What do you think?
Rate this book
Florence's Good Deed:
After being forced by men who accosted her as she walked home from her job, Florence Crowley suspected she might be with child. Her sister recommended Florence seek a husband through correspondence—one who lives far, far away.
Rejected! At the end of a long train ride, her groom informs her he refuses to raise another man’s baby. He buys a return ticket but does not provide additional cash for food, Florence’s funds are limited. By the time she arrives in Columbus, Ohio, in order to eat, she is reduced to begging.
Recently mustered out of the U.S. Army, Asher Henderson stops in Columbus, Ohio, on his way to New York. Always a flirt, he first steers his friend, a German-speaking former soldier, toward a woman who does not speak English. He then pursues a beautiful young woman pleading for food money. For amusement, why not buy her a meal in exchange for a few hours of harmless teasing? When Florence suggests a potentially dangerous scheme to help the German-speaking woman, Ash’s attitude changes. He volunteers to protect her.
Florence is drawn to the former soldier but worries he might try to take advantage like the man who left her carrying a child. However, she cannot resist his offer to escort her to her sister’s home. Will she ever see him after that, or will he end up being nothing more than a fond memory—a man who momentarily helped during a time of crisis?
If you read Elise in the Rescue Me (Mail-order Brides) series, then you met Florence and Asher. However, Florence’s Good Deed is written to be a stand-alone story.
Rejected! At the end of a long train ride, her groom informs her he refuses to raise another man’s baby. He buys a return ticket but does not provide additional cash for food, Florence’s funds are limited. By the time she arrives in Columbus, Ohio, in order to eat, she is reduced to begging.
Recently mustered out of the U.S. Army, Asher Henderson stops in Columbus, Ohio, on his way to New York. Always a flirt, he first steers his friend, a German-speaking former soldier, toward a woman who does not speak English. He then pursues a beautiful young woman pleading for food money. For amusement, why not buy her a meal in exchange for a few hours of harmless teasing? When Florence suggests a potentially dangerous scheme to help the German-speaking woman, Ash’s attitude changes. He volunteers to protect her.
Florence is drawn to the former soldier but worries he might try to take advantage like the man who left her carrying a child. However, she cannot resist his offer to escort her to her sister’s home. Will she ever see him after that, or will he end up being nothing more than a fond memory—a man who momentarily helped during a time of crisis?
If you read Elise in the Rescue Me (Mail-order Brides) series, then you met Florence and Asher. However, Florence’s Good Deed is written to be a stand-alone story.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2024
100 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Zina Abbott
84 books124 followersZina Abbott is the pen name used by Robyn Echols for her historical novels. Her novel, Family Secrets, was published by Fire Star Press in October 2014 and her novelette, A Christmas Promise, was published by Prairie Rose Publications in November 2014. The first two novellas in the Eastern Sierra Brides 1884 series, Big Meadows Valentine and A Resurrected Heart, are now available.
The author currently lives with her husband in California near the “Gateway to Yosemite.” She enjoys family history and any kind of history. When she is not piecing together novel plots, she pieces together quilt blocks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 28, 2024
ACTS OF KINDNESS
The new series, Rejected Mail-Order Brides will involve women who travel to marry a man, only to be rejected for some reason or another when she arrives. The series is a clean, historical western penned by various authors. Each story reads as a stand-alone.
The story takes place in various places and is in the year 1877. Huntington, WV, Florence Crowley is caught between a rock and a hard place. She works long, tedious hours for Mrs. Spencer as a seamstress, must still bring home work at night, and lives with her younger sister, and brother-in-law, Trudy and Otis.
Asher ‘Ash’ Henderson has recently mustered out of the Army after serving eleven years. He plans to head home to see his ma in New York, but he has no intention of making it his home. He is strongly thinking of making a new life in the West.
The story’s plot will have Florence discovering that when she was beaten and raped by two men one night, she is now with child. Her sister tells her, she needs to leave, find a newspaper, send off to one of the men looking for a mail-order bride, and pose as a widow. Having nothing left, she does just that. Arriving in Marshfield, Wisconsin, she is rejected, humiliated, and only given a train ticket to return home. Ash, Dutchy, and a couple of other men who have left the military will be on a layover in Columbus, Ohio—this is where things happen. Asher witnesses a woman begging for coins, he finds an ad for a job in the West that will suit him, and then he comes to the rescue of the beggar. One act of kindness leads to others and adds so much emotional drama to this tale.
I loved the kindness of Ash Henderson, and how he helps a stranger, Florence Crowley. She is cautious but his promise of a meal after rescuing her is appreciated. Before long, another lady needs to be rescued and one of Ash’s friends helps her—but they also devise a plan of protection. Ash learns bits and pieces of the character of Florence and feels compelled to help her return to her family—but learns how unwanted she is. Together, they decide to trust each other, make a marriage, and plan for the future. The telling of this story, with the dates, locations, and people involved was fun. I loved how Ash protected Florence from not only her family but from the troublemakers of the world. He doesn’t look down on her for what happened, faulting the men who ruined her. Together, their trust and faith in one another, and God, leads them to a life of happiness.
“In only a matter of seconds, she would be married to the man who had protected and looked out for her from the moment he met her. She felt confident he would continue to do so as long as they both lived. How could I not love this man?”
The new series, Rejected Mail-Order Brides will involve women who travel to marry a man, only to be rejected for some reason or another when she arrives. The series is a clean, historical western penned by various authors. Each story reads as a stand-alone.
The story takes place in various places and is in the year 1877. Huntington, WV, Florence Crowley is caught between a rock and a hard place. She works long, tedious hours for Mrs. Spencer as a seamstress, must still bring home work at night, and lives with her younger sister, and brother-in-law, Trudy and Otis.
Asher ‘Ash’ Henderson has recently mustered out of the Army after serving eleven years. He plans to head home to see his ma in New York, but he has no intention of making it his home. He is strongly thinking of making a new life in the West.
The story’s plot will have Florence discovering that when she was beaten and raped by two men one night, she is now with child. Her sister tells her, she needs to leave, find a newspaper, send off to one of the men looking for a mail-order bride, and pose as a widow. Having nothing left, she does just that. Arriving in Marshfield, Wisconsin, she is rejected, humiliated, and only given a train ticket to return home. Ash, Dutchy, and a couple of other men who have left the military will be on a layover in Columbus, Ohio—this is where things happen. Asher witnesses a woman begging for coins, he finds an ad for a job in the West that will suit him, and then he comes to the rescue of the beggar. One act of kindness leads to others and adds so much emotional drama to this tale.
I loved the kindness of Ash Henderson, and how he helps a stranger, Florence Crowley. She is cautious but his promise of a meal after rescuing her is appreciated. Before long, another lady needs to be rescued and one of Ash’s friends helps her—but they also devise a plan of protection. Ash learns bits and pieces of the character of Florence and feels compelled to help her return to her family—but learns how unwanted she is. Together, they decide to trust each other, make a marriage, and plan for the future. The telling of this story, with the dates, locations, and people involved was fun. I loved how Ash protected Florence from not only her family but from the troublemakers of the world. He doesn’t look down on her for what happened, faulting the men who ruined her. Together, their trust and faith in one another, and God, leads them to a life of happiness.
“In only a matter of seconds, she would be married to the man who had protected and looked out for her from the moment he met her. She felt confident he would continue to do so as long as they both lived. How could I not love this man?”
April 15, 2024
Rejected Mail-Brides is a multi-author series and Florence’s Good Deed by Zina Abbott is Book 6. The story has believable characters (Florence and Asher), attention getting, page turning twist and turn plot with a satisfying resolution. Asher states: Florence, your love and our marriage have provided all my heart could desire.
As a German American immigrant I agree with Kurt. Most immigrants, as well as Germans who immigrate to the US, are proud to be Americans; but value their heritage (their mother language, the traditions, and cuisine).
I enjoy reading fairy tales, but never thought of Little Red Riding Hood as a cautionary tale. That the big bad wolf lures girls into his bed. Zina Abbott does a commendable job incorporating historical and unique tidbits into her sweet clean historical romance stories. The facts makes sense.
As a German American immigrant I agree with Kurt. Most immigrants, as well as Germans who immigrate to the US, are proud to be Americans; but value their heritage (their mother language, the traditions, and cuisine).
I enjoy reading fairy tales, but never thought of Little Red Riding Hood as a cautionary tale. That the big bad wolf lures girls into his bed. Zina Abbott does a commendable job incorporating historical and unique tidbits into her sweet clean historical romance stories. The facts makes sense.
April 15, 2024
This book addresses a difficult subject. Rape. The details are not explicit, but the reactions are spot on. Even today, rape is blamed on the woman. She has to have done something to ask to be violated. But this was not just a violation, a pregnancy results. The only solution is to pass off as a widow and become a mail order bride.
For Florence, her living choices continue to dwindle. Enter Ash. A spur of the moment decision maker finds himself taking a second look at an attractive woman. Read on to see how the story ends!
I received an complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
For Florence, her living choices continue to dwindle. Enter Ash. A spur of the moment decision maker finds himself taking a second look at an attractive woman. Read on to see how the story ends!
I received an complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
September 21, 2024
lacking something
This book lacked something for me. I don’t know if it was the format that felt off or how the characters interacted but this wasn’t my favorite book. It took a lot for me not to DNF it because it didn’t intrigue me. The elements of a good story were there. The idea behind the characters was interesting, but the execution of it didn’t work for me. If I had to put my finger on it, I guess it would stem from the fact that it was more telling the tale, adding to the “misfortune” of Florence then really giving the character depth. Ash also felt strangely lifeless. It just lacked something…
This book lacked something for me. I don’t know if it was the format that felt off or how the characters interacted but this wasn’t my favorite book. It took a lot for me not to DNF it because it didn’t intrigue me. The elements of a good story were there. The idea behind the characters was interesting, but the execution of it didn’t work for me. If I had to put my finger on it, I guess it would stem from the fact that it was more telling the tale, adding to the “misfortune” of Florence then really giving the character depth. Ash also felt strangely lifeless. It just lacked something…
June 11, 2024
Asher and Florence
This is the tale of rejected bride, Florence. Living with her sister and brother-in-law Florence is sexually assaulted on her way home from work leaving her with child. She signed up to be a mail order bride. Upon arriving her fiancée rejected her for being pregnant. She leave yo go back to her sister and meets Asher recently released from the US Army. He takers her under his wing and they eventually marry. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is the tale of rejected bride, Florence. Living with her sister and brother-in-law Florence is sexually assaulted on her way home from work leaving her with child. She signed up to be a mail order bride. Upon arriving her fiancée rejected her for being pregnant. She leave yo go back to her sister and meets Asher recently released from the US Army. He takers her under his wing and they eventually marry. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
June 23, 2024
As a big fan of Paul Harvey, I’m glad Zina Abbott has given us “the rest of the story”. We find out about Florence Crowley who aided Elise and Kurt. After all that has happened to her, I was happy to see her stand up to her groom after he rejects her (to be honest, she dodged a bullet with that one). Asher is not who one might expect to be a knight in shining armor, but he proves to be one. This book will bring you to anger, to hopeful, to happy. However, that road is not smooth, and Florence needs Asher’s help more than she expects. I loved this book.
April 19, 2024
The story of a young lady that is left no choice but to become a mail order bride. Her situation is such that happens today and has since the beginning of time.
Arriving to become a wife, she is rejected by would be husband due to her pregnancy. What is she to do? With Zina's excellent prose, Florence meets her future husband, who is meant to be. But can she trust him?
A difficult subject but well done and with the heroine finding her happy ever after!
Arriving to become a wife, she is rejected by would be husband due to her pregnancy. What is she to do? With Zina's excellent prose, Florence meets her future husband, who is meant to be. But can she trust him?
A difficult subject but well done and with the heroine finding her happy ever after!
February 15, 2026
Perseverance
Florence’s Good Deed will allow you to see how hard being a woman alone. Florence finds herself in trouble and decides to give herself a new life. Her intended groom, decides that Florence is a fallen woman and wants her gone now. With no money or a home to live, she heads back home. She is aided by Asher, a recently released soldier. She agrees to help another woman also and her life might be changing for the good.
Florence’s Good Deed will allow you to see how hard being a woman alone. Florence finds herself in trouble and decides to give herself a new life. Her intended groom, decides that Florence is a fallen woman and wants her gone now. With no money or a home to live, she heads back home. She is aided by Asher, a recently released soldier. She agrees to help another woman also and her life might be changing for the good.
April 15, 2024
She has no other choice than becoming a mail order bride, but got rejected when her groom found out she’s with child. Luckily she meets a nice man who will an escort her home. Can he save her when things at home aren’t healthy for her and her child?
I loved both main characters, even when everything isn’t looking good for them they are still helping others. I enjoyed reading this story.
I loved both main characters, even when everything isn’t looking good for them they are still helping others. I enjoyed reading this story.
September 30, 2024
Very compelling issues!!
Florence’s story starts out being brutally attacked by several drunk men , who get her pregnant and her sister and brother in law end up encouraging her to marry and leave. When nothing works out for her she begins begging for money and food. The hen she finds Asher and things get really good for her!!
Florence’s story starts out being brutally attacked by several drunk men , who get her pregnant and her sister and brother in law end up encouraging her to marry and leave. When nothing works out for her she begins begging for money and food. The hen she finds Asher and things get really good for her!!
June 11, 2025
Rejected Mail Order Brides book 6
Florence was attacked and later found she was pregnant. Her sister and brother in law, blamed Florence and kicked her out.
When abandoned and Hungry, a man named Asher offered her a meal at the diner. Asher has protected Florence from all kinds if harm. And then he offered his heart. Really Great Romance.
Florence was attacked and later found she was pregnant. Her sister and brother in law, blamed Florence and kicked her out.
When abandoned and Hungry, a man named Asher offered her a meal at the diner. Asher has protected Florence from all kinds if harm. And then he offered his heart. Really Great Romance.
May 30, 2024
Sweet love story!
Ash and Florence’s romance was so beautiful. She was at the end of her rope, and then her soulmate appeared. Ash was so protective of Florence and never judged her as so many others had. They were perfect for each other 💘
This was such a good read!
Ash and Florence’s romance was so beautiful. She was at the end of her rope, and then her soulmate appeared. Ash was so protective of Florence and never judged her as so many others had. They were perfect for each other 💘
This was such a good read!
January 4, 2026
Good book
I enjoyed this book. Warning- there is mention of assault. If fact, it causes the main dilemma of the book.
However, there are good men like Ash and Kurt that make the difference that book likeable.
I enjoyed this book. Warning- there is mention of assault. If fact, it causes the main dilemma of the book.
However, there are good men like Ash and Kurt that make the difference that book likeable.
June 16, 2024
great book
This was a great book and what a fantastic author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
This was a great book and what a fantastic author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
July 29, 2024
Hero
Every woman dreams of a Hero that is kind also a kind and gentle friend. This is a clean book with a few unexpected twists.
Every woman dreams of a Hero that is kind also a kind and gentle friend. This is a clean book with a few unexpected twists.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews