First Comes Love

The American Brides Collection

by Gabrielle Meyer

As the youngest of seven brothers, Hays Hart has never been first at anything—so he’s determined to be the first to marry. And after his father’s ultimatum, that each of his brothers marry before the end of 1874, Hays is more determined than ever. If he doesn’t marry, he risks losing his inheritance, a beautiful section of the family ranch.

Hays sets his sights on the new teacher, Miss Emma Longley, but he soon discovers Emma wants nothing to do with marriage, ranching, or Texas and plans to leave Hartville in two short months. Will Hays’ charm be enough to convince her to stay?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical

107 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Gabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Reviews

[twirlinginameadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

6🌟
This novella was a gem right from the start! It was set in historical Texas so there were horses and cowboys which I love lol. Emma is also the daughter of the couple from novella #3 in this collection, which is my other favorite in the series, so that was very sweet.
I loved Hays and Emma’s characters! The banter at the beginning was SO CUTE! And I enjoyed the character development in this one😊 I smiled, laughed out loud, got emotional, and had all the feels! I just loved every aspect of this🥰

[Angela Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "The American Brides Collection," Gabrielle Meyer has curated a delectable assortment of eight novellas, rich and sweet as a box of chocolates.

Skillfully hand-crafted, each novella features nuanced characters, atmospheric settings, fascinating history, and heart-fluttering romance.

If historical romance is your favorite bookish treat, you’ll enjoy savoring The American Brides Collection!

📚 The American Brides Collection
📖 1) Virginia Company Bride
📖 2) Love's Undoing
📖 3) Four Brides and a Bachelor
📖 4) A Groom for Josette
📖 5) First Comes Love
📖 6) The Ranger's Reward
📖 7) A Tale of Two Hearts
📖 8) Bride of Basswood Hill

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Novela

I enjoy Gabrielle Meyers books so much. I enjoy her writing style and the characters she creates. This was a quick read I did in 24 hours and it was free on Kindle Unlimited!

[Gretchen Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this concept, but I wish this story had taken 100 more pages to flesh things out. The setup and characters were great and I actually thought the first 100 pages were well-paced, but the ending ended up being so rushed that it became too difficult to suspend my disbelief.

[Hilary B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Kaity ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eeee I loved it!! I loved Hunter, I think he’s one of my favorite love interests from this series so far, he was so charming! I loved Emma too and was so happy for their love story! 4.5 stars! ❤️

[Audrey Colman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when you see a couple from a previous book. And you know they’re still together and happy. And then maybe their sibling, or in this case, their child, finds the same happiness.

I love Hays. He found a woman who didn’t fall at his feet and decided, “that’s the one I want!” And he didn’t stop in his pursuit. And even after she turned down his pursuit he found wants to help her, and put a smile on her face even if she wasn’t falling for him like he was for her. I loved his little challenge for her — to stop comparing. It’s a lesson we all need to learn and put into practice. Find the beauty in where we are.

Thanks for another short and sweet read, Gabrielle!

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing novella set in Texas, late 1800s.
Hays Hart is one of seven brothes who must wed to gain his inheritance, and he embraces the edict with a flourish and a smile!
Emma Longley, newly arrived school teacher is having none of his shenanigans and immediately determines to loathe him!
Their sweet romance gently builds and I was well-pleased.
I purchased this book and rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Story appears within Seven Brides for Seven Texans, Barbour Publishing

All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Read: 9/3/2025

[Sylvia Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed the American Brides series and this 5th book in the series has so far been my favorite.
I appreciated Hays and his pursuit of Emma. Emma was a strong character and I enjoyed her growth and heart change towards Hays. G.W. Hart had great wisdom that he shared with Emma about love and its worth.
It was also cool to read about her parents who were the main characters in an earlier book in the series.

[Meghan W. (Bookswithmegh) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story of true love! I loved how other characters from previous novellas were in it as well. The story was well written and the ending was perfect! I loved all the characters, I think this is my favorite one of this growing series!

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas romance is sweet!

I really enjoyed this sweet Texas romantic novella. Hays wants to keep his land inheritance by getting married, and Emma wants to go back to Minnesota. Can they be more than friends? Will their love be real? With faith, all things are possible.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep saying the same thing…

What a great story!!! Now we are in a different part of the country—love that the author is linking the previous stories with the new ones! Such a great writer!!

[Holly Pick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this book was about the daughter of Luke and Sarah from book three! It was so fun to see them again and have a small glimpse of the Belle Prairie mission! And I loved all the Hart brothers! Love their strength and integrity, I want to read all of their stories!

[Peggy Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Do

I do enjoy sweet romances with a good plot. Gabriella Myer does good plots and great characters well. I love ebooks and the way my phone can read them to me while I work in the yard.

[Laura A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid novella in the American Brides collection. These books have been great for when I’m in a bit of a rut or want a quick but good read.

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the return of Rev. and Sarah Longely, we get to experience their daughter’s love story. Emma and Hay’s love story is sweet and full of fun for the reader. Loved getting to read this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent novella!

My full review will post asap.

[Zoey Pick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in the American brides collection so far!

[Mia2Four · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun beginning to a family of cowboys who need to find wives. Hays is a great male lead, full of fun and eager to help. Emma is a serious young lady wanting to do the right thing. Enjoyable story.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only wish Gabrielle had written all of the novellas for the 7 brothers.