A Secret Heart

Wind River Mail-Order Brides #3

by Wendy Klopfenstein, Lacy Williams

The last thing middle brother Ed McGraw wants is to be tangled up in a scheme to find a mail-order bride for his black-sheep brother. But that’s right where Ed finds himself…writing love letters and not signing his own name.

Intrigued by the woman who writes back.

Rebekah Edwards keeps her dreams to herself and finds contentment working for the local newspaper running matrimonial advertisements. Until the day a new ad appears—one written by the very rancher Rebekah has pined for her entire life.

But just as she strikes up a correspondence, Rebekah finds herself drawn inexplicably to Ed McGraw—the wrong McGraw brother for her. What will happen when she finds out the author’s true identity?

This sweet historical romance is perfect for fans of the following

*mistaken identity
*love letters
*matchmaking gone wrong

Wind River Mail-Order Brides
Book 1: A Convenient Heart
Book 2: A Steadfast Heart
Book 3: A Secret Heart
Book 4: A Dangerous Heart
Book 5: A Forgotten Heart

Genres: Romance, Historical, Enemies To Lovers, Christian Fiction, Christian, Clean Romance

308 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

Wendy Klopfenstein enjoys sunshine, sweet tea, and a good book, preferably all at the same time. Having always loved creating stories as much as reading them, she now puts the ones wandering around in her head on paper for others to enjoy. When she’s not sitting on the porch reading, you can find her working on her next novel.

Reviews

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful enemies to more western romance story. Ed and Rebekah never got along when they were young due to a grudge Rebecca carried, and the same is true as adults. Ed, the overlooked McGrath brother, has dreams of his own but may not see them come to fruition due to responsibilities at the McGrath homestead. Rebekah likes to be in control and has to learn not to be control, especially when circumstances and her plan to marry her ideal man doesn't go as planned. This western story has danger, angst, political tension, and a strong faith thread.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was wonderful! Another Mail Order Bride romance, but packed with twists and turns that kept me hooked. The McGraw brothers secretly place an ad to find a bride for Isaac, but he’s not interested. So his brother Ed handles all the letters, never expecting to fall in love with one of the women vying for Isaac’s hand! But what happens when that woman turns out to be Rebecca? She and Ed have never gotten along, even as kids. And she's always had her sights on Isaac. But with her aunt and uncle out of town, Ed and Rebecca are forced into spending more time together. As a friendship with Ed starts to grow, Rebecca thinks she's finally winning over Isaac... unaware of the true sender of the letters.

As things between Ed and Rebecca shift, strange crimes start happening around town, and Rebecca may be the next target. Ed’s focused... he needs to keep her safe, reveal his secret, and be prepared to step aside so Rebecca and Isaac can finally have a chance. But is that really the right choice?

This story was a total page turner for me. I was rooting so hard for Ed and Rebecca! It's worth the wait to see it all unfold. And I can not wait for Isaac's story!

What to expect:
- Mail Order Bride
- Mistaken Identity
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Love Letters
- Secret Matchmaking
- Protective Hero
- Hidden Feelings

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction or western fiction, but Lacy Williams and Wendy Klopfenstein have changed my mind. I’m a fan now and want to read more!

Rebecca has journalism in her blood and is always chasing the elusive story that will put her name and the newspaper she works for on the map. Her knack for chasing headlines has danger chasing her. Her pursuit of the former marshal and oldest McGraw brother doesn’t seem to go as planned.

Ed has always lived in his brother’s shadow and put the needs of his family ahead of his own. When his brothers cook up a plan to get a mail order bride for their reclusive older brother, Ed gets caught up in the letters from one particular potential bride. But what does he have to offer someone he might love?

Sparks fly as Rebecca’s reporting hits too close to the truth and Ed becomes her protector. Will close proximity end the feud between the two of them or will childhood wounds continue to push them apart?

This was an exciting nail biter of a story and it grabbed my attention and held it to the very end. I’m excited to read the rest of the series!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't you love a mail-order bride story every now and again? If you also like the movie While You Were Sleeping, you are definitely going to want to check this one out!

Ed McGraw wants more time to develop his carpentry business, and to do that he needs his brother Isaac home to help with the homestead. If Isaac had a wife, surely he'd stick around. Perhaps he should place an ad...

Rebekah Edwards has been sweet on Isaac McGraw since they were in school together. Now her focus is on helping run the newspaper. But when Ed shows up to place an ad for a bride for Isaac, she realizes this is her opportunity to finally catch the man of her dreams. She doesn't realize, however, that Ed -- whom she can't stand -- is actually the one corresponding with her, pretending to be Isaac.

Meanwhile, trouble abounds in the town of Calvin, Wyoming. Ranchers are being attacked and families poisoned. Will Rebekah be in danger if she dares to investigate and report on her findings? Why does she think more highly of Ed every time they're forced to work together?

Wendy Klopfenstein is a promising new author. She weaves a great story together. My one complaint about this novel is that it seemed a lot of things, whether regarding relationships or even catching the bad guy, could have been solved with a good conversation. But if characters communicated clearly, where would the angst be? I enjoyed the nod to the movie While You Were Sleeping, with a fun western setting and faith themes intertwined.

If this sounds like a book you would enjoy, come follow Ed and Rebekah as they uncover secrets and learn to let God be in control.

I received my copy of the book from the author and publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, heartwarming enemies-to-more story with a strong faith theme set in the wild Wyoming

Beautiful, engaging prose, a well-developed plot with enough action, danger, and romance, and characters you can’t help but cheer for are a few things to enjoy in this book.

Ed, longing to be free from the pressure of the homestead and pursue his carpentry business, chaffs from the added responsibility of writing to a possible bride on behalf of his unsuspected brother. However, what he deemed a burden turns into a blessing in disguise, and his schoolmate nemesis Rebekah turns into a friend and more.
This is a perfect enemies-to-lovers story with a clean romance that is heartwarming and sweet. Rebekah, with her childhood dreams of a hero perfectly wrapped in the package of one McGraw brother, is for a surprise to find another one fit the bill. The dialogues, the banter, and the dual POV create such an amazing dynamic and a perfect window into the working of their hearts. As they care for the sick, unravel a mystery, and try to solve a crime, they bond and grow, and we can’t help but want them to see each other for the blessings they are.

Another beautiful thing one comes to expect from the series is to see God’s love and care. Here the reader gets to see His touch in creating everyone worthy for a purpose and to be admonished to let Him control things instead of fixing life for selfish gain.

It is a third book in the series, and though a lot of things are introduced snd explained well, I think it still benefits the reader to start with Book 1 in the series. Then all the characters and the villains as well as dynamics of the relationships will make more sense.

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, heartwarming enemies-to-more story with a strong faith theme set in the wild Wyoming

Beautiful, engaging prose, a well-developed plot with enough action, danger, and romance, and characters you can’t help but cheer for are a few things to enjoy in this book.

Ed, longing to be free from the pressure of the homestead and pursue his carpentry business, chaffs from the added responsibility of writing to a possible bride on behalf of his unsuspected brother. However, what he deemed a burden turns into a blessing in disguise, and his schoolmate nemesis Rebekah turns into a friend and more.
This is a perfect enemies-to-lovers story with a clean romance that is heartwarming and sweet. Rebekah, with her childhood dreams of a hero perfectly wrapped in the package of one McGraw brother, is for a surprise to find another one fit the bill. The dialogues, the banter, and the dual POV create such an amazing dynamic and a perfect window into the working of their hearts. As they care for the sick, unravel a mystery, and try to solve a crime, they bond and grow, and we can’t help but want them to see each other for the blessings they are.

Another beautiful thing one comes to expect from the series is to see God’s love and care. Here the reader gets to see His touch in creating everyone worthy for a purpose and to be admonished to let Him control things instead of fixing life for selfish gain.

It is a third book in the series, and though a lot of things are introduced snd explained well, I think it still benefits the reader to start with Book 1 in the series. Then all the characters and the villains as well as dynamics of the relationships will make more sense.

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Secret Heart by Lacy Williams and Wendy Klopfenstein is Christian historical romance. This is the third book in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series. While it is a good stand-alone story, it follows after the second in the series, so it is best enjoyed if the series is read in order. I enjoyed how well written this story is as it is easy to imagine the surrounds and events that happen. This story contains suspense and mystery along with the clean romance.

The McGraw family feels brother Isaac is in need of a wife and brother Ed gets told to handle a mail order for him. At the same time a neighboring couple take an extended trip and ask the McGraw’s to watch over their niece. Without given much of a choice, Ed is now responsible for following up on the letters and watching over the young lady, Rebekah. She works for the newspaper and is responsible for the mail order letters. Having had a crush on Isaac for years, she responds and sets aside other letters for him.

This is an enjoyable story to read. The story contains a mixture of personalities within the McGraw family which keeps the story interesting. Older brother Drew is in charge of the family farm and is very quick to assign duties, without consulting others. Ed would much rather be making furniture than taking on so many other responsibilities. I enjoyed how this story does turn out so good for Ed, as he is always there for others. I like how he always goes above what others expect of him. I especially enjoy how Rebekah works through her feeling with regards to her feelings for Ed and Isaac. This has been my favorite book in the series so far.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“So keep apologizing until she forgives you.”“And if she won’t speak to me?” “You wrote all those letters. You’ll figure out what to say.”

This enemies to friends to more story has danger, faith, mystery, secrets, tension filled relationships, and a sweet romance. The twist and turns and unexpected danger made this book even more enjoyable.

Rebekah is spunky and completely determined to have a certain McGraw brother as her husband. I loved seeing how she set aside her dislike of Ed to help him when he desperately needed it. Watching their friendship grow was so satisfying. Ed is an extremely hard-worker, protective, caring, and devoted to his family and their ranch. He battles with his sense of duty and feeling selfish for wanting to pursue his own dream. I LOVED the last letter that Ed wrote.

I absolutely loved the faith lessons the main characters learned: we are never invisible to God and He has a plan and His way is better!

A few more quotes:
“You’ll be safe here.” “I know you’ll protect me, Ed.”

“You came for me. After everything.”“Of course I came. I’ll always come for you.”

“I’ve had feelings for you for a long time.” “Not good ones.” “Actually, I couldn’t even admit it to myself. But I liked you from the start. And I love you even more now.”

Note: This is the third book in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series. While it can be enjoyed as a stand alone, many characters are carried over from the previous books (they are family after all 🙂)

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Secret Heart is another excellent addition to the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series. It’s book three in the series and it was fun to reconnect with the McGraw family. However, you could jump in and enjoy this story even if you haven’t read any others in the series.

I really felt for Ed, who wanted to focus on carpentry yet was always being pulled into ranch work for his extended family. Ed had to learn to speak up about what he felt his calling was before he could truly be able to find a better balance between helping the family out and starting his own carpentry business.

I also felt for Ed in that he constantly felt overlooked, both in his family and even with the woman he was beginning to care for. But it was absolutely wonderful to see Rebekah have her eyes opened to they type of man Ed was, his feelings for her, and also for her to realize that the fantasy that she had built in her mind about Ed’s brother Isaac was not reality at all.

This was a very enjoyable story to read. Ed and Rebekah, as well as the McGraw family in general, did have to work on better communication with each other as the story progressed. But once some big conversations happened, it was refreshing to see the characters work through things well. I loved the bonus epilogue!

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Klopenstein continues the saga of the McGraw brothers (“A Steadfast Heart”), with the third eldest brother, rancher and talented carpenter, Ed.
When he is given the unwelcome duty of ensuring neighbour, Rebekah’s safety while her aunt and uncle are away, he views it as another task on his unending list of chores. Rebekah is equally reluctant to accept his help. their mutual dislike stemming back to school days but needs him to escort her to ad from town to fulfil her duties as the mail-order bride columnist at the town newspaper. One advertisement sparks her immediate interest…
Ed and Rebekah discover new aspects of one another’s personalities as they spend an increasing amount of time together, especially as new danger lurks in town and on their respective ranches.
The author’s character depiction is interesting as she contrasts Rebekah’s feisty outlook on life with Ed’s gentle and compliant personality … his submission to older brother, Drew’s expectations was often frustrating to this reader! The plot is well-paced and, although the source of the suspense and the eventual outcome of the story can be anticipated, the novel nevertheless keeps readers fully involved. I am giving my honest and voluntary opinion of this review copy I received from the author.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quickly fell in love with Ed as the McGraw brother who does his duty and puts his dreams on hold for the betterment of his family. He feels he's the "invisible" son who just works hard and does everything he's told. He has lots of dreams but doesn't think he'll ever get to pursue them because he's so busy doing what everyone wants him to do around the ranch. I felt for him. He's reliable, a hard worker and trustworthy. He desperately wants to be a carpenter and loves creating furniture but just doesn't have the time.
I had a harder time liking Rebekah. She's so driven to succeed at her profession in the newspaper business and also doesn't listen to reason most of the time about her personal safety! Also, she has stars in her eyes about who she thinks she's in love with (Ed's brother) because she has a certain idea of love that she treats Ed poorly. Of course, she and Ed have been nemesis' since grade school! She just had an abrasive personality, but I appreciated how Ed and others always tried to help her. People can change and grow. What happens when Rebekah's stubbornness gets her into trouble?
This story had a beautiful blend of romance, danger, faith and family.

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in this series following the McGraw brothers as they try to build a family ranch and future is an exciting addition. The other three siblings have decided that Issac needs to be drawn back into the fold, so the oldest brother Drew, who runs the ranch, has tasked Ed with finding a wife for his brother Issac.
The heroine, Rebekah, is headstrong, and unwilling to listen to good advice. She ignores her boss's orders and pursues her own ideas. She's a romantic dreamer with very little real life experience. And she believes Issac is her ideal man.
Ed is a hard worker, who never speaks up for himself. He gets taken for granted and overlooked by the family. He has dreams of his own, but doesn't see any way to achieve them. He cares for Rebekah, but his own words have convinced her that she is destined for Issac.
There's danger and threats, political intrigue, and attacks on the ranch and on Rebekah. The storylines are complex, and will keep you turning pages to see how it can possibly all work out.

[Alyssa Amey Madjeski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this series so much! In A Secret Heart we meet Rebekah and impatiently wait for her to realize that Isaac is NOT the McGraw brother she’s supposed to be with, despite her childhood crush. And this feud she’s got going with Ed? A bit of a misunderstanding all along. She’s holding out for a hero, but what if he’s been there all along?

I love that this story has the romance AND the suspense. The trifecta of historical romantic suspense is my absolute favorite. I also like that our villain storyline is a common thread through all the books- it’s been leaving me with ALL the anticipation to get the next book into my hands.

I enjoyed the growth that both Rebekah and Ed experience. She needs to learn to trust God with control of… well, everything. And Ed needs to learn that he can let others share the load even when his servant’s heart feels like he needs to do it all.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Secret Heart by Lacy Williams and Wendy Klopenstein is the excellent third addition to the Wind River Mail-Order Brides Series. Middle brother, Ed McGraw, was not the brother I had hoped would be next to find his forever love, but I found his story immensely enjoyable and suitable for the third book. Ed is one of those characters who tries to do the right thing all the time, is unselfish and often unappreciated. God does not overlook these people in life, now after reading Rebekah Edwards’ and his story I am so delighted that the writers did not either.

Rebekah Edwards had much more spiritual growth in this story than Ed. Ed had grown up to be a fine man, but Rebekah had grudges that she needed to let go. Ed’s growth was in the area of self-esteem, it was seeing his worth as he is in the sight of God. While the main villain seemed untouchable, the immediate danger was stopped, with Ed receiving a much-deserved HEA. I can highly recommend A Secret Heart, a faith-based Western historical novel.

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book to read with an engaging storyline and well developed characters. It contains the right mix of romance, drama, relationship angst and action to keep you turning the pages and anticipating the story right to the very end.
Ed and Rebekah have never got on since they were at school together and as adults the same is true. When Ed is asked to keep an eye on her he is forced to give his word but it doesn't mean he likes it. But add in some drama and danger and being forced to spend time together in close quarters and things begin to change. Pity about the Mail Order Bride letters that are being written and false pretences going on that threaten to throw everything off track.
This is book 3 of the Wind River Mail Order Brides series and builds on the earlier books of the series. I would recommend you read those first to really appreciate this story. It is a lovely, clean and easy read with a strong thread of faith in God running through it. 5 stars

[Rebekah Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But you can't control everything: You'll end up miserable and it won't work. You need to give God control of your life."

Rebekah is stubborn and does not need anyone else’s help. She loves to write and wants to help in any way she can to get a good story for the paper. Her job is to fix ads for the matrimony section and put mail into their respective boxes. But all that changes when she sees an ad for the man she has loved since she was a child.

Ed has dreams and so much more he wants to do. He was never in the spotlight which made it harder for him to do what he wanted as he was always looked down upon. Now, he is stuck with keeping promises to a girl’s uncle of whom he despises by the need to watch over her while she is alone.

Again, another awesome book to read; this is the third book in “Wind River Mail-Order Brides.” It has great lessons on trusting God and letting go of the control you may have in your life.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent continuation of the series. I liked Ed from the beginning. He is a hard worker that puts family first, even before his own needs and dreams. He is the middle brother and struggles with being worthy and being seen for who he is. He learns to fight for his dreams.

Rebekah grew on me; she seemed a little too judgmental in the beginning, but as I learned her story, I could see why she was that way. She is also a hard worker but liked to control situations of life which led to more trouble. She must learn to let God control her life because He has better blessings in store. She and Ed make a great couple; their romance got off to a shaky start but all ended well.

I’m excited for the next addition to the series. There is an ongoing mystery and bad guys that have me intrigued. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest installment in the Wind River series swept me right off my boots! When Ed McGraw agrees to handle his brother’s mail-order bride letters, he never expects to fall for one of the women himself—especially not Rebekah Edwards, the very woman he’s clashed with since childhood. But as their paths keep crossing, sparks begin to fly... and not always the friendly kind.⁠
⁠
I absolutely loved the richness of this story—Ed and Rebekah’s enemies-to-more dynamic felt so authentic, with all the baggage and heart you’d expect from two people who’ve never quite let go of the past. The mistaken identity twist through their anonymous letters was such a fun and emotional thread, and the suspense element added just the right touch of danger. I especially appreciated how faith was a central part of their journeys—highlighting themes like trusting God’s timing, letting go of control, and discovering your true identity in Him. Add in a quiet hero, a determined heroine, and some small-town cowboy charm, and this story was everything I hoped for and more.

I received an advance copy of this book and all thoughts are entirely my own. I was hooked from page one and already can’t wait for the next McGraw brother’s story!⁠

[Spineless In AZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed McGraw is a quiet hero who does better with a moment to compose himself. While hard-working and enterprising, he does struggle with carrying the middle child’s cloak into adulthood. It came from a surprising source, but the quick reminder that we all deserve love helps him ask for what he really wants.
If you are a fan of Katherine Hepburne’s Jo March, Anne of Green Gables, or even Annie’s role in Field of Dreams, you’ll find this story brings many smiles. Rebekah Edwards is smart and impassioned, but her sensitivity will win you over. There is a larger plot threaded through this and the earlier books. Wendy Klopfenstein’s installment in this series continued to build the background mystery about land purchases, and allowed characters we met in prior books to keep growing. I was also pleased to see that even though there is action, I don’t think anyone actually dies in this story. I’m hooked!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book, if you like a western romance you will like this book too. The H is chosen to write for a mail order bride for his older brother and he reluctantly does. When the h, who works at the local newspaper and is in charge of handling the letters for mail order brides, receives the letter for the H’s brother Isaac, whom she has loved since they were in school, decides that she will answer the letter and only pass on her letters. Thus the h and H begin to correspond. Also at this time the H has promised the h’s uncle that he will look out for her while they are gone. As two unknowingly write each other and spend time together, they become drawn to each other and fall in love. The h gets confused when she falls in love with one brother but believes she has been communicating with another. In the end she finds out the truth and they get their HEA. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Received book free from author as member of her ARC team.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in Williams’ new Mail Order Brides series through Sunrise Publishing, this time written with Wendy Klopfenstein. It’s helpful to have read the earlier books in the series because the overall villain remains the same throughout the books, and you’ll meet again a lot of the characters introduced in earlier books.

I had a bit of trouble getting into the story because there’s an interesting sort of love triangle in this book, and for the first few chapters I wasn’t sure which McGraw brother was the one who was going to win the girl. With a lot of clever plot twists and some forced proximity, it all becomes clear … eventually.

Once again I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading about the brother’s route to happily ever after.

#ASecretHeart #SunrisePublishing

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming enemies to lovers story. Rebekah and Ed have disliked one another since he embarrassed her in school. She has always thought herself in love with Ed's brother Isaac, a US Marshall. But Isaac has returned home quiet and withdrawn and avoiding people. Ed promises to watch over Rebekah when her aunt and uncle go out of town, but she doesn't like the idea. As they spend time together, a friendship developes and their feelings grow to something more. Ed struggles with always feeling less than his brother and not enough. As he protects Rebekah and saves her life more than once, she realizes that Ed is the hero she as been looking for and not Isaac. A great story of family and their love and support of each other.

I received a copy of this from the author as an ARC, but this is an honest review.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book! The McGraw ranch and family are idyllic. I liked how they worked together to keep the homestead going.

Ed quickly became my favorite! I enjoyed how he was creative working with his talent to create cradles, chairs, and other wood items. He reminded me a little bit of myself; worrying about helping out the family and putting his dreams on hold. Rebekah has put all her eggs in one basket pining for a man who doesn't realize that she's in love with him. Her job at the newspaper allows her an outlet for her creativity.

As Rebekah starts chasing leads for a new story, she and Ed's relationship starts changing. Soon they start to feel more than friendship for each other. The ending is a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to find out what happens next!!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Terri Camp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ed McGraw is the brother no one “sees”. He goes about doing what he can for others while putting his dreams on the back burner. I couldn’t wait for him to express this to his family and knew they would support him if he just had the courage to step out.

I liked Rebekah but also wanted to tell her to “let it go” in hanging on to her past hurts. She could have missed out on that steadfast and faithful man and friend. She was determined to make her way and thought she had it all figured out.

I loved the letters in the story and honestly wouldn’t have minded more between the two. I enjoyed when she started falling for Ed but there were those letters “from Isaac” standing in the way.

Proverbs 16:9 was so true for these two. They thought knew they course they were taking but God directed their steps…to each other!

[Ari's library · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

I am definitely sold on the mail-order bride series and I will clearly be reading each volume with great pleasure ! I am normally not the biggest fan of the enemy to lover trope but it still was a very nice read ! I am quite impressed by how different each of the author’s characters are, in their personalities but also in their strengths and weaknesses.

Here, we have I think some of the most flawed characters of the series, and yet they are presented in the most endearing way. Even if I felt a bit frustrated with Rebekah, I really wanted her to find what she was seeking and the poor Ed more than deserved a happy ending. Plus, being the glutton that I am for happy endings, I am always excited to have snippets into the life of the couples that we left in the former volumes.

I am impatient to read Isaac’s story !

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series, set in 1893 Wyoming, reunites us with the McGraw brothers--Drew, Ed, Isaac, and Nick. It was lovely reconnecting with other carryover characters including heroine Rebekah. This is Ed and Rebekah's heartwarming story. The well-paced plot, with a refreshing mail-order bride twist, piqued my interest from the beginning and kept me engaged to the end. Well-crafted characters, who I could easily connect with and cheer for, plus an unscrupulous villain, who continues with his harassment, drive the story forward. An enemies-to-more romance, with a "love triangle" of sorts, enriches the story. I appreciate the encouraging faith thread woven throughout the story. The fitting conclusion paves the way for the next book in the series--Isaac's story! I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it and the series. NOTE: Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but reading the books in order will provide a fuller understanding of the characters and their relationships leading to a richer reading experience.
I read an advanced copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

The McGraw brothers are concerned about their brother, Isaac. They decide to write for a mail order bride. Ed drops off the letter to the newspaper. Rebecca works there. She has always loved Isaac. She hates Ed because he embarrassed her when they were 11 years old in school. When she realizes that Isaac is writing for a bride, she writes back. Isaac hides out in cabin watching over the cattle so the brothers task Ed with responding. When he realizes that it's Rebecca, he is hurt. He has always loved her, but never felt like he was good enough. Isaac was always the US Marshal and "hero" of the family. When Rebecca is in danger and spends time with the McGraw family, she realizes that Ed is the one that she really loves. Great book. Really pulls at your heart strings.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read in the Wind River Mail-Order Bride series!
Ed & Rebekah both have dreams but handle them in different ways. Ed pushes his dreams to the back burner to help his brothers run the family ranch. He does not see how he can do both.
Rebekah runs pell-mell with no regard to how it will affect those around her.
Neither realizes they haven’t and need to put God in control instead of trying to control their situations themselves.
There was plenty of action and angst to keep me glued to the book until the very last page.
I loved the glimpses into the letters that were sent between Ree & Isaac. They were so eloquent.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Secret Heart

Ed McGraw and Rebekah Edward’s have such a wonderful story. Ed is convinced by his siblings to place an advertisement for a mail order bride for his brother who has returned broken and distant after an assignment with the U. S. Marshalls. Rebekah works at the newspaper office. She has been infatuated with the man for which the ad was made so she answers. Ed falls for his brother’s expected bride. When Rebekah is placed in danger, Ed becomes her protector. Rebekah’s infatuation with wrong brother then becomes apparent. What happens when the truth of the letter writing comes out?

[Kimberly Keagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Secret Heart by Wendy Klopfenstein and Lacy Williams is a delightful mail-order bride romance set in 1893 Wyoming. Ed McGraw is a quiet carpenter with a secret passion for woodworking, while Rebekah Edwards is a determined journalist with a longtime crush on Ed’s distant brother. What begins as reluctant companionship slowly blossoms into a romance full of banter, misunderstandings, and unexpected affection. With endearing family dynamics, gentle faith threads, and just a touch of suspense, this is a tender, uplifting story that’s sure to warm your heart.

I received an ARC of this book (and later purchased a copy!), but all opinions here are my own.