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Iris
Iris is a handful. Liam is in dire need of a wife. But is he
that
desperate?
Iris Green doesn’t mean to be such a walking disaster. Trouble just seems to find her though, and scares off all would-be suitors in the process. Unbeknown to her, her mother submits her name for a mail-order bride, thinking that’s the only way she’ll ever see her daughter married off.
Liam Gardener thinks it’s a hoot his potential bride has a flower as her name, it’s a perfect match for his last name, so it must be a good sign. However, moments after meeting her, he’s regretting it something awful. Iris comes in like a whirlwind and turns his quiet life upside down, and he’s not sure if he likes that.
When two very different personalities clash, will the outcome blossom into something special or will their future wilt before it even starts?
Iris Green doesn’t mean to be such a walking disaster. Trouble just seems to find her though, and scares off all would-be suitors in the process. Unbeknown to her, her mother submits her name for a mail-order bride, thinking that’s the only way she’ll ever see her daughter married off.
Liam Gardener thinks it’s a hoot his potential bride has a flower as her name, it’s a perfect match for his last name, so it must be a good sign. However, moments after meeting her, he’s regretting it something awful. Iris comes in like a whirlwind and turns his quiet life upside down, and he’s not sure if he likes that.
When two very different personalities clash, will the outcome blossom into something special or will their future wilt before it even starts?
- GenresNovellaRomanceHistorical
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2024
39 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Lamb
25 books23 followersSarah Lamb is wife to an amazing teacher and mom to two boys who are growing up just a little too fast. Her day job is helping others to become writers, while she squeezes in each spare moment she can on her own books. She spends her days working and writing in the Blue Ridge Mountains and planning her next trip to Disney World.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 27, 2024
Love this short story mail order bride. Sweet story of iris who becomes a bride of Liam who just wants a quiet life. She is a clumsy but sweet woman. He falls in love with her. Happy ever after. Highly recommend Sarah work.
May 28, 2024
A FLOWER FOR THE GARDENER
“The Garden Belles Mail-Order Bride agency was located in St. Louis, Missouri, and began in 1850 during the height of the westward wagon train exodus. They helped match men desperate for a wife and sought the help of sisters, Dahlia and Zinnia Williams. The sisters, both spinsters, are especially proud of three things in their lives: their garden, filled with every kind imaginable flower; their penchant for finding perfect wives for most suitable husbands; and more importantly, the orphaned niece they raised from a baby.”
Zinnia: Mmm. Man who likes quiet. Is a carpenter. Looking for a woman who can, as he calls it, perform the three C’s. Cook, clean, and give companionship.
Dahlia: Doesn’t say a thing about love. Not a word. Everyone needs love. It’s how gardens and hearts blossom.
Zinnia: What a shame. I agree wholeheartedly. Is that why we do what we do? Well, who do you think we should suggest?
Dahlia: Why, I was thinking that young woman whose mother wrote us last week.
Zinnia: Do you mean Iris Green? The whirlwind, as her mother called her? The young woman who merely has to look at something and a disaster follows? Why, she’s not the least bit quiet. As I recall, she also cannot cook. Her mother was quite truthful.
Dahlia: That’s the one. Sometimes, what someone thinks they want is not what they need.
Zinnia: I couldn’t agree more. In both of their cases. They will make a fine match. If they are willing to try.
Dahlia: Then it’s agreed. I’ll leave you to write the letter, while I start the evening meal.
“Dear Mr. Gardener. I have found you a bride. As delicate as a flower, she is a lovely thing, and should suit you just fine. Her name is Iris.”
The second story in the series will be about Iris Green and Liam Gardener. Iris’s mother has decided to give up the small home she and Iris live in and move in with her older daughter. Thinking it best that Iris starts a new life, she will write to the Garden Belle Mail-Order Brides agency. What a joy to learn they have made a match for Iris.
“Iris didn’t mean to be such a walking disaster. Trouble just seemed to find her as easily as she did it. As an unfortunate result, it also scared off would-be suitors in the process. No one seemed to want someone who was clumsy, broke things, and left a trail of chaos in her wake. It was too expensive, disruptive, and unladylike, her older sister made sure to tell her each time they saw each other.”
What a fun and humorous story. I could just see all the things going wrong that surrounded Iris. But I also felt sorry for her, because rather than be attentive and teach her, they made excuses and shooed her away. But for Liam, a man who liked order, she comes as a complete surprise that he wasn’t anticipating. While cooking, cleaning, and being organized isn’t her strong suit, when it comes to the garden, she is a master at nurturing and growing flowers and vegetables.
One disaster with his mother over for a meal, shatters Iris and she decides Liam would be better off without her—but is that what he truly wants? Why does her disorder in his home stir his heart without her in it?
“Liam stared at each of those things and a realization came over him. Before, it’s likely his fingers would have itched. He’d have hurried to get things straightened. Put to right. Now, he didn’t want to. Those things were reminders of Iris. And something he wanted. The trade-off of having a little chaos, but having her in his life was more than worth it.”
I liked Liam and Iris together and in the end, they mesh well. Someone being kind, understanding, and working with Iris, teaching her little things that made a difference in the kitchen was important. In the end, it isn’t what’s around us that matters, it is who is in our life that makes us happy.
“The Garden Belles Mail-Order Bride agency was located in St. Louis, Missouri, and began in 1850 during the height of the westward wagon train exodus. They helped match men desperate for a wife and sought the help of sisters, Dahlia and Zinnia Williams. The sisters, both spinsters, are especially proud of three things in their lives: their garden, filled with every kind imaginable flower; their penchant for finding perfect wives for most suitable husbands; and more importantly, the orphaned niece they raised from a baby.”
Zinnia: Mmm. Man who likes quiet. Is a carpenter. Looking for a woman who can, as he calls it, perform the three C’s. Cook, clean, and give companionship.
Dahlia: Doesn’t say a thing about love. Not a word. Everyone needs love. It’s how gardens and hearts blossom.
Zinnia: What a shame. I agree wholeheartedly. Is that why we do what we do? Well, who do you think we should suggest?
Dahlia: Why, I was thinking that young woman whose mother wrote us last week.
Zinnia: Do you mean Iris Green? The whirlwind, as her mother called her? The young woman who merely has to look at something and a disaster follows? Why, she’s not the least bit quiet. As I recall, she also cannot cook. Her mother was quite truthful.
Dahlia: That’s the one. Sometimes, what someone thinks they want is not what they need.
Zinnia: I couldn’t agree more. In both of their cases. They will make a fine match. If they are willing to try.
Dahlia: Then it’s agreed. I’ll leave you to write the letter, while I start the evening meal.
“Dear Mr. Gardener. I have found you a bride. As delicate as a flower, she is a lovely thing, and should suit you just fine. Her name is Iris.”
The second story in the series will be about Iris Green and Liam Gardener. Iris’s mother has decided to give up the small home she and Iris live in and move in with her older daughter. Thinking it best that Iris starts a new life, she will write to the Garden Belle Mail-Order Brides agency. What a joy to learn they have made a match for Iris.
“Iris didn’t mean to be such a walking disaster. Trouble just seemed to find her as easily as she did it. As an unfortunate result, it also scared off would-be suitors in the process. No one seemed to want someone who was clumsy, broke things, and left a trail of chaos in her wake. It was too expensive, disruptive, and unladylike, her older sister made sure to tell her each time they saw each other.”
What a fun and humorous story. I could just see all the things going wrong that surrounded Iris. But I also felt sorry for her, because rather than be attentive and teach her, they made excuses and shooed her away. But for Liam, a man who liked order, she comes as a complete surprise that he wasn’t anticipating. While cooking, cleaning, and being organized isn’t her strong suit, when it comes to the garden, she is a master at nurturing and growing flowers and vegetables.
One disaster with his mother over for a meal, shatters Iris and she decides Liam would be better off without her—but is that what he truly wants? Why does her disorder in his home stir his heart without her in it?
“Liam stared at each of those things and a realization came over him. Before, it’s likely his fingers would have itched. He’d have hurried to get things straightened. Put to right. Now, he didn’t want to. Those things were reminders of Iris. And something he wanted. The trade-off of having a little chaos, but having her in his life was more than worth it.”
I liked Liam and Iris together and in the end, they mesh well. Someone being kind, understanding, and working with Iris, teaching her little things that made a difference in the kitchen was important. In the end, it isn’t what’s around us that matters, it is who is in our life that makes us happy.
April 27, 2024
Iris was a wonderful short story packed full of all the necessities for a great read, including a meddling mother-in-law! There are troubles, misunderstandings, and soul searching, especially when Liam tries to convince himself that he doesn't need or want to fall in love.
Iris is suffering with self-doubt because she has always been clumsy. Why would any man want her?
Well, love conquers all.
Such a sweet, slow blossoming romance. Sarah Lamb has written another winner!
Iris is suffering with self-doubt because she has always been clumsy. Why would any man want her?
Well, love conquers all.
Such a sweet, slow blossoming romance. Sarah Lamb has written another winner!
May 11, 2024
What you think you want...or what you actually need?
Liam knows exactly what he wants in a wife.... doesn't he? Ha! Nope! Not at all, Iris is the opposite of everything he wants but she is so sweet and tries so hard that he cannot help but fall for her - and it is so lovely to see. Liam is so lovely when he defends Iris and her 'mishaps' to his mum, he finds her attempts endearing rather than frustrating....so heartwarming.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Liam knows exactly what he wants in a wife.... doesn't he? Ha! Nope! Not at all, Iris is the opposite of everything he wants but she is so sweet and tries so hard that he cannot help but fall for her - and it is so lovely to see. Liam is so lovely when he defends Iris and her 'mishaps' to his mum, he finds her attempts endearing rather than frustrating....so heartwarming.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
May 12, 2024
Her own mother pushed this young woman Iris into becoming a mail order bride. The recipient doesn’t see her faults .Liam Gardner thinks what a wonderful thing to have a flower as a bride. What he gets….a whirling dervish , but does he tame her? Read this awesome book to find out …good writing by Sarah Lamb immersive and fun. I read an advance of this book and my review is voluntary in my own words
October 15, 2024
Reading Iris was simply delightful. Iris has always been a klutz and everything she does turns out wrong. Her Mother decides to send a letter to the Garden Belles to find a husband for Iris, maybe that will help her. Liam sent a letter also, looking for a wife that is quiet and can cook. I don’t know what the sisters were thinking in their match, but it’s definitely not. Iris runs away, but Liam follows. What seems impossible, just might per perfect.
June 29, 2025
Short but nice
Your heart goes out to Lily. Must be so distressing! She obviously is very gifted in gardening. Pity no one took the time to encourage and support her giftedness. Loved the Baker who took the time to explain and teach her what she needed. Unbelievable no one did before!!!! Was a lovely ending.
Lesson? Teach people what they need to know. Support their strengths and assist with their weaknesses.
A good and valid point to ensure everyone is valued and appreciated.
Your heart goes out to Lily. Must be so distressing! She obviously is very gifted in gardening. Pity no one took the time to encourage and support her giftedness. Loved the Baker who took the time to explain and teach her what she needed. Unbelievable no one did before!!!! Was a lovely ending.
Lesson? Teach people what they need to know. Support their strengths and assist with their weaknesses.
A good and valid point to ensure everyone is valued and appreciated.
August 22, 2025
Iris is clumsy and can't seem to do anything without causing a problem, but she's sweet and really tries hard.
When Liam sends for a mail-order bride, he says he's looking for a quiet companion that can cook and keep house for him.
The matchmakers send him Iris because ”Sometimes, what someone thinks they want is not what they need.” They couldn't have been more right.
What a delightful story! There was just a bit of slapstick humor and some emotional moments in this short read.
When Liam sends for a mail-order bride, he says he's looking for a quiet companion that can cook and keep house for him.
The matchmakers send him Iris because ”Sometimes, what someone thinks they want is not what they need.” They couldn't have been more right.
What a delightful story! There was just a bit of slapstick humor and some emotional moments in this short read.
May 5, 2024
A delightful one sitting read that gives you the chaos amongst the love! Oh Iris, you will adore her. Full of spontaneity yet full of clumsy. She reminds me of me sometimes. And Liam to the rescue, you ask? A handsome fellow with a heart of gold, this story will surely inspire you and bring a smile to your face.
May 9, 2024
Liam is wanting a bride to cook, clean, and provide companionship. Iris is described as a whirlwind, clutz, and can't do anything without something going wrong. What are the Matchmakers thinking when they pair these two up? Will they be a match made in heaven or a nightmare?
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
May 26, 2024
Zinnia and Dahlia have turned a potential disaster into a success. They really took a chance with the pairing. There is not one box on Liam’s wish list that Iris fills. She can’t cook, she’s a walking disaster and quiet isn’t something she knows, but the Garden Belles are right. She is just what he needs. Sarah Lamb, of course, gives us romance, but she also gives us humor, conflict, hurt and a few surprises.
June 21, 2025
So sweet
Iris is clumsy and a disaster. Her mother writes to a matchmaking agency for her. Liam is just looking for companionship. He doesn't want love. Iris tries hard but still makes a mess. Liam thinks he must have gotten someone we else's letter.
So sweet to see how they grow together.
Iris is clumsy and a disaster. Her mother writes to a matchmaking agency for her. Liam is just looking for companionship. He doesn't want love. Iris tries hard but still makes a mess. Liam thinks he must have gotten someone we else's letter.
So sweet to see how they grow together.
February 16, 2026
Delightful Story.
Sweet sister matchmakers put Iris and Liam together. They come to find out that they want different things then what they thought. Chaos follows Iris everywhere she goes and Liam never knew that’s exactly what he needed. This one’s fun and full of surprises. Love these sweet characters.
Sweet sister matchmakers put Iris and Liam together. They come to find out that they want different things then what they thought. Chaos follows Iris everywhere she goes and Liam never knew that’s exactly what he needed. This one’s fun and full of surprises. Love these sweet characters.
April 27, 2024
I just loved this heartwarming book about Iris, the ever clumsy but sweet woman who becomes a mail order bride! This book is so well written and although it is a shorter story, it had all the elements that made me enjoy it so much!
June 24, 2025
Short and sweet historical mail-order bride Western about a lovely but awkwardly clumsy young woman who inevitably gets matched up with a perfectionist. A different, somewhat humorous story of the chance of meeting someone somewhat compatible and to what degree they will go to make it work. Clean story, great for a good bedtime read.
May 11, 2024
This was a very enjoyable story with likeable characters. Well done to the author!
June 4, 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.
June 23, 2025
sweet
Loved reading this delightful story. Sometimes what we think we want isn’t what we need. Enjoy reading this short story
Loved reading this delightful story. Sometimes what we think we want isn’t what we need. Enjoy reading this short story
June 27, 2025
It’s the heart, not actions
How special for something so wrong to be so right. What wasn’t wanted was perfect. Not changing oneself can be the best for another.
How special for something so wrong to be so right. What wasn’t wanted was perfect. Not changing oneself can be the best for another.
May 11, 2024
I enjoyed reading this story. It was a quick read and a satisfying story that pulled on my emotions as the characters faced challenges and then overcame them as they found their way to understanding and love together.
June 8, 2024
Iris (Garden Belles Mail Order Bride by Sarah Lamb ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The beginning of book had me laughing out loud but soon my heart went out to Iris. No one wanted her around especially her own family. So her mom sent her away to be a mail order bride.
Both Liam Gardener and Iris Greene were both excited they had been picked so fast.
Favorite quote. Liam said its been to be. "A Flower for a Gardener"
As issues start happening, Liam's mom wants to send her away.
Pre-order your copy today for a May 10th release day and take the journey with me to find out if Iris stays or gets sent away. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the turn of events.
The beginning of book had me laughing out loud but soon my heart went out to Iris. No one wanted her around especially her own family. So her mom sent her away to be a mail order bride.
Both Liam Gardener and Iris Greene were both excited they had been picked so fast.
Favorite quote. Liam said its been to be. "A Flower for a Gardener"
As issues start happening, Liam's mom wants to send her away.
Pre-order your copy today for a May 10th release day and take the journey with me to find out if Iris stays or gets sent away. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the turn of events.
July 8, 2025
What a sweet mail order bride book.
First read for me by this author. When Iris’s mother goes to live with her other daughter, Iris wants her own home. She didn’t know that her mother submitted a letter for her to be a mail order bride.
Iris can’t cook and is a big klutz, what can she bring to a marriage? Read and find out.
It was a free download that did not affect my review. All my thoughts
First read for me by this author. When Iris’s mother goes to live with her other daughter, Iris wants her own home. She didn’t know that her mother submitted a letter for her to be a mail order bride.
Iris can’t cook and is a big klutz, what can she bring to a marriage? Read and find out.
It was a free download that did not affect my review. All my thoughts
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews