A Mail-Order Groom for the Courageous Bride

by Nora J. Callaway

A desperate plea for help sparks an unexpected connection... But as his past relentlessly pursues them, how will these seemingly opposite souls forge a union stronger than the necessity that binds them?Evelyn, struggling to maintain her family ranch while caring for her young brother, desperately places an ad for a mail-order husband. She seeks help and independence, but what she truly wishes for is unconditional love.Ray, a reformed outlaw, is after a fresh start. He responds to her ad, unknowingly stepping into a world where he will find more than redemption.However, as she questions his rough exterior and mysterious past, and he remains unimpressed by her pride, their carefully laid plans crumble. And then… a sweeping wildfire forces them into a marriage of convenience. But how can this unexpected bond endure when Ray's past catches up?☆☆☆☆☆A Mail-Order Groom for the Courageous Bride is a stand-alone Western Historical Romance book with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.Buy it now to discover Evelyn's thrilling romantic story and feel at home in the Old West! Thank you!Get this Book FREE With Kindle Unlimited!

318 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2024

About the author

I’m a lover of nature in the mornings and a writing soul at nights. My name is Nora J. Callaway and I come from Nevada, the beautiful Silver State.

I hold a BA in English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. For years, I’ve wanted to get my stories out there, my own ‘babies’ as I like to call them, as inspired by my own experience leaving out West and my research of 19th-century American history.

All my life I have been breeding horses, cows and sheep and I’ve been tending to the land. It’s time to tend now to my inner need to grow my stories, my heart-warming Western romance stories, and share them with the rest of you!

I’m here to learn and connect with others who enjoy a cup of black coffee, a humble sunset and a ride with a horse! Bless your hearts, as my nana used to say! Come on, hope in!

Reviews

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mail Order Groom for the Courageous Bride

This was a story of how a young woman found a husband through the mail and then how they married because it would look better to the townspeople with him living in her house with her and her baby brother. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Beverly McCall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nora J. Callaway’s A Mail Order Groom for a Courageous Bride is a clean western historical romance that chronicles the romantic journey of Evelyn Clark and Ray Walsh. They are opposites. She was left to raise her infant brother, Charles, and run the family ranch while suffocated by a mountain of debt incurred by her deceased father. She is bullied by Jake Rattler, a wealthy rancher and spoiled bullied. He feels he is invincible as his cousin is the local sheriff. Jake is bullying her into marrying him. He wants the Clark land. In desperation, Evelyn places an ad for a husband. In Denver, Colorado Ray’s life is miserable. He committed a crime, got caught, was tried, and served his sentence. However despite paying his due to society, the people in Denver treat him like he is trash. Reading Evelyn’s ad, Ray believes this is chance to start over. Heads to Dusty Scar and answers her ad in person. As they get to know each other, both Ray and Evelyn keep secrets of their past. Their marriage disrupts Jake’s plan. What will Jake do to get the Clark land? Will the citizens of Dusty Scar accept Ray with his past history/ Can Ray and Evelyn find happiness? To discover their path, you must read this book.

Ms. Callaway conquers the historical western romance tale. This is definitely a character driven plot as it focuses on both Ray’s and Evelyn’s battle with their conscious and their pasts. The dialog, both conversational and internal monologue, is strong. The descriptive language allows the reader to truly understand the lead characters’ psyche. For me the plot moved slowly. So much of it was repetitive as the lead characters dwelled on their inner emotional demons instead of discussing their fears. Ms. Callaway does use intrigue as part of her rising action through three antagonists—Jake Rattle, Sheriff Dawson, and Sam Massey. Secondary characters like the Keeneys, especially Pearl, add some relief to the emotional distress from Ray and Evelyn. Baby Charles is adorable and also lends to relieving some of the stress I found from the emotional struggles of Ray and Evelyn. It is for the repetitive of this pattern that I’ve rated this book with three stars.

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice and sweet

A very nice and sweet read. This was written by Nora J. Callaway and is written very well. A criminal that spent his time in prison is treated badly after his release needs to get out of town. A woman ranch, in charge of her brother, needs help on the ranch. What does she do? Puts an advertisement out for a mail order groom. He shows up to marry her, yet one never knows what will happen. A very enjoyable read.

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray, Evelyn and Charlie

This is an exciting and adventurous Mail Order Groom love story. Ray answers an advertisement for a groom. Evelyn is was the guardian of her infant brother since the death of their parents. The area is in bc a drought and folks around were suffering mightily. Every needs help desperately. Ray is an exconvict and answers her advertisement. They marry for convience. You will enjoy reading this tale.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail order Man

Excellent book! Evelyn is trying to raise her brother on the family ranch that is in serious debt. Ray was an outlaw who served his time and became her husband to save her ranch. Her dastardly neighbor and his corrupt cousin the sheriff have their own ideas to get their way. This is a must read!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enough anguist

Enough anguish to make a positive conclusion where the villains are deemed villains satisfactory.
The effect of weather was a major factor in story and was an advisory that equaled the deceitful sheriff and wealthy bland owner.
Very engaging!

[Patricia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I really enjoyed reading this story. I enjoyed seeing how Evelyn and Ray come together. I really enjoyed reading this story.

[jesus nieves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise

I must say this was probably one of my favorites I enjoyed the plot very much. Thank you for another great book Ms/Mrs. Callaway!

[Igonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

I really enjoyed this book as it is well written and keeps the suspense right till the end. Very good characters and loving individuals. Will look for Moe books by this author.

[Margaret Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting!

I loved it! The struggles were
realities of the farmers life and Evelyn’s decision to advertise for a groom was
very scary. She was a strong woman. I would love to know what happened with the sheriff and his cousin!