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Montana Mail Order Brides #2
Westward Dance
A historical western cowboy romance novella about a mail order bride. ** A clean romance novella ** Madelyn O'Connor is beautiful, popular, and comfortable with her opulent life. That is until she is brutally attacked by the son of one of the wealthiest families in Pittsburgh. Her parents are ready to fight the case out in the courts, but Madelyn doesn't want any publicity about it. She wants to forget that it ever happened, but can't. Her family grows increasingly worried about the depressive state she falls into and they try to come up with ways to help her, but nothing seems to work. Tessa feels that it would be best for Madelyn to get far away from the city and wants her to come to Montana, but Madelyn is resistant to the idea. Seth Samuels, Tessa's brother-in-law, becomes injured when he and his men are attacked by wild dogs on a cattle drive. He's morose and anxious over the prospect of not being able to participate in drives any longer. Tessa sees two people she loves hurting and thinks that maybe they can help each other when no one else can. She appeals to Seth to help convince Madelyn to come west. Seth refuses at first, but then figures that since he can't do much else he might as well try to help. Madelyn and Seth begin a volley of letters in which Seth entices Madelyn to come meet him. She finds him charming and eventually cannot resist his entreaties. She and Tessa convince her parents to let her make the trip. Geoffrey agrees to accompany his second eldest daughter to Montana. When Seth and Madelyn meet they are instantly attracted to each other, but when Seth's condition becomes even more serious, Seth is prepared to face the worst. Madelyn isn't about to give up on him, however, and becomes determined to help the man with whom she's smitten to heal. Together they embark on a journey of recovery as Seth agrees to go back East to get more modern treatment. As their relationship deepens there are seemingly insurmountable obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. Can each of them compromise in order to have a future together or will their pride keep them from realizing their dreams?
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2014
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382 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 25, 2018
My heart really went out to both Madelyn and Seth both are about as broken as a person can get. Maddy is attacked by a trusted friend and Seth fell and broke his leg as it turns from bad to worse not knowing if he will even be able to keep it much less walk or ride again. The family set about match making getting these two together both writing back and forth they get to know each other. Things really takes off when Seth goes and stays with Maddy’s family why he gets his leg taken care of. The story doesn’t end there, their love grows but things get in their way and it is a pretty rocky road for a time.
J. Scott Bennett I thought did a wonderful job of narration he put feeling into the audio. His voice is very powerful, clear and pleasant to listen to. There are no background noises or any high or low tones. His tones are very even never leaving you guessing how the character feels. He gives you a very clear rich audio that you do not want to put down. His male voices are as pleasant as his female voices. You never have any trouble knowing who is talking or just what is on their mind. He uses the correct tones with each character just as pictured them to be. He chuckles when he needs to or shows sorrow through his voice. I really enjoyed his voice and could listen to it all day with no problem. Mr. Bennett has become one of my favorite narrators I know when I see his name I am going to be taken away and truly enjoy the listen.
The story is interesting and holds your attention, the plot is great as the author brings the west of long ago to life giving you a story of so much pain. It is a believable story that I bought into from the start. The characters are great, fun, caring and loving. I am really enjoying this series each one better than the last as I get to know each character better. All the ones you loved in the first book are back in this one, it was great to see them again, seeing how they have grown and the changes they have made. I can’t wait to see what the next story holds for me.
J. Scott Bennett I thought did a wonderful job of narration he put feeling into the audio. His voice is very powerful, clear and pleasant to listen to. There are no background noises or any high or low tones. His tones are very even never leaving you guessing how the character feels. He gives you a very clear rich audio that you do not want to put down. His male voices are as pleasant as his female voices. You never have any trouble knowing who is talking or just what is on their mind. He uses the correct tones with each character just as pictured them to be. He chuckles when he needs to or shows sorrow through his voice. I really enjoyed his voice and could listen to it all day with no problem. Mr. Bennett has become one of my favorite narrators I know when I see his name I am going to be taken away and truly enjoy the listen.
The story is interesting and holds your attention, the plot is great as the author brings the west of long ago to life giving you a story of so much pain. It is a believable story that I bought into from the start. The characters are great, fun, caring and loving. I am really enjoying this series each one better than the last as I get to know each character better. All the ones you loved in the first book are back in this one, it was great to see them again, seeing how they have grown and the changes they have made. I can’t wait to see what the next story holds for me.
November 20, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better. In Westward Winds the oldest sister Tessa finds a husband in Montana and is settling into her new life nicely. However, the middle sister Madelyn is perfectly comfortable in her privileged Pittsburgh life. Until everything changes. Madelyn gets assaulted by a man that she thought of as her dearest friend. It's pretty brutal and she's left a shadow of her former vivacious self.
Seth, Tess's new brother in law, had a pretty bad accident leaving him laid up and doing all he can to ensure his leg heals so that he can keep it. Tessa being the schemer that she is talks Seth into writing to her sister thinking it could help them both through a tough time.
I loved this story. After writing back and forth for quite some time Madelyn decides that she should make the trip to Montana. You could feel the immediate connection and bond between Seth and Madelyn but they had so much to overcome. Even though Madelyn fell in love with Seth she can't imagine ever leaving Pittsburgh and Seth could never trade his ranching for a big city lifestyle. Watching this couple work out their relationship was endearing and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Seth, Tess's new brother in law, had a pretty bad accident leaving him laid up and doing all he can to ensure his leg heals so that he can keep it. Tessa being the schemer that she is talks Seth into writing to her sister thinking it could help them both through a tough time.
I loved this story. After writing back and forth for quite some time Madelyn decides that she should make the trip to Montana. You could feel the immediate connection and bond between Seth and Madelyn but they had so much to overcome. Even though Madelyn fell in love with Seth she can't imagine ever leaving Pittsburgh and Seth could never trade his ranching for a big city lifestyle. Watching this couple work out their relationship was endearing and heartbreaking all at the same time.
May 30, 2016
Audiobook - narration, J. Scott Bennet, pretty good. He has the perfect sort of southern, not really twang, but Wild West kind of voice for this book.
I really enjoyed this book and the conflicts for each of the main characters. The relationship itself was pretty quick and not the most fully developed part of the story, so honestly, this really could have been a longer book to add a little more development to their actual relationship, but I still enjoyed it.
I did actually get a little churned up and emotional at one point so that always makes me like a book just a little bit more for pulling some feels out of me.
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review.
I really enjoyed this book and the conflicts for each of the main characters. The relationship itself was pretty quick and not the most fully developed part of the story, so honestly, this really could have been a longer book to add a little more development to their actual relationship, but I still enjoyed it.
I did actually get a little churned up and emotional at one point so that always makes me like a book just a little bit more for pulling some feels out of me.
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 1, 2016
I am addicted to these books. Linda Bridey has a way of sucking you into the story and you don't want out. As soon as I read the first book I knew i wanted more from the O'Connor and Samuels families. I can't wait to read the rest!
January 4, 2020
Audible. Also available on Audible Escape.
Please see my note at the bottom for trigger warnings & whether this is truly a "clean" romance as it contains spoilers.
This is the second book in the series and, despite being disappointed in the first one, I opted to continue as the ratings went up significantly. I think this series is best enjoyed by those who don't take historical accuracy or plausibility too seriously. Also, while the first couple was truly a "mail order bride" situation ~ the MCs here are the siblings of the MCs from the first book. So it doesn't actually fit that description.
Overall it was an OK listen. Again Bridey’s style of continually changing POV, even mid-paragraph, made it difficult to keep up with who is talking and damaged cohesiveness. As other reviewers mentioned there didn’t seem to be a consistency with what era the book was in. It's better than the first one though, 2.5 stars.
Scott Bennett has a nice voice for this genre and did a good job giving each character their own individual sound. I look forward to listening to him in the future.
*** TW & Clean Romance issues ***
*** End spoilers ***
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Please see my note at the bottom for trigger warnings & whether this is truly a "clean" romance as it contains spoilers.
This is the second book in the series and, despite being disappointed in the first one, I opted to continue as the ratings went up significantly. I think this series is best enjoyed by those who don't take historical accuracy or plausibility too seriously. Also, while the first couple was truly a "mail order bride" situation ~ the MCs here are the siblings of the MCs from the first book. So it doesn't actually fit that description.
Overall it was an OK listen. Again Bridey’s style of continually changing POV, even mid-paragraph, made it difficult to keep up with who is talking and damaged cohesiveness. As other reviewers mentioned there didn’t seem to be a consistency with what era the book was in. It's better than the first one though, 2.5 stars.
Scott Bennett has a nice voice for this genre and did a good job giving each character their own individual sound. I look forward to listening to him in the future.
*** TW & Clean Romance issues ***
*** End spoilers ***
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2018
Westward Dance (Mail Order Bride #2) — Linda Bridey (14 chapters + Epilogue) [July 23, 2017, through chapter 3. Chapter 4-end Nov. 9-11, 2018.]
Read this as a part of the Mail Order Bride Book Set (Vol. 1-3.)
First note: There are several book series with Mail Order Bride in the title. Be careful that you are reading the right author with the series. It can get confusing.
Second Note: These are considered "clean" books, but there are some scenes, though not descriptive, that could be taken as not so wholesome.
When I re-picked up this series, I realized that I had started this book on July 23, 2017 and read through chapter 3. Started Chapter 4 on Nov. 9, 2018. I kind of forgotten how those three chapters transpired, but over the course of the book things are rehashed and I remembered what happened. These books are not my typical reading, but I started the first one and liked the family dynamics so much I decided to continue on with the series.
Tessa’s sister, Maddie, had a bad experience and has retreated into herself. Her brother-in-law Seth, has a bad accident and he doesn’t know if he will recover from his injuries. When Seth learns of Maddie’s issue, he begins to write her and a romance blooms. There is really no traditional “mail order” in this book, which is what attracted me to this series in the first place, and what I liked the most about the first book in the series.
This is a pretty typical, traditional cowboy/western romance. It slants to the (c)hristian side, but not overly so. There are things in the plot I didn’t like. It is very masculine and tends to stereotype gender roles.
The book took me longer to read that the first one in the series, despite being shorter. It feels like they are going through the O’Conner family and marrying each sister to a Samuel.
There are a few grammatical errors in this story, mostly extra words which makes confusing sentences.
It was OK. Two stars.
Read this as a part of the Mail Order Bride Book Set (Vol. 1-3.)
First note: There are several book series with Mail Order Bride in the title. Be careful that you are reading the right author with the series. It can get confusing.
Second Note: These are considered "clean" books, but there are some scenes, though not descriptive, that could be taken as not so wholesome.
When I re-picked up this series, I realized that I had started this book on July 23, 2017 and read through chapter 3. Started Chapter 4 on Nov. 9, 2018. I kind of forgotten how those three chapters transpired, but over the course of the book things are rehashed and I remembered what happened. These books are not my typical reading, but I started the first one and liked the family dynamics so much I decided to continue on with the series.
Tessa’s sister, Maddie, had a bad experience and has retreated into herself. Her brother-in-law Seth, has a bad accident and he doesn’t know if he will recover from his injuries. When Seth learns of Maddie’s issue, he begins to write her and a romance blooms. There is really no traditional “mail order” in this book, which is what attracted me to this series in the first place, and what I liked the most about the first book in the series.
This is a pretty typical, traditional cowboy/western romance. It slants to the (c)hristian side, but not overly so. There are things in the plot I didn’t like. It is very masculine and tends to stereotype gender roles.
The book took me longer to read that the first one in the series, despite being shorter. It feels like they are going through the O’Conner family and marrying each sister to a Samuel.
There are a few grammatical errors in this story, mostly extra words which makes confusing sentences.
It was OK. Two stars.
June 30, 2018
Good plot, poor writing
The plot is good. A mentally devastated young woman falls in love with a physically devastated man. Sparks fly, they struggle with dynamics, but eventually marry.
That said, the writing is chaotic, reads poorly (if you ever wonder how a book truly will be read, read it out loud, there is a difference) and incredibly NOT historically accurate. I can't ever recall reading a historical novel where a character is said to "freak out." Cliches abound. The way in which strangers interact is incorrect, but when writing a historical novel a little research is good. More is better. It took me all of 45 seconds to find out that it was the 1970s when get medical procedure first took place. Most definitely it was not possible nor even imagined in the nineteenth century. Im only giving three stars as the plot was half decent.
The plot is good. A mentally devastated young woman falls in love with a physically devastated man. Sparks fly, they struggle with dynamics, but eventually marry.
That said, the writing is chaotic, reads poorly (if you ever wonder how a book truly will be read, read it out loud, there is a difference) and incredibly NOT historically accurate. I can't ever recall reading a historical novel where a character is said to "freak out." Cliches abound. The way in which strangers interact is incorrect, but when writing a historical novel a little research is good. More is better. It took me all of 45 seconds to find out that it was the 1970s when get medical procedure first took place. Most definitely it was not possible nor even imagined in the nineteenth century. Im only giving three stars as the plot was half decent.
July 6, 2022
While the books in series are not all mail order bride stories, the origin of the series in the previous book in the series is. However, this book is not a mail order story since they meet as in-laws of the stars of book 1 in the series.
While the books in the series function as stand alone stories, characters and story lines do carry over. Also, characters have enough charm that you will want to follow them chronologically, so I recommend reading in series order.
As of June 2022, many books in this series are available for free at the website freeaudiobookcodes com.
This is book 2 of 23 and tells the story of Maddie, wealthy Eastern heiress who is a recent sexual assault victim, who travels to Montana in recover and help her sister care for her injured brother-in-law, Seth. Maddie is the sister of the heroine of book 1 and Seth is the brother of the hero of book 1.
While the books in the series function as stand alone stories, characters and story lines do carry over. Also, characters have enough charm that you will want to follow them chronologically, so I recommend reading in series order.
As of June 2022, many books in this series are available for free at the website freeaudiobookcodes com.
This is book 2 of 23 and tells the story of Maddie, wealthy Eastern heiress who is a recent sexual assault victim, who travels to Montana in recover and help her sister care for her injured brother-in-law, Seth. Maddie is the sister of the heroine of book 1 and Seth is the brother of the hero of book 1.
November 9, 2017
Maddie is left too much on her own for this time period. This is NOT a historical book. It's a period book, and the author has taken artistic license to write as she pleases. Maddie would NOT have been in the condition she was when she married Seth. She's often left alone with Seth way too much. This is a clean romance in the sense that there's no descriptive sexual scenes, but sex and promiscuity is touched upon.
The characters are filling out, much better than the first book. Their personalities figure more into this book than conflict. However I was dismayed with how quickly Maddie changes her mind about things. "No, I can't live like that." "Oh, ok, I can do it!" within a few pages.
The story in this one was better. Meatier. More of a story.
The characters are filling out, much better than the first book. Their personalities figure more into this book than conflict. However I was dismayed with how quickly Maddie changes her mind about things. "No, I can't live like that." "Oh, ok, I can do it!" within a few pages.
The story in this one was better. Meatier. More of a story.
January 10, 2020
Mail Order Bride - Westward Dance: Historical Cowboy Romance (Montana Mail Order Brides Book 2)
Western romances are the best. I am sure those were very different and difficult times than I read about, but romance is dreamy and I love a good story. Your writing sweeps me and into the story line with interests. Thinking of, and imagining the surroundings of the people I am reading about. I don't see the dust and wind that I know there is, or the real temperatures, not of cold or heat in the early days of settling into ranching and family life, especially if you are from the more modern city life. Love is love in any setting and time and I thoroughly enjoyed these stories.
Western romances are the best. I am sure those were very different and difficult times than I read about, but romance is dreamy and I love a good story. Your writing sweeps me and into the story line with interests. Thinking of, and imagining the surroundings of the people I am reading about. I don't see the dust and wind that I know there is, or the real temperatures, not of cold or heat in the early days of settling into ranching and family life, especially if you are from the more modern city life. Love is love in any setting and time and I thoroughly enjoyed these stories.
February 1, 2025
Seth and Tessa's sister are now writing to each other. Seth has been severely injured when his horse fell on him. His leg was broken in 3 places as well as his collar bone. Melinda was attacked by a family friend and can not seem to move on. Their letters help them to open up and find hope in each other's words. Seth returns to Pittsburgh for surgery with Tessa's parents in hopes that surgery will allow him to once again ride a horse. Melinda finds a friend in Seth and their is hope for another match by Dean and Tessa, their brother and sister who have already found love.
May 22, 2018
Madelyn O’Connor is from a well to do family in Pittsburgh. Maddie is generally the life of the party until one night changes her life setting her into a deep depression that leaves her family stumped at how to help her. Seth Samuels is the brother in law of Maddie's sister Tessa. Seth becomes severely injured on a cattle drive and Tessa suggests maybe he write to Maddie while he is laid up so they can maybe help heal each other. This is a clean historical romance novella.
June 7, 2019
Helping Hands
This is the second book in the series. It is better to read them in order to get an understanding of all the characters in the book. This book is about Seth. He is actually the oldest brother in the family. After a accident he is left laid up in bed to heal. After hearing about the abuse of his sister-in-laws younger sister he writes to her. His humor and bluntness bring Maddie out of the depression she had sunk into.
This is the second book in the series. It is better to read them in order to get an understanding of all the characters in the book. This book is about Seth. He is actually the oldest brother in the family. After a accident he is left laid up in bed to heal. After hearing about the abuse of his sister-in-laws younger sister he writes to her. His humor and bluntness bring Maddie out of the depression she had sunk into.
January 31, 2018
This is going to be a review for books 2-4 in the series. This was a really great read. I have fallen in love with this series. The romance and the characters are just great. I really just enjoyed all of the stories. I cannot put these down. If you are looking for a good clean romance series then give it a shot!
May 7, 2018
Good book /not so good Audible book
I really like this story, but made the mistake of buying the audible book first. The mans voice was too feminine and just couldn't enjoy listening to it. I doing like the say the male characters sounded and couldn't enjoy listening to it. But the story itself is really good. I would definitely recommend the book itself.
I really like this story, but made the mistake of buying the audible book first. The mans voice was too feminine and just couldn't enjoy listening to it. I doing like the say the male characters sounded and couldn't enjoy listening to it. But the story itself is really good. I would definitely recommend the book itself.
April 19, 2019
I listened to this book on Audible at an increased speed for my own preference.
I enjoyed the “Dance” between Seth and Maddi! Two broken people helping each other heal is always a great story! The characters, setting and plots are believable and enjoyable.
I’m already hooked on this series and am hoping all of the books are wonderful!
I enjoyed the “Dance” between Seth and Maddi! Two broken people helping each other heal is always a great story! The characters, setting and plots are believable and enjoyable.
I’m already hooked on this series and am hoping all of the books are wonderful!
May 25, 2019
Mail order bride:westward dance/L.Bridey
Love the serie. This one engaged Seth ,dean's oldest brother and Tessa sister ,maddie. How two people from diff sides of the state ,Paddington Pennsylvania, and, Seth from montana overcome obstacles. To find love can conquer all. Good dtory
Love the serie. This one engaged Seth ,dean's oldest brother and Tessa sister ,maddie. How two people from diff sides of the state ,Paddington Pennsylvania, and, Seth from montana overcome obstacles. To find love can conquer all. Good dtory
February 8, 2020
The sweet story continues with the pairing of another Samuels brother and another O'Connor sister---same families as MT Mail Order Brides #1. These two help each other heal from injuries they incurred at about the same time, first through letters and later when Maddie goes out West to visit her sister.
August 8, 2017
Love this series so far...interesting characters, settings, dialogue. The storyline doesn't get lost in a passionate haze either. These couples actually speak & react to each other outside of the bedroom.
June 7, 2018
Two "wayward" people find common ground and fall in love. It's the age old story of a rich girl answering a mail order bride ad and falling in love with the cheeky brother in a trio of brothers who have books written about them marrying mail order brides who are actually all sisters. Age old.
November 6, 2019
Great read and I enjoying reading your books and
Now on to the next one 😀I love reading all of your books 😀also getting to know all of the family so that when you read the next book 😊 you know that people in it and love then all kids and dogs to Margaret 😀
Now on to the next one 😀I love reading all of your books 😀also getting to know all of the family so that when you read the next book 😊 you know that people in it and love then all kids and dogs to Margaret 😀
January 24, 2021
Another sweet story. I liked this one better than the first. It definitely didn’t frustrate me as much. I thought Seth and Maddie were perfect for one another. I loved how they each pulled the other through their hardships. Good read.
October 26, 2025
Great Read
Immersed in the captivating narrative of this series, I found the second installment particularly compelling. The tender moments of healing and support resonated deeply, showcasing the profound connection between characters as they navigate recovery together.
Immersed in the captivating narrative of this series, I found the second installment particularly compelling. The tender moments of healing and support resonated deeply, showcasing the profound connection between characters as they navigate recovery together.
June 20, 2017
Delightful!
Love these books, there well written and entertaining. Sweet with just a hint of spice. tender romance stories for anyone.
Love these books, there well written and entertaining. Sweet with just a hint of spice. tender romance stories for anyone.
September 11, 2017
Ms. Bridey continues the saga of each sister as she each come west to find love and a new life. Good, clean story. Enjoyed it very much.
December 23, 2017
Just OK, lots of things that could not have taken place or terminology that wasn't even thought of in that era. Inconsistencies threw me out of the story.
April 26, 2018
Books 1 and 2
These books are so comforting and enjoyable to read. They remind me of when I was young and read the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I can’t stop reading!
These books are so comforting and enjoyable to read. They remind me of when I was young and read the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I can’t stop reading!
May 8, 2018
5 Stars
I love this family, I love the town, I love this series! Thank you for the free reads! Your Mail Order Bride Westward series is amazing!
I love this family, I love the town, I love this series! Thank you for the free reads! Your Mail Order Bride Westward series is amazing!
December 28, 2018
Wonderful
What a great book. Nice that this book followed the first book so nicely. I am now ready for book 3.
What a great book. Nice that this book followed the first book so nicely. I am now ready for book 3.
March 23, 2022
They were both broken
I liked the way the story had them both helping each other to heal and in the process fall in love with each other.
I liked the way the story had them both helping each other to heal and in the process fall in love with each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews