one he lost. When she decides to find him a wife, he'll have to convince her he wants the woman she's become.

Join the Bridger family on the Oregon Trail with To Win His Wife , a tale of hope, loss, and love. This is a clean romance and the first book in the Bridger Brothers series
Profile Image for MK.
470 reviews13 followers
October 31, 2023
To Win His Wife is the first book in a new series by Kate Condie.

The book starts off with some action that pulled me in and I immediately became invested in the lives of the two main characters, Fenna and Will.

Shortly after getting married Fenna suffers from a traumatic brain injury. Left without her memory of their wedding, Will gives her space, hoping she will heal and eventually remember the love they have for each other.

Will’s family decides to immigrate west via the Oregon trail, which puts these two in close proximity.

I loved the little moments where Fenna learns about her past self, but also accepts her current self. Can two people who have changed, still be right for each other? Will they cling to the experienced and feelings of the past, or can they learn to love the people they have become?

There were moments I wanted to grab each main character and force them to talk or to give things a chance. But in the end I loved how it all played out. The book sets you up to want more about this family heading west and I cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for E.L. Daniel.
Author 1 book24 followers
November 6, 2023
To Win His Wife by Kate Condie

After their secret marriage, what should’ve been a magical night is transformed into disaster. The result is that Fenna suffers from short term memory loss and forgets her marriage completely, not to mention that she was ever in love with Will to begin with. Determined to give her time to heal, Will leaves her in the care of his mother for two years. But when his family decides to head west on the Oregon Trail, Will decides enough is enough and it’s time to use the lengthy journey to reignite the feelings Fenna is determined to leave in the past…

This was my favorite Kate Condie book yet! It was so engaging. The plot and thwarted love was so believable and frustrating in a hanging-on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind or way. Will Bridger is perfection… literally he can do no wrong, and I am hear for it! Like, Fenna girl what are you thinking holding him off?! I also loved the Oregon Trail plot — major flashbacks to the computer game — and can’t wait to read the next book in the series that sounds like will also take place in the wagon train. Five stars!
Profile Image for Jerrye  Tellmeagreatstorylove.
819 reviews16 followers
November 16, 2023
This was a really interesting and sweet read. I loved that it was spanned more than one location though it stayed with one family. Tragedy has already hit them in a death and Fenna’s memory loss but there will be much more for them to face before they find a home to belong to. The devotion that Fenna had to the Bridgers was wonderful and I couldn’t help but cheer for things to work out between her and Will. He was so kind and loving to her, even if it was breaking his heart. And though there was much more hardship to face, it will finally give Fenna and Will the chance to embrace the love both of them need. The only thing I wish we got to see more of was after Will and Fenna got together. I would have loved to read more about that, though Kate will probably give us more of them in future books. Definitely recommend this one if you love Historical Romance, friends.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Carissa.
426 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2023
This is the first book in a new series and I am loving the characters and setting! I was hooked right from the beginning.

Will and Fenna have quite a story! Tragedy, heartbreak, healing, acceptance. Just a few of the things our characters experience throughout. I enjoyed their journey and was so happy with the ending. Or should I say beginning? Because I know we’ll see more of these two in the books to come!

And now I have to gush a little about our main guy! Will was so patient and understanding and each new encounter he had with Fenna made me love him even more! These Bridger Brothers are amazing! I can’t wait for the rest of their stories to come!

I really appreciated the uniqueness of this story! The author has set up such a great fictional world! I’m looking forward to coming back soon!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,206 reviews
October 31, 2023
A secret marriage and memories lost. Can Will win her heart again?

An intriguing premise, as Will struggles to fight through the multiple miscommunications to win back the one his heart loves while making the dangerous journey on the Oregon Trail.

The road to love is never promised to be easy, and that is certainly the case for Will and Fenna. Will is a great guy, he has a wonderful family, and is very conscious of being respectful of Fenna. I loved how his mother and Fenna have bonded over the years, and throughout the journey.

It was a sweet read, but fraught with a lack of communication that prevented them from being on the same page sooner. A clean sweet romance, with likable characters, set on the western plain.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for AndreAna.
82 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2023
It’s always a joy to start a new series!! “To Win His Wife,” by Kate Condie is the first book in her new series “The Bridger Brothers.” And I loved it! I loved jumping into this new world and meeting the brothers!

This book follows Fenna and Will’s story. It starts off rocky, but I loved watching it unfold and to see Fenna and Will become friends, and more again! There were a few tragic moments but it was still so wonderful and I really enjoyed all the feels I felt!

“To Win His Wife,” is a clean, western romance and the setting is so fun and unique. You get to go on the Oregon trail, and meet lots of wonderful people. Some other elements you get are secret marriage, second chances, and an amnesia trope. Today is release day, so make sure to grab this one!!

*I received a copy of the book from the authors, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rita.
176 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2023
secretly wed

Will and Fenna were in love and her Pa refused their request to marry
but they secretly married anyway. They were on their way home when tragedy struck. Fenna loses her memory and refuses too see or be around Will and screams when he's near so he goes back to school too give her space. Fenna lost her parents and Bridger family takes her in and Fenna becomes so close to mam Will's mom. Will loves Fenna and is keeping secrets to spare Fenna, hoping that her memory returns he refuses too look at other women and goes home sometimes too visit disappointed with no changes with Fenna. But Fenna has secrets too! But when the family decides too go west Fenna has a difficult choice to make. Will knows that she's his wife and will go wherever Fenna goes and will do everything he can too win back the love of his life.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,095 reviews51 followers
October 24, 2023
Fenna and Will didn’t begin their married life in a traditional way. After eloping, something terrible happens that results in Fenna experiencing amnesia. Will’s constancy and devotion to Fenna against all odds makes him a man whom I admired.

When Fenna decides to go west on the Oregon Trail with Will’s family, this can either make or break the tenuous friendship that they have just begun forming again. As perils abound and tragedy strikes, I was hoping that Fenna would remember she was married to Will. With such a dilemma happening I was really interested to see what would happen.

Things to enjoy:
second chances
danger
Oregon trail
western romances

I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and a positive review was not required.
156 reviews9 followers
October 24, 2023
This was an awesome story!! This is the first book in the series and I can't wait to read about the rest of the Bridger Brothers. This is the story of Will and Fenna. They fall in love and run off to be married but are attacked on their way home. Fenna is injured and suffers from amnesia - Kate Condie does an excellent job of allowing the readers to gain insight and understanding into the many feelings that Will and Fenna have. There are many obstacles to overcome as these two young people find the loved that Will refused to give up on. I highly recommend this book as it was full of twists and turns.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura Fincher.
268 reviews29 followers
November 1, 2023
"For just a moment, she let herself think what it would be like for this man, strong and tender, to be hers."

I LOVED this book. I had been hoping for a heartfelt western romance and it totally delivered. The tropes were done so well! The slow-burn romance was definitely painful but worth it in the end. Couldn’t they just kiss already!? 😂 I felt that their love story and journey back to one another was realistic yet still heartwarming. Fenna and Will were easy to root for!

Read if you enjoy:
-second chance romances (ish)
-historical romance
-amnesia tropes
-stolen glances and hand kisses (the best part of swoony romance)
5/5 stars

!TW: Life-altering injury, Violence, Death of a family member.

* I received a complimentary ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
1,106 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2023
I absolutely loved this first book of a new series. It is full of feeling, trials and love. Will and Fenna love each other but then an accident happens, and Fenna loses her memory and has no recollection of how she and Will felt for each other. While reading this story I felt the emotions that the characters were going through. The pain at the losses they went through. The family love and then to see how Fenna slowly began to feel things she felt before even though her mind couldn’t remember them. This is a beautifully written story and I am so excited for this new series and I highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for Manda| Little Bitty Delights.
199 reviews
December 31, 2023
I love stories with an Oregon Trail setting, that’s adventure there in its self, this story not only provides that but also the sweep you off your feet feels as you get to follow Will and Fenna fall in love all over again! It’s a delicious slow burn love story as Will patiently works to make Fenna his wife again 🫠!
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Read this if you love:
💕 Clean Western Romance
💕 Oregon Trail setting
💕 Secret/Forbidden Marriage
💕 Amnesia
💕 Great Characters to fall in love with
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Thank you @authorkatecondie for sending me an e-arc to read your beautiful story. All thoughts are mine.
Profile Image for Aminata Coote.
Author 58 books67 followers
October 31, 2023
An excellent start to a new series!

I enjoyed this first installment of the Bridger Brothers.
Fenna was a sympathetic character. Ms. Condie did a fantastic job of portraying Fenna's longing for home and desire to be loved and needed for herself.

Will was a sweetheart, and his devotion to Fenna was commendable.

It was clear to everyone but Fenna that she and Will were meant to be together. Thankfully, she figured it out before it was too late.

Readers will be reminded that families are sometimes forged through bonds of love.

I received an advanced readers copy from the author as part of her launch team; a positive review was not required.
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