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The Outlaw Takes a Bride
Johnny Paynter flees Denver to escape being hanged for a murder he didn’t commit. At his brother’s ranch in Texas, where he thought he could take refuge, he finds his brother, Mark—dead. Taking advantage of his strong resemblance to his brother, Johnny assumes Mark’s identity. Soon Johnny discovers that Mark had been corresponding with a widow named Sally in St. Louis, and she’s en route to be a mail-order bride to Mark. Seeing no other option, Johnny makes a fateful decision to go through with the wedding, posing as his brother. But Sally has secrets she's hiding, too. How will a marriage survive with so much deception?
314 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2015
About the author
Susan Page Davis
183 books545 followersFROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: I'm a native of central Maine, and grew up on a small farm with a wonderful mom and dad, three sisters and a brother. Most of my books take place in small towns, many of them in Maine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 28, 2018
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
7/2/2015-
"*sigh* Can I just leave it at that? I'm sad, disappointed, and annoyed at reading yet another 'Christian Fiction' book with so much sexual content."
*Main Content-
Mentions of Sally's two miscarriages after her first husband had a "fit of anger"; All about mentions of sharing a bed, consummating a marriage, and being loved (in a physical way); Touches & Embraces (semi-detailed); Longing to be touched, kissed, and embraced (semi-detailed); Many kisses ranging from not-detailed all the way to very-detailed; A man also tries to molest Sally (barely-above-not-detailed); Going to a bedroom and the morning after (no true mentions of what happened).
Murder, seeing a dead body, & blood (semi-detailed); An outlaw gang, gunfire, & shooting (semi-detailed); Burns & Fires (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of shooting someone and being hanged (blunt, up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of drinking and saloons; Mentions of people being traded; Mentions of butchering animals for food (semi-detailed).
7/2/2015-
"*sigh* Can I just leave it at that? I'm sad, disappointed, and annoyed at reading yet another 'Christian Fiction' book with so much sexual content."
*Main Content-
Mentions of Sally's two miscarriages after her first husband had a "fit of anger"; All about mentions of sharing a bed, consummating a marriage, and being loved (in a physical way); Touches & Embraces (semi-detailed); Longing to be touched, kissed, and embraced (semi-detailed); Many kisses ranging from not-detailed all the way to very-detailed; A man also tries to molest Sally (barely-above-not-detailed); Going to a bedroom and the morning after (no true mentions of what happened).
Murder, seeing a dead body, & blood (semi-detailed); An outlaw gang, gunfire, & shooting (semi-detailed); Burns & Fires (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of shooting someone and being hanged (blunt, up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of drinking and saloons; Mentions of people being traded; Mentions of butchering animals for food (semi-detailed).
March 13, 2015
The Outlaw Takes a Bride by Susan Page Davis is a first reads win and I'm giving my honest opinion. This is the first book by this author that I have read and I really enjoyed it. John Paynter is a cowboy working on the end of the line. Cam one of his fellow cowboys came riding up hard. He told Johnny he had to get going fast. The foreman had been murdered and everyone thought John was responsible since he had argued with the foreman. Johnny said he'll just ride down and clear his name. Cam told him therewas talking of a lynching. So Max took off with Cam. They left Colorado and beaded for Texas. Johnny had a brother Mark who had a small spread. When they get to Marks they find him murdered. Shot in the back. Just recently killed. Johnny had a beard now and he looked like his brother Mark. He assumed Marks identity. John finds correspondence from Sally Folding a young widow. She coming by train to marry his brother. Johnny is torn and twisted. He wants to be honorable. How does Johnny handle his problems. When does he come clean with Sally?
May 17, 2018
I’ll be honest: the cover was the whole reason I bought this book. But the story in and of itself... it was captivating!
Johnny starts out as a man on the run, accused of a murder he didn’t commit. He is a follower and leans to the suggestions that Cam makes for his own safety. I really liked Johnny. He wasn’t your typical brawny, strong hero. He was a character who was growing, made wrong decisions, manned up to them, and strove for change.
Then there was Sally. She was a desperate widow yet one who made her choices carefully and calculated. She had some high expectations yet tried to tone it down by her circumstances. As a couple, Johnny and Sally were great. I really liked them!
And then there was the plot. I didn’t wholly have things figured out—which means I liked the plot. There also wasn’t a ton of cliche situations. Another bonus.
The spiritual content... Sally was a firm believer in God, read her Bible regularly and desired to attend church. There was still a bit of the confusing, “Is this character saved and just drifted away from God or did they come to God in the process of the book?” It seems like it was the former, but was vague enough to keep me guessing (not a thing I like to be guessing about).
The romance overall was sweet. Sally is a mail-order Bride, so the falling in love happened after she married. There were a lot of references to consummating the marriage, though nothing was specific. Just mainly desires mentioned. Because of that, I’d say 20+ for conservative readers.
This book had endearing characters, interesting plot, and Wild West excitement. Definitely some pluses for me!
Johnny starts out as a man on the run, accused of a murder he didn’t commit. He is a follower and leans to the suggestions that Cam makes for his own safety. I really liked Johnny. He wasn’t your typical brawny, strong hero. He was a character who was growing, made wrong decisions, manned up to them, and strove for change.
Then there was Sally. She was a desperate widow yet one who made her choices carefully and calculated. She had some high expectations yet tried to tone it down by her circumstances. As a couple, Johnny and Sally were great. I really liked them!
And then there was the plot. I didn’t wholly have things figured out—which means I liked the plot. There also wasn’t a ton of cliche situations. Another bonus.
The spiritual content... Sally was a firm believer in God, read her Bible regularly and desired to attend church. There was still a bit of the confusing, “Is this character saved and just drifted away from God or did they come to God in the process of the book?” It seems like it was the former, but was vague enough to keep me guessing (not a thing I like to be guessing about).
The romance overall was sweet. Sally is a mail-order Bride, so the falling in love happened after she married. There were a lot of references to consummating the marriage, though nothing was specific. Just mainly desires mentioned. Because of that, I’d say 20+ for conservative readers.
This book had endearing characters, interesting plot, and Wild West excitement. Definitely some pluses for me!
December 10, 2015
First off...an absolutely gorgeous cover. I'd like to have that picture hanging on my wall.
I liked these characters from page one, with the exception of Cam...he rubbed me wrong from the very start. I loved the fix the hero found himself in! Definitely a novel one...but Johnny and Sally make a great couple.
I enjoyed watching Sally heal from her past scars and watching John become a man, willing to stand up for what is right. The resolution was believable and satisfying. I have to say that I appreciate the time when Sally's parents save the day, too! Great scene.
I liked these characters from page one, with the exception of Cam...he rubbed me wrong from the very start. I loved the fix the hero found himself in! Definitely a novel one...but Johnny and Sally make a great couple.
I enjoyed watching Sally heal from her past scars and watching John become a man, willing to stand up for what is right. The resolution was believable and satisfying. I have to say that I appreciate the time when Sally's parents save the day, too! Great scene.
March 23, 2019
DNF at 40%. The hero is an idiot. He can’t pick his own nose without looking to his pal Cam for direction. Cam is either the most obvious bad guy or a done to death red herring. I don’t care to find out. Did I mention that Johnny/Mark is an idiot?
Sally seemed like an adult and Johnny-Mark had the mentality of a very young teenager.
Sally seemed like an adult and Johnny-Mark had the mentality of a very young teenager.
October 27, 2015
Maybe 3 1/2 stars? I give it 4, though, because I had pretty low expectations to start out with. ;)
First off, I knew the truth about Cam from the moment he appeared on the scene. I don't know how anyone could not know. And that did drive me a bit crazy throughout the story. However... Johnny didn't know it, so I was able to look past that and see how he might be drawn into Cam's plans and ideas.
Johnny's rather weak character was a pretty big drawback for me, but I liked seeing his struggle with the things he was doing. And I liked seeing him overcome.
Overall, this was a pretty good book.
First off, I knew the truth about Cam from the moment he appeared on the scene. I don't know how anyone could not know. And that did drive me a bit crazy throughout the story. However... Johnny didn't know it, so I was able to look past that and see how he might be drawn into Cam's plans and ideas.
Johnny's rather weak character was a pretty big drawback for me, but I liked seeing his struggle with the things he was doing. And I liked seeing him overcome.
Overall, this was a pretty good book.
March 17, 2015
Johnny is a cowboy fleeing the Colorado Territory with his friend Cam after being sought for a murder he didn't commit. Sally has left St. Louis to meet the man who has offered her a new life and a new chance at family.
Johnny arrives in Texas at his brother's Mark's ranch, only to discover Mark was murdered earlier in the morning. While he and Cam go through his brother's things, trying to decide what to do next, they discover that Mark was corresponding with a woman and had proposed marriage. She had accepted and was arriving on the train-tomorrow.
Sally had a hard first marriage, and hasn't fared much better during her time as a widow. She happily accepted Mark's proposal of marriage through he letters they had been sending to each other. She realizes upon her arrival and the odd way that Mark has received her, that something is amiss.
Johnny has stepped into Mark's shoes, accepting Sally as his bride and Mark's ranch as his own while struggling to figure out what to do. He knows the right thing is to go to the sheriff, but is afraid he'll end up at the business end of a noose. Carrying on with the charade of being his brother hurts his heart, and as he grows closer to Sally understands that the right thing to do is never going to be the easy thing to do.
This book took me about a day and a half to read. Davis kept things interesting, and was able to portray Johnny's character as sympathetic while doing something most people couldn't imagine. Sally was a strong and courageous woman with a good heart and tender soul. The ending was a surprise with harrowing twists and turns that will keep avid readers intrigued to the end.
Johnny arrives in Texas at his brother's Mark's ranch, only to discover Mark was murdered earlier in the morning. While he and Cam go through his brother's things, trying to decide what to do next, they discover that Mark was corresponding with a woman and had proposed marriage. She had accepted and was arriving on the train-tomorrow.
Sally had a hard first marriage, and hasn't fared much better during her time as a widow. She happily accepted Mark's proposal of marriage through he letters they had been sending to each other. She realizes upon her arrival and the odd way that Mark has received her, that something is amiss.
Johnny has stepped into Mark's shoes, accepting Sally as his bride and Mark's ranch as his own while struggling to figure out what to do. He knows the right thing is to go to the sheriff, but is afraid he'll end up at the business end of a noose. Carrying on with the charade of being his brother hurts his heart, and as he grows closer to Sally understands that the right thing to do is never going to be the easy thing to do.
This book took me about a day and a half to read. Davis kept things interesting, and was able to portray Johnny's character as sympathetic while doing something most people couldn't imagine. Sally was a strong and courageous woman with a good heart and tender soul. The ending was a surprise with harrowing twists and turns that will keep avid readers intrigued to the end.
February 15, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
What do you think it would have been like to be a mail-order bride?
Susan Page Davis gave us her take on that in the entertaining novel The Outlaw Takes a Bride. This book was such a delight. The tension and surprises were written with excellent timing. I especially enjoyed the play between the two lead characters. The awkwardness that came from the situations they were in was so sweet. I look forward to reading more historical books by Susan Davis. She sure knows how to spin a yarn!
In The Outlaw Takes a Bride, Johnny Paynter goes on the run when his foreman turns up dead and it’s suspected that Johnny committed the crime… even though he’s innocent. Upon arriving at his brother’s ranch in Texas, he finds his brother has been killed. When he discovers a mail-order bride is on the way to marry his brother, Johnny assumes his brother’s identity and takes his bride. But what happens when the truth comes out? How will Johnny and the ranch survive a drought, a posse of outlaws, and a betrayal by someone he thought trustworthy? Will he and his bride find a way to trust God to smooth out the rocky road they’ve found themselves on?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
What do you think it would have been like to be a mail-order bride?
Susan Page Davis gave us her take on that in the entertaining novel The Outlaw Takes a Bride. This book was such a delight. The tension and surprises were written with excellent timing. I especially enjoyed the play between the two lead characters. The awkwardness that came from the situations they were in was so sweet. I look forward to reading more historical books by Susan Davis. She sure knows how to spin a yarn!
In The Outlaw Takes a Bride, Johnny Paynter goes on the run when his foreman turns up dead and it’s suspected that Johnny committed the crime… even though he’s innocent. Upon arriving at his brother’s ranch in Texas, he finds his brother has been killed. When he discovers a mail-order bride is on the way to marry his brother, Johnny assumes his brother’s identity and takes his bride. But what happens when the truth comes out? How will Johnny and the ranch survive a drought, a posse of outlaws, and a betrayal by someone he thought trustworthy? Will he and his bride find a way to trust God to smooth out the rocky road they’ve found themselves on?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2015
Author Susan Page Davis takes the reader on a journey of hope—fraught with obstacles, misunderstanding, and regret. On a Texas ranch in 1885, Sally Golding and Johnny Paynter each long for a fresh start, but deceitfulness and danger threaten their individual dreams. In this well-crafted story, Davis demonstrates the power of love—the greatest in the three-fold cord of faith and hope and love.
April 1, 2017
I love a strong western historical romance and trying new to me authors, but it wasn't just that. The title and blurb roped me in quick. This was mail-order bride meets false identity meets frontier life danger and excitement. Oh, saddle that bronc up, I am so there. I didn't realize it was Inspiration Fiction at the time and discovered that as I read, but not a problem. I wanted to see what happened with this whole Sword of Damocles type scenario of a guy living a lie and it was just a matter of time until the truth came out.
The story opens with Johnny Paynter working on a cattle ranch in Colorado. He's out at the distant part of the ranch and one of the other cowhands informs him that the foreman has been killed and Johnny's the big suspect. Johnny wants to go in and clear his name, but Cam lets him know that everyone's riled up and not listening to reason. They're talking a hanging. Johnny agrees to Cam's idea to put some distance between him and the angry mob for a bit, let things cool down and then try to clear his name. He decides to go to Texas to stay with his brother, Mark, who has a small ranch and he hasn't seen for a while.
Sally's life as a poor widow living under the roof of the minister and his grudging, grubbing wife is miserable so she does the unthinkable and answers an ad from a Texas rancher about a wife. They correspond several times and just in the exchange of letters, they both fall in love. Sally tells Mark Paynter all her personal thoughts, past hurts and future hopes and he does the same. She gladly accepts his written proposal and catches the train to little Beaumont, Texas.
Johnny no sooner arrives at his brother's ranch than he finds Mark shot dead and evidence that it was to steal from him since his horses, food and money are gone and the place ransacked. Johnny wants to head to the sheriff, but Cam reminds him that they are on the run and not only that, but they would probably become suspects in Mark's death. The few townspeople they meet think he is Mark because they look a lot alike. Johnny is still thinking it over when it gets more complicated. He discovers that his brother is getting set to marry and the woman is on her way even now. He reluctantly follows through with more lies and finds himself married to his brother's would be wife, the beautiful Sally. How is he ever going to untangle himself from this mess? And what about the huge lie to Sally? He knows the truth will hurt this lovely, sweet woman that he is coming to love.
Sally knows there is something off about Mark and she doesn't know what to think of his friend Cam who he never mentioned as working for him. She loves Mark even more each day and he is so gentle, considerate and kind, but why is he reluctant to share her bed as her husband and treat her in all ways as his wife? And then there are all the little things that are different about him? Maybe she needs to give him more time, but she can't wait forever. Sally wanted a true home and family when she accepted Mark's offer. She wants all that with Mark, but she needs him to share what he is keeping from her.
As I indicated before, this is a story about a man caught up in lies and what he chooses to do about it. The lies snowball on him so that he can barely function as lies tend to do. I was fascinated and kept reading wondering what it would finally take for the truth to gush out- would he come forward or would she catch him at it? I was really pulling for him to man up and tell the truth even though the consequences are dire- his life and his marriage are at stake.
The story is narrated alternatively by both the hero and heroine. It's a slower-paced more character driven piece for most of the book with the majority of the excitement occurring at the end. A lot of background work and setting are painted in and I really enjoyed this as it depicted frontier ranch life very well. The characters are well drawn. They both have their issues. Sally's are more external with her new life and adjustment to being married that is her challenge. Johnny has that too, but he's also got some internal flaws to work out which is why I was probably more vested in his side of the story. I liked Sally well enough, but I guess I prefer my fictional characters with a few flaws so I can see them grow.
Normally, I wouldn't be impressed with a guy who kept going the easy route that the lie offered and leaning on his friend so much to guide him, but I got the impression that Johnny is pretty young and on the naive side when this story starts off. Yes, he works a man's job with all the tough, dangerous work a cowboy on the frontier faces, but he tends to take people at face value. Johnny trusted his older, more worldly-wise saddle buddy who, unlike Johnny, thinks of his own skin first and foremost and if the way to keep that intact is to run or lie, Cam is down with that. But anyway, back to Johnny. Even though he's a tad gullible, I still really liked him and saw this whole thing as his opportunity to really prove he was a man and acting like it. Which he did. From the moment he read Sally's letters to his brother, Mark, he was already starting to fall for her and feel protective of her. He works hard to make up for the loss of Mark (which he feels deeply yet can't mourn openly) even though Sally isn't aware of his motive. In the process, he realizes that he's falling in love. He wants so badly to know whether it is Mark or Johnny that Sally loves and he knows there's only one way to find out if he's willing to risk it. Loved that tension.
The inspirational thread is strong with the lying and restitution being a central theme. Sally is a strong Christian and lives it. She prays and reads her Bible a lot. Johnny grew up going to church and he easily slides right back into it all when Sally comes. Just wanted to give fair warning in case strong Christian elements aren't your bag.
So, this was a sweet romance of course set against the backdrop of daily frontier life in Texas with some exciting moments of robbers, posses and shootouts. I would recommend this definitely for Inspirational Romance fans, but also for Historical Romance fans who like their romance clean and sweet.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with Johnny Paynter working on a cattle ranch in Colorado. He's out at the distant part of the ranch and one of the other cowhands informs him that the foreman has been killed and Johnny's the big suspect. Johnny wants to go in and clear his name, but Cam lets him know that everyone's riled up and not listening to reason. They're talking a hanging. Johnny agrees to Cam's idea to put some distance between him and the angry mob for a bit, let things cool down and then try to clear his name. He decides to go to Texas to stay with his brother, Mark, who has a small ranch and he hasn't seen for a while.
Sally's life as a poor widow living under the roof of the minister and his grudging, grubbing wife is miserable so she does the unthinkable and answers an ad from a Texas rancher about a wife. They correspond several times and just in the exchange of letters, they both fall in love. Sally tells Mark Paynter all her personal thoughts, past hurts and future hopes and he does the same. She gladly accepts his written proposal and catches the train to little Beaumont, Texas.
Johnny no sooner arrives at his brother's ranch than he finds Mark shot dead and evidence that it was to steal from him since his horses, food and money are gone and the place ransacked. Johnny wants to head to the sheriff, but Cam reminds him that they are on the run and not only that, but they would probably become suspects in Mark's death. The few townspeople they meet think he is Mark because they look a lot alike. Johnny is still thinking it over when it gets more complicated. He discovers that his brother is getting set to marry and the woman is on her way even now. He reluctantly follows through with more lies and finds himself married to his brother's would be wife, the beautiful Sally. How is he ever going to untangle himself from this mess? And what about the huge lie to Sally? He knows the truth will hurt this lovely, sweet woman that he is coming to love.
Sally knows there is something off about Mark and she doesn't know what to think of his friend Cam who he never mentioned as working for him. She loves Mark even more each day and he is so gentle, considerate and kind, but why is he reluctant to share her bed as her husband and treat her in all ways as his wife? And then there are all the little things that are different about him? Maybe she needs to give him more time, but she can't wait forever. Sally wanted a true home and family when she accepted Mark's offer. She wants all that with Mark, but she needs him to share what he is keeping from her.
As I indicated before, this is a story about a man caught up in lies and what he chooses to do about it. The lies snowball on him so that he can barely function as lies tend to do. I was fascinated and kept reading wondering what it would finally take for the truth to gush out- would he come forward or would she catch him at it? I was really pulling for him to man up and tell the truth even though the consequences are dire- his life and his marriage are at stake.
The story is narrated alternatively by both the hero and heroine. It's a slower-paced more character driven piece for most of the book with the majority of the excitement occurring at the end. A lot of background work and setting are painted in and I really enjoyed this as it depicted frontier ranch life very well. The characters are well drawn. They both have their issues. Sally's are more external with her new life and adjustment to being married that is her challenge. Johnny has that too, but he's also got some internal flaws to work out which is why I was probably more vested in his side of the story. I liked Sally well enough, but I guess I prefer my fictional characters with a few flaws so I can see them grow.
Normally, I wouldn't be impressed with a guy who kept going the easy route that the lie offered and leaning on his friend so much to guide him, but I got the impression that Johnny is pretty young and on the naive side when this story starts off. Yes, he works a man's job with all the tough, dangerous work a cowboy on the frontier faces, but he tends to take people at face value. Johnny trusted his older, more worldly-wise saddle buddy who, unlike Johnny, thinks of his own skin first and foremost and if the way to keep that intact is to run or lie, Cam is down with that. But anyway, back to Johnny. Even though he's a tad gullible, I still really liked him and saw this whole thing as his opportunity to really prove he was a man and acting like it. Which he did. From the moment he read Sally's letters to his brother, Mark, he was already starting to fall for her and feel protective of her. He works hard to make up for the loss of Mark (which he feels deeply yet can't mourn openly) even though Sally isn't aware of his motive. In the process, he realizes that he's falling in love. He wants so badly to know whether it is Mark or Johnny that Sally loves and he knows there's only one way to find out if he's willing to risk it. Loved that tension.
The inspirational thread is strong with the lying and restitution being a central theme. Sally is a strong Christian and lives it. She prays and reads her Bible a lot. Johnny grew up going to church and he easily slides right back into it all when Sally comes. Just wanted to give fair warning in case strong Christian elements aren't your bag.
So, this was a sweet romance of course set against the backdrop of daily frontier life in Texas with some exciting moments of robbers, posses and shootouts. I would recommend this definitely for Inspirational Romance fans, but also for Historical Romance fans who like their romance clean and sweet.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2015
Susan Page Davis writes "The Outlaw Takes a Bride"
I am never dissappointed when I read a book by this author, great story that just wraps itself around you like a warm blanket and you don't want to leave it.
Goodreads now has a freebee on this one and you will want to check it out if you are a member there.
Sally Golding is a young widow that was so dissappointed in her first marriage and it leaves her cautious when entering into thoughts of marriage again..but..
women had little choices in making a living in the year 1885.
A pastor and his wife let her stay with them for room and board till she could get on her feet but the wife took advantage of Sally and did not make her feel welcome. Soon after writing letters to a man in Beaumont Texas, He ask her to come and be his bride. Her parents live in Texas also and it will be good to be closer to them and his letters makes Mark Paynter seem like a good christian man who has a small ranch and they could have a good life together.
Mark has a brother Johnny who heads to Texas also when he finds he might be considered a suspect in a murder at a ranch he works on. Another guy that works there, tells him to leave and even offers to go along too, Johnny and a man he considers a friend soon arrive at Mark's place and find him dead.
Many little things change as the friend talks Johnny into staying and pretending to be his brother..this all begins to ravel when Sally arrives also expecting to become a bride to Mark.
You must read and learn how the beginnings of lies can mushroom out of proportion as you continue to lie and deceive as they did.
Sally and Johnny, as Mark, are soon in Beaumont living a lie that needs to be straightened out before they can find happiness.
Thanks Susan for writing a good story with memorable characters, I hope to see Johnny and Sally again.
I am never dissappointed when I read a book by this author, great story that just wraps itself around you like a warm blanket and you don't want to leave it.
Goodreads now has a freebee on this one and you will want to check it out if you are a member there.
Sally Golding is a young widow that was so dissappointed in her first marriage and it leaves her cautious when entering into thoughts of marriage again..but..
women had little choices in making a living in the year 1885.
A pastor and his wife let her stay with them for room and board till she could get on her feet but the wife took advantage of Sally and did not make her feel welcome. Soon after writing letters to a man in Beaumont Texas, He ask her to come and be his bride. Her parents live in Texas also and it will be good to be closer to them and his letters makes Mark Paynter seem like a good christian man who has a small ranch and they could have a good life together.
Mark has a brother Johnny who heads to Texas also when he finds he might be considered a suspect in a murder at a ranch he works on. Another guy that works there, tells him to leave and even offers to go along too, Johnny and a man he considers a friend soon arrive at Mark's place and find him dead.
Many little things change as the friend talks Johnny into staying and pretending to be his brother..this all begins to ravel when Sally arrives also expecting to become a bride to Mark.
You must read and learn how the beginnings of lies can mushroom out of proportion as you continue to lie and deceive as they did.
Sally and Johnny, as Mark, are soon in Beaumont living a lie that needs to be straightened out before they can find happiness.
Thanks Susan for writing a good story with memorable characters, I hope to see Johnny and Sally again.
June 17, 2015
This was my first novel by Davis. I like the plot idea and though it was 100% predictable, I was hoping to encounter some lively characters.
My first complaint is that while the author gives a very descriptive glimpse of what ranch life was like in this time period, I felt that was what I was primarily reading about the woes of a ranch wife. There were so, so many descriptions of everyday house chores. While probably accurate, I wish she had done this more with her characters as well.
Simple, predictable. It could be more developed in character arc, dialogue and chemistry. It left a lot to be desired for me.
I received a copy from the editor for my honest review from NetGalley.
My first complaint is that while the author gives a very descriptive glimpse of what ranch life was like in this time period, I felt that was what I was primarily reading about the woes of a ranch wife. There were so, so many descriptions of everyday house chores. While probably accurate, I wish she had done this more with her characters as well.
Simple, predictable. It could be more developed in character arc, dialogue and chemistry. It left a lot to be desired for me.
I received a copy from the editor for my honest review from NetGalley.
April 24, 2015
This is was an easy breezy read. Simply written and alternating between Johnny the outlaw and his bride Sally's point of view, the author gives you a glimpse of what ranch life was like in the good ole Wild West. Old customs and everyday house chores were brought to a clear picture-- the dusty roads and hills, the dry heat, and the pounding of horses hooves came to life in my head. That I enjoyed.
The plot held some promise to it, but overall, it was predictable and I even found myself being annoyed by the characters. The dialogue and moral compass of the main characters are well written. I kept reading, hoping for a breakthrough between Sally & Johnny. But the epiphany of love just never reached out to me in this story.
What was frustrating for me was that the foreshadowing in the first few chapters completely gave away the ending. When Johnny gives thought about the ways Cam has been a good friend and could be trusted, I knew right then that he was the guilty one. Why else would he be so eager to flee CO and lay low in TX with Johnny and push his friend into a web of lies? The main characters seemed gullible and weak. Sally was always in a position of damsel in distress, crying about something or another. I thought she would prevail as a heroine at the end, hoping she'd blast some outlaws and stick it to Cam, but instead she's helpless in a well trying to save her Pa, but not without help from the guys. In addition, I felt the love story that is supposedly fully blossomed by the end of the book was underdeveloped and impalpable. I was hoping for a little more chemistry and passion. A little too conservative of a read for me.
The plot held some promise to it, but overall, it was predictable and I even found myself being annoyed by the characters. The dialogue and moral compass of the main characters are well written. I kept reading, hoping for a breakthrough between Sally & Johnny. But the epiphany of love just never reached out to me in this story.
What was frustrating for me was that the foreshadowing in the first few chapters completely gave away the ending. When Johnny gives thought about the ways Cam has been a good friend and could be trusted, I knew right then that he was the guilty one. Why else would he be so eager to flee CO and lay low in TX with Johnny and push his friend into a web of lies? The main characters seemed gullible and weak. Sally was always in a position of damsel in distress, crying about something or another. I thought she would prevail as a heroine at the end, hoping she'd blast some outlaws and stick it to Cam, but instead she's helpless in a well trying to save her Pa, but not without help from the guys. In addition, I felt the love story that is supposedly fully blossomed by the end of the book was underdeveloped and impalpable. I was hoping for a little more chemistry and passion. A little too conservative of a read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2015
A new twist on the Mail Order Bride packed with a bunch of lies that spiral out of control, and in the end what is the truth. We also have a western story as we are on ranches spanding from Colorado to Texas, along with gunfights.
When the book opens we see what a bleak life Sally Golding is living, she barely exists, and falls in love with a man she has never met by mail. No wonder she was willing to leave St Louis behind and head to the unknown in Texas to marry Mark Paynter.
We meet Johnny Paynter as a friend tells him he is wanted for murder, and he takes his advice. They head to Texas and end up finding his brother’s body, and they bury Mark. Oh dear, we are getting deeper and deeper in lies. Johnny now takes Mark’s identity when he goes to town and people call him Mark.
Of course, he can’t keep on an even keel with these lies, and when he finds letters of the pending arrival of Sally, the next day. Now what? You can guess what is about to happen, or can you. What do you do with Sally?
This is a page turning read and I enjoyed the added twists of not knowing what was going to happen when the truth is revealed.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publish Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
When the book opens we see what a bleak life Sally Golding is living, she barely exists, and falls in love with a man she has never met by mail. No wonder she was willing to leave St Louis behind and head to the unknown in Texas to marry Mark Paynter.
We meet Johnny Paynter as a friend tells him he is wanted for murder, and he takes his advice. They head to Texas and end up finding his brother’s body, and they bury Mark. Oh dear, we are getting deeper and deeper in lies. Johnny now takes Mark’s identity when he goes to town and people call him Mark.
Of course, he can’t keep on an even keel with these lies, and when he finds letters of the pending arrival of Sally, the next day. Now what? You can guess what is about to happen, or can you. What do you do with Sally?
This is a page turning read and I enjoyed the added twists of not knowing what was going to happen when the truth is revealed.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publish Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 4, 2015
I love mail order bride books and The Outlaw Takes a Bride is no exception. Johnny heads to his brothers ranch with his friend, Cam after Cam tells him he's wanted for murder. Johnny ends up assuming his brothers identity when they find Mark dead upon their arrival. If that isn't enough to deal with they then discover that Mark is expecting a mail order bride to arrive any day. The lies are piling up, much to Johnny's dismay. Cam convinces Johnny he has to marry her to keep the original lie about Mark's death.
Susan Page Davis does a great job describing Johnny/Mark and Sally's worries and concerns about their strange marriage. The hook at the end was climatic with a virtual shoot out. The story held my interest thru to the last page.
“I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review”.
Susan Page Davis does a great job describing Johnny/Mark and Sally's worries and concerns about their strange marriage. The hook at the end was climatic with a virtual shoot out. The story held my interest thru to the last page.
“I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review”.
November 1, 2017
The first half or so of the story was not as enjoyable to me as I had hoped it would be. I wished that the whole “accidental” assumption of Mark’s identity and the somewhat “accidental” marriage had come about in a more logical manner, perhaps even more honest manner. From the start, Cam’s urging and logic gave off a bad odor and made Johnny seem like such a spineless sap. Cam seemed pretty idiotic, too. I don’t really enjoy reading stories about two saps as the main characters. So the first half was about a two-star situation. The last part of the book was a real improvement. Johnny seemed to come into himself. The last part was more like a 3.5 or 4, so averaged together this is about three stars.
October 30, 2015
I like a good mystery as much as anyone, but I like it to be a mystery. I’d pegged the villain by Chapter Two, and reading a couple more chapters only deepened my conviction. So I was naughty: I skipped to the end, found out I was right, and was left wondering why the ‘hero’ hadn’t guessed.
I’m sorry, but I have no desire to spend four or more hours reading a whodunit when it was obvious. It didn’t help that the romantic leads hadn’t met each other by the time I gave up. But it seemed obvious from the 10% I did read that their early relationship was going to be defined by lies, and that didn’t seem like a fun read either.
I usually like Susan Page Davis, but this failed to engage me.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
I’m sorry, but I have no desire to spend four or more hours reading a whodunit when it was obvious. It didn’t help that the romantic leads hadn’t met each other by the time I gave up. But it seemed obvious from the 10% I did read that their early relationship was going to be defined by lies, and that didn’t seem like a fun read either.
I usually like Susan Page Davis, but this failed to engage me.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
June 25, 2023
Undecided rating…. 3.5 ⭐️ for now.
Just a few thoughts at the moment:
1. I called it from the beginning.
2. Would just like to say that in an emergency, there is no such thing as worrying about decency!!
I’m not sure how I feel about this book at the moment. There is a slim, and I mean slim, possibility of an update later.
Just a few thoughts at the moment:
1. I called it from the beginning.
2. Would just like to say that in an emergency, there is no such thing as worrying about decency!!
I’m not sure how I feel about this book at the moment. There is a slim, and I mean slim, possibility of an update later.
February 27, 2017
This was the perfect lolly read that I needed!
January 2, 2026
Every book we read is not an epic like Gone With the Wind. But some books are just so enjoyable to read that I have to rate them five stars. From beginning to end this book held my interest. A man falsely accused of murder flees to his brother‘s home in Texas. There he discovers his brother had a mail order bride coming in. Unfortunately, he had found his brother dead. The choices he makes make for a very good read.
May 17, 2025
A good western story with a couple of twists.
May 29, 2025
Enjoyed now onto the next book.
September 23, 2025
This cover and title does not disappoint! This book really grabbed my attention and I hated to put it down to get it finished. The twists and turns and edge of your seat reading I really enjoy.
February 26, 2026
Easy read set in the old West. Pretty predictable but still fun and engaging.
April 27, 2016
Normally I'm not fond of stories that have the romance borne out of deception. But I confess, I happened upon this audiobook on clearance, so figured I'd give it a try anyway. In this instance, the deception is a rancher, suspected of a murder he did not commit, finds himself on the run and then taking on his brother's identity when he finds that brother dead on his own ranch. The matter becomes much more complicated when he learns the brother has a mail-order-bride on the way.
My dislike for such deceptive scenarios no doubt influenced my view of this narrative, but I found that the continual weaving of lies upon lies became increasingly tedious and frustrating. I appreciated that the hero was at least uncomfortable and unhappy with the situation, and longed to confess, especially once he developed feelings for his new bride. Still, it wore me down and I suspect if I'd been reading a paper version rather than listening to an audio one, I'd have give up before the story resolved.
The tale worked, overall, if you're willing to engage in a fair amount of disbelief or simply hang with it until the romantic payoff you know is coming. I did like how the author worked in the hero's confession, finally, and the manner in which his new bride - who had also fallen in love - offered forgiveness was believable for me. I felt the story picked up the pace and became much more interesting once we moved beyond the confessional moment, building up some anticipation as it moved toward a dangerous ending with the real outlaws returning. However, once again I felt the story began to lag with too much being included in those final moments. The side-plot of having Sally's father end up down the well seemed unnecessary to me, thus detracting from some of my satisfaction of what would have otherwise been a very nice ending.
All in all, I don't regret reading it. But the aspects I found disappointing were enough to keep me from giving it a rave review.
My dislike for such deceptive scenarios no doubt influenced my view of this narrative, but I found that the continual weaving of lies upon lies became increasingly tedious and frustrating. I appreciated that the hero was at least uncomfortable and unhappy with the situation, and longed to confess, especially once he developed feelings for his new bride. Still, it wore me down and I suspect if I'd been reading a paper version rather than listening to an audio one, I'd have give up before the story resolved.
The tale worked, overall, if you're willing to engage in a fair amount of disbelief or simply hang with it until the romantic payoff you know is coming. I did like how the author worked in the hero's confession, finally, and the manner in which his new bride - who had also fallen in love - offered forgiveness was believable for me. I felt the story picked up the pace and became much more interesting once we moved beyond the confessional moment, building up some anticipation as it moved toward a dangerous ending with the real outlaws returning. However, once again I felt the story began to lag with too much being included in those final moments. The side-plot of having Sally's father end up down the well seemed unnecessary to me, thus detracting from some of my satisfaction of what would have otherwise been a very nice ending.
All in all, I don't regret reading it. But the aspects I found disappointing were enough to keep me from giving it a rave review.
May 2, 2015
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
This is a sweet, clean, Christian historical western romance and I enjoyed it immensely.
Johnny Paynter is working on the range in Colorado when a co-worker rides up and tells Johnny that the foreman has been killed and they are saying that Johnny did it. Cam convinces Johnny that the only way to avoid a hanging is to get out of the area and lay low until they figure out who killed the foreman. Johnny's brother Mark has a ranch in Texas, so Cam and Johnny head to Texas. Upon their arrival, they find that Mark has been murdered and his ranch has been looted. Johnny wants to report this to the local sheriff, but Cam reminds him that he is already wanted for murder in Colorado. The sheriff will certainly suspect Johnny of Mark's murder as well. As they arrive in town, several people mistake Johnny for Mark, so it seems easy to asssume Mark's identity until they can figure out what to do.
However, unknown to Johnny, Mark has been corresponding with a mail order bride who is due to arrive very soon. Sally Golding is a destitute widow whose first marriage was unhappy. Since the death of her husband, she has been forced to live in the minister's home as an unpaid servant in order to make ends meet. All she wants is a home and family of her own. Mark's proposal is the answer to her prayers. However, when Sally arrives, Mark seems somewhat different from the eager bridegroom of his letters. Johnny marries Sally as "Mark", but as he grows to love Sally, he is eaten up by all the lies he is forced to tell.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Johnny and Sally grow, and seeing the kindness and respect that Johnny shows to Sally. I liked the main characters and I was rooting for them to find their happily ever after. Overall, it was an immensely satisfying read.
This is a sweet, clean, Christian historical western romance and I enjoyed it immensely.
Johnny Paynter is working on the range in Colorado when a co-worker rides up and tells Johnny that the foreman has been killed and they are saying that Johnny did it. Cam convinces Johnny that the only way to avoid a hanging is to get out of the area and lay low until they figure out who killed the foreman. Johnny's brother Mark has a ranch in Texas, so Cam and Johnny head to Texas. Upon their arrival, they find that Mark has been murdered and his ranch has been looted. Johnny wants to report this to the local sheriff, but Cam reminds him that he is already wanted for murder in Colorado. The sheriff will certainly suspect Johnny of Mark's murder as well. As they arrive in town, several people mistake Johnny for Mark, so it seems easy to asssume Mark's identity until they can figure out what to do.
However, unknown to Johnny, Mark has been corresponding with a mail order bride who is due to arrive very soon. Sally Golding is a destitute widow whose first marriage was unhappy. Since the death of her husband, she has been forced to live in the minister's home as an unpaid servant in order to make ends meet. All she wants is a home and family of her own. Mark's proposal is the answer to her prayers. However, when Sally arrives, Mark seems somewhat different from the eager bridegroom of his letters. Johnny marries Sally as "Mark", but as he grows to love Sally, he is eaten up by all the lies he is forced to tell.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Johnny and Sally grow, and seeing the kindness and respect that Johnny shows to Sally. I liked the main characters and I was rooting for them to find their happily ever after. Overall, it was an immensely satisfying read.
April 23, 2015
What a wonderful story!
The author weaves the story of a mail-order bride who arrives in Beaumont, Texas to find not all is as she has been lead to believe. Sally Golding's first marriage was very difficult for her. Being a widow was also difficult, but she had an escape plan and that was Mark Paynter. That makes her not sound very nice, but she is a very genuine character. By marrying Mark she would be closer to her parents and if this marriage turned out to be less than desirable.
Johnny Paynter is Mark's younger brother who has been living in Colorado. When falsely accused of murder he fled to Texas in hopes of laying low at his brother's ranch. Unfortunately he arrives to find Mark dead. Johnny doesn't get the chance to properly grieve when Mark's intended arrives and expects a marriage and a home.
Choices!!
We all make decisions everyday that impact others, but do we make those based on what our heart or head tells us? The Bible tells us we should talk to God and follow his direction, because he knows which direction we should go. Johnny knows that lying to Sally is not the way to start a marriage, but he's afraid she will leave.
Johnny is basically a good guy, but can be easily led by his friends. His conscious bothers him when he makes a wrong decision and that shows how deeply entrenched his morals and values are.
Sally wants love, affection, and a home life she can build on. She also wants children to love. She doesn't understand Johnny's distance and feels he's keeping secrets.
A mystery and suspense interlaced with a romance that keeps you guessing until the end. Strong characters. This is a story about taking chances and questions of faith. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good, clean story.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley for a honest review without bias. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
April 20, 2015
I love mail-order bride stories and this definitely had a twist to it because it was all based on a lie. Johnny is running from a crime (accused of but didn’t commit) and plans to lay low at his brother’s ranch in Texas. He and his friend, Cam, find his brother, Mark, dead. With Cam’s nudging, Johnny assumes Mark’s identity. Everything seems to be going well until he learns that Mark’s mail-order bride is coming to marry him. Johnny goes through the wedding but he doesn’t want to consummate the marriage because he knows it’s based on a lie. This story was more of a character-driven plot, until the end. The reader gets an idea about daily married life as Sally and Johnny (known as Mark) get to know each other while working the ranch. The author does a great job of building up the tension as Sally becomes unhappier and dissatisfied with the marriage, feeling that Johnny is holding back but not understanding the reason for it. Johnny is a sympathetic yet naïve character. Bad things happen to him but it seems to keep snowballing and he can’t seem to get out of his mess of lies. He appears easily persuaded and his arguments with Cam about telling the truth did get a little repetitive. I was glad that Johnny was respectful of Sally and even though he loves her, he tries to keep his distance since she thinks he is Mark. It’s clear who the villain is but I wanted to keep reading to see how the truth will come out. There is a lot of action at the end which wraps things up quite nicely. Sally was an admirable character. She really had no one to turn to but she cries out to God for help when she is isolated/confused over her husband’s behavior. I listened to this story on audiobook. I thought the author did a good job with the many voices.
April 22, 2015
I have read other books by Susan Page Davis, and have always really enjoyed them! This one is no exception! The Outlaw Takes a Bride takes you on an adventure back in time. Sally hasn’t had an easy life ever since moving away from her parents. She finds herself stuck in a place where she isn’t treated right, but can’t make enough money to get away. Answering a mail-order bride ad seems like the perfect idea. After getting to know Mark, she knows he is the one for her. Finally the day comes for her to leave for Texas and start a new life.
Johnny has always been an honest guy, and would never do anything to hurt anyone. When he is accused of murder he has no choice but to flee when his friend Cam tells him the boys are thinking about hanging him with out knowing the truth. Johnny decides that visiting his brother Mark for a while is a good idea, and hopes that while he is gone the sheriff will find out who was the real killer. When they finally arrive at Marks ranch something isn’t right. When Johnny thinks things can’t get any worse he finds out his brother is dead. Cam puts ideas in Johnny’s head and before long everyone thinks Johnny is Mark. When they find out a mail-order bride is on the way the adventure really begins.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance with a little suspense thrown in. Page Davis did an awesome job at keeping me entertained, and made it hard for me to put the book down. You will enjoy getting to know Johnny and Sally and rooting for them to fall in love. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
Johnny has always been an honest guy, and would never do anything to hurt anyone. When he is accused of murder he has no choice but to flee when his friend Cam tells him the boys are thinking about hanging him with out knowing the truth. Johnny decides that visiting his brother Mark for a while is a good idea, and hopes that while he is gone the sheriff will find out who was the real killer. When they finally arrive at Marks ranch something isn’t right. When Johnny thinks things can’t get any worse he finds out his brother is dead. Cam puts ideas in Johnny’s head and before long everyone thinks Johnny is Mark. When they find out a mail-order bride is on the way the adventure really begins.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance with a little suspense thrown in. Page Davis did an awesome job at keeping me entertained, and made it hard for me to put the book down. You will enjoy getting to know Johnny and Sally and rooting for them to fall in love. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 20, 2023
My favorite part of this book was reading about Jonny getting into a very tangled pickle. And then reading how they all get out of it. I liked reading about the life of a Texas ranger and his wife. What a hard life! But the community was strong in this book and I like that. Some good, humble people out there. I love all the drama and awkward scenes that come from a mail order bride or a marriage of convenience. This one was especially tricky bc of that pickle I previously mentioned. The main characters were sweet and the plot was unique and interesting. Not mind blowing, but definitely an entertaining audiobook listen.
SPOILERS and booknotes:
Year is 1885 Texas. I love the name Johnny for a cowboy. He gets accused of killing when he didn’t!! So he runs. Oh man he has gotten himself into a real pickle bahaha and it’s all Cams fault. Let’s be honest he is annoying. I love how shy and sweet and awkward Jonny is though. I like reading about the life of a Texas rancher. It’s a hard life, but they find happiness in the work! It motivates me to work hard tbh. I love how they slowly fell in love in their marriage. That she quickly forgave him too. That he came clean and they could have a real marriage and we still had 25% of the book left! Super sweet. Ok her being trapped down in the well scene? That was intense and claustrophobic. I loved that it was her parents that rode in and saved the day. That was special. And then after all she went through to have a baby at the end was perfect.
SPOILERS and booknotes:
Year is 1885 Texas. I love the name Johnny for a cowboy. He gets accused of killing when he didn’t!! So he runs. Oh man he has gotten himself into a real pickle bahaha and it’s all Cams fault. Let’s be honest he is annoying. I love how shy and sweet and awkward Jonny is though. I like reading about the life of a Texas rancher. It’s a hard life, but they find happiness in the work! It motivates me to work hard tbh. I love how they slowly fell in love in their marriage. That she quickly forgave him too. That he came clean and they could have a real marriage and we still had 25% of the book left! Super sweet. Ok her being trapped down in the well scene? That was intense and claustrophobic. I loved that it was her parents that rode in and saved the day. That was special. And then after all she went through to have a baby at the end was perfect.
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