A Convenient Heart

Wind River Mail-Order Brides #1

by Lacy Williams

Spinster schoolmarm Merritt Harding is done waiting for the future she’s always wanted. Which is why she answered a mail-order bride ad and is anticipating her groom’s arrival on the eve of Christmas. She’s about to get everything she’s dreamed of...

Except the Jack who steps off the train can’t be the same man who wrote her letters. That Jack was a steady, mild-mannered businessman. This Jack is an enigma with flashing eyes and a pirate’s smile. He’s too charming, too keen, too perfect to be real.

And too secretive. When the truth is revealed, will Merritt’s heart be shattered?

Wind River Mail-Order Brides
Book 1: A Convenient Heart
Book 2: A Headstrong Heart
Book 3: A Secret Heart
Book 4: A Dangerous Heart

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Christian Romance, Historical Romance, Clean Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2024

About the author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐Review to follow!⭐

[Courtney Ranger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!!!!!!!! It was AMAZING!!!!!!! I loved the characters, the setting, the ROMANCE..... it all came together to make such a SWEET historical fiction novel!!!

I figured I'd like this book, but I didn't expect to get fully sucked into it and be unable to put the book down to go to bed at a halfway reasonable hour.

I LOVED the characters. Merritt is so dedicated to her job. She loves each of her students so much, and I enjoyed seeing how she did everything in her power to help them become their best selves. The opening scene when she's in the classroom with her students was one of my favorites.

And then there's Jack. Does anyone else think that on the book cover he looks like Willie LaHaye from the Love Comes Softly movies, or is that just me? Anyway... Jack is my favorite character. I love how his kind nature is in direct contrast from what you'd expect from a man who has made a living off of gambling. It is so sweet how he is concerned with everyone around him and how he doesn't want any attention for all of the ways he serves others. He is sweet and thoughtful, and I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!

I really like how Lacy discussed the topic of gambling in this book. She had one of the principal characters be a gambler, and still managed to convey the theme that gambling is not a good idea. I love how she wrote Jack figuring out that he didn't need to use that as a method of earning money any more.

My favorite scene is when Merritt finds the letter that Jack attempted to write her. It was so cute seeing Jack try his hardest to make Merritt happy, even though it cost him a lot of effort. The only thing that would've made it better is if we'd gotten to see what the note said!

Overall, Lacy Williams' A Convenient Heart was INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!! Lacy was a new-to-me author, but now I want to go back and read each of her earlier releases! If you are looking for a sweet, quick Christian historical fiction read, you should absolutely try this book.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when a spinster schoolmarm expects a mild-mannered husband but instead ends up with a man who looks more suited to plundering ships than keeping ledgers?

Through characters who leap off the page and into the heart, this story isn’t just about a mix-up at the train station; it’s a beautiful reminder that “none of us are worthy… Not without the sacrifice Jesus made for us.” Faith and romance intertwine as grace works its way through a seemingly impossible situation. It's a tale where the unexpected becomes the extraordinary, and a long-held hope meets God’s perfect timing.

For anyone who’s ever thought they had their life all planned out, only to have God step in and say, “I’ve got something better,” this book resonates like a sweet hymn sung on a quiet Sunday morning. When loneliness starts to creep in, the gentle nudge that “God is always with me” brings the peace that surpasses all understanding. And for Merritt, contentment in God is the key that unlocks the peace she’s been searching for.

With a plot as rich as a freshly baked cookie and a romance that’s both tender and deeply moving, this story is a testament to trusting God to provide in His timing, not ours. It’s the kind of read that makes you smile, reminds you of His promises, and leaves you with a heart full of hope. Because no matter how tangled things may seem, God’s got it all under control.

I received a digital copy of A Convenient Heart from the publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merritt is a school teacher who is ready to get married so she starts corresponding with a man. They agree to marry and he is on the train coming to her town. However, what she doesn’t know is he chickens out and decides not to get off the train. There is another man, Jack, who gets off the train to escape a man looking for him and gets identified by Merritt as the man she has been waiting for. He doesn’t correct her and goes with her. He plans on telling her the truth but things keep happening. As they grow closer, will he be able to confess?
I really enjoyed this story! I loved the townspeople and kids. I liked the little mistaken identity trope and how Jack had wrestled with telling her the truth. I thought Merritt and Jack were a great couple and I loved the ending! There is also good Christian content throughout. Overall, a great story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

His plans are better than ours.

I was hooked right from the start! Jack is mysterious and closed off, but as his story unfolds, you begin to see his huge desire to right injustices, his kind but broken heart, his sense of worthlessness, his longing to be loved and wanted. A case of mistaken identity allows him to meet Merritt, and his life changes. Merritt is sweet, gentle, and kind to all; she also wants to belong to someone and be loved. Their story is dangerous at times; they must face disappointments; they also learn that God is always with them.

I enjoyed the story very much and am excited to see to where this series will take me. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! It's romance with a bit of intrigue! I was hooked from the very beginning!

Hands down, Jack is my favorite! He's a bit of a bad boy but also endearing! As I learned more about him and his protective nature, I liked him even more!

The romance is not a conventional love story. There's hurtful pasts to deal with and a mistaken identity. But it all works out in the end! I enjoy Lacy Williams' books very much! I look forward to the next one!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Readingintheweehours · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a fun twist on mail order brides. I love that Merritt is a woman of initiative and she goes for what she wants, but she still has a tender heart. Lacy has a gift for creating competent and strong historical feminine characters.
Jack has a bit of a mistaken identity problem, but lands exactly where God always wanted him to be. He's lived his life based on a closely held belief about himself, and God reveals the actual truth. Of there's anything, I'm a sucker for, it's MMC'S that don't think they are lovable. Jack fits the bill)
My two favorite scenes involve a declaration from Merritt and a train ride for Jack.
All in all, a sweet and swoony read with some faith elements.
I'm never disappointed in a book by Lacy!

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the late 1800s in the small town of Calvin, Wyoming, A Convenient Heart kicks off the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series in a big way! The story drew me in from the beginning and kept me reading expectantly to the satisfying ending. Schoolmarm Merritt Harding, having a long-held dream of marrying and having a family, resorts to becoming a mail-order bride. In a case of mistaken identity, she meets gambler Jack Eason thinking he is the man she has been corresponding with. They have an immediate connection, and what ensues is a captivating story that touched my heart. These two are perfect for each other! The plot flows smoothly with a few unexpected twists and a bit of danger and destruction from hired guns and some unscrupulous citizens of the town. The characters, main and secondary, are well-crafted and believable. I love western stories about school teachers and mail-order brides, and I totally enjoyed this one and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading the next book in this historical romance series!
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Convenient Heart was a sweet story and a good start to this new series. I really felt for both of these characters. Merritt wanted so badly to have a family of her own that she answered a mail-order bride advertisement. But she began to wonder about the man who rode the train into her town. The attraction was definitely there between the two of them, however, Jack seemed secretive and not very much like the man she had been writing letters with.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to connect with Jack at first. However, I soon realized that even though he had a rough upbringing and became a gambler, he had a good heart and worked to help those in need in the only way he knew how. It was interesting to see the way Merritt affected him, as well as the discussions he had with the preacher, where he began to learn more about who God really was.

This charming romance had a good faith message throughout and demonstrated the change that God could bring in someone’s heart.

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

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of mistaken identity turned romance with a little intrigue mixed in. A true page turner!!
Merritt is such a sweet, determined, loving teacher and friend. She just wants a family of her own to love.
Jack has a hard past and feelings of inadequacy that he has to work through. He is a protective, problem solver, and very caring.
I also loved Merritt’s cousins and Danna.
A super start to a new series. I can’t wait for the next three books.

This ARC was provided by the author and publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Dalyn Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a mail order bride story and I especially love a redeemed bad boy. Mistaken identity =fun! This story had all the feels, the small town, and the happy ending to make it a book I highly recommend.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merritt loves teaching, but still more wants a family of her own - so much so that she put an ad in the paper for a husband. And the man who answered seemed ideal for a companionable marriage. Only, when he turns up, he doesn't seem much like the man she's been writing to - not least because of the unwanted sparks between them. Jack has been making his living from gambling for years - and made enemies along the way. He knows he can never truly match with the respectable school teacher, but somehow he struggles to leave her, or even tell her that her groom decided not to bother getting off the train. When the truth comes out, will it be the end of everything, or a new beginning?

A great read (as expected). I loved the way that Jack manages to look like a bad guy and yet be doing the right thing behind the scenes - and that Merritt sees it. He certainly has some problems with how he sees himself, but also hasn't exactly tried to make himself look good to others. I also enjoyed watching Merritt with her pupils, though I didn't feel that I always understood how she acted with Jack. And Dana's support is invaluable - it's good to see more of her. All in all, I loved watching these two find their ways to each other, and also appreciated the mild mystery thread behind it all. I hope to see more of them in future books!

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Lacy was a new-to-me author and I am SO happy I was able to read this story! I loved it so much and Jack, the MMC in the story, despite how hard he is on himself is such a lovable character you want a HEA for him and Merritt.

Merritt has always enjoyed being a teacher, but after watching a close friend marry she finally feels she is ready to give it all up, and start a family of her own. That's when she decides to answer an ad in the paper for a mail order bride. All is well, and she's excited until she meets her "John" at the train station and he isn't what she's expecting. He's handsome enough, almost too handsome for the "convenient marriage" she had planned. But hes hiding something, and he doesn’t want to be called John, but Jack.

Jack is on the train when he overhears a man speaking of his bride to be that was waiting at the station. But by the end of the trip the man had changed his mind and was going to leave the bride hanging. As Jack goes to leave the train in a rush (someone's trying to get to him) he runs into Merritt and she mistakes him for her husband to be. But Jacks trying to hide and in a hurry, so for the time being goes along with it. He has every intention of telling her the truth and leaving. But when Merritt has tragedy strike, he lingers longer, and starts to fall in love, and he believes she also is getting feelings. Problem is she doesn't know who he is, and he doesn't think she'd accept the real Jack. As the day of their arranged marriage moves closer and closer he knows he can not marry her, since he's been lying. But when the people from his past come threatening him and Merritt, Jack doesn't know what to do anymore. What is the answer? Does he tell Merritt, does he leave? What Happens if John writes again? What if the person threatening Merritt hurts her? Should Jack just leave, and hope his troubles leave town with him?


This story is SO good and Merritt is so kind and sweet and Jack is so broken and a sweet soul, you will want to see this through!

I can not wait for book 2 and Drew's story. And I am SO curious about Nick, I am hoping he too will get a story of his own. Lacy is an AMAZING writer. I need this in print asap!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required. Everything written is my own opinion.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Convenient Heart is the first book in Lacy Williams newest series, Wind River Mail-Order Brides. You might think it's early for a Christmastime book, but there's always time for Christmas! It's also historical fiction with a "bad man" who keeps showing up and caring for those around him. It was hard to put down. And I want to read more in this series! I would gladly revisit Calvin, Wyoming and the people I've met around this small town.

Bookish Love:
old West small town
mistaken identity
mail order bride
hardened hero with a heart of gold

Reviewed from an eArc. Thank you, Lacy!
All opinions are my own.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Convenient Heart, by Lacy Williams is the first book in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series. This is an easy to read book that takes place in Calvin Wyoming in 1892. I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the very end. Not only is this a Christian romance story it also contains mystery and light suspense. This is a well written story that is easy to imagine. I especially enjoyed how trusting Merrit is and can appreciate the struggles Jack goes through with when and how to tell her the truth. I like how protective and supportive of Merrit’s family is of her and how they support Jack.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. This is my honest review.

[Karen Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story!

I LOVED this story! I LOVED the characters!
Lacy Williams writing puts you “right there”! The description is such that you can just picture everything!

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book that I recommend to everyone. You will fall in love with the H and h. The h is a dedicated school teacher who longs to get married and sends for a mail order husband. He is to arrive on the train and she is there to meet him. Unknown to her he doesn’t get off the train but another man exists who is fleeing from a gunslinger who is chasing him to collect money he no longer has because he gave it away to needy widows and their children. He had won the money fairly and honestly. The h mistakes the H to be her intended. His fears and the circumstances do not let him explain that he isn’t her intended. One day leads another and he gets involved in helping her and others. He wants to leave but doesn’t want to run out on her. He helps her out and the town because that’s what he is used to doing. He earns money as a very successful gambler and what he wins he uses to help the h and the town. When the h finally learns the truth she is broken hearted and rejects him. He leaves town on the next train, but ends up returning because he knows the gunman is there and he fears what he will do if doesn’t find him. He faces the gunman and is beaten up. When he tells the man he no longer has the money the gunman threatens him and the h. The gunman proceeds to damage the project that the school children were working on for their big Christmas pageant. Later when the gunman breaks into the place where the pageant is going on threatens the h and her students he is overcome by the H and other town men. In the end the H and h confess their love for each other and plan their wedding. Recommend this book to everyone. You will really enjoy reading it.

[Linda Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is set in 1892 and begins with Merritt Harding, a teacher, living in Wind River. It has always been Merritt’s dream to have a husband and children, but it hasn’t happened for her and she has no prospects. She decides to look for a husband through the Matrimonial Times paper. She begins writing to a businessman named John. They correspond for weeks and John asks her to marry him.

John takes the train to Wind River, questioning himself on the journey as to whether or not he really wants to re-locate to Wind River and marry someone he has never met. He makes these remarks to another man on the train, and is overheard by Jack, a card gambler on the run. John and Jack both get off the train in Wind River, and Jack sees John make a beeline out of the station without looking for, or meeting, his fiance Merritt. Jack also sees a lawman, who has been tailing him for a long while to arrest him for some unpaid loans, so Jack steps to Merritt and tells her that he is her fiance, but to call him Jack. This is where the story gets interesting. You’ll see Jack spend time with Merritt, and while she likes Jack, he seems nothing like the man she had been corresponding with. This is a heart-warming mail order bride story with a HEA. By the end of the story, you too will have a soft spot in your heart for Jack.

I was provided a free copy of this book to serve as an advance reader for my honest opinion.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet! Mistaken identity. Merritt is the school teacher in a small Montana town. She has accepted the offer to be a mail order bride. Her fiancé John is coming to spend Christmas with her. They will remain in her town until her contract ends in May. Then they will decide if they want to stay or go to his hometown. John is talking to an older man on the train. The older man talks about Merritt possibly being an old maid. The reason why she's 25 and not married, etc. John gets cold feet. Jack overhears this conversation. When a hired gun is on the train with him, he takes John's coat - that he left behind - with the red flower in it and gets off the train. Merritt meets him. He plans to tell her the truth over dinner, but then the school is on fire and they spend all night putting out the fire. One day becomes another and Jack is still in town. He uncovers a scheme to get rid of Merritt and the school. Jack grew up an orphan in Chicago. He was put on a train at age 11 to find a home. The family that took him, beat him so he ran away. He's been a gambler ever since. But, with his winnings, he gives to those in need. The hired gun is after him because the man he won money from says he cheated. Jack gave the money to the 7 widows of a mine cave in. As the town learns more about him, they take him under their wing. He and Merritt fall in love, but he doesn't think he's good enough for her. So, so sweet!!!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a small town Christmas pageant written by a lonely schoolmarm, add a dash of bravery, and mix in a case of mistaken identity.

Then, Throw in a lifetime of trying to be good enough, a dash of Robin Hood complex, and a longing to belong to someone. The end result is A Convenient Heart and a prime environment for watching love bloom.

Merritt Harding loves her students and thrives at bringing out the best in them. However, she watches others in town bloom as they fall in love and longs for the same. She has faced challenges in the past which leaves her wanting someone to love her for herself. She is strong, independent, and used to overcoming obstacles- by herself.

Jack Easton gets off the train in the small town of Calvin to eluded a hired gun. His plans to get on the next train headed in the opposite direction fall to pieces as he tries to help the local school teacher, who has mistaken him for her soon to be groom. As the days creep closer to their pending wedding, Jack just doesn't want hurt the woman who draws him out of his reclusion.

Lacy Williams grabs your attention from the opening scene and keeps you turning the pages to find out how the story unfolds.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest option.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-four year old, Merritt, has been teaching in the same town, since she was 16 years old. She’s called a “spinster” by many of the people in town. She finally decides to answer a mail order bride ad so that she can have the dreams of her life fulfilled-a husband, true love, children, a place of their own… Her groom is to arrive on Christmas Eve and they will have a week together before school starts back. Merritt has no way of knowing what happened on her groom’s train ride out to where she is… She is absolutely thrilled when she meets “John”, who immediately tells her to call him Jack, right after he gave her a heart-throbbing kiss! Jack is so wonderful, always talking to and playing with her students, always helping those in need, but he keeps needing to “talk”to Merritt, but never can, because their wedding is in 2 days, and the children’s Christmas pageant is the night before, and there’s never enough time alone. There’s never a good time. I can’t tell you much more without ruining the book for you, my fellow readers, so I will just say that this was one of the best books I’ve read all year! You must get t! I think it’s one of Lacy Williams’s best books ever! I was on the advanced reader team, and this is my own review of this book. 📖 ♥️

[Karen Baney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacy Williams writes a gritty hero with a heart of gold in this sweet, Christian romance.

Despite his horrible upbringing, gambler Jack Easton stumbles into a sticky situation as he flees for his life. I instantly connected with his character through his realistic inner thoughts.

The attraction between Jack and Merritt sparked immediately and progressed sweetly even though he kept major secrets from her. I loved how Jack’s growing feelings for Merritt presented him with constant tension between doing what was right for her versus his desire for a dream fulfilled.

Merritt suspects something is off with Jack with his name change and seeming ignorance about topics she included in her letters. Yet she finds herself drawn to him in a way that leaves her hopeful for a happy marriage.

Mistaken identity combined with the mail-order bride tropes kept me turning pages in this quick read. Fans of Christian romance and clean & wholesome stories will enjoy this delightful historical romance.

Romance: Squeaky clean. Brief passing mention of kissing.
Faith: Strong spiritual arc for Jack.

I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-four year old, Merritt, has been teaching in the same town, since she was 16 years old. She’s called a “spinster” by many of the people in town. She finally decides to answer a mail order bride ad so that she can have the dreams of her life fulfilled-a husband, true love, children, a place of their own… Her groom is to arrive on Christmas Eve and they will have a week together before school starts back. Merritt has no way of knowing what happened on her groom’s train ride out to where she is… She is absolutely thrilled when she meets “John”, who immediately tells her to call him Jack, right after he gave her a heart-throbbing kiss! Jack is so wonderful, always talking to and playing with her students, always helping those in need, but he keeps needing to “talk”to Merritt, but never can, because their wedding is in 2 days, and the children’s Christmas pageant is the night before, and there’s never enough time alone. There’s never a good time. I can’t tell you much more without ruining the book for you, my fellow readers, so I will just say that this was one of the best books I’ve read all year! You must get t! I think it’s one of Lacy Williams’s best books ever! I was on the advance reader team and this review is my own.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Convenient Heart is a sweet historical fiction romance novel with a smidge of drama and suspense thrown in for good measure! It’s the perfect fall rainy day read. That’s when I was able to read it—cuddled up under a blanket with a mug of warm tea. Just amazingly perfect.

I loved Jack! He’s amazing. He and spinster school teacher Merritt correspond in a type of mail-order bride scenario. And then he comes to her and the book gets really interesting fast! It moves quickly. The characters are wonderful. This author does historical fiction romance well. It’s not overly mushy. Definitely stays within the realms of a good Christian romance novel. And it will keep you reading and hooked on the story.

This is also part of a series so make sure you check out the rest of the series as well. As always, I advocate for reading all books in a series in order. So take that as you will and read on!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be my first full-length Lacy Williams Historical romance, but it won't be my last. The story is gripping, and I loved both the suspense surrounding Jack and the people he's running from, as well as the unexpected attraction and romance with Merritt. I loved her independent nature and how she didn't shy away from expressing herself while also working on what she wanted.

The community was fantastic. Every character seemed real and jumped off the page. From the sweet, younger students to the marshal, friends, family, and even the unsavory characters, it all served to transport the reader and make them feel as if they were experiencing everything right along with the characters.

I loved the pace here, from the timing of their meeting and how Jack came to cross paths with Merritt, to the revelations of his past (both from his childhood and the more recent things). My heart definitely went out to him and all he'd had to overcome, while at the same time, it also made me cheer all the more for them and their story. He's kind-hearted and a protector, and Merritt is his perfect fit.

I'm so excited that this is the beginning of a series, and I can't wait to read the stories of the other cousins. Onto Drew's story! ~ 5 stars!

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes what we set out wanting isn't what we get but it's so much better! Merritt Harding desires a home and a family. She's waited a long time and considered a spinster in her town, being the schoolmarm and all, so she's resorting to being a mail-order bride! She's going to send off for a groom! That must have been pretty hard to do in those days. You never know what you are getting! She's been writing a man named John but the man that steps off the train is certainly not "her" John! This guy is very different, and he wants to be called Jack! Jack overhears "John's" mail-order bride plan concerns. He also has to get off the train due to some bad guys seeing him on the train! The next thing he knows, Merritt thinks he's John! He'll tell her any minute that he's not! Jack is not made for a family, he's an orphan for heaven's sake! I loved Jack's character so much! There had been so much pain in his life, and he craved love and stability but didn't think he deserved it! Merritt was going to give it to him. She was sweet, kind and full of love. However, there is a lot of danger in town and the two of them have to clean that up first! Grab a hanky for this one!

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the the Christian Western Romance, A Convenient Heart. This is the first book in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides. I'm a big fan of Lacy's work. I really enjoyed this book, it's well-written, heart-warming, and full of drama. I know you are going to love it.

Merritt Harding has been a teacher for years. She finally gave up hope of a future. So she answered an ad for a mail-order bride. When he arrived he wasn't what she expected. He wasn't anything like his letters but this was her only chance. She soon came to love him even though he held secrets.

Jack is a gambler. On the train he heard a man talking to his seat mate about his mail-order a bride. He allowed himself be talked out of meeting her. Jack saw a man that was after him. Jack slipped off the train and took the groom's place. He soon learned of a board member who was out to cheat Merritt. Can he keep her safe?

An interesting journey to convince Merritt of his care, stay ahead of his enemy and not loose his heart. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you, a plan for peace and not for harm. Give Him your heart and watch what he can do in your life.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres. A Convenient Heart by Lacy Williams is Book 1 in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series. I had the opportunity to read it recently.

WOW, this book reeled me in to the storyline from the first few pages. I am a HUGE fan of "Marriage of Convenience" and "Mail Order Bride" books, so the fact that this is the theme of the book had me excited to read this book. The 2 main characters are Merritt and Jack. Merritt is the one who ordered the "Mail Order Groom' which is unique and interesting. Merritt was shocked when Jack arrived as he wasn't the man that she had been writing to. Merritt and Jack began to get to know each other and Merritt felt that Jack was hiding something. I LOVE that they both handled the situation with GRACE when Jack revealed who he was and his past. The connection between the 2 became genuine and loving. The book has a STRONG Faith message throughout. God's Plan is greater then our plan! The book is one of Faith, LOVE and Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best (and worst) part about these next generation series from Sunrise is that they make me want to go back and read the original series...forever adding to my TBR which is already longer than I will be able to clear in my life time. That being said...keep them coming!

I really enjoyed this new historical romance from Lacy Williams. She's been an author on my TBR for a while now, but I have never managed to get to her books. I really enjoyed her writing style and I am looking forward to spending more time in this book world!

I loved Merritt! I always love books with teachers as the main female character and she was a great one! I loved her desire to teach her students and also to have a family of her own. I'm kind of hoping she can still keep teaching after she and Jack get married.

I also loved Jack's Robin Hood personality. It was so cool to see him trying to help others who had been wronged as he had when he was younger. I loved that he immediately started to fall for Merritt and wanted to be her protector.

All in all, I really enjoyed their story and I am looking forward to the rest of this series!

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

She didn’t know she needed rescuing. He didn’t know he was capable of saving someone.
This story was an intriguing change on the usual mail order bride story - instead of the bride traveling to meet the groom in his hometown it is the groom, John, that travels to meet his bride, Merritt … except it’s not John but Jack. A case of mistaken identity or someone taking advantage of an unexpected opportunity? Either way Jack and Merritt are enjoying getting to know each other but then life starts throwing curveballs at them.
This story was a lovely length for an afternoon read and definitely entertaining - I never knew what was going to happen next and whether they would get their happy ending. I was drawn into the story and was mentally telling Jack what to do and willing Merritt to keep going and believing despite the challenges. I really liked the friends and family who were part of the story too as it helped me get a sense of the community and character of the town of Calvin. Overall a book I greatly enjoyed reading and am happy to recommend.