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Emma Byrne grew up in a Catholic orphanage in Boston, and her prospects are limited. She and her group of girlfriends, who all met in the orphanage, are barely getting by, working as nannies, cooks, and live-in maids for rich families. When Emma's employer, Gerald, threatens her with losing her job if she doesn't submit to his very unwanted advances, she stumbles onto an opportunity to be a mail-order bride and decides that couldn't possibly be worse.
Except that the groom in question had no idea that his brother sent for a wife. When Emma shows up, at the train station in Bozeman, MT, it's her groom's brother, Joshua that is there to greet her. As it turns out, Ethan is furious that his brother went behind his back and sent for a wife. He's still grieving from the unexpected death of his wife Allison only a year earlier, and spends all his time when he's not working, being a good dad to his only child, Emily, who is three.
Montana is hugely different from Boston, and Emma is surprised that she immediately falls in love with the area. Though taken aback at first to discover that Ethan wasn't aware that she was coming, she's secretly relieved to have a little time to get to know him and her new home. She is also quite fascinated by his family. Ethan is the oldest of ten, and eight of them are brothers, and except for Joshua, all are single. Emma has an urge to play matchmaker, and in book two, her best friend, Julia comes West to meet the brothers.
Except that the groom in question had no idea that his brother sent for a wife. When Emma shows up, at the train station in Bozeman, MT, it's her groom's brother, Joshua that is there to greet her. As it turns out, Ethan is furious that his brother went behind his back and sent for a wife. He's still grieving from the unexpected death of his wife Allison only a year earlier, and spends all his time when he's not working, being a good dad to his only child, Emily, who is three.
Montana is hugely different from Boston, and Emma is surprised that she immediately falls in love with the area. Though taken aback at first to discover that Ethan wasn't aware that she was coming, she's secretly relieved to have a little time to get to know him and her new home. She is also quite fascinated by his family. Ethan is the oldest of ten, and eight of them are brothers, and except for Joshua, all are single. Emma has an urge to play matchmaker, and in book two, her best friend, Julia comes West to meet the brothers.
77 pages, ebook
First published October 14, 2014
300 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 17, 2015
Not sure why the other reviewers are classifying this as clean. Well, it was for 99.5% of the book, then the last two pages or so follows them (married couple) into the bedroom removing each other's clothes and checking out the goods so to speak, I skipped ahead to the Epilogue at that point so not sure what else was described. So, I would've given this a 4 stars had it not had that unneeded scene in there.
So, if you do want to read it and want the clean version, once sweeps her into his arms at the very end of the book skip to the epilogue and you'll be good to go.
Moral Note: Some innuendos, the scene as mentioned above. Clean language. Some heavy hints from bad guys of compromising her virtue.
So, if you do want to read it and want the clean version, once sweeps her into his arms at the very end of the book skip to the epilogue and you'll be good to go.
Moral Note: Some innuendos, the scene as mentioned above. Clean language. Some heavy hints from bad guys of compromising her virtue.
June 8, 2017
Rating: 2.5/5
The book first is short, it is a clean PG romantic story. character developments was not up to the mark. There were few nice moments. But overall the story was boring a bit and had no intensity.
The book is OK for a one time read. I don't think I will be reading the rest of the books in the series though.
The book first is short, it is a clean PG romantic story. character developments was not up to the mark. There were few nice moments. But overall the story was boring a bit and had no intensity.
The book is OK for a one time read. I don't think I will be reading the rest of the books in the series though.
January 10, 2015
I'm a bit flabbergasted by the few other reviews of this book. I suppose it could have passed for sweet in some people's worlds, but not mine. The plot and the relationship between Ethan and Emma were incredibly underdeveloped. There was no story, just scenes strung together. I got almost to the end, I could have dealt with it just to get through a short story. But it appears that the author put the whole thing together just to write a bad sex scene. I closed my kindle, and I won't be reading the next book in the series, either.
July 8, 2015
Although this book is marketed as a clean romance there is one scene after the couple is married that is a little too graphic to classify as clean. Still, it was an enjoyable quick read. I liked the outside plot and will check out the next novella in the series.
March 22, 2015
My Thoughts....
This was just a fun short little story about Emma and how she became a mail-order bride in 1896. It was a nice little "PG" rated book, and I enjoyed it enough to award it 4 Bride stars. This book is part of my Kindle library, it was also a freebie yesterday on Amazon.
This was just a fun short little story about Emma and how she became a mail-order bride in 1896. It was a nice little "PG" rated book, and I enjoyed it enough to award it 4 Bride stars. This book is part of my Kindle library, it was also a freebie yesterday on Amazon.
June 25, 2015
The writing and story was so/so. I got a bit bored and DNF - sorry...
April 16, 2017
This was just nice and easy read. No real drama, just smooth sailing from the start to finish. I hadn't got a clue that mail order brides were a thing in the 19th century American west. I find myself curious about it but this probably wasn't the best book to get introduced to the topic. It was a pleasant read but there was nothing memorable in it.
March 21, 2019
Judging by the reviews here, I think there might be two versions of the ending. In my version, I would describe the “sex scene” as clean. “He introduced her to the world of love-making and when it was over...” I was a bit disappointed actually; it was an anticlimax.
Otherwise, a sweet story with a hint of danger coming from two of the other characters.
Otherwise, a sweet story with a hint of danger coming from two of the other characters.
January 13, 2015
Emma is a live in maid to a house with a bad man he wants to sleep with her since his wife if pregnant to get out of the situation she confides to a friend and becomes a mail order bride. The groom to be Ethan has no clue his brother and sister in law sent off for her under his name. Ethan is a widower and needs to find a mom for his little girl. He is not happy to say the least when Emma arrives.
Ethan has either other brothers that are free and if things happen badly maybe she can marry one of them but Ethan comes around and he knows Emma is the right woman for him and his daughter.
Emma writes to her friend Julia as one of Ethan's brothers wants a wife and Julia might just come out and see them if things don't go well in Montana.
I enjoyed this book, a quick read at 77 pages with a lot of story packed in. Emma and Ethan are cute together and whole family seems to get great. The scenes are pretty well described and easy to picture in your mind. This is a clean romance. I look forward to meeting more characters.
Ethan has either other brothers that are free and if things happen badly maybe she can marry one of them but Ethan comes around and he knows Emma is the right woman for him and his daughter.
Emma writes to her friend Julia as one of Ethan's brothers wants a wife and Julia might just come out and see them if things don't go well in Montana.
I enjoyed this book, a quick read at 77 pages with a lot of story packed in. Emma and Ethan are cute together and whole family seems to get great. The scenes are pretty well described and easy to picture in your mind. This is a clean romance. I look forward to meeting more characters.
November 29, 2015
Cute, but a lot shorter than you'd expect for a first book in a series. I think I read this one in 45 minutes. It's almost as if it would have been more fun to entwine the first three girls' stories into a single novel so it'd have some more meat to it.
There is something in the series that strikes me as strange. The "orphans" are Irish and raised in a Catholic orphanage in the Boston area. So, why are they all married by the equivalent of a preacher? Doesn't that mean that they are not married in the eyes of the Church? Or does this not matter? As Catholics in a religious era, it seemed really strange to have not explanation for it in multiple books.
But, it's a fun read. There are multiple typos in each book, which can be annoying as well. I've read two for free and am on one that I paid $2.99 for, as it's a fun series.
There is something in the series that strikes me as strange. The "orphans" are Irish and raised in a Catholic orphanage in the Boston area. So, why are they all married by the equivalent of a preacher? Doesn't that mean that they are not married in the eyes of the Church? Or does this not matter? As Catholics in a religious era, it seemed really strange to have not explanation for it in multiple books.
But, it's a fun read. There are multiple typos in each book, which can be annoying as well. I've read two for free and am on one that I paid $2.99 for, as it's a fun series.
February 16, 2015
This was a short, but sweet little read. I've always liked the mail order bride type books. Emma needed to be rescued several times....but she was still portrayed as a strong young lady....which I liked. For a born & raised city girl, she fell in to the country/farm life quite well. It's full of strong family values...a close knit family....hard working & full of love. Which Emma desperately needed. Ethan pulled at my heart strings all through the book. I wouldn't say he was cold at first, just cool....but knowing his story, you can't blame him. For a quick read, it was a nice love story.
December 17, 2015
Not a clean romance
I found this free on Amazon and after reading lots of reviews decided I would try it. I'm very careful in what I read, I don't want to read about intimate moments between couples. For me that is very special and sacred. I know not everyone feels that way but it's just not for me.
I did enjoy the storyline and was disappointed when I came to that scene in the book. It is a shorter read than I thought and the writing was a little stilted in some spots. But I didn't finish the last few chapters choosing to not finish it.
I found this free on Amazon and after reading lots of reviews decided I would try it. I'm very careful in what I read, I don't want to read about intimate moments between couples. For me that is very special and sacred. I know not everyone feels that way but it's just not for me.
I did enjoy the storyline and was disappointed when I came to that scene in the book. It is a shorter read than I thought and the writing was a little stilted in some spots. But I didn't finish the last few chapters choosing to not finish it.
January 23, 2016
Sweet story
If you are looking for a quick read of a good, clean mail order bride story, and don't get upset when the author doesn't try to be historically accurate, then this is the book for you! It is a sweet story, but it is short, with no real development of the characters or storyline, and there are lots of modern things that shouldn't be included. I did enjoy it though.
If you are looking for a quick read of a good, clean mail order bride story, and don't get upset when the author doesn't try to be historically accurate, then this is the book for you! It is a sweet story, but it is short, with no real development of the characters or storyline, and there are lots of modern things that shouldn't be included. I did enjoy it though.
January 14, 2015
A Sweet Story
Emma leaves Boston to become a mail order bride. Ethan isn't looking for a wife but his family wants otherwise. This is a sweet story of how the two of them meet and grow.
Emma leaves Boston to become a mail order bride. Ethan isn't looking for a wife but his family wants otherwise. This is a sweet story of how the two of them meet and grow.
June 15, 2015
Another quick romance, as long as you ignore zucchini break in Montana when it took three weeks to travel by train from Boston. Fresh apples seemed a bit of a stretch, but they do grow there. Glad it was free on my Kindle.
December 16, 2015
I enjoyed the book, until the sex scene. It was not overdone, but surprised me with its content as the book is advertised as 'a clean read'. Other than that, an enjoyable book. (It lost a star for the sex)
May 12, 2021
Emma tiene que salir del lugar donde trabaja, su empleador la acosa y quiere darle tareas denigrantes con sus fines lujuriosos, como ultimo recurso después de recibir un ultimátum por su empleador, toma la decisión de aceptar ser una novia por correspondencia y emprender esa aventura viajando desde Boston hasta el Oeste.
Ethan por otro lado tiene un año que a perdido a su esposa y al bebe que esta portaba cuando murió en el parto, no esta listo para tomar una esposa nueva y no quiere dejar que eso lo aparte de la única que le queda como recuerdo de su difunta de esposa su niña Emily de 3 años necesita una mamá por eso no se cierra de la sugerencia de su hermano y cuñada tienen para el "Una novia por correspondencia".
Las cosas entre ellos comienza a cambiar cuando deciden casarse solo como compañeros ya que sabe que su niña necesita una figura materna, siendo mas compañeros de casa y el constante contacto y charlas hacen que el empiece a sentir cosas por ella.
Ella por su parte sabe que esta enamorada de el desde el minuto que ve su interacción con su hija Emily, pero ella sabe que no puede competir con el recuerdo de su esposa muerta.
Los problemas surgen...
+Sentimientos de traición hacia su difunta esposa
+Robo del ganado
+Acosa hacia Emma por parte de su vecino
Es todo un coctel para una historia de amor en el viejo Oeste.
Ethan por otro lado tiene un año que a perdido a su esposa y al bebe que esta portaba cuando murió en el parto, no esta listo para tomar una esposa nueva y no quiere dejar que eso lo aparte de la única que le queda como recuerdo de su difunta de esposa su niña Emily de 3 años necesita una mamá por eso no se cierra de la sugerencia de su hermano y cuñada tienen para el "Una novia por correspondencia".
Las cosas entre ellos comienza a cambiar cuando deciden casarse solo como compañeros ya que sabe que su niña necesita una figura materna, siendo mas compañeros de casa y el constante contacto y charlas hacen que el empiece a sentir cosas por ella.
Ella por su parte sabe que esta enamorada de el desde el minuto que ve su interacción con su hija Emily, pero ella sabe que no puede competir con el recuerdo de su esposa muerta.
Los problemas surgen...
+Sentimientos de traición hacia su difunta esposa
+Robo del ganado
+Acosa hacia Emma por parte de su vecino
Es todo un coctel para una historia de amor en el viejo Oeste.
June 24, 2021
Could have been fantastic
When I read reviews I want this list of questions answered so that I can know if a book should be to my liking. Since these questions aren’t usually answered in reviews I figure it’s my job to do so.
Happily Ever After? Yes
Does the hero treat the heroine badly in the beginning? No
Does the heroine treat the hero badly in the beginning? No
If the answers for 2 or 3 are yes, then do they make appropriate amends for their bad behavior?
Is this book Christian? No
Are there sex scenes in this book? No
If there is sex, are the sex scenes explicit?
Is the heroine a virgin? Yes
Is the heroine sexually assaulted? One close encounter
Is the hero a virgin? No
Is there non-romantic drama (as in a kidnapping, murder, feud, or other intrigue that isn’t centered on romance)? Yes but it’s mild
Is the end satisfying? Yes
Is the book “icky” to modern ideals or sensibilities? (As in, a 15 year old marrying a 30 year old was acceptable in 1815 but might make a modern reader uncomfortable) no
*This book could have been really good. Unfortunately the novella length just wasn’t enough time for the character’s love to feel real. More of the book should have been from our hero’s perspective, as well. I think if the author had thrown in another 100 pages this would have been a fantastic book.
When I read reviews I want this list of questions answered so that I can know if a book should be to my liking. Since these questions aren’t usually answered in reviews I figure it’s my job to do so.
Happily Ever After? Yes
Does the hero treat the heroine badly in the beginning? No
Does the heroine treat the hero badly in the beginning? No
If the answers for 2 or 3 are yes, then do they make appropriate amends for their bad behavior?
Is this book Christian? No
Are there sex scenes in this book? No
If there is sex, are the sex scenes explicit?
Is the heroine a virgin? Yes
Is the heroine sexually assaulted? One close encounter
Is the hero a virgin? No
Is there non-romantic drama (as in a kidnapping, murder, feud, or other intrigue that isn’t centered on romance)? Yes but it’s mild
Is the end satisfying? Yes
Is the book “icky” to modern ideals or sensibilities? (As in, a 15 year old marrying a 30 year old was acceptable in 1815 but might make a modern reader uncomfortable) no
*This book could have been really good. Unfortunately the novella length just wasn’t enough time for the character’s love to feel real. More of the book should have been from our hero’s perspective, as well. I think if the author had thrown in another 100 pages this would have been a fantastic book.
March 31, 2024
1.5 Just-skip-it stars
Don’t you just hate it when a so-called historic novel has characters whose behavior and speech are indistinguishable from that of contemporary romance?
A few quick examples—
- Milking the cows, feeding the animals, and then feeding the animals some more (no mention of chores or choring and no mucking out the stalls)
- Dressing a little girl in pajamas for bed (instead of a nightgown)
- talk of “dating” instead of “courting”
- the description of the rural western town included a general store with people able to shop daily for fresh food and way too much business daily.
- Ethan stating he would bring a chicken home that evening to be prepared for dinner that night (doesn’t allow time needed for preparation; the evening meal would be supper)
- No interaction with- or follow up invitations from fellow churchgoers after Emma was introduced at church the first time and no mention of any other socializing with neighbors outside of family.
I’m always looking for a good mail order bride story. Unfortunately, Emma is not one.
Don’t you just hate it when a so-called historic novel has characters whose behavior and speech are indistinguishable from that of contemporary romance?
A few quick examples—
- Milking the cows, feeding the animals, and then feeding the animals some more (no mention of chores or choring and no mucking out the stalls)
- Dressing a little girl in pajamas for bed (instead of a nightgown)
- talk of “dating” instead of “courting”
- the description of the rural western town included a general store with people able to shop daily for fresh food and way too much business daily.
- Ethan stating he would bring a chicken home that evening to be prepared for dinner that night (doesn’t allow time needed for preparation; the evening meal would be supper)
- No interaction with- or follow up invitations from fellow churchgoers after Emma was introduced at church the first time and no mention of any other socializing with neighbors outside of family.
I’m always looking for a good mail order bride story. Unfortunately, Emma is not one.
May 31, 2020
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary:
Emma needs to find a new way to support herself and fast. So she decides to try the mail order bride route. Ethan is a widower looking for a mail order bride, mainly for his daughter, Emily. But when Emma arrives in Montana she quickly discovers that Ethan didn’t place the add looking for a mail order bride...
Review: This book was an extremely fast read. It felt like more of a novella because of how short it was but I still found myself really enjoying the story. I did find the plot a too little rushed at times and the timeline did jump ahead a few times. But I really loved that Ethan’s large family played a big part in the book. The characters were really well developed, especially considering the book was only 77 pages long. Overall, it was a little too short and rushed for my preference but was still a very enjoyable read.
Summary:
Emma needs to find a new way to support herself and fast. So she decides to try the mail order bride route. Ethan is a widower looking for a mail order bride, mainly for his daughter, Emily. But when Emma arrives in Montana she quickly discovers that Ethan didn’t place the add looking for a mail order bride...
Review: This book was an extremely fast read. It felt like more of a novella because of how short it was but I still found myself really enjoying the story. I did find the plot a too little rushed at times and the timeline did jump ahead a few times. But I really loved that Ethan’s large family played a big part in the book. The characters were really well developed, especially considering the book was only 77 pages long. Overall, it was a little too short and rushed for my preference but was still a very enjoyable read.
January 15, 2019
Such a great read!
Emma's story has a rough beginning. Her employer has threatened to dismiss her if she doesn't expand her duties to accommodate his personal desires. To escape, she decides to go to Montana as a mail order bride. Problems arise when she arrives....her future husband had no idea she was coming because he had not invited her. As Emma struggles to find her place, she falls in love with beautiful Montana and the new friends she makes there. Even if her arranged marriage doesn't happen, Emma determines to make a life for herself in this wildness land.
Excellent writing by. Ms Merrick draws you into a beautiful love story. I received this book in a mass giveaway. I'll be looking for more by this creative new (to me) author. Thanks for a good read!
Emma's story has a rough beginning. Her employer has threatened to dismiss her if she doesn't expand her duties to accommodate his personal desires. To escape, she decides to go to Montana as a mail order bride. Problems arise when she arrives....her future husband had no idea she was coming because he had not invited her. As Emma struggles to find her place, she falls in love with beautiful Montana and the new friends she makes there. Even if her arranged marriage doesn't happen, Emma determines to make a life for herself in this wildness land.
Excellent writing by. Ms Merrick draws you into a beautiful love story. I received this book in a mass giveaway. I'll be looking for more by this creative new (to me) author. Thanks for a good read!
November 11, 2020
Emma and Ethan 💞
Short and sweet story. Emma works as a cook for a wealthy family in Boston. Unfortunately the man of the house is a drinker and a ladies man. He is married, but has his sights set on Emma. He gives her a month to agree to be with him or else she's out the door. While Gerald is off on business for the month, Emma signs up to be a mail order bride.
Unfortunately, Ethan did not advertise for a wife. His older brother and sister-in-law did. He's a recent widower with a young daughter and they know the child needs a mother.
Is Ethan ready to move on?
Short and sweet story. Emma works as a cook for a wealthy family in Boston. Unfortunately the man of the house is a drinker and a ladies man. He is married, but has his sights set on Emma. He gives her a month to agree to be with him or else she's out the door. While Gerald is off on business for the month, Emma signs up to be a mail order bride.
Unfortunately, Ethan did not advertise for a wife. His older brother and sister-in-law did. He's a recent widower with a young daughter and they know the child needs a mother.
Is Ethan ready to move on?
October 19, 2017
This was a cute little story about a mail-order bride ordered by the husband-to-be's family. He needed a mother for his young child, but he was still grieving his wife's death. This was good to fill some time, but I didn't appreciate the sex scene after they are married--not terribly explicit but more than necessary.
This story was in an anthology. Since I read only a couple of novellas, I'm reviewing them individually.
This story was in an anthology. Since I read only a couple of novellas, I'm reviewing them individually.
March 2, 2019
The story was good but it was too short. It was also very predictable. If you just want something quick this is a good option. Maybe more of a storyline with Russell. It didn't really have a historical aspect to it.
But it was a good clean story.
It was a good short story for when you want something quick and easy when you don't have a lot of time to read or just want something to clear your head.
But it was a good clean story.
It was a good short story for when you want something quick and easy when you don't have a lot of time to read or just want something to clear your head.
December 16, 2016
Going West
An interesting look of the difficulties that women faced back in the 1800's. Other than being a wife and mother, they didn't many options open to them. How frightening it must have been for them to leave family and friends. Move cross country to a place they knew nothing about and marry someone they had never seen before.
.
An interesting look of the difficulties that women faced back in the 1800's. Other than being a wife and mother, they didn't many options open to them. How frightening it must have been for them to leave family and friends. Move cross country to a place they knew nothing about and marry someone they had never seen before.
.
February 26, 2017
A sweet little romance
This book is exactly what the title says. It is a sweet (no vulgarity), little (66 pages), romance. Thank goodness I got it for free through a "daily free books" website. I don't know if this was a sort of "shortened, free introduction" to her writing and books, but I'm glad I didn't pay $2.99! Her writing was okay. I just found the book too short.
This book is exactly what the title says. It is a sweet (no vulgarity), little (66 pages), romance. Thank goodness I got it for free through a "daily free books" website. I don't know if this was a sort of "shortened, free introduction" to her writing and books, but I'm glad I didn't pay $2.99! Her writing was okay. I just found the book too short.
June 19, 2017
Emma:(A Sweet Western Historical Romance) (Mail-Order Bridal Club Book 1)
The love story of Emma and Ethan. Emma was on the run for a boss who want her. Ethan was a new widower with a young daughter and in need of a new wife so thought his family. So Emma is off to be a mail-order bridal and find a new life. You love Emma's journey.
The love story of Emma and Ethan. Emma was on the run for a boss who want her. Ethan was a new widower with a young daughter and in need of a new wife so thought his family. So Emma is off to be a mail-order bridal and find a new life. You love Emma's journey.
April 5, 2021
I liked this story! Sets up for the other Donovan brothers to find their brides and Emma's friends their husbands. I thought this was dramatic, sweet, romantic and well written. Ethan, Emily and Emma make a lovely little family. Just would've liked to have known that momma and baby made it thru this time and the baby's name.
September 21, 2022
Emma is the first installment of Ashely Merrick’s The Bozeman Brides series. In it, readers meet Emma Bryne, an Irish lass raised in one of Boston’s Catholic orphanages. When she comes of age, Mrs. Richardson, the headmistress, sends her away as a mail-order bride. Her intended is Ethan Donovan. Ethan is a widower who still loves his wife, but he needs help so he marries Emma. Even though she is married, Emma attracts the attention of the unsavory Russell Jones. He wants Emma. Jones keeps cattle rustling from Ethan’s herd and sells them out of town. Will Ethan ever change his mind and open his heart to Emma? Will Jones harm Emma? Will Emma and Ethan find happiness? You must read this book to find out.
This book is a intriguing read, I enjoy Ms. Merrick’s writing style. I appreciate and applaud her skill in creating multi-faceted lead characters that have a chemistry between them. I found this book to be well-written with great dialog and descriptive scenes that lead credibility to this HEA romance.
This book is a intriguing read, I enjoy Ms. Merrick’s writing style. I appreciate and applaud her skill in creating multi-faceted lead characters that have a chemistry between them. I found this book to be well-written with great dialog and descriptive scenes that lead credibility to this HEA romance.
November 27, 2023
Es una historia de pocas páginas pero que me decepcionó, no me gusto del todo su narración y la última parte la sentí muy rápida, los protagonistas con que se declararan su amor era más que suficiente.
🍂📚🍁
It is a story of a few pages but it disappointed me, I didn't quite like its narration and the last part felt very fast, the protagonists declaring their love with each other was more than enough.
🍂📚🍁
It is a story of a few pages but it disappointed me, I didn't quite like its narration and the last part felt very fast, the protagonists declaring their love with each other was more than enough.
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