Former U.S. Marshal Isaac McGraw wants nothing more than to forget his past and live in isolation on the family ranch. But his meddling family has cooked up other plans—plans that include matching Isaac with a mail-order bride who has two young boys in tow.
There’s something about Clare Ferguson that bothers Isaac…more than the haunted look in her eyes and the way she’s constantly glancing over her shoulder. Against his will—and better judgment—he finds himself drawn to Clare and her cheery disposition.
When Clare’s secret past and relationship to an infamous outlaw is revealed, Isaac must break free from the chains of his past to keep his new family safe…
This sweet historical romance is perfect for fans of the following
*lawman hero *ready-made family *heroine on the run *grumpy/sunshine *redemption
Wind River Mail-Order Brides Book 1: A Convenient Heart Book 2: A Steadfast Heart Book 3: A Secret Heart Book 4: A Dangerous Heart Book 5: A Forgotten Heart
Once again, another page-turning romantic suspense! If you haven’t started this series yet… hop to it! Lol!I’ve loved every single book in this series. And these mail-order brides? Let’s just say, things never go quite as planned... I LOVE it!
What you’ll find: Lawman hero Ready-made family Heroine on the run Grumpy/sunshine dynamic Redemption
In this story, both Isaac and Clare have their secrets. Isaac’s haunted by something in his past, and it's caused him to build walls...walls that are meant to keep out anything that feels like a future, including Clare and her boys. Clare has a secret too... there's a real reason she rushed out of town to marry a stranger.
At first, Isaac is set on sending her back. But then he notices things, how she flinches, how she’s always watching over her shoulder. The ex-lawman in him can't help but want to protect her. And as danger starts creeping closer to his family’s land AND the woman he’s trying not to fall for, Isaac might have to lower his guard if he wants to keep her safe... or risk losing her forever!
Y’all, I started this late last night and woke up early just to finish it this morning! I loved it. Solid 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. And now I’m counting down the days until Nick’s story!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
I have been anxiously awaiting this return to 1890s Wyoming to reconnect with the McGraws, one of my favorite fictional families! It was a heartwarming reunion. Since being introduced to Issac previously in the Wind River Mail-Order Bride series, I have been anticipating what I knew would be his intriguing story! It was all I hoped it would be and more! The fast-moving, emotive plot--loaded with action, danger, and secrets--kept me invested from beginning to end. Richly developed, engaging characters both main and secondary are easy to connect with and cheer for. Both Issac and Clare struggle with past regrets and trauma which affect their present actions and choices. I enjoyed the way their challenging mail-order bride romance unfolded. I appreciate the strong faith thread with reminders of God's steadfastness, love, and mercy and themes of forgiveness and restoration. I loved Issac and Clare's story and highly recommend it and the series. I look forward to the next McGraw brother's story! I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve been so interested to find out what happened in Isaac’s past as a Marshall that caused him to become a shadow of the man his family used to know. And this novel didn’t disappoint. Isaac was a complex character who was very traumatized and it took most of the book for him to find his way back to living.
I loved the interactions between Isaac, Clare, and her brothers. Clare was just what Isaac needed, yet she and the boys were harboring secrets that could prove very dangerous to all of the McGraw family. I’m really enjoying this action packed, faith filled series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
An action packed story. And the plot kept me guessing. Great characters in Isaac and Clare. This is a great addition to this series. Perfect for those who enjoy Christian historical romance. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
“They think it’s just a matter of fixing what’s been broken. Like a wheel or a fence. Some things in life are broken beyond fixing.” “The God I read about is mighty. He made those mountains out yonder and parted seas. I don’t think fixing whatever you think is broken is beyond His ability.”
You can take the badge off the marshal, but you can’t take the marshal out of the man. This is my favorite book in the series so far! Secrets and hurts come to light as the danger mounts for the McGraw family.
Clare is hiding some big secrets. She proves herself to be brave and determined when everything comes to a head. I enjoyed her relationship with Ben and Eli. I LOVED when she opened up and was honest with Isaac. Their relationship had some ups and downs but it was tender and sweet too. Isaac is burdened by grief and guilt and is determined not to let anyone close. I loved his patience and gentle firmness with Ben and Eli. I enjoyed seeing the little hints of his ‘calling’ to be a marshal pop up throughout. But my favorite parts were when he was open and vulnerable with Clare, Nick, and Drew. Nick and Drew dropped some truth bombs on Isaac. I loved the faith elements seamlessly woven through the story too!
Note: This is book 4 in the series and can be read as a standalone but better enjoyed as part of the series. All the stories center around one family and there might be a few small spoilers.
A few more quotes: “You’ve got to come to the end of yourself and let God be the hero in you. Who do you think gave you that quick draw?”
“I love you, Clare. You came and brought my heart back to life. Brought me back together with my family.” She reached a hand up to cup his cheek. “Oh, Isaac, I love you too.”
“Secrets cause mistrust, make you distance yourself from the very people you think you’re protecting. The hero may fight alone and ride off into the sunset in those dime novels Clare’s been reading to you. But in real life, you’re gonna need family and friends to ride with you if you’re going to survive out there.”
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Another great book in this series, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a western romance. The H is a retired US marshal who retired due to something that happened when he was serving. He refuses to talk about what happened. His niece and nephew decide that he needs mail order bride and send for one. When she arrives with her two nephews claiming to be his mail order bride he denies it but not knowing what to do he brings her and the children to the home stead. There he finds out what happened. In the end he decides he must marry the woman and brings them to his cabin. He gradually learns to love them. When he finds out that she is related to a known outlaw who she is escaping from he wants to defend her and children. When the H learns that the local major landowner has hired the outlaw gang to help him divert the river to his land he takes action. He goes to the town sheriff and they form a plan to defeat the gang and stop their work on diverting the river. Before the attack the begins the h goes to the gangs camp begs that they not destroy the river by blowing up the train bridge when the train is on the bridge. Also that her brother release his son but he instead attacks her. The H sees her and he attacks the camp going to save the boy and his wife. When he comes upon the bother using the h as a shield the H who had been unable to use a gun shoots and thus disarms the brother. While this is going on the sheriff and her deputies and men from the town attacked and arrested the other gang members and their neighbors workers. Life for the H and h is able to get back to normal and they get their HEA. Hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did. Enjoy! Received this book free from the author as a member of her ARC team.
A heartwarming story of redemption and forgiveness, especially of oneself.
Be prepared for a very strong faith-filled plot with an arc of forgiveness and knowing you are a God-child. The steadfast love of God is its own character here.
As Isaac battles heartbreaking past of a lawman and sinks into more despair, he suddenly finds himself with responsibility of a wife and kids thanks to the meddling of his nephew. Unprepared to face his fears, he is stuck with a God-made-possible situation where his faith is tested, his penance is questioned, and his ability to forgive himself and love others is renewed. Cue in Clare with her criminal past ties, her multiple secrets, her present desire to cling to her faith and her hope to love and be loved, and you’ll enjoy their sweet and clean romance to the last page, and maybe even sigh happily. And the moments of Isaac caring for the boys as a dad would will warm your heart through.
Lacy and Wendy have weaved quite a story with a very engaging prose, action-filled plot, and complex characters. And it’s beautiful to see the restoration of Isaac to his loving and faithful family, something that’s been hinted throughout the series. I’d recommend starting with the very first book because then the novel will read better.
Possible triggers: criminal activity, loss of a family member I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
This series started with a bang, any it gets better and better. Each brother has had their own individual burden, and each bride has arrived in an unconventional way, bringing her own secrets. And every couple has found their needs met through their new relationship. We've seen Issac struggle with something from his time as a Marshall and resist the warmth of his family, choosing to stay alone despite their desire to draw him back. The children bring Claire to the ranch, a woman with dangerous secrets in her past, and Issac is forced to house Claire and the two boys. They gradually build a relationship, but it's not based on truth, and Claire's past puts the entire McGraw family in grave danger. As she sacrifices herself for them, Issac realizes how much family, including Claire and the boys mean to him. And when they see the family pull together to rescue Claire, each of them find the healing they need. I think this story is my favorite so far, although I really liked the first book, A Convenient Heart, which is Jack and Merritt's mail order husband story, a lot. These characters stay with you. You see how each man struggles to balance the needs of the family with their own desires and inner drives. And the women make brave choices and arrive determined to make their situation work. Family and faith and forgiveness are the ongoing themes in these books. Each story is a standalone and HEA, but I think that reading them in order will give the most pleasure.
I've been wanting to read Issac's story ever since I began this series. I couldn't wait and it didn't disappoint! Yes, I might have shed a few tears! These two damaged hearts needed each other so desperately and it took the whole book to finally get there. But, oh it was worth it! Issac was a U.S. Marshal, and he had felt the calling regarding that job for a long time. However, one case changed everything, and he hasn't told anyone what happened. He just came home and locked away all his emotions. His brothers have tried to get him to open up but he refuses. He will help out on the ranch but that's it. When his nephew arranges a mail-order bride for him and she comes in on the train, he's fit to be tied. She'll be headed right back to where she came from! Except that Clare (and her nephews, who she calls her sons), cannot go back and therein lies the secrets she can't share. I loved these scarred, imperfect characters which life had beaten down. Somehow, they have to open their hearts to love and find the forgiveness God has for them. Clare especially has to find self-worth because no one has ever told her she is enough.
A Dangerous Heart by Lacy Williams and Wendy Galinetti is the fourth book in the Wind River Mail Order Bride series. This is a Christian historical romance series that follows the McGraw brothers as they seek brides through mail order. The stories do follow in order, but the author does a wonderful job of giving background information, so this is also a good stand-alone story. This is a well written story that is easy to read and imagine. The story also contains mystery and suspense.
Isaac's niece and nephew secretly invite a young lady to come to rural Wyoming to be his bride. A bride is the last thing he wants and plans to send Clare back home. Clare arrives with her nephews, who she calls her sons. Clare and Isaac both have things in their past they are running from. I enjoyed this story and following up on what is happening to the McGraw family and the suspense and struggles with the family land. I especially enjoyed finding out the secret Isaac holds to himself. This is a nice story with good characters that have strong faith.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Overcoming danger with courage and faith The multi-author team of the Wind River Bride series seamlessly continue the saga of the McGraw brothers in each consecutive book, with meticulous attention to character disposition and the complex relationships between both the family members and the wider Calvin community. Each of the brides arriving at the McGraw Ranch has a complicated history with new bride, Clare, potentially being the most unwelcome and a very real threat to the extended family. Silent and introverted brother, Isaac, makes every effort to send her away until villainous neighbour, Quade, starts paying her undue attention. Clare’s courageous and indomitable spirit, and her protective attitude towards her nephews, gradually earn Isaac’s respect. Ms Galinetti holds the attention of her readers in the intricate and gripping plot she weaves as danger threatens the family and their livelihood, affecting their loyalty to one another and their resulting interactions. I received this book as an ARC and offer my honest opinion.
Action filled, emotionally charged, the contrast of grumpy and sunshine along with a faithful (and interfering) family are what makes this story great. A book I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Isaac and Claire are both carrying the weight of regrets and lies and the skillful writing of these complex characters showed how their past had a way of eating away at them and affects their relationships with those around them. Thankfully the McGraw family loves Isaac enough to keep interfering in his life and to welcome Claire and boys when they arrive. I loved the theme of redemption and forgiveness that runs through this story.
This is book 4 of the historical Wind River Mail-Order Brides series and ideally you would read it after the earlier books of the series. I have been eagerly waiting for this story and it did not disappoint. It is a sweet story showing good winning out over bad and coming to realise God's plan is for good. 5 stars
"Secrets cause mistrust, make you distance yourself from the very people you think you're protecting. The hero may fight alone and ride off into the sunset in those dime novels Clare's been reading to you. But in real life, you're gonna need family and friends to ride with you if you're going to survive out there."
“A Dangerous Heart,” is the next book to the series, “Wind River Mail-Order Brides,” and is one book that probably makes readers very happy as to Isaac McGraw’s secret from his past life, that was always hinted at in the last books.
Isaac is faced with a bride-one he did not ask for. He has a choice to be rid of her until the famous archenemy appears and spoils his plans.
Clare is safe at last, as this is God’s will for her life. But will her plans be foiled by the man who she hoped would save her from an unnerving past?
Once again, an exciting read and another book I just could not put down. I was so excited to finally understand this next brother in this series.
A Dangerous Heart is part of the Lacy Williams presents series with Wendy Galinetti for Wind River Mail-Order Brides. This is the third McGraw brother’s story. His niece and nephew decided to write back to one who had responded earlier to a mail order bride ad. Isaac and Clare are wounded souls who need to start a new in their lives. Both feel unable and undeserving of God’s help, love and acceptance. Along with Clare comes two nephews who need a change in direction for their lives.
The overall theme of keeping the ranch from a hostile takeover continues in this story. However, the danger become imminent as the Clare’ outlaw brother comes to the area. Isaac must face his fears with God’s help or lose those he has come to love. A gripping read with several twists and turns kept me hooked until the very end. Part of a series that you will want to read, I recommend A Dangerous Heart who enjoy Christian historical fiction.
This is the third book in Williams’ Mail Order Brides series through Sunrise Publishing, this time written with Wendy Galinetti. We finally get the story behind brother Isaac and find out why he quit being a US Marshall. His mail order bride situation is another one orchestrated by others in the family, which brings all sorts of interesting things to the plot. There are more villains to deal with, broken lives and hearts that need the Lord’s healing, more lies from the past that need to be exposed by God’s truths. If you can read the series in order, it helps to keep the characters straight and know what all has happened. I enjoyed it and look forward to the final brother’s story!
This was a great story of healing, redemption and forgiveness. Isaac McGraw wants nothing more than to be left alone as he deals with guilt from an incident when he was a U.S. Marshall. But his family, wanting him to be happy, sends for a mail order bride. Clare, running from a family of outlaws, answers the ad for a mail order bride and brings her 2 nephews to rescue them from the kind of life she had. Secrets, regrets, and danger threaten to destroy the family and their legacy, but the strength of their love and their faith in God brings them through. Isaac is finally able to forgive himself and Clare is able to leave her past behind and accept the identity of a child of God.
I received a copy of this book from the author, but this is an honest review.
Isaac and Clare both have a wagon-load of worries. Isaac is hiding from his memories and carries a very heavy load of self-loathing because of an accident. Even keeps his family at a distance. Claire is running from her former life toward a new beginning for her nephews. She didn’t expect to learn to love Isaac, and he didn’t mean to let her into his heart. But it happened. Together they face the danger and truth of the past. Isaac lets God renew his faith, and Claire’s faith pulls her through.
I enjoyed this new addition to the series: clean, wholesome, and faith-filled. 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.
This is another wonderful addition to the Wind River series. Isaac and Clare have a great story. Isaac’s family has gotten tired of seeing him grouchy and unhappy. He stays away as much as possible. Their first attempt to get him a mail order bride was a failure with brother Ed getting the bride. This time his nephew and neice write the letter. Clare is anxious to get her nephews away from their abusive father who happens to be her brother. When his wife dies, Clare promises to take them away and agrees to be the mail order bride. When she arrives it is evident the man doesn’t want the bother of a bride or children. Then she finds out he was a marshal. What will he think when he finds out she is related to a notorious outlaw family?
This is book #4 in the Wind River Mail-order Bride series but can be read as a standalone book.
This is Isaac McGraw and Clare Ferguson's story.
Isaac wants nothing more then to be left alone but is niece and nephew have other plans and Clare and her 2 nephews show up at the train station trying to escape from her brother and Isaac tries to send them away but the McGraw's neighbour Heath Quade overhears and wants to start even more problems for the family.
Both Isaac and Clare have to face things that happened in the past to be able to have a future together as a family.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
This is a fascinating story! There's intrigue, deception, gunfights, and more. I love the McGraw family! They take care of each other and offer forgiveness and protection.
Clare is a wonderful character! She's tough when she needs to be. She's a protector, loving and compassionate. Isaac is Mr. Grumpy pants. When his past is revealed it's easy to see why he put up walls around his heart.
My favorite quote is when Clare says: "I'm a daughter of the living God. ...I'm his. And that's enough for me."
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Richly compelling historical romance with lovable characters and captivating plot with satisfying imagery and symbolism. Isaac and Clare’s story is woven with threads of deception, danger, doubts and desires, leaving the reader fully engaged and wanting to see what comes next. Love Isaac’s emotional struggle with guilt and his ultimate acceptance of his God given gift. Love Clare’s unwavering devotion to her promise and strength to step out in faith. Especially love the inspiring aspect throughout that there’s honor in a good name and the tender family ties. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful, clean series. This one is Isaac's and Clare's story. Isaac is a former US Marshal. He left the US Marshals after something terrible happened that he totally blames himself for. Clare is running from her family with her 2 nephews. She thinks she's going to Calvin, Wyoming as a mail-order bride to marry Isaac McGraw. Little does she know, Isaac didn't send for her. This is such a good story with suspense, faith, and romance. We get to see characters from the previous books in the series as well as learn of yet another one of Heath Quade's plans to ruin the McGraw family. I love this series and highly recommend it.
A Dangerous Heart had all the answers I was seeking regarding Isaac McGraw. It didn't disappoint and was a satisfying story of dealing with past or unresolved trauma and trust in God. I loved his journey towards growth and healing, and how it became interconnected with Clare's and her nephews'. The romance was beautiful and sweet, and I also loved the pace of it and the timing of certain things (be it confessions or the first kiss). I loved the family dynamics, and I can't wait to see how it all turns out with Nick's story. I'm not ready to say goodbye to them yet, but I'm excited to read the finale! ~ 5 stars
There is nothing to dislike about this latest book in the Wind River Mail Order Brides series. Having read the previous books in the set, A Dangerous Heart is the perfect addition to the McGraw family saga. I especially loved the heroine, Clare, who was exactly what Isaac McGraw needed. With adventure, danger, romance, and a message of healing, this story struck right to the heart. I am all geared up for the next installment! Lacy Williams is not an author I miss!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Another heart pounding story about the McGraws and a new mail-order bride. Clare arrives with two boys ready to be Isaac’s wife. Well that didn’t go well. The scene with the bear is one of my favorites. I loved how Eli finally realizes the truth about his father. And there’s still Nick “the last man standing.” All is safe and peaceful at the moment, but for how long? Quaid is still out there. Highly recommend this series. I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Each book in this series could be read as a standalone, however the characters overlap throughout the series with their storylines continuing in the baco. Reading in order recommended. Isaac is not pleased when he learns that his family has been meddling. Now he's got a fiance that he knew nothing about and she came with two kids? She's hoping to escape from her family with the boys. What will she do when she learns who wrote the letters?
What happens when a gruff ex–U.S. Marshal gets matched with a sunshine-filled mail-order bride… who just so happens to be hiding a dangerous past? You get Isaac’s story—and let me tell you, it was so worth the wait.
I’ve been dying to read Isaac McGraw’s story, and this book delivered everything I wanted: tension, tenderness, and that slow, hard-won love that just hits deeper. Clare arrives with two sweet boys and a past she’s desperate to outrun, and Isaac is the last man looking for a ready-made family. But hearts have a funny way of finding each other.
From his initial grumbles to his fierce protectiveness, Isaac became the hero I didn’t know I needed—and Clare was the perfect match with her steady strength and kindness. Their chemistry built slowly, beautifully, and when the pieces finally fell into place… pure magic.
This installment might be my favorite of the mail-order bride stories yet—and I’m not ready for this series to end. Big thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC. I devoured this one!
Isaac held on to his secret long and hard, and my heart broke on learning it. Thankfully so does Clare’s, the mail order bride he didn’t order and didn’t want but needed. Claire has her own past and those secrets might be her undoing. You really don’t want to start this book in the evening because you will be caught in that one more chapter thinking until suddenly you realize the alarm is about to sound and a new day begin. I loved this book.
Isaac and Clare’s first meeting is far from ideal thanks to secrets. Unfortunately, that issue is a recurring theme with high cost consequences. The importance of family and friends is a strand of Hope woven throughout. Sometimes they come “..at the right time to talk sense into him and save him from himself.” Looking forward to another book from her.
This is an action-packed mail order bride story that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It has action, drama, suspense and learning to forgive yourself and others. This book is a great read. I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.