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It's 1884, and love is in the air in the town of Come-By-Chance!
In this much-loved series strong women risk everything to rise above their desperate circumstances, find true love, and wed real men who'll treat them right.
Meet Emily - She's lost her Pa, can't find a job and her money's almost all gone.
After witnessing a man being strangled, the strangler gives chase, and Emily ends up on a train headed for who knows where!
She travels along with Emmy-Lou, who is running away to become a mail order bride. When Emmy-Lou's rich Aunt intercepts her along the way, they come up with a plan for the girls to switch places, and for Emily to marry the rich, handsome Montana man.
Will he be all he seems? Can Emily rise above her misfortunes and find true love and happiness?
Her Pa always told her, "The Lord moves in mysterious ways," and Emily will soon learn whether or not it's truly the case!
So catch up with the Come-by-Chance townsfolk including the strapping Wilkinson brothers, Slim Jim and his lovely wife Lettie, the newly wed Ruby Wilkinson, and of course, 18 year-old Emily.
A story of hope, romance, revenge, suspense, unrequited love, first-love, fevers and flirting.
The Come-By-Chance series consists of:
Book 1 - Ruby
Book 2 - Emily
Book 3 - Violet
Book 4 - Kate
Book 5 - Rose
Book 6 - Emmy-Lou
In this much-loved series strong women risk everything to rise above their desperate circumstances, find true love, and wed real men who'll treat them right.
Meet Emily - She's lost her Pa, can't find a job and her money's almost all gone.
After witnessing a man being strangled, the strangler gives chase, and Emily ends up on a train headed for who knows where!
She travels along with Emmy-Lou, who is running away to become a mail order bride. When Emmy-Lou's rich Aunt intercepts her along the way, they come up with a plan for the girls to switch places, and for Emily to marry the rich, handsome Montana man.
Will he be all he seems? Can Emily rise above her misfortunes and find true love and happiness?
Her Pa always told her, "The Lord moves in mysterious ways," and Emily will soon learn whether or not it's truly the case!
So catch up with the Come-by-Chance townsfolk including the strapping Wilkinson brothers, Slim Jim and his lovely wife Lettie, the newly wed Ruby Wilkinson, and of course, 18 year-old Emily.
A story of hope, romance, revenge, suspense, unrequited love, first-love, fevers and flirting.
The Come-By-Chance series consists of:
Book 1 - Ruby
Book 2 - Emily
Book 3 - Violet
Book 4 - Kate
Book 5 - Rose
Book 6 - Emmy-Lou
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2014
577 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Juliet James
31 books26 followersJuliet James is the author of the much-loved Come-By-Chance Historical Western Romance Series.
She writes feel-good Westerns that are easy reading, enjoyable, uplifting and fun. Sure, bad things happen—but in the end, the good guys always win, the bad guys get what's coming to them, and the deserving find true love. Maybe that's why her stories are loved by the old, the young, and men & women alike.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
For the Georgian Romance author, see Juliet James.
She writes feel-good Westerns that are easy reading, enjoyable, uplifting and fun. Sure, bad things happen—but in the end, the good guys always win, the bad guys get what's coming to them, and the deserving find true love. Maybe that's why her stories are loved by the old, the young, and men & women alike.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
For the Georgian Romance author, see Juliet James.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
April 29, 2015
Poorly written
I usually love mail order bride westerns, but this was poorly written. The language and storyline were both too simplistic for my taste . I am glad it was free and I did not pay money for it.
I usually love mail order bride westerns, but this was poorly written. The language and storyline were both too simplistic for my taste . I am glad it was free and I did not pay money for it.
June 22, 2017
This was a quick, Western romance about a mail-order bride and a small town boy in Montana. I felt like there was too much ignorance in the story and the characters actions to really like this one.
May 1, 2015
I'm sorry to say that I couldn't get very far in this book. The dialog was just too immature and I wasn't drawn into the story at all. I know others really liked it, as evidenced by the overall rating, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
November 27, 2015
Crazy, intense story. I thought it would be just a normal mail order bride story of coming to the west, finding the husband she wrote to, and boom—romance blossoms. But no, there is some nasty business going on in the town of Come-by-Chance, Montana. When Emily escapes Chicago after witnessing a murder, she thinks nothing worse can happen. She is sooooo wrong. I won’t be a spoil-sport, but just know, nothing is as it seems…and keeping secrets is never a good option. But to an innocent girl fresh off the train with no one else in the world to love or watch out for her, secrets bind her. There is a romance in this, but it comes after wading through a lot of muck. Poor Emily triumphs in the end, but there are other side characters I’m dying to know about now whose lives didn’t tie up into happy bows at the end of this one.
October 20, 2015
The plot would have been interesting IF it had been developed more (like an actual novel instead of a novella) or if the focus had been more on Emily and the man she ends up marrying. As it is, the narrative jumps from person to person so fast you don't ever really get to know Emily. In fact, it took half the book before I finally got that Ben wasn't the hero of the story but a lot of the story is about him.
I am not inclined to continue with the series or even go back to read the first one.
I am not inclined to continue with the series or even go back to read the first one.
May 3, 2016
Short and a little more sweet than the first book in the series. There are still some semi-graphic parts (this time not including harming a woman). Still felt a little abrupt. It was nice reading more about some of the other characters, and I am interested in how things will all wrap together in the end.
January 15, 2015
Emily and Toby's story. A quick short story. They are pretty simple, but I just want to find out what happens to Slim Jim.
May 15, 2016
At first glance, especially at the cover, and in the second and third chapters, you might think this is a light read. And it is a gently delivered plot, because of the author's style (authorial telling). However, as you read further you will be surprised to discover, just as I was, a dark undercurrent running through the mail-order-bride plot.
I should not have been surprised, because in the beginning of this novel, the author started out with a promise of male brutality. The main character, Emily, finds herself witness to a brutal murder which leads her to run away, the murderer in pursuit.
Yet this scene is quickly left behind as she leaps upon a train and is swept up into her next adventure - true love in the frontier. Emily reflects briefly on the original promise, which made me think it was an inciting incident, a clever plot event to get her where she needed to be.
It was also easy to miss this original promise because of the intrusive narrator. This style of writing later takes us into another example of male brutality, but it is so glossed over by "telling", we don't really experience it at the level we should.
"'Good girl,' he told her, as he began to take down his britches. 'Now this won't hurt a bit, and you might even like it...and never speak another word about it...'
Emily was terrified, of course, and frozen from the fear too. She thought of trying to cry out, but even as she had the thought of it, the door flew open and another man set upon Slim Jim, knocking him to the floor..."
The characterization in this novel could be much stronger if James freed the narration from that of "telling" to "showing". The telling allows the author to cram in a lot of material and story time into a short book but it holds the reader at arm's length.
saloon prostitute (image) see at my wordpress blog 'Mail Order Prostitutes in the Old West: Juliet James “Emily”
This disconnect between the reader and the characters is what lightens the dark side of this novel's plot. Look at the cover. Would you expect this book to be about a "mail order bride" prostitute ring? Well it is, and it isn't. It's about a family of brothers and the brides who arrive to their small Montana town, but beneath this light story a darker story is hinted at.
Though most of the dark deeds were glossed over, very little actually described, I was quite chilled by the concept. Probably because of my history of working in social work, specifically in violence against women.
Imagine young girls raised in the 1800s, arriving by train at small Western outposts
that are barely civilized. These girls arrive with little money, no contacts, nothing but hope, and a letter from a potential husband. They arrive thinking they're going to be married to a complete stranger (which is scary enough). Soon they find out the man who met them at the station will rape them and put them into service in the local saloon. OR rape them (these girls will mostly be virgins based on the time period) and then allow them to meet their husband under a pact of secrecy bought through threats (which we never really hear).
That premise is terrifying and these books (there is a series) could have provided a much deeper exploration into the dark side of mail order "briding". But not with the author's style which is to narrate the story on a surface level, rarely dipping down into the emotional richness that love, fear, abandonment and crime can instill. However, the author obviously did not want the brutality to be the point of her novel, and in that she succeeded.
Author, James has a talent for pacing and that's what held my interest, that and the characters, who are likable. The plot events chop along at a good rate, and I found myself turning the page into each new chapter to see what was coming. However, I could also put the book down if I had other things to do because the connection to the character's experiences was not as strong as it could be. As a light, quick read with the whisper of a deeper plot than your average Western romance, these books will serve to help you pass a rainy weekend.
I should not have been surprised, because in the beginning of this novel, the author started out with a promise of male brutality. The main character, Emily, finds herself witness to a brutal murder which leads her to run away, the murderer in pursuit.
Yet this scene is quickly left behind as she leaps upon a train and is swept up into her next adventure - true love in the frontier. Emily reflects briefly on the original promise, which made me think it was an inciting incident, a clever plot event to get her where she needed to be.
It was also easy to miss this original promise because of the intrusive narrator. This style of writing later takes us into another example of male brutality, but it is so glossed over by "telling", we don't really experience it at the level we should.
"'Good girl,' he told her, as he began to take down his britches. 'Now this won't hurt a bit, and you might even like it...and never speak another word about it...'
Emily was terrified, of course, and frozen from the fear too. She thought of trying to cry out, but even as she had the thought of it, the door flew open and another man set upon Slim Jim, knocking him to the floor..."
The characterization in this novel could be much stronger if James freed the narration from that of "telling" to "showing". The telling allows the author to cram in a lot of material and story time into a short book but it holds the reader at arm's length.
saloon prostitute (image) see at my wordpress blog 'Mail Order Prostitutes in the Old West: Juliet James “Emily”
This disconnect between the reader and the characters is what lightens the dark side of this novel's plot. Look at the cover. Would you expect this book to be about a "mail order bride" prostitute ring? Well it is, and it isn't. It's about a family of brothers and the brides who arrive to their small Montana town, but beneath this light story a darker story is hinted at.
Though most of the dark deeds were glossed over, very little actually described, I was quite chilled by the concept. Probably because of my history of working in social work, specifically in violence against women.
Imagine young girls raised in the 1800s, arriving by train at small Western outposts
that are barely civilized. These girls arrive with little money, no contacts, nothing but hope, and a letter from a potential husband. They arrive thinking they're going to be married to a complete stranger (which is scary enough). Soon they find out the man who met them at the station will rape them and put them into service in the local saloon. OR rape them (these girls will mostly be virgins based on the time period) and then allow them to meet their husband under a pact of secrecy bought through threats (which we never really hear).
That premise is terrifying and these books (there is a series) could have provided a much deeper exploration into the dark side of mail order "briding". But not with the author's style which is to narrate the story on a surface level, rarely dipping down into the emotional richness that love, fear, abandonment and crime can instill. However, the author obviously did not want the brutality to be the point of her novel, and in that she succeeded.
Author, James has a talent for pacing and that's what held my interest, that and the characters, who are likable. The plot events chop along at a good rate, and I found myself turning the page into each new chapter to see what was coming. However, I could also put the book down if I had other things to do because the connection to the character's experiences was not as strong as it could be. As a light, quick read with the whisper of a deeper plot than your average Western romance, these books will serve to help you pass a rainy weekend.
November 23, 2014
It's 1884, and love is still in the air in Come-By-Chance.
Meet Emily - She's lost her Pa, can't find a job and her money's almost all gone.
After witnessing a man being strangled, the strangler gives chase, and Emily ends up on a train headed for who knows where!
She travels along with Emmy-Lou, who is running away to become a mail order bride. When Emmy-Lou's rich Aunt intercepts her along the way, they come up with a plan for the girls to switch places, and for Emily to marry the rich, handsome Montana man.
Will he be all he seems? Can Emily rise above her misfortunes and find true love and happiness?
Her Pa always told her, "The Lord moves in mysterious ways," and Emily will soon learn whether or not it's truly the case!
So catch up with the Come-By-Chance townsfolk including the strapping Wilkinson brothers, Slim Jim and his lovely wife Lettie, the newly wed Ruby, and of course 18 year old Emily.
A story of hope, romance, revenge, suspense, unrequited love, first-love, fevers and flirting.
Another cute "Mind Candy" read. I like reading these novellas. The storyline moves along quite nicely, without a lot of unnecessary filler. Give me a good storyline anytime. This was another "G" rated read, which I love. It is Book 2 in this Mail Order Bride series. Usually, I don't care much for series, but Ms. James makes them interesting with a bit of a different twist than most of the "Mail Order Bride" books I've read before.
This book is a part of my Nook library and I enjoyed it enough to award it 5 "Emily" stars.
Meet Emily - She's lost her Pa, can't find a job and her money's almost all gone.
After witnessing a man being strangled, the strangler gives chase, and Emily ends up on a train headed for who knows where!
She travels along with Emmy-Lou, who is running away to become a mail order bride. When Emmy-Lou's rich Aunt intercepts her along the way, they come up with a plan for the girls to switch places, and for Emily to marry the rich, handsome Montana man.
Will he be all he seems? Can Emily rise above her misfortunes and find true love and happiness?
Her Pa always told her, "The Lord moves in mysterious ways," and Emily will soon learn whether or not it's truly the case!
So catch up with the Come-By-Chance townsfolk including the strapping Wilkinson brothers, Slim Jim and his lovely wife Lettie, the newly wed Ruby, and of course 18 year old Emily.
A story of hope, romance, revenge, suspense, unrequited love, first-love, fevers and flirting.
Another cute "Mind Candy" read. I like reading these novellas. The storyline moves along quite nicely, without a lot of unnecessary filler. Give me a good storyline anytime. This was another "G" rated read, which I love. It is Book 2 in this Mail Order Bride series. Usually, I don't care much for series, but Ms. James makes them interesting with a bit of a different twist than most of the "Mail Order Bride" books I've read before.
This book is a part of my Nook library and I enjoyed it enough to award it 5 "Emily" stars.
April 23, 2016
Cute, and sweet.
This book began differently than most of this kind...it emphasised fate's and God's role in bringing two people together, in spite of a series of mishaps and consequential plots. The couple Toby and Emily fitted together well- a sweet couple united by love at first sight. Their love blossomed quickly, and I can't fault the story telling- I have no experience of love at first sight nor of its impact.
Though, I couldn't stand the fact that Slim Jim-the conspiring, manipulative villain of the tale- manages to get away with his criminal acts... Surely, people who preach honesty and good virtue would have no trouble to take measures to rid themselves of corruption that infiltrates their society? Or even speak of it? I simply can't accept that no one spoke of the crimes inflicted by the hands of such a vile man.
This book began differently than most of this kind...it emphasised fate's and God's role in bringing two people together, in spite of a series of mishaps and consequential plots. The couple Toby and Emily fitted together well- a sweet couple united by love at first sight. Their love blossomed quickly, and I can't fault the story telling- I have no experience of love at first sight nor of its impact.
Though, I couldn't stand the fact that Slim Jim-the conspiring, manipulative villain of the tale- manages to get away with his criminal acts... Surely, people who preach honesty and good virtue would have no trouble to take measures to rid themselves of corruption that infiltrates their society? Or even speak of it? I simply can't accept that no one spoke of the crimes inflicted by the hands of such a vile man.
October 18, 2015
A very nice story
Emily witnessed a murder and ran away from the man following her. She ended up on a train to Montana where she met another Emily who told her she was going to Montana to get married. They ended up trading places and Emily, who witnessed the murder, went onto Montana. Strange things happened when she got off the train. Of course Slim Jim met the train but his wife Lettie and Toby and Ben weren't too far behind. What happens when Emily sees Toby it's love at first sight for both of them, but what happens after they meet is the basis for this story. If you read Ruby you'll enjoy this book. If you haven't read Ruby you can read this one first as they are both stand alone books. A quick read which you'll enjoy.
Emily witnessed a murder and ran away from the man following her. She ended up on a train to Montana where she met another Emily who told her she was going to Montana to get married. They ended up trading places and Emily, who witnessed the murder, went onto Montana. Strange things happened when she got off the train. Of course Slim Jim met the train but his wife Lettie and Toby and Ben weren't too far behind. What happens when Emily sees Toby it's love at first sight for both of them, but what happens after they meet is the basis for this story. If you read Ruby you'll enjoy this book. If you haven't read Ruby you can read this one first as they are both stand alone books. A quick read which you'll enjoy.
October 29, 2015
Short and sweet, this book is an easy read. I think the author has given this book some great bones, but it lacks a bit of substance. Perhaps it should have been more of a full length novel instead of a novella, but I did enjoy the story. There were a few times it felt like I was reading the work of a young teen, but I think that was the style the author was going for, as the heroine is not very old, nor is she "worldly" in her experience. I love the mail order bride era, and the fact that this is a clean story is cute. I am looking forward to reading more of this series, as I am curious as to see if Ben will finally get the right woman for him, and what exactly will happen to Slim Jim. Good read.
October 19, 2015
While the plot itself was a good one, I feel that the writing development is a little on the immature side. I noticed that some portions of the book held more promise than others. It's hard to like a book and keep going when the book gives you that feeling of the tide: going in and out. Weak, building up, then goes back down. There IS potential, but it needs work.
The characters are okay, but I'm sure that with stronger development, they would be dynamite.
Like I said, there is potential! I'm just not sure that it would be worth my time to continue the series. I was really hoping that this second book would change my views.
The characters are okay, but I'm sure that with stronger development, they would be dynamite.
Like I said, there is potential! I'm just not sure that it would be worth my time to continue the series. I was really hoping that this second book would change my views.
July 10, 2016
This is the second book in the Come-by-Chance Mail Order Brides series, a series of books I grew to love right from the start. This is a simple but sweet story that moves quickly through the plot and is a fast, but very enjoyable read. The formula for Emily is similar to the formula for Ruby (the first book in the series), but the details are different enough to keep the reader interested in how the story will turn out. Although each story in the series does stand alone, the characters carry over from one book to the next and reading them in order is best. So, if you haven't read Ruby, start there.
October 23, 2015
I enjoyed the story but not the author's imitation of country folk writing. While I understood her meaning, her symantics were a joke and not reflective of a good author.. She could have had the characters speak in the backyard country way if she preferred, but her own descriptions and narrative should have been reflective of herself as an author. But this was a free eBook and I very much enjoyed seeing Emily find a happily ever after husband. I would have liked to have read Book 1 first and would like to read book 3 but our library is small and has none of Ms James's books.
October 26, 2015
Lovely Blossomed Love
While May be read standalone, it's an even better read after reading the previous story, Ruby. This story though has tons of excitement and in the end leaves you with good feelings and a wish to read more. The ever hungry Toby and Emily find each other by chance of a letter and a murderous situation. While some secrets have yet to be determined, their love story is one to fill any lonely heart. Juliet James did a wonderful job once again and I look forward to reading more!
While May be read standalone, it's an even better read after reading the previous story, Ruby. This story though has tons of excitement and in the end leaves you with good feelings and a wish to read more. The ever hungry Toby and Emily find each other by chance of a letter and a murderous situation. While some secrets have yet to be determined, their love story is one to fill any lonely heart. Juliet James did a wonderful job once again and I look forward to reading more!
December 21, 2015
A sweet, funny romance
I am really enjoying these stories of mail order brides. They are written very simply, but don't be fooled. The language is engaging, and if you like to read stories that have humor, love and also a villain, you will like these. I usually don't bother with books this short, but I'm glad I chose the first two books in this series. I was fortunate enough to get these free.
I am really enjoying these stories of mail order brides. They are written very simply, but don't be fooled. The language is engaging, and if you like to read stories that have humor, love and also a villain, you will like these. I usually don't bother with books this short, but I'm glad I chose the first two books in this series. I was fortunate enough to get these free.
March 12, 2016
Nope! Can't do it. A quarter of the way through and life's too short for poorly written novels. Honestly I don't even think Juliet James tried! 15 pages in and you're 5 chapters down? And come on; chapter 23 by page 70?! You're out of your mind lady. It's a badly written short story that's been dragged out in lieu of craftsmanship.
I know it might be free or cheap: but this is one little booklet is not worth the paper/time it takes to download.
I know it might be free or cheap: but this is one little booklet is not worth the paper/time it takes to download.
October 31, 2015
I felt as if Emily's story was more thrilling and interesting as Ruby's story was pretty neutral ( my favorite part was when Ruby stuck a pencil in the eye of that nasty boss of hers). Emily went through quite a chaos but I loved how at the end she found a soulmate in one of the Wilkinson brothers even when they weren't quite compatible for each other. It makes the story more realistic.
April 18, 2016
Poorly written. Plot line was rushed and characters were underdeveloped. There were too many characters and scene changes to get to know in too short a time. This novella MIGHT have potential if fleshed out a lot more, but, as it is, the characters were difficult to like. Love at first sight here and vaudeville-style villains there makes for unpleasant reading on the best of days.
May 15, 2016
Thank goodness it was a short story! The writing style was hokey, the characters were hokey, and the main romance turned out to be the couple that I thought were just a side story. There were typos and grammar errors, but they might have just come from the conversion process and weren't a great distraction. I'm sure there is an audience for stories like this, but it's not me.
May 30, 2016
Frustrating.
This book was awful. The writing was childish and the characters were had cardboard cutout personalities. The most irritating part is that a large chunk is about this villainous character that has no resolution. If it was any longer I wouldn't have considered it worth finishing.
This book was awful. The writing was childish and the characters were had cardboard cutout personalities. The most irritating part is that a large chunk is about this villainous character that has no resolution. If it was any longer I wouldn't have considered it worth finishing.
January 27, 2015
Heartwarming romance
I have enjoyed both the first book in the series "Ruby", + this book very much. The story line is unique + kept my interest thorough out. I Wii continue to read this series and have added this author to my list favorites in this genre.
I have enjoyed both the first book in the series "Ruby", + this book very much. The story line is unique + kept my interest thorough out. I Wii continue to read this series and have added this author to my list favorites in this genre.
June 17, 2015
Love and adventure in the west
Really enjoyed how fast the book moves and is a clean action packed western romance. The characters continue from the first in the series, yet can be a stand alone book.
Really enjoyed how fast the book moves and is a clean action packed western romance. The characters continue from the first in the series, yet can be a stand alone book.
May 28, 2015
Emily running for a new life.
This story seemed more about men, gun fights, drama then a mail order bride. Emily takes place of another bride to run from a murder she witnessed. Starts good then gets off track with too many characters and less about the main girl, Emily.
This story seemed more about men, gun fights, drama then a mail order bride. Emily takes place of another bride to run from a murder she witnessed. Starts good then gets off track with too many characters and less about the main girl, Emily.
October 19, 2015
Good
Emily goes to Montana after she meets Emmy Lou on a train. She ends up switching identities and pretending to be to be th Emily that wrote to James. She falls in love with Toby . See how it turns out.
Emily goes to Montana after she meets Emmy Lou on a train. She ends up switching identities and pretending to be to be th Emily that wrote to James. She falls in love with Toby . See how it turns out.
October 23, 2015
It started of interesting... And then went down hill very quickly... By the end I was debating if I should give it just one star... But decided on two as I enjoyed the book up to about the last five chapters.
October 24, 2015
I couldn't get past how poor the writing is. The over use of "," "and" & "but". Uggg.It read like a fourth grade short story.
I seriously want to re-write this whole series!
I'm incredibly happy it was free.
I seriously want to re-write this whole series!
I'm incredibly happy it was free.
December 13, 2015
Sweet!
Such a sweet clean story of true love working it's magic even through the strangest of circumstances. Read the first in the series Ruby as well and will be ordering the next Violet as soon as I am done writing this.
Such a sweet clean story of true love working it's magic even through the strangest of circumstances. Read the first in the series Ruby as well and will be ordering the next Violet as soon as I am done writing this.
May 18, 2016
Accidentally read this book first so I was confused a couple times by things that I learned were references to book 1. Story was ok and entertaining enough for how short it was. Truly, won't be finishing the series. Didn't feel connected enough to everyone to care.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews