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Mail-Order Gambler
Kody Hall lives life on a roll of the dice, betting on everything except love. He's learned the hard way that women don't mix well with gambling men. But he's willing to wager everything he has on a chance to change lives at the orphanage he secretly founded. He’s also hoping the woman he’s been corresponding with might be interested in taking a chance on a mail-order husband. He’d like to settle down.
Susan Louden, the orphanage’s teacher, is fiercely protective of her charges. When she spots Kody, the town's notorious gambler, lurking around the grounds, she chases him off. In her eyes, gambling and innocence don't mix. Why can’t more men be like the one she’s been writing to?
But a surprise revelation about Kody's true intentions, and his identity, throws Susan's world into disarray. Could she have been wrong about him? The more she learns, the more she questions her own place in the orphanage, especially as she starts to develop feelings for him. Can a woman dedicate her life to children while being associated with a gambler?
It’s something Kody’s willing to gamble on.
Susan Louden, the orphanage’s teacher, is fiercely protective of her charges. When she spots Kody, the town's notorious gambler, lurking around the grounds, she chases him off. In her eyes, gambling and innocence don't mix. Why can’t more men be like the one she’s been writing to?
But a surprise revelation about Kody's true intentions, and his identity, throws Susan's world into disarray. Could she have been wrong about him? The more she learns, the more she questions her own place in the orphanage, especially as she starts to develop feelings for him. Can a woman dedicate her life to children while being associated with a gambler?
It’s something Kody’s willing to gamble on.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2025
About the author
Sarah Lamb
25 books23 followersSarah Lamb is wife to an amazing teacher and mom to two boys who are growing up just a little too fast. Her day job is helping others to become writers, while she squeezes in each spare moment she can on her own books. She spends her days working and writing in the Blue Ridge Mountains and planning her next trip to Disney World.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 17, 2025
TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE AND HAPPINESS
The story is part of the Honorable Husbands series by various authors and each story will read as a stand-alone and can be read in any order. These are clean, Western historical tales that mitigating circumstances will result in couples seeking a mail-order spouse. It was fun to see this series return with more wonderful tales—of happily ever after stories!
1877, Hackberry Falls, Kansas, Kody Hall is a man with a past—gambling, but he has left that behind, not that the itch isn’t still there. During his years as a gambler, he learned how to read other players, their tells, etc. But now Kody is a wise investor, rather than around the gaming tables in a saloon, he invests in properties, business, and making lives better. He was fortunate to meet Mrs. Washington, who took in the young boy and gave him a home and love, something he never had in the first five years of his life. Her example propelled him into building a top-notch orphanage, housing teachers, and staff, and giving the orphans a new lease on life. He has Mrs. Washington oversee the home, alerting him to needs—and also to rescue abandoned and abused children. Kody wants more in life, he wants a wife and family and has been corresponding with a young woman for months. But how would she feel about him if she learned he had been a gambler?
Miss Susan Louden likes being a teacher at the children’s home, where she also lives. She is concerned about a man who has been hanging out at the school, watching the children, and does her best to run him off—even threatening to get the sheriff involved. She wants more in life but has a dilemma, she would like to be married, but she really doesn’t want to give up teaching. How will she be able to teach and marry—when most men don’t want their wives working? She has been in correspondence with a man, but it has only been letters.
I will have to say I was invested in the story and characters from the beginning to the end. This was an interesting story, with delightful characters, sometimes comical interactions, and surprises along the way. Sometimes fate is watching and waiting to bless two people, and in this story, letters between strangers, and two people meeting in person can add to real life. Not everything is as one perceives, and people can change.
Susan: Promise me something?
Kody: You bet, Sunshine.
Susan: Be the best that you can be for yourself too. You deserve it.
Kody: Thank you. That’s about the kindest thing anyone’s ever said.
Susan: I meant it.
It is easy to be judgmental and make assumptions, but it is more important to be able to recognize that and change for the better. I liked Kody and Susan together and think that they will make a great couple, putting the needs of the orphaned children so that they have the best outcome for the future.
The story is part of the Honorable Husbands series by various authors and each story will read as a stand-alone and can be read in any order. These are clean, Western historical tales that mitigating circumstances will result in couples seeking a mail-order spouse. It was fun to see this series return with more wonderful tales—of happily ever after stories!
1877, Hackberry Falls, Kansas, Kody Hall is a man with a past—gambling, but he has left that behind, not that the itch isn’t still there. During his years as a gambler, he learned how to read other players, their tells, etc. But now Kody is a wise investor, rather than around the gaming tables in a saloon, he invests in properties, business, and making lives better. He was fortunate to meet Mrs. Washington, who took in the young boy and gave him a home and love, something he never had in the first five years of his life. Her example propelled him into building a top-notch orphanage, housing teachers, and staff, and giving the orphans a new lease on life. He has Mrs. Washington oversee the home, alerting him to needs—and also to rescue abandoned and abused children. Kody wants more in life, he wants a wife and family and has been corresponding with a young woman for months. But how would she feel about him if she learned he had been a gambler?
Miss Susan Louden likes being a teacher at the children’s home, where she also lives. She is concerned about a man who has been hanging out at the school, watching the children, and does her best to run him off—even threatening to get the sheriff involved. She wants more in life but has a dilemma, she would like to be married, but she really doesn’t want to give up teaching. How will she be able to teach and marry—when most men don’t want their wives working? She has been in correspondence with a man, but it has only been letters.
I will have to say I was invested in the story and characters from the beginning to the end. This was an interesting story, with delightful characters, sometimes comical interactions, and surprises along the way. Sometimes fate is watching and waiting to bless two people, and in this story, letters between strangers, and two people meeting in person can add to real life. Not everything is as one perceives, and people can change.
Susan: Promise me something?
Kody: You bet, Sunshine.
Susan: Be the best that you can be for yourself too. You deserve it.
Kody: Thank you. That’s about the kindest thing anyone’s ever said.
Susan: I meant it.
It is easy to be judgmental and make assumptions, but it is more important to be able to recognize that and change for the better. I liked Kody and Susan together and think that they will make a great couple, putting the needs of the orphaned children so that they have the best outcome for the future.
August 29, 2025
TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE AND HAPPINESS
The story is part of the Honorable Husbands series by various authors and each story will read as a stand-alone and can be read in any order. These are clean, Western historical tales that mitigating circumstances will result in couples seeking a mail-order spouse. It was fun to see this series return with more wonderful tales—of happily ever after stories!
1877, Hackberry Falls, Kansas, Kody Hall is a man with a past—gambling, but he has left that behind, not that the itch isn’t still there. During his years as a gambler, he learned how to read other players, their tells, etc. But now Kody is a wise investor, rather than around the gaming tables in a saloon, he invests in properties, business, and making lives better. He was fortunate to meet Mrs. Washington, who took in the young boy and gave him a home and love, something he never had in the first five years of his life. Her example propelled him into building a top-notch orphanage, housing teachers, and staff, and giving the orphans a new lease on life. He has Mrs. Washington oversee the home, alerting him to needs—and also to rescue abandoned and abused children. Kody wants more in life, he wants a wife and family and has been corresponding with a young woman for months. But how would she feel about him if she learned he had been a gambler?
Miss Susan Louden likes being a teacher at the children’s home, where she also lives. She is concerned about a man who has been hanging out at the school, watching the children, and does her best to run him off—even threatening to get the sheriff involved. She wants more in life but has a dilemma, she would like to be married, but she really doesn’t want to give up teaching. How will she be able to teach and marry—when most men don’t want their wives working? She has been in correspondence with a man, but it has only been letters.
I will have to say I was invested in the story and characters from the beginning to the end. This was an interesting story, with delightful characters, sometimes comical interactions, and surprises along the way. Sometimes fate is watching and waiting to bless two people, and in this story, letters between strangers, and two people meeting in person can add to real life. Not everything is as one perceives, and people can change.
Susan: Promise me something?
Kody: You bet, Sunshine.
Susan: Be the best that you can be for yourself too. You deserve it.
Kody: Thank you. That’s about the kindest thing anyone’s ever said.
Susan: I meant it.
It is easy to be judgmental and make assumptions, but it is more important to be able to recognize that and change for the better. I liked Kody and Susan together and think that they will make a great couple, putting the needs of the orphaned children so that they have the best outcome for the future.
The story is part of the Honorable Husbands series by various authors and each story will read as a stand-alone and can be read in any order. These are clean, Western historical tales that mitigating circumstances will result in couples seeking a mail-order spouse. It was fun to see this series return with more wonderful tales—of happily ever after stories!
1877, Hackberry Falls, Kansas, Kody Hall is a man with a past—gambling, but he has left that behind, not that the itch isn’t still there. During his years as a gambler, he learned how to read other players, their tells, etc. But now Kody is a wise investor, rather than around the gaming tables in a saloon, he invests in properties, business, and making lives better. He was fortunate to meet Mrs. Washington, who took in the young boy and gave him a home and love, something he never had in the first five years of his life. Her example propelled him into building a top-notch orphanage, housing teachers, and staff, and giving the orphans a new lease on life. He has Mrs. Washington oversee the home, alerting him to needs—and also to rescue abandoned and abused children. Kody wants more in life, he wants a wife and family and has been corresponding with a young woman for months. But how would she feel about him if she learned he had been a gambler?
Miss Susan Louden likes being a teacher at the children’s home, where she also lives. She is concerned about a man who has been hanging out at the school, watching the children, and does her best to run him off—even threatening to get the sheriff involved. She wants more in life but has a dilemma, she would like to be married, but she really doesn’t want to give up teaching. How will she be able to teach and marry—when most men don’t want their wives working? She has been in correspondence with a man, but it has only been letters.
I will have to say I was invested in the story and characters from the beginning to the end. This was an interesting story, with delightful characters, sometimes comical interactions, and surprises along the way. Sometimes fate is watching and waiting to bless two people, and in this story, letters between strangers, and two people meeting in person can add to real life. Not everything is as one perceives, and people can change.
Susan: Promise me something?
Kody: You bet, Sunshine.
Susan: Be the best that you can be for yourself too. You deserve it.
Kody: Thank you. That’s about the kindest thing anyone’s ever said.
Susan: I meant it.
It is easy to be judgmental and make assumptions, but it is more important to be able to recognize that and change for the better. I liked Kody and Susan together and think that they will make a great couple, putting the needs of the orphaned children so that they have the best outcome for the future.
August 29, 2025
TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE AND HAPPINESS
The story is part of the Honorable Husbands series by various authors and each story will read as a stand-alone and can be read in any order. These are clean, Western historical tales that mitigating circumstances will result in couples seeking a mail-order spouse. It was fun to see this series return with more wonderful tales—of happily ever after stories!
1877, Hackberry Falls, Kansas, Kody Hall is a man with a past—gambling, but he has left that behind, not that the itch isn’t still there. During his years as a gambler, he learned how to read other players, their tells, etc. But now Kody is a wise investor, rather than around the gaming tables in a saloon, he invests in properties, business, and making lives better. He was fortunate to meet Mrs. Washington, who took in the young boy and gave him a home and love, something he never had in the first five years of his life. Her example propelled him into building a top-notch orphanage, housing teachers, and staff, and giving the orphans a new lease on life. He has Mrs. Washington oversee the home, alerting him to needs—and also to rescue abandoned and abused children. Kody wants more in life, he wants a wife and family and has been corresponding with a young woman for months. But how would she feel about him if she learned he had been a gambler?
Miss Susan Louden likes being a teacher at the children’s home, where she also lives. She is concerned about a man who has been hanging out at the school, watching the children, and does her best to run him off—even threatening to get the sheriff involved. She wants more in life but has a dilemma, she would like to be married, but she really doesn’t want to give up teaching. How will she be able to teach and marry—when most men don’t want their wives working? She has been in correspondence with a man, but it has only been letters.
I will have to say I was invested in the story and characters from the beginning to the end. This was an interesting story, with delightful characters, sometimes comical interactions, and surprises along the way. Sometimes fate is watching and waiting to bless two people, and in this story, letters between strangers, and two people meeting in person can add to real life. Not everything is as one perceives, and people can change.
Susan: Promise me something?
Kody: You bet, Sunshine.
Susan: Be the best that you can be for yourself too. You deserve it.
Kody: Thank you. That’s about the kindest thing anyone’s ever said.
Susan: I meant it.
It is easy to be judgmental and make assumptions, but it is more important to be able to recognize that and change for the better. I liked Kody and Susan together and think that they will make a great couple, putting the needs of the orphaned children so that they have the best outcome for the future.
The story is part of the Honorable Husbands series by various authors and each story will read as a stand-alone and can be read in any order. These are clean, Western historical tales that mitigating circumstances will result in couples seeking a mail-order spouse. It was fun to see this series return with more wonderful tales—of happily ever after stories!
1877, Hackberry Falls, Kansas, Kody Hall is a man with a past—gambling, but he has left that behind, not that the itch isn’t still there. During his years as a gambler, he learned how to read other players, their tells, etc. But now Kody is a wise investor, rather than around the gaming tables in a saloon, he invests in properties, business, and making lives better. He was fortunate to meet Mrs. Washington, who took in the young boy and gave him a home and love, something he never had in the first five years of his life. Her example propelled him into building a top-notch orphanage, housing teachers, and staff, and giving the orphans a new lease on life. He has Mrs. Washington oversee the home, alerting him to needs—and also to rescue abandoned and abused children. Kody wants more in life, he wants a wife and family and has been corresponding with a young woman for months. But how would she feel about him if she learned he had been a gambler?
Miss Susan Louden likes being a teacher at the children’s home, where she also lives. She is concerned about a man who has been hanging out at the school, watching the children, and does her best to run him off—even threatening to get the sheriff involved. She wants more in life but has a dilemma, she would like to be married, but she really doesn’t want to give up teaching. How will she be able to teach and marry—when most men don’t want their wives working? She has been in correspondence with a man, but it has only been letters.
I will have to say I was invested in the story and characters from the beginning to the end. This was an interesting story, with delightful characters, sometimes comical interactions, and surprises along the way. Sometimes fate is watching and waiting to bless two people, and in this story, letters between strangers, and two people meeting in person can add to real life. Not everything is as one perceives, and people can change.
Susan: Promise me something?
Kody: You bet, Sunshine.
Susan: Be the best that you can be for yourself too. You deserve it.
Kody: Thank you. That’s about the kindest thing anyone’s ever said.
Susan: I meant it.
It is easy to be judgmental and make assumptions, but it is more important to be able to recognize that and change for the better. I liked Kody and Susan together and think that they will make a great couple, putting the needs of the orphaned children so that they have the best outcome for the future.
January 31, 2025
This charming novella features as its wonderful main characters philanthropist and reformed gambler Kody Hall and Susan Louden, a teacher at the orphanage that Kody established and funds. Set in 1877 in Hackberry Falls, Kansas, the captivating plot, with a good mix of light and serious moments, kept me turning pages hoping for a happy-ever-after ending. Engaging characters, main and secondary, captured my heart. I felt that they were very well-developed considering the story’s short length. I loved Kody’s interaction with the children especially with young Josh in whom he found a kindred spirit. I enjoyed how Kody and Susan’s romantic relationship evolved. I totally enjoyed this quick, heartwarming Western read and highly recommend it
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.
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.
June 1, 2026
I enjoyed Mail-Order Gambler very much. Ms. Lamb does a great job of developing Kody’s character, a reformed gambler whose dialogue is peppered with gambling phrases because it has been an integral part of his life for so long. He works hard to change and is intentional about altering his speech. Susan has her own baggage and tends to jump to conclusions which she finally realizes isn’t a good trait. They both have the children’s interests at heart, and it was fun to see them stumble through working together for the greater good. A fun, light read I finished in one sitting.
February 6, 2025
She's the new teacher at the school for orphans. He was a gambler. When they first meet sparks fly but not names. Between the secret benefactor, the suspicious gentleman, and her male mail friend she has too many men on her mind for a proper single female teacher. Who are all of them and why can't she decide what to do about them? What happens when she finds out the name of the benefactor and gambler?
February 19, 2025
Mail-Order Gambler by Sarah Lamb ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another novella in the healing husbands series, and Sarah didn't disappoint.
Kody once a gambler who's changed his ways for the better and help many lost souls along the way. But doesn't feel complete without a wife, so he send a letter to a mail order bride. However he doesn't think any one could love a gambler.
Continue reading on to find out if he finds love.
Another novella in the healing husbands series, and Sarah didn't disappoint.
Kody once a gambler who's changed his ways for the better and help many lost souls along the way. But doesn't feel complete without a wife, so he send a letter to a mail order bride. However he doesn't think any one could love a gambler.
Continue reading on to find out if he finds love.
February 5, 2025
What a delightful story. A young lady becomes a teacher at an orphanage. The owner/benefactor is a former gambler. Their first meeting has our caring teacher sending an unknown man (the owner) off campus, telling him he doesn't belong there. What happens from there, well this is a must read story to find out!
February 13, 2025
Mail-Order Gambler by author Sarah Lamb is the latest addition in her Healing Husbands series. It's a quick read filled with people you'd love to meet in real life. Check out this story for yourself and see what you think.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
February 27, 2025
Sarah Lamb has given us a tour de force with us having the advantage of seeing all the parts. We have a gambler with a heart of gold and bank account to match, a teacher who has a past with gamblers and alcohol, who are involved both in person and by letter. We get to sit back and watch it all unfold.
January 29, 2025
If you like children and the movie you’ve got mail then you will definitely enjoy this easy to read, clean story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The rating & review is my honest opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The rating & review is my honest opinion of it.
February 6, 2025
An ex-gambler. A prim and proper school teacher. A well run, well funded orphanage. What could the three have in common? This story will melt your heart, stir your emotions and leave you smiling with joy in your heart!
August 21, 2025
Really cute book
I really liked this book. Although I haven't read any of the other books in the series (I don't think), I like the premise.
Kody and Susan were SO good together, and who knows, they might add to their school in other ways! Ms Lamb's books entertain and inspire.
I really liked this book. Although I haven't read any of the other books in the series (I don't think), I like the premise.
Kody and Susan were SO good together, and who knows, they might add to their school in other ways! Ms Lamb's books entertain and inspire.
May 5, 2026
A clean historical romance
A sharp teacher and a reformed gambler! Or is he really reformed and can he be trusted? Susan has to decide and allow herself to trust again. This is a sweet historical romance and a good read.
A sharp teacher and a reformed gambler! Or is he really reformed and can he be trusted? Susan has to decide and allow herself to trust again. This is a sweet historical romance and a good read.
February 7, 2025
A very interesting story. Original plot. I loved it. And I know that those who enjoy clean historical romance will like this book. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
February 26, 2025
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved the characters. I love that Kody changed his life for the better and got his happily ever after. I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved the characters. I love that Kody changed his life for the better and got his happily ever after. I recommend this book.
March 21, 2025
loved it!
This was such an interesting story that filled my heart with joy and I held my breath through the troubled times. Heartfelt!
This was such an interesting story that filled my heart with joy and I held my breath through the troubled times. Heartfelt!
July 12, 2025
great book
This was absolutely a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
This was absolutely a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
March 31, 2026
I enjoyed reading Kody and Susan's story
February 13, 2025
Looking for a story that will make you feel good, than look no further than Mail Order Gambler. Kody has come a long way, from being an orphan to supporting a school now. He grew up hard and fast and gambled on everything, until Mrs Washington took him in. His life has changed so much and now he wants to add a wife and family. Will the lady he meets, mind if he was a gambler, but is changing his ways. Susan is s a teacher at the school and their first meeting didn't go so well. She thought he was up to no good and wanted him gone to protect the children. Can opposites attract and can she get past the gambling. Time will tell, soon enough. This story will claim your heart.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
February 24, 2025
Kody Hall was a gambler. He owns a childrens' home/school for orphans but keeps his part in it a secret. Kody wants a wife and family so he starts writing a woman as a potential mail-order bride. Susan Louden is a teacher at the school and she enjoys it very much. She has been corresponding with a gentlemen with the possibility of marriage. One day she sees a man standing near the playground watching the kids and becomes protective of the children. She tells the strange man to leave and that he shouldn't be on the school property. The man was Kody. Kody calls her Sunshine and their acquaintance begins. At first Susan is very frustrated with him and Kody isn't sure how to take her. Some things happen and they realize they are attracted to each other but theyneed to be honest with the ones they are corresponding with first. This is a very sweet, clean, Christian romance and I highly recommend it. I loved that the author included an short epilogue at the end also.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews