Love and Order

by Jennifer Uhlarik

Family, Love, and Justice

Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice.

Pinkertons Callie Wilson and Joe Trenamen come to Cambria Springs to stop a killer. But when evidence points to a ghost from Callie’s childhood, she must choose between two men she loves.
 
Falsely accused, bounty hunter Rion Braddock vows to prove his innocence. Former flame Maya Fellows and dime novelist Lucinda Peters both offer help, but is either beauty truly on his side?
 
In her first solo case, attorney Andi McGovern defends Rion, but the infuriating prosecutor, Daniel Littrick, outwits her. Following a hunch could win her case—or leave Andi dead.
 
Can these couples stop the true culprit and right the greatest injustice of Callie, Andi, and Rion’s lives?
 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery

448 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a pre-teen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a B.A. in writing, she has won five writing competitions and finaled in two other competitions. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenaged son, and four fur children.

Reviews

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique way to tell the story! The book was split up into three parts with each part being told from the point of view of a different character.

I loved how Callie tried to stay impartial throughout the case and do her job well.

Orion was such a mystery and left the reader guessing as to who he was and how he was involved.

It's hard to say too much with these books without giving spoilers, but this was a great story that takes the reader on a great adventure!

Thanks to netgalley and Barbour Publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure, mystery and romance are tied up together in this enjoyable collection. Three stories by one author featuring siblings who are reunited after a fifteen year separation from an Orphan Train. Each story adds to the previous one creating one cohesive tale.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down at the end when the life of the brother is on the line. The tension grew as the mystery unraveled, and the siblings came together with help from friends to vindicate him.

The history woven into the story was interesting, and the notes at the end showed how well the author did her research. I liked how she put their different backstories together and used it to create a unique plot.

A fun read, perfect for any reader who enjoys a western adventure with clean romance and inspiration.  4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this story set in the old West! Captivating and inspirational, with a mystery that keeps you turning pages, and an old west courtroom drama to boot!

Themes of orphans separated at a young age who never stop looking for their siblings, traveling shows, Pinkerton agents, and a murder mystery that frames one of the siblings. I could not put it down.

For lovers of stories set in the old west, you need to read Love and Order!

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Bcs (Sarah. B) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and Order by Jennifer Uhlarik

Rating: four stars

Language/Profanity: Mention of cursing; durn it all; name unfit for a lady's hearing; what in the name of Jupiter; calling someone an old witch; bejeebers; calling someone a shrew; holy Moses; someone saying something made him look as guilty as sin; someone saying 'I swear to you before God'.

Faith: Lots of praying; Bible Verses.

Romance/Sex: Kissing (not too described); sparks of attraction; holding a lady in his arms; men without shirts; mentions of brothels; and 'soiled doves'.

Violence ect.: murders; a character was in the war; slightly described body; injuries; mention of a man using girls...;

Other: A bearded lady (faked)

Part of a Series: No

Synopsis:
Family, Love, and Justice

Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice.

Pinkertons Callie Wilson and Joe Trenamen come to Cambria Springs to stop a killer. But when evidence points to a ghost from Callie’s childhood, she must choose between two men she loves.
 
Falsely accused, bounty hunter Rion Braddock vows to prove his innocence. Former flame Maya Fellows and dime novelist Lucinda Peters both offer help, but is either beauty truly on his side?
 
In her first solo case, attorney Andi McGovern defends Rion, but the infuriating prosecutor, Daniel Littrick, outwits her. Following a hunch could win her case—or leave Andi dead.
 
Can these couples stop the true culprit and right the greatest injustice of Callie, Andi, and Rion’s lives?

Thoughts:
How do I always end up reading murder stories? I did not expect it, and I did not like it. But. Other than that, and the mentions of girls being used it was good. I loved the found family, the court room, and the banter between Andromeda and Daniel.
I really liked the characters, and the story was well written. I liked the way the story was split into three parts. It was well written and very interesting.

Bible Verse:
Jude 1:3-4 KJV
[3] Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
[4] For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Ifeanyi Omoike · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest joys of reading is the privilege of stepping into an author's mind. I always hope to find intelligence, twists, and surprises in a book, and Love and Order delivered all that and more.

Divided into three parts, the novel begins with Callie and Joe’s story, which instantly captivated me. I admired Callie’s resilience, sharp intellect, keen attention to detail, and artistic talent. Joe’s protective instincts toward her were equally endearing—he struck the perfect balance between care and respect, allowing her to shine while ensuring she was safe. I only wished their romance had lasted longer in the book, but with the focus shifting to the other Braddock siblings, the transition remained engaging and rewarding.

I fell in love with the Braddock siblings and their deep connection. Despite years of separation, their love for one another remained strong, making their reunion even more poignant. The novel beautifully explored family relationships, and Jennifer Uhlarik did an excellent job maintaining each sibling’s distinct perspective. This approach allowed me to immerse myself in their individual stories while keeping the overarching mystery compelling.

Speaking of mystery—the suspense was masterfully executed! With a three-part structure, maintaining tension could not have been easy, yet the clues and discoveries were woven together in an intelligent and intriguing way. I found myself rooting for the murder suspect, anxiously awaiting justice, and completely invested in the unraveling truth.

This was my first time reading Jennifer Uhlarik’s work, and it certainly won’t be my last. If you’re looking for a western novel infused with mystery, suspense, and romance, I highly recommend Love and Order. I couldn’t put it down, and even when I had to, I couldn’t wait to return to it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A western family drama told in three parts.

The Braddock children were separated by the orphan train many years ago, now all adults this book follows each of the children in three consecutive connecting stories as they search for their family, while a serial killer is on the loose.

An engaging read that follows three siblings, as they forge their way forward, fighting for justice and looking for answers along the way. Calliope (Callie) is a Pinkerton Detective is on a mission with fellow agent Joe Trenamen, on the trail of a killer, but she has her own reasons for being out west, and a face from the past in the worst possible place has her questioning her dreams of a family reunion. I liked how supportive Joe was of Callie, and how he helps her find the truth.

Rion is a man with a mysterious past, on the hook for a crime he didn't commit, can he trust the help that is coming his way? I liked how he makes the best of a bad situation, and finds friends he can count on.

Andi McGovern is a lawyer defending Rion in her first case. She is surprised to find a friend in the persecuting lawyer, a man who admires her wit and inspires her to to follow her dreams.

A satisfying western read, filled with many twists and turns along the way. I liked the strong themes of faith and family. It was fun to see how it all came together, in this mystery, filled with old west action and sweet romance.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Order was a fascinating and entertaining book. I was expecting this western historical about three sibling orphans separated while young to be good, but it was even better than I anticipated. 5 stars!

The book is broken into three sections with each sibling having their own story which leads into the next one. It's the equivalent of three novellas. Many times I have wished I had the next story in a series and Jennifer Uhlarik has delivered exactly that with this three in one book.

The three siblings Callie, Orion and Andi find each other and their love match too. There's a variety of occupations in Love and Order, Pinkerton detectives, bounty hunters, dime novelists and lawyers. I enjoyed each story but have to say the last one with the legal proceedings and trial had me on the edge of my seat.

It's been a while since I've read a Jennifer Uhlarik story but Love and Order has now put Uhlarik on my radar for future reading. I appreciate Barbour Fiction providing a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my very own

[Vicki F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinkerton detectives, bounty hunters, wild west, serial killer, females in nontraditional roles, faith, and romance - what more can you ask for? Love and Order by Jennifer Uhlarik has wonderful characters, page-turning action, and unexpected plot twists. A new to me author which I will eagerly read again.

Releases Apr. 1st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and Order is set up almost like a collection of novellas by the same author. The book follows three siblings who were separated on an orphan train. Now adults they have been working to find each other. An interesting turn of events brings them all together in ways they'd never expect.

Calliope (Callie) is a female Pinkerton undercover trying to find a serial killer.
Orion (Rion) is a bounty hunter content to just be on his own serving justice.
Andromeda (Andie) grew up in a loving home with a father who supported her quest for knowledge encouraging her to get a rare law degree as a female.

Each of the parts of the book switches to another siblings as the main character. Their stories get woven together and continued until the very end. Along the way they each find love while also trying to solve a mystery--a true life or death one.

All in all this was a good book. It kept me guessing until about Part 2 at which point there were enough clues that I had guessed the villain.

This is a happily ever after-all tied up in a bow type of story. No real depth. Just a light read.

4 Stars
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of the novel. All opinions are 100% my own.

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Ride! 🐎
Calliope, Andromeda, and Orion Braddock and their respective love interests made for such an interesting novel. Being comprised of novellas, switching points of view were very enjoyable I found. However, Calliope's & Joe's story was a bit rushed.
Despite that, the book held my interest. There is palpable evil and darkness, but a strong faith throughout. This tale is Western in every sense.
QUOTABLE:
“Hear ye! Hear ye! Court’s in session. All you mulligrubs in the back of the courtroom keep your traps shut and give these fellers up front a chance to talk.”
I've never read Jennifer Uhlarik's work before, but based on this I'm interested in reading more.
I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting book about tracking down a serial killer while still being a swoon-worthy historical romance with a sideline about orphan trains. Wow! Callie is a Pinkerton agent on assignment to track down a killer. She is also looking for the brother and sister she hasn't seen since she was a small child when they were separated by different placements on an orphan train. Partnered with Pinkerton agent Joe, the two travel to Cambria Springs, hot on the trail of whoever has committed these terrible crimes. The clue seem to point in one direction and Callie is elated and dismayed all at once to nab the suspect, only to find it is her long lost brother Rion.
Rion, a bounty hunter, is arrested for the crimes even as Callie promises to find the real killer. Reporter wanna-be Lucinda wants to write an article to prove herself to her father but also winds up in jail. Together, she and Rion break out and head to the mountain home of Rion's adoptive brother with a posse close behind.
Andie, a new attorney and the oldest of the three siblings locates Callie through a letter and heads to Cambria Springs to meet up with her sister. Unfortunately she meets an annoying man on the train named Daniel who also is heading towards Cambria Springs.
No spoilers, but imagine swoony romance and a tear jerking sibling reunion in the face of danger and intrigue. A great book by Jennifer Uhlarik. Don't miss this one.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read! I want to thank Barbour books, the editor who asked if the author, Jennifer Uhlarik, still had the manuscript and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy. This is my own unsolicited opinion.
Callie aka Kezia Jarrett has an undercover assignment for the Pinkerton Agency in 1873. She has joined forces with Joe Trenamen aka Stephen Nesbitt in the search for the person who has killed several women. Each woman has been found in similar crime scenes.
There are three sections in the book. Each section focuses on one of three female characters. Callie, Lucinda and Andi. There are quite a few important characters in the book and there is a lot going on. The story is very well researched and plotted with twists and turns. Background of three orphaned adults is nicely woven into the story.
Any reader who has an interest in the other side of orphan train stories with the children grown, murder mysteries and a bit of romance may enjoy this book. Throw in strong females who work in 'unorthodox" jobs during the 1870's for extra tension. I found that the female crime scene investigator sketching pictures of the area and evidence to be quite fascinating.
I want this to be a series so we can see more of the characters. It's a 5 star for me.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so unique in how the author tells the story. It's 3 novellas connected by the 3 siblings points of view but they flow into each other creating one cohesive story. There are 3 sweet romances and 3 points of view in this western novella.

Points to the author for the interesting way of telling the story. This is something I'd definitely like to see again. I liked how the author made each sister strong and independent and the care their brother shows for them. Calliope, Orion and Andromeda are as unique as their names but their love for one another is special after being separated for so many years,

Barbour books has another enjoyable book with this unique novella collection. I'm so happy to have taken a chance on this one.

Thank you to Barbour books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ifeoluwa Shobande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God for the century I was born. How can a family go this far as to kill 7 people because of the vegence of someone who killed someone? People are crazy. Very crazy. I enjoyed this story so much.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. So thank you, NetGalley, for this

Thank you, Jennifer Uhlarik 😘 ❤️ 💙

[Ishieta Chopra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written story of three siblings and a murder mystery and conspiracy. Set in the west in a time long gone, the details the author wrote brought that time to life and was easy to imagine.
I enjoyed reading all 3 parts and enjoyed how it came together.
I read this literally in 3 sittings for the three parts which I feel was a good idea.

[Karen Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wears so many hats it resists classification. Is it a three-part novel or a collection of three novellas telling a single story? A courtroom drama? A mystery? An old west adventure story? A sweet romance or three?

Honestly, this book is all of the above, but mostly it’s a fun and entertaining read that keeps the pages turning. Each of its three parts features one of three adult siblings who were separated at a young age on an orphan train, and are only now reconnecting. With likeable characters, witty banter, and an interesting premise, this tale is recommended reading.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an Advance Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book! This is the story of three siblings who were put on an Orphan Train and adopted by three different families. They have all been searching for each other for the past 15 years. Unbeknownst to each other all have gravitated to a career in the justice system, detective, bounty hunter, and attorney, all three of these professions propelled the story forward. Rion, Andi, and Callie find their way back to each other and their future partners in life. I enjoyed the way the author told each story separately but pieced each story together for one awesome adventure. I have not read any of Jennifer Uhlarik's stories before but look forward to adding her name to my authors I want to read list. Reader beware: once you start this story you will not wan to put it down.

Thanks to NetGalley for a Reader's ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and Order had a unique way of telling the story of three siblings who were separated as children on an orphan train. Each sibling had their own section that told the story from their point of view. Callie is a Pinkerton agent, Rion is a bounty hunter who has been framed for murder and Andie is one of the few women lawyers of her time. They all end up coming together to save Rion and have their own happy endings. Nice, clean romances for all.

I'll definitely be looking for more books by Jennifer Uhlarik in the future!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Publication date: 1 April 2025

[Cindy Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love & Order was an interesting read. Three stories intertwined together. Each novella length in one book. Three orphan siblings separated as they travel on the orphan train. Decades later they find each other again. Callie the Pinkerton agent has finally found her brother as she and her partner are on the trail of a serial killer. Rion is a bounty hunter that has been in the wrong place at the wrong time and needs his sister Andi, an attorney, to defend him in court, as all the evidence seems to lead to him as the killer. I loved how Uhlarik builds each love story while the investigation takes place. Callie, Lu, and Andie are strong-willed determined women who don’t back down from their equally strong-willed counterparts Joe,Rion, and Daniel. I followed the clues and always enjoy when I don’t put the pieces together until near the end, shortly before the author reveals the villain. The characters are well-developed and the small town setting invites you to come and visit. It is clear by the well-crafted story that a lot of research went into Love & Order. Like the other Jennifer Uhlarik stories I’ve read, this is stellar, I’ll be reading more of this author.

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE AND ORDER is a very apt name for the most enjoyable and exciting novel by JENNIFER UHLARIK. What a great story and what interesting characters! The scene is set in Cambria Springs in 1873 where Calliope Braddock, an under cover Pinkerton agent going by the name Kezia Jarrett , and her partner Joe Trenamen, whose under cover name is Stephen Nesbitt, are looking for a killer responsible for the murder of seven women countrywide, the latest two murders taking place in Cambria Springs. Callie is also looking for her older brother and sister from whom she was separated fifteen years ago on an orphan train…….
There is murder, kidnapping, more than one courtroom scene, a suspicious sheriff, a medicine show and more than one romance. We also see how the main characters come to rely on the Lord for His guidance and protection……
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling your read.
I cannot recommend this lovely book strongly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different Orphan Train story. The story begins after they are all grown, but haven't seen or heard from one another for fifteen years.

Sad, with this read, we find out about these children's lives, and how they all end up in Cambria Springs, Colorado 1873.

As I was meeting the characters, I felt like I was in a western, and probably with the way the law worked at this time, it was.

The siblings are Rion, Andi, and Callie, a bounty hunter, an attorney and a Pinkerton agent, all somehow involved in justice.

We are given many murders, a missing women, jail break, some sweet romance, and meeting the lost siblings then along with those that consider them family. There is a lot of action that takes place in this story, including in the court room, and then out in town and wilderness.

Be sure to read the epilogue, which I loved!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Oruare Ojimadu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember watching western movies as a child and when I came across this book, it spiked my interest...a different read from the books I have been reading for a while. This book didn't disappoint. Three siblings, three different perspectives all linked to bring a broad picture... this was a good read loaded with adventure and suspense.
Calliope, Andromeda and Orion reuniting was orchestrated in such a way that it all coincided when it mattered most. The way each found love as they fought for justice for Orion who was accused of murder was beautiful. Each partner they found complimented their unique characters.
Throughout this book, the fight for justice was clearly seen even as they depended on God for help. I am glad that at long last, justice was served.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three siblings separated for fifteen years and placed on an orphan train make for an interesting tale of discovery as Calliope, Orion, and Andromeda must ban together to outwit a clever murderer. Each of them are motivated to see justice done. Callie is a Pinkerton agent, Andi is a lawyer, and Rion is a bounty hunter. How ironic is it that Rion would be suspected of murder?

The story is divided into three parts with each being a novella. The author does a nice job of bringing all of the stories together for cohesiveness to create an interesting story. I really enjoyed reading her notes at the end to give more background and details about some historical events that she wove into the story.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and a positive review was not required.

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Colorado in 1873, this story of the old west had plenty to keep me turning pages—three orphans separated in their youth, Pinkerton agents trying to solve several murders, a bounty hunter accused of the murders trying to prove his innocence, and a plucky lady lawyer. The tale was told from various points of view, which was interesting. The characters were engaging and well-drawn, and the story line rang true and was well-researched. I was pleased to see the women in the story had unusual occupations for ladies of this time period.

With plenty of action, suspense, twists and turns, inspiration, and a dash of romance, this book has something for everyone. This is a new-to-me author, and I’m excited to see what else she has written.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Order by Jennifer Uhlarik is an exciting adventure novel set in the wild west.

Callie Braddock is a Pinkerton agent sent to cover the murders of seven women. She is also searching for her siblings that were separated 15 years ago on the orphan train. Joe Trenamen is her partner, working undercover to find who the serial killer is.

As they make progress in their investigation, the crimes all point to a surprising suspect.

The story is one of trust, family, a little bit of romance and dependence on God. A clean read that holds your interest.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received via NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Priscilla A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few pages in, I thought I was in a scene from a law and order episode, but instead was transported to a time where good old-fashioned investigations relied on hunches, minut clues and tenacity.

In the case of this story, based in Cambria Springs, Colorado 1873, three stories intertwine when a Pinkerton, bounty hunter and attorney cross paths in a race to discover the truth.

Not only did I enjoy getting to know each of the characters and their love interests, but this story was skillfully told from the perspective of each individual all while being incredibly cohesive.

I strongly recommend this book for those mystery enthusiasts who enjoy a clean, historical read. 5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first page. The book is written in three parts, each concentrating on one of three adult siblings who were separated by the orphan train fifteen years earlier. I loved following Callie, Rion, and Andie as each one was trying to find the others. When Rion is accused of murder, the three unite to find justice. I loved how they depended on God to help get them through. There is adventure, excitement, and romance along the way. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a review.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and the order it was in. :) pun intended. I enjoyed this book so much I let my 15 year old read it too! This is a 3 part book and reading them all together was a treat. I enjoyed this immensely and the mystery was a mystery. With twists and turns and ups and downs. Boy it was hard to put this book down! 2 Thumbs Up! (Or 4 thumbs including my daughters)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mix of genres. Is it a mystery, romance novel, western, police procedural, or historical fiction? The answer is “Yes!”, and each genre is handled expertly. A serial murderer is being chased by a Pinkerton agent who was orphaned years ago, yet continues to search for her siblings, The interaction and development of the characters is strength. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily sent an honest review.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three siblings separated in early childhood have never given up hope of finding each other. They find a lot more. A series of murders bring Pinkerton agent Callie onto the scene, where she recognizes a bounty hunter. Evidence keeps pointing to a particular person, but could it be that easy? You’ll never guess whodunit.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.