What do you think?
Rate this book
Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek #1
Elizabeth
A lonely soldier, a few interfering friends, and the mail-order bride contract they coax him into signing — just in time for Christmas!
Elizabeth Byrd's friends beg her to join them in Cowboy Creek as a mail-order bride. At first, the former battlefield nurse is scandalized by the idea of marrying a man she’s never met, but the war has taken everything from her — her brothers, too many friends to count, and her fiancé. There’s nothing left for her in Atlanta but more heartache.
Seeking peace and solitude, Captain David Pemberton retreats to his hunting lodge in Texas the moment the war is over. However, the ranchers in Cowboy Creek don’t see fit to leave a widowed soldier alone during Christmas. Insisting he's grieved long enough, they dare him to join them on a holiday venture to acquire wives for them all — a dare he accepts in a weak moment.
He never dreamed he'd recognize the woman who steps off the stagecoach to claim his hand in marriage.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: This book was previously published under my Jo Grafford pen name in the Angel Creek Christmas Brides series and has since been republished as a second edition under my Jovie Grace pen name in the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek series.
Elizabeth Byrd's friends beg her to join them in Cowboy Creek as a mail-order bride. At first, the former battlefield nurse is scandalized by the idea of marrying a man she’s never met, but the war has taken everything from her — her brothers, too many friends to count, and her fiancé. There’s nothing left for her in Atlanta but more heartache.
Seeking peace and solitude, Captain David Pemberton retreats to his hunting lodge in Texas the moment the war is over. However, the ranchers in Cowboy Creek don’t see fit to leave a widowed soldier alone during Christmas. Insisting he's grieved long enough, they dare him to join them on a holiday venture to acquire wives for them all — a dare he accepts in a weak moment.
He never dreamed he'd recognize the woman who steps off the stagecoach to claim his hand in marriage.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: This book was previously published under my Jo Grafford pen name in the Angel Creek Christmas Brides series and has since been republished as a second edition under my Jovie Grace pen name in the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek series.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
554 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Jo Grafford
167 books666 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 2, 2022
Selected this one off Kindle Unlimited so it is available on Kindle. The cover is just perfect -- I just wish the story had been. This is Book One of the "Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek".
Basically a "light and fluffy" read though the plot idea of a war nurse and a man who survived the conflict was a good one. I blazed through it in a day. Kudos to whoever created the cover.
Basically a "light and fluffy" read though the plot idea of a war nurse and a man who survived the conflict was a good one. I blazed through it in a day. Kudos to whoever created the cover.
September 2, 2022
An enjoyable Christmas read. While it's #8 in the series, it can be read alone. Fairly predictable but a feel-good story. And who doesn't like a feel-good Christmas book.
January 23, 2025
All’s well that ends well
Very quick read. Sweet little romance set following the Civil War. Found that I liked the characters and was wishing them well in their endeavors. I felt the ending was satisfying whether I decide to read the next in series or choose not to continue. Most likely will at some point though.
Very quick read. Sweet little romance set following the Civil War. Found that I liked the characters and was wishing them well in their endeavors. I felt the ending was satisfying whether I decide to read the next in series or choose not to continue. Most likely will at some point though.
January 9, 2020
This is an OK Western romance, with mostly likable characters. It is a sweet romance, and does not contain sex scenes. There were a few editing problems, and I thought the story was a bit too unrealistic.
I got irritated with Elizabeth's friend, Caroline (from an earlier book in this series). She tried to convince Elizabeth that David wasn't a good man, simply because he made money after the war was over. She had no business butting in to their relationship, and judged David because of how she had suffered in the war. It was wrong of Caroline to do that, and it made me not like her at all.
I did like Elizabeth and David, but I wish he hadn't tried to hide that he was rich from Elizabeth. He was so afraid that she would want him only for his money, and that secret caused a few problems for them. I also didn't believe they were really in love. It just didn't seem like they knew each other well enough to be in love yet.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
I got irritated with Elizabeth's friend, Caroline (from an earlier book in this series). She tried to convince Elizabeth that David wasn't a good man, simply because he made money after the war was over. She had no business butting in to their relationship, and judged David because of how she had suffered in the war. It was wrong of Caroline to do that, and it made me not like her at all.
I did like Elizabeth and David, but I wish he hadn't tried to hide that he was rich from Elizabeth. He was so afraid that she would want him only for his money, and that secret caused a few problems for them. I also didn't believe they were really in love. It just didn't seem like they knew each other well enough to be in love yet.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
December 1, 2019
A story about two hearts who's fated to heal each other. A sweet and loving story perfect for relaxing. I love how the story ended up with happily ever after. ❤
February 6, 2026
GOD IS IN HIS HEAVEN. ALL’S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD.
NOTE—The story was originally written for the multi-author series, Angel Creek Christmas Brides. In this series, the women are mail-order brides who travel to Angel Creek, Montana. In this first book in the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek—it still reads as taking place in Angel Creek, Montana. What gets a bit off is when you go to the next book, and you have the same people, like Widow Martha Gable, properties, except the story is now featured in Texas, not Montana.
The story is the first in a three-part series set in Angel Creek, Montana. After several of Elizabeth Byrd’s friends go there as mail-order brides, they convince her to do the same. In Early November of 1866, Elizabeth travels to Montana, not knowing whom she will marry. Her world changed after the war, losing her brothers, too many friends, and her fiancé.
Captain David Pemberton left the South and moved to his hunting lodge in Montana at the end of the war. He lost his wife and son during childbirth. Friends will convince him that four years is long enough to grieve, and to join them to acquire a mail-order bride.
“He receives the shock of his life at who steps off the stagecoach to claim his hand in marriage.”
The story will bring a shock to both Elizabeth and David—she was a combat nurse while he served, and she is the one who brought him the news of his wife and child’s passing. They marry and have a grace period to get to know each other, where they can decide to annul the marriage, provided they don’t consummate it. Since David’s hunting lodge is small and not a suitable home, they will stay at Rose Haven, a boarding home run by Widow Martha Gable. David had commissioned a home built on his land, but it isn’t ready.
The story was a page-turning tale with a touch of mystery, some secrets, and a bit of angst. At least Elizabeth and David aren’t strangers, but they are both grieving losses caused by the war. While they have a nice room, with only one bed, they agree they can make it work as they get to know each other again and decide on their future. I liked the chemistry between them, but they will also face some decisions when a letter arrives. Do they stay married, or will Elizabeth return to Charleston?
Note: This story ends on page 85 or 123. It will have previews of the next book, Grace, as well as more information about the author and other books by her.
NOTE—The story was originally written for the multi-author series, Angel Creek Christmas Brides. In this series, the women are mail-order brides who travel to Angel Creek, Montana. In this first book in the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek—it still reads as taking place in Angel Creek, Montana. What gets a bit off is when you go to the next book, and you have the same people, like Widow Martha Gable, properties, except the story is now featured in Texas, not Montana.
The story is the first in a three-part series set in Angel Creek, Montana. After several of Elizabeth Byrd’s friends go there as mail-order brides, they convince her to do the same. In Early November of 1866, Elizabeth travels to Montana, not knowing whom she will marry. Her world changed after the war, losing her brothers, too many friends, and her fiancé.
Captain David Pemberton left the South and moved to his hunting lodge in Montana at the end of the war. He lost his wife and son during childbirth. Friends will convince him that four years is long enough to grieve, and to join them to acquire a mail-order bride.
“He receives the shock of his life at who steps off the stagecoach to claim his hand in marriage.”
The story will bring a shock to both Elizabeth and David—she was a combat nurse while he served, and she is the one who brought him the news of his wife and child’s passing. They marry and have a grace period to get to know each other, where they can decide to annul the marriage, provided they don’t consummate it. Since David’s hunting lodge is small and not a suitable home, they will stay at Rose Haven, a boarding home run by Widow Martha Gable. David had commissioned a home built on his land, but it isn’t ready.
The story was a page-turning tale with a touch of mystery, some secrets, and a bit of angst. At least Elizabeth and David aren’t strangers, but they are both grieving losses caused by the war. While they have a nice room, with only one bed, they agree they can make it work as they get to know each other again and decide on their future. I liked the chemistry between them, but they will also face some decisions when a letter arrives. Do they stay married, or will Elizabeth return to Charleston?
Note: This story ends on page 85 or 123. It will have previews of the next book, Grace, as well as more information about the author and other books by her.
February 6, 2026
GOD IS IN HIS HEAVEN. ALL’S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD.
The story was originally written for the multi-author series, Angel Creek Christmas Brides. In this series, the women are mail-order brides who travel to Angel Creek, Montana. After several of Elizabeth Byrd’s friends go there as mail-order brides, they convince her to do the same. In Early November of 1866, Elizabeth travels to Montana, not knowing whom she will marry. Her world changed after the war, losing her brothers, too many friends, and her fiancé.
Captain David Pemberton left the South and moved to his hunting lodge in Montana at the end of the war. He lost his wife and son during childbirth. Friends will convince him that four years is long enough to grieve, and to join them to acquire a mail-order bride.
“He receives the shock of his life at who steps off the stagecoach to claim his hand in marriage.”
The story will bring a shock to both Elizabeth and David—she was a combat nurse while he served, and she is the one who brought him the news of his wife and child’s passing. They marry and have a grace period to get to know each other, where they can decide to annul the marriage, provided they don’t consummate it. Since David’s hunting lodge is small and not a suitable home, they will stay at Rose Haven, a boarding home run by Widow Martha Gable. David had commissioned a home built on his land, but it isn’t ready.
The story was a page-turning tale with a touch of mystery, some secrets, and a bit of angst. At least Elizabeth and David aren’t strangers, but they are both grieving losses caused by the war. While they have a nice room, with only one bed, they agree they can make it work as they get to know each other again and decide on their future. I liked the chemistry between them, but they will also face some decisions when a letter arrives. Do they stay married, or will Elizabeth return to Charleston?
The story was originally written for the multi-author series, Angel Creek Christmas Brides. In this series, the women are mail-order brides who travel to Angel Creek, Montana. After several of Elizabeth Byrd’s friends go there as mail-order brides, they convince her to do the same. In Early November of 1866, Elizabeth travels to Montana, not knowing whom she will marry. Her world changed after the war, losing her brothers, too many friends, and her fiancé.
Captain David Pemberton left the South and moved to his hunting lodge in Montana at the end of the war. He lost his wife and son during childbirth. Friends will convince him that four years is long enough to grieve, and to join them to acquire a mail-order bride.
“He receives the shock of his life at who steps off the stagecoach to claim his hand in marriage.”
The story will bring a shock to both Elizabeth and David—she was a combat nurse while he served, and she is the one who brought him the news of his wife and child’s passing. They marry and have a grace period to get to know each other, where they can decide to annul the marriage, provided they don’t consummate it. Since David’s hunting lodge is small and not a suitable home, they will stay at Rose Haven, a boarding home run by Widow Martha Gable. David had commissioned a home built on his land, but it isn’t ready.
The story was a page-turning tale with a touch of mystery, some secrets, and a bit of angst. At least Elizabeth and David aren’t strangers, but they are both grieving losses caused by the war. While they have a nice room, with only one bed, they agree they can make it work as they get to know each other again and decide on their future. I liked the chemistry between them, but they will also face some decisions when a letter arrives. Do they stay married, or will Elizabeth return to Charleston?
December 15, 2022
I wouldn’t call this a Christmas story. It’s a mail-order bride romance which just happens to have a day of Christmas in it. I did like Elizabeth and David. I liked that David set about courting his wife. There were hints of what they were “going to do” once they both realized they were in love with the other, but nothing was actually mentioned besides kisses. The widow Gable was a bit odd. She runs a boarding house, but also a huge mansion full of things, and a warehouse full of things? All in this little bitty western town and no one knew it?
It was okay for a read, but I doubt I’ll read it again.
It was okay for a read, but I doubt I’ll read it again.
December 18, 2024
3.5/5 stars
This was a decent short read for the season. Elizabeth is a young woman whose fiance died during the US Civil War, so she allows some of her friends to convince her to become a mail order bride.
When she gets to town, she discovers that her husband-to-be is someone she met while nursing in one of the prison camps, so that's convenient. Of course, since this is a romance, you know that things are going to work out ... but each of them is hiding something from the other.
The plot twist could be seen coming from miles away, but all's well that ends well. This is a sweet/clean romance, so easily accessible for those who like a lot less heat.
This was a decent short read for the season. Elizabeth is a young woman whose fiance died during the US Civil War, so she allows some of her friends to convince her to become a mail order bride.
When she gets to town, she discovers that her husband-to-be is someone she met while nursing in one of the prison camps, so that's convenient. Of course, since this is a romance, you know that things are going to work out ... but each of them is hiding something from the other.
The plot twist could be seen coming from miles away, but all's well that ends well. This is a sweet/clean romance, so easily accessible for those who like a lot less heat.
October 5, 2022
Penniless, Elizabeth Byrd traveled West to be a mail-order wife. Life in the South after the Civil War was desperate. Elizabeth has experienced so many losses, including her fiance. When Elizabeth arrives, she realizes she knows her intended husband, David Pemberton, because she notified him that his wife and son had died in childbirth.
This story is barely over one hundred pages, so there isn't enough time to delve into too many issues. I was a bit surprised that Elizabeth recovered so quickly from sudden news from her mother.
This story is barely over one hundred pages, so there isn't enough time to delve into too many issues. I was a bit surprised that Elizabeth recovered so quickly from sudden news from her mother.
December 9, 2025
Elizabeth was a tender, Christmas-set mail-order bride romance that blends heartache, healing, and unexpected connection.
The story was of Elizabeth Byrd, a former battlefield nurse with nothing left to lose, and Captain David Pemberton, a grieving widowed soldier pushed back into life by meddling friends. Grace delivered a sweet, hopeful slow-burn.
Their meeting feels fated, and the emotional stakes, such as loss, second chances, and courage, made their journey especially warm and satisfying.
A charming, cozy read for anyone who loves holiday romances with lots of gentle heart.
The story was of Elizabeth Byrd, a former battlefield nurse with nothing left to lose, and Captain David Pemberton, a grieving widowed soldier pushed back into life by meddling friends. Grace delivered a sweet, hopeful slow-burn.
Their meeting feels fated, and the emotional stakes, such as loss, second chances, and courage, made their journey especially warm and satisfying.
A charming, cozy read for anyone who loves holiday romances with lots of gentle heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2021
Normally I don't read books set further back than about WW I, but I do like this author so took a chance. Elizabeth signs a mail order bride contract mainly for the financial gain she can provide for her mother and sisters back home. Her father and both brothers were killed in the Civil War and her fiance has been missing so long that he is presumed dead. She marries the man in her contract, but I won't spoil it by saying anymore...
December 2, 2021
I am sure life was very difficult for those men & women who survived the Civil War. With so many men dying during the war, women probably had to leave their homes to find a husband. Even though this story is not based on anything true from that era it is a story I enjoyed because it opened my eyes to what might have happened after the war. I think it is worth the time to read. I received a free copy. This is my voluntary review.
July 18, 2024
Short and sweet Western following the Civil War when Elizabeth from Atlanta follow her friends as a mail-order bride to Texas. Attempting to escape from bad memories from the war as a nurse, she discovered she was matched to a captain who led her fiance into battle, ultimately to his demise. With much to overcome, she must make a decision whether to stay or return. A simple plot but a good bedtime read with a heartwarming Christmas conclusion.
November 12, 2025
Sweet story
David and Elizabeth's story was delightfully sweet and heartwarming. Taking place shortly after the end of the Civil War, Cowboys Creek was beginning a new era much as David and Elizabeth were in their new marriage.
I enjoyed the way David treated his mail order bride with gentle persuasion and led her patiently into a loving relationship.
A lot happened in this short novella and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the story.
David and Elizabeth's story was delightfully sweet and heartwarming. Taking place shortly after the end of the Civil War, Cowboys Creek was beginning a new era much as David and Elizabeth were in their new marriage.
I enjoyed the way David treated his mail order bride with gentle persuasion and led her patiently into a loving relationship.
A lot happened in this short novella and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the story.
December 7, 2025
Elizabeth Byrd and Captain David Pemberton meet and marry all within the space of two hours in this mail-order ride story.
Loved this short romance. Elizabeth is not a fainting bride personality. She has spunk and fire and she and David actually fall in love before her ‘dead’ fiancé returns.
Elizabeth and David have a happy ending, and the former fiance is ok with her decision because he sees that Elizabeth and David truly love each other.
Loved this short romance. Elizabeth is not a fainting bride personality. She has spunk and fire and she and David actually fall in love before her ‘dead’ fiancé returns.
Elizabeth and David have a happy ending, and the former fiance is ok with her decision because he sees that Elizabeth and David truly love each other.
January 6, 2026
The stories written by Jovie Grace (Jo Grafford) are among my favorites. The character development is excellent and and the romances are sweet and closed door. When Elizabeth leaves Atlanta to become a mail order bride she is surprised to recognize her groom from when she was a war nurse. Their history is not pleasant and the road to love has many twists and turns. A great first story for the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek.
February 1, 2026
The stories written by Jovie Grace (Jo Grafford) are among my favorites. The character development is excellent and and the romances are sweet and closed door. When Elizabeth leaves Atlanta to become a mail order bride she is surprised to recognize her groom from when she was a war nurse. Their history is not pleasant and the road to love has many twists and turns. A great first story for the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek.
December 12, 2020
Can the past help secure their future?
Liz and David both have pasts that have left them emotionally scarred, they both know loss and both have secrets...can they heal and find peace together?
This is a really sweet journey full of hope, acceptance and love a great Christmas read on Kindle Unlimited.
Liz and David both have pasts that have left them emotionally scarred, they both know loss and both have secrets...can they heal and find peace together?
This is a really sweet journey full of hope, acceptance and love a great Christmas read on Kindle Unlimited.
July 11, 2022
What a refreshing bride story!!!
I am new to this wonderful author, but I already see that she is a fantastic writer. What a great storyline. I just wanted to hug some of the characters. I hope there are many more stories about the other citizens in this sweet little town who whisper their stories in her ear to be written for us to read.
Thanks, Jovie, for a wonderful goodread.
I am new to this wonderful author, but I already see that she is a fantastic writer. What a great storyline. I just wanted to hug some of the characters. I hope there are many more stories about the other citizens in this sweet little town who whisper their stories in her ear to be written for us to read.
Thanks, Jovie, for a wonderful goodread.
July 17, 2022
Sweet Historical Romance
This little story was sweet, clean and a bit different than what I expected. I liked it overall. So many pet names threw me off a bit, but the plot was interesting enough to keep me reading. It's a good story to relax with at the end of a tough day. If you enjoy sweet, clean, historical romance, why not give it a try?
This little story was sweet, clean and a bit different than what I expected. I liked it overall. So many pet names threw me off a bit, but the plot was interesting enough to keep me reading. It's a good story to relax with at the end of a tough day. If you enjoy sweet, clean, historical romance, why not give it a try?
August 28, 2023
Elizabeth: A Sweet & Inspirational Christmas Romance.
I enjoyed this short book so much written by Jovie Grace, a new Author to me. Elizabeth and David were great characters to follow and their sweet story was an interesting and a believable one. Downloading Grace - Book 2 in this series. JudyE
I enjoyed this short book so much written by Jovie Grace, a new Author to me. Elizabeth and David were great characters to follow and their sweet story was an interesting and a believable one. Downloading Grace - Book 2 in this series. JudyE
December 1, 2023
As far as short stories and novellas go, this was probably one of the best I've encountered. It was well-written and sweet. While short, the author did a great job of making Elizabth and David's relationship seem believable. Overall, it's a charming little story fit for a quick read. I enjoyed that it was clean read in every way.
January 6, 2024
A Sweet Western Christmas Romance with interesting characters and a few unexpected twists. A quick read - novella. Just what I needed after the holidays - a feel good, HAF holiday romance. Looking forward to the rest of the series. One observation - while the covers for this series are eye appealing, they look too modern for a Mail-Order Bride post Civil War story.
September 30, 2024
This is a sweet, clean western reminiscent of the good-feel Hallmark movies. It follows Elizabeth Byrd, after the war between the states, as she signs up as a mail-order-bride in an effort to relieve some of the burden from her mother and to escape the memories she suffered as a battlefield nurse.
This short read is ideal for sweet, clean romance fans!
This short read is ideal for sweet, clean romance fans!
January 15, 2025
Very enjoyable short read. Neither Elizabeth nor David are particularly enamored of getting married. Having met before in rather inauspicious circumstances, they quickly overcome their differences. I love that David decided to court Elizabeth. I was very happy with Elizabeth’s response to learning her former fiancé is alive. Wonderful ending to the story.
July 4, 2020
Cinderella style
Enjoyed another story in the series of southern bellies who move to Angel creek. Not much detail as other books. Bit too luxurious living to fit with the series. Bit Cinderella style for me.
Enjoyed another story in the series of southern bellies who move to Angel creek. Not much detail as other books. Bit too luxurious living to fit with the series. Bit Cinderella style for me.
October 29, 2020
Sweet Romance
This was a lovely romance with a certain amount of sorting out of motives that needed to take place. Good characters, especially some of the secondary characters. A good read.
This was a lovely romance with a certain amount of sorting out of motives that needed to take place. Good characters, especially some of the secondary characters. A good read.
January 6, 2021
Elizabeth goes West to meet her husband.
When she first meets him, he is in tagged clothes. She assumes he is very poor. She learns that he is wealthy. They have a pretty rough time., But love sees them through.
When she first meets him, he is in tagged clothes. She assumes he is very poor. She learns that he is wealthy. They have a pretty rough time., But love sees them through.
July 12, 2022
Like a fairytale
This book was a definitely 'rags to riches ' story. Elizabeth is all you can admire in a character. Her husband is also commendable. I love the widow, and how she 'adopts' them. The rest, is pure joy. As I said, like a fairytale.
This book was a definitely 'rags to riches ' story. Elizabeth is all you can admire in a character. Her husband is also commendable. I love the widow, and how she 'adopts' them. The rest, is pure joy. As I said, like a fairytale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews