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Crawford Family #1
Train Station Bride
Alternate Cover edition for B00IKYR5SI
1887 Debutante Julia Crawford endures a lifetime of subtle ridicule as the plump, silly daughter of a prominent Boston family. Julia strikes out on her own to gain independence, traveling to the Midwest to marry an aging shopkeeper and care for his mother. Julia finds her new home rough and uncivilized after the sophistication of a big city, while closely held secrets threaten to ruin Julia’s one chance at love.
Jake Shelling was sixteen and grew up quick when his parents died from influenza on the South Dakota prairie. Left with a half-cleared farm and two young sisters, he spent little time on his own needs . .till now. At thirty-five, he figured it was high time to have some sons and a mail order bride would suit him just fine. No expectations of love, just a helpmate from sturdy stock, ready for farm life.
Will fate and chance play a trick on Julia and Jake?
1887 Debutante Julia Crawford endures a lifetime of subtle ridicule as the plump, silly daughter of a prominent Boston family. Julia strikes out on her own to gain independence, traveling to the Midwest to marry an aging shopkeeper and care for his mother. Julia finds her new home rough and uncivilized after the sophistication of a big city, while closely held secrets threaten to ruin Julia’s one chance at love.
Jake Shelling was sixteen and grew up quick when his parents died from influenza on the South Dakota prairie. Left with a half-cleared farm and two young sisters, he spent little time on his own needs . .till now. At thirty-five, he figured it was high time to have some sons and a mail order bride would suit him just fine. No expectations of love, just a helpmate from sturdy stock, ready for farm life.
Will fate and chance play a trick on Julia and Jake?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2012
395 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
About the author
Holly Bush
26 books722 followers“Love always has something to say. Sometimes it shouts from the highest hill, and sometimes it whispers so softly one must listen closely to hear. Do not turn away. It is a rare and precious commodity. Treasure it.” The Gentrys of Paradise
Holly's newest series is a historical mystery set in Baltimore in 1867, The Browns of Butcher's Hill. The first book is available called Kidnapped. Blackmailed releases in August of 2025 and Murdered in November of 2025.
Holly's historical romances are set in the US during the turbulent and transformative years of the late 1800’s.
The Thompsons of Locust Street, Philadelphia, chronicles five siblings from Scotland with some danger and mystery surrounding their move to America. The series order is The Bachelor's Bride, The Bareknuckle Groom, The Professor's Lady, and The Captain's Woman. The final book in the series will release in 2024.
The Gentrys of Paradise begins with the novella Into the Evermore where readers meet Virginia horse breeders, Eleanor and Beauregard Gentry. The following books feature their children, Adam, Matthew, and Olivia in For the Brave, For This Moment, and For Her Honor.
The Crawford Family Series following the fortunes of the three Boston born Crawford sisters and includes Train Station Bride, Contract to Wed, Her Safe Harbor, and companion novella, The Maid’s Quarters.
Cross the Ocean and Charming the Duke are both British set Victorian romances. Fan favorites stand-alone historical romance novels include Romancing Olive and Reconstructing Jackson. Holly's books are described as ‘emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance.’
She also writes General Fiction under the name of Hollis Bush.
Holly makes her home with her husband, one happy Labrador Retriever, a clever Jack Russell rescued from the pound, and two difficult cats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at www.hollybushbooks.com, on Twitter @hollybushbooks, and on Facebook at Holly Bush. Follow Holly on her Amazon author page to receive new release updates and on BookBub to check out her reviews and get sale information.
Holly's newest series is a historical mystery set in Baltimore in 1867, The Browns of Butcher's Hill. The first book is available called Kidnapped. Blackmailed releases in August of 2025 and Murdered in November of 2025.
Holly's historical romances are set in the US during the turbulent and transformative years of the late 1800’s.
The Thompsons of Locust Street, Philadelphia, chronicles five siblings from Scotland with some danger and mystery surrounding their move to America. The series order is The Bachelor's Bride, The Bareknuckle Groom, The Professor's Lady, and The Captain's Woman. The final book in the series will release in 2024.
The Gentrys of Paradise begins with the novella Into the Evermore where readers meet Virginia horse breeders, Eleanor and Beauregard Gentry. The following books feature their children, Adam, Matthew, and Olivia in For the Brave, For This Moment, and For Her Honor.
The Crawford Family Series following the fortunes of the three Boston born Crawford sisters and includes Train Station Bride, Contract to Wed, Her Safe Harbor, and companion novella, The Maid’s Quarters.
Cross the Ocean and Charming the Duke are both British set Victorian romances. Fan favorites stand-alone historical romance novels include Romancing Olive and Reconstructing Jackson. Holly's books are described as ‘emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance.’
She also writes General Fiction under the name of Hollis Bush.
Holly makes her home with her husband, one happy Labrador Retriever, a clever Jack Russell rescued from the pound, and two difficult cats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at www.hollybushbooks.com, on Twitter @hollybushbooks, and on Facebook at Holly Bush. Follow Holly on her Amazon author page to receive new release updates and on BookBub to check out her reviews and get sale information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
February 18, 2015
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Quick summary
Julia Crawford, beaten down by her family's ridicule, decided to respond to an ad for a bride by a South Dakota man. She secretly takes the train to Cedar Ridge and meets Jake Shelling who shows up with the the preacher by his side and marries her right there at the depot.
A bit of background
Julia comes from a wealthy, prestigious Boston family. Her mother is the ultimate Mommie Dearest only crueler. They won't actually miss her but don't want her to leave because it would be a society embarrassment. She has an older, beautiful sister who married the man Julia was in love with. Jake raised his two sisters following their parents' deaths and now that they're both married he's ready to find a wife to take care of him and provide him an heir.
What I liked about the story
Julia is a wonderful character, despite her poor self image. She's resilient, caring and empathetic. Jake is honest to a fault and despite his rocky start with her, he comes to adore all that's right about her. Their romance was sweet and sensual, bolstered by the warmth and friendship of Jake's family.
There are also several surprising twists, one coming at you in the very beginning. One I guessed in advance of the reveal, the other just catching me unaware.
The bottom line
I really enjoyed Julia and Jake's romance and her journey to becoming a woman of her own mind and self love. I'm also a big fan of historicals set in America, especially in the Midwest. Its a wonderful change of pace, far from the ton in London.
Quick summary
Julia Crawford, beaten down by her family's ridicule, decided to respond to an ad for a bride by a South Dakota man. She secretly takes the train to Cedar Ridge and meets Jake Shelling who shows up with the the preacher by his side and marries her right there at the depot.
A bit of background
Julia comes from a wealthy, prestigious Boston family. Her mother is the ultimate Mommie Dearest only crueler. They won't actually miss her but don't want her to leave because it would be a society embarrassment. She has an older, beautiful sister who married the man Julia was in love with. Jake raised his two sisters following their parents' deaths and now that they're both married he's ready to find a wife to take care of him and provide him an heir.
What I liked about the story
Julia is a wonderful character, despite her poor self image. She's resilient, caring and empathetic. Jake is honest to a fault and despite his rocky start with her, he comes to adore all that's right about her. Their romance was sweet and sensual, bolstered by the warmth and friendship of Jake's family.
There are also several surprising twists, one coming at you in the very beginning. One I guessed in advance of the reveal, the other just catching me unaware.
The bottom line
I really enjoyed Julia and Jake's romance and her journey to becoming a woman of her own mind and self love. I'm also a big fan of historicals set in America, especially in the Midwest. Its a wonderful change of pace, far from the ton in London.
October 4, 2015
I liked the premise of the story and felt it started off well enough, but I wasn't feeling it for most of the novel. I liked that the first couple of chapters concentrated on the main characters before they meet one another. I liked seeing glimpses of their lives before the inevitable marriage. I thought most of the book would go a lot slower because of how the first couple of chapters were paced. However, Jack and Julia go from strangers to married lovers in practically no time at all.
Oh, and I wanted to slap Jake in the beginning when Julia fumbles over the Snelling/Shelling name and he's all:
Like...overreaction, much?
There were other small parts of the story that bothered me. When Gloria has her kid, why was everyone making a big deal about Julia being smart about the delivery? Flossie wasn't as adept at it...and she's had two kids. It just felt really forced to me because the author was trying to push hints that . Once these hints started, they didn't stop. They kept being dropped over and over and over again, all the way until the eventual reveal. It was plenty obvious to the reader what was up, so it wasn't fun to have the author continue to drop hints. It was so saturated, too, which made it so annoying. Oh, and don't even get me on Jake monologuing over . I felt like shouting I get it, okay! It wasn't much of a reveal when it finally was laid out because it felt like an open secret by that point.
One thing about Jake's words to Julia really bothered me when This doesn't just have to do with Jake's words -- it also has to do with the portrayal of . I would've been a lot happier if this had even been mentioned once. And I know that .
Another thing with Jillian.
Now...the writing. The writing was one of the major things that kept me from really enjoying the story. I felt that the book, as a whole, lacked much emotion. The dialogue felt like recitation rather than conversation and I felt we rushed into important scenes with little to no build up and, therefore, with little to no feeling. A lot of the major milestones in their relationship just didn't have the punch I expected.
The pacing falls under this writing issues, as does the chaptering. I feel the chapters were divided randomly because sometimes one chapter would end and another would begin...and we're still in the same scene. POV changes were another thing. We don't need asterisks to divide POVs. Find a more seamless way to do it because it's jarring to the flow of the scene to just have a bunch of *** when wanting to change POVs.
Spelling and grammar was another aspect of the writing that annoyed me. There were so many spelling errors!
There were plenty more. She even refers to Jake as Jake Crawford once.
There were also some scenes that left me going uhh...okay? what the hell triggered that??
This book needs a good and thorough scrub down with an editing brush. It felt less than polished with not just the spelling and grammar errors galore, but also with the haphazard chaptering and POV switches.
Oh, and I wanted to slap Jake in the beginning when Julia fumbles over the Snelling/Shelling name and he's all:
Like...overreaction, much?
There were other small parts of the story that bothered me. When Gloria has her kid, why was everyone making a big deal about Julia being smart about the delivery? Flossie wasn't as adept at it...and she's had two kids. It just felt really forced to me because the author was trying to push hints that . Once these hints started, they didn't stop. They kept being dropped over and over and over again, all the way until the eventual reveal. It was plenty obvious to the reader what was up, so it wasn't fun to have the author continue to drop hints. It was so saturated, too, which made it so annoying. Oh, and don't even get me on Jake monologuing over . I felt like shouting I get it, okay! It wasn't much of a reveal when it finally was laid out because it felt like an open secret by that point.
One thing about Jake's words to Julia really bothered me when This doesn't just have to do with Jake's words -- it also has to do with the portrayal of . I would've been a lot happier if this had even been mentioned once. And I know that .
Another thing with Jillian.
Now...the writing. The writing was one of the major things that kept me from really enjoying the story. I felt that the book, as a whole, lacked much emotion. The dialogue felt like recitation rather than conversation and I felt we rushed into important scenes with little to no build up and, therefore, with little to no feeling. A lot of the major milestones in their relationship just didn't have the punch I expected.
The pacing falls under this writing issues, as does the chaptering. I feel the chapters were divided randomly because sometimes one chapter would end and another would begin...and we're still in the same scene. POV changes were another thing. We don't need asterisks to divide POVs. Find a more seamless way to do it because it's jarring to the flow of the scene to just have a bunch of *** when wanting to change POVs.
Spelling and grammar was another aspect of the writing that annoyed me. There were so many spelling errors!
• Beechley/Beechly (spelled both ways)
• down stairs
• your/you're
• who's/whose
• there/they're
• She was aching for his touch the full length of her body.
• I want you to be happy, but you must know that but this...
There were plenty more. She even refers to Jake as Jake Crawford once.
There were also some scenes that left me going uhh...okay? what the hell triggered that??
This book needs a good and thorough scrub down with an editing brush. It felt less than polished with not just the spelling and grammar errors galore, but also with the haphazard chaptering and POV switches.
December 18, 2021
The good news: since I didn’t know what to read I pulled a random book from my TBR section. Only 786 to go.
The bad news: the hero. He starts out smitten with his new accidental, slightly plump but very pretty mail order bride. He doesn’t care that she’s a terrible cook or wastes her time painting, but the sex is good and she tries really hard. He defends her from OTT awful mother/parents then turns on her viciously when he finds out her deep dark secret. The deep dark secret isn’t that she’s not a virgin, I can understand his confusion and POV, but the way he expresses it is just too cruel.
A lot of bad, and what I felt was pretty realistic, behavior on the part of the heroine’s family that adds spice to the mix. No real comeuppance, but the heroine does escape to with her ungrateful bratty daughter, and the hero wises up after his sisters give him a talking to. Interested to see if the witchy evil sister and even witchier evil mother get it good cosmically.
The bad news: the hero. He starts out smitten with his new accidental, slightly plump but very pretty mail order bride. He doesn’t care that she’s a terrible cook or wastes her time painting, but the sex is good and she tries really hard. He defends her from OTT awful mother/parents then turns on her viciously when he finds out her deep dark secret. The deep dark secret isn’t that she’s not a virgin, I can understand his confusion and POV, but the way he expresses it is just too cruel.
A lot of bad, and what I felt was pretty realistic, behavior on the part of the heroine’s family that adds spice to the mix. No real comeuppance, but the heroine does escape to with her ungrateful bratty daughter, and the hero wises up after his sisters give him a talking to. Interested to see if the witchy evil sister and even witchier evil mother get it good cosmically.
May 1, 2019
This was a pretty solid comfort-read. Great for a time when you need some sweetness in your life. Some of the plot points reminded me of Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold and Silver Lining both of which I loved. So it was an enjoyable read, but it didn't awe me, since it felt like more of what I've previously read elsewhere.
Towards the end, with the "plot twist" and all the drama that came afterward I felt like it didn't hold up very well at all. There was some bs there for sure.
Towards the end, with the "plot twist" and all the drama that came afterward I felt like it didn't hold up very well at all. There was some bs there for sure.
June 15, 2012
Buying a train ticket, 1887*.
Photo Credit: sochicfrench.blogspot.com Box entitled “Paris, gare Saint Lazare in 1887.”
★★★½☆ I really liked this one. Of course, I love mail-order brides, mix-up marriages, westerns, and fish-out-of-water stories. I debated giving it three stars, but kicked it up a half star because it held my attention and kept me reading when I should have gone to sleep. Yes, there were some plot points with which I had trouble (one of which was believing someone as well educated as Julia would end a sentence with a preposition! In addition, a minor spoiler: ). However, I applauded the originality and some of the twists in the story. At the low price of $2.99, I'll definitely be checking the other book(s) by this author.
Added bonus for anyone doing a 50 States Challenge:
By the way, this is “lendable,” but I’ve already promised it to someone.
*Picture Note: This book does NOT take place in Paris. I had trouble finding just the right picture; however, the date is right, Julia has traveled to Europe, she is quite the fashion plate when she arrives in South Dakota, she speaks French...and, I absolutely loved it! ☺
Photo Credit: sochicfrench.blogspot.com Box entitled “Paris, gare Saint Lazare in 1887.”
★★★½☆ I really liked this one. Of course, I love mail-order brides, mix-up marriages, westerns, and fish-out-of-water stories. I debated giving it three stars, but kicked it up a half star because it held my attention and kept me reading when I should have gone to sleep. Yes, there were some plot points with which I had trouble (one of which was believing someone as well educated as Julia would end a sentence with a preposition! In addition, a minor spoiler: ). However, I applauded the originality and some of the twists in the story. At the low price of $2.99, I'll definitely be checking the other book(s) by this author.
Added bonus for anyone doing a 50 States Challenge:
By the way, this is “lendable,” but I’ve already promised it to someone.
*Picture Note: This book does NOT take place in Paris. I had trouble finding just the right picture; however, the date is right, Julia has traveled to Europe, she is quite the fashion plate when she arrives in South Dakota, she speaks French...and, I absolutely loved it! ☺
August 2, 2020
Conmovedor viaje en busca de esperanza, amor y perdón
Train Station Bride de Holly Bush serie Familia Crawford Libro 1
Mí humilde opinión:
Julia Crawford viene de una familia adinerada de Boston. Ha vivido bajo las críticas de su madre y lo que la familia esperaba de ella.
Cansada de todo eso, decide liberarse convirtiéndose en una novia por correo.
Un tendero de Dakota del sur le promete casarse y cuidar de su anciana madre y para Julia, ese es un arreglo conveniente. No importa que el hombre no sea guapo, ella solo quiere alejarse de su familia.
Cuando baja del tren Julia se encuentra en medio del caos de gente, un enorme hombre y un sacerdote que le hablan. No comprende lo que está sucediendo hasta que le ponen un anillo en el dedo.
Esta casada pero no es el hombre que de su correspondencia, no es calvo ni viejo, es un guapo y joven granjero.
Jake Shelling tiene tierras y está orgulloso de sus logros. Con sus hermanas bien casadas y felices, es tiempo de que se case para formar su propia familia.
No espera amor, solo una mujer que le ayude con el rancho, hijos y compañerismo. Esperaba encontrarse con una extranjera como novia que solicitó por correo, no a la bella mujer de ciudad con la que acaba de casarse por error.
Como el sacerdote no quiere anular la unión, se la lleva a casa.
Julia no es lo que necesita pero de pronto todo eso cambia. Ella lo hace sonreír y sentir.
Su felicidad se pone en riesgo cuando Julia le confiese a Jake un secreto de su familia... ¿Podrá él perdonar a su esposa por ocultarle semejante verdad?
La primera novela que leo de este autor y como era sobre novias por correo que las amo y del viejo oeste pues no dudé en leerlo.
Para empezar me gustó mucho la historia de Julia y Jake. Que sean de mundos diferentes cliché, sí pero eso no me molestó.
La parte loca en que se casan parecía de comedia, me pregunto si el error de identidad no fue algo exagerado pero bueno, podría haber pasado.
Me encantaron las partes donde se iban enamorando, que al final Jake aceptara la esposa que tenía con una sonrisa aunque lo que él quería al principio era una granjera.
Julia me pareció muy vulnerable emocionalmente, me dolía por ella cómo era tratada y me daba bronca que no se defendiera nada. Me pareció valiente que tomara su vida en sus manos y dejara atrás a los malvados Crawford.
Y cómo se va haciendo fuerte al lo largo de la historia cuando comprende el amor y el cariño que puede haber en una familia, lo que estaba mal, me gustó mucho como los enfrenta a todos después y cómo enmenda lo que ha echo mal en el pasado.
Pensamiento aparte, pensé igual que Jake cuando ella contó su secreto. Yo no haría eso nunca pero no hay que juzgar algo de lo que uno no sabe no?
Jake me encantó, un hombre leal a la familia y dulce. Pero quería matarlo en las partes en que fue un idiota y terco con Julia por lo de Jillian.
En todo momento rechinaba los dientes por la familia de Julia que eran exasperantes y malvados. No me podía creer lo hirientes que eran y su esnobismo!
La familia de Jake me gustó mucho, estos personajes creo que le dieron ritmo y frescura a la historia.
En general fue una lectura dulce y agradable con giros que no me esperaba.
January 26, 2021
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
This was a nice old fashioned romance, set in the late 1800s. I like this author's style and her characters.
This was a nice old fashioned romance, set in the late 1800s. I like this author's style and her characters.
October 16, 2012
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a blog tour in exchange for my fair and honest review. You may read the entire post here: http://queenofallshereads.blogspot.co...
Train Station Bride by Holly Bush is a heartwarming historical romance set at the end of the 19th century. With a likable characters, witty dialogue and a well paced plot, this book captured my attention from the first page. Taking place both in Boston and South Dakota, Ms. Bush did an excellent job with the historical portrayal of East versus West during this period in American history. With a sweet romance, just the right touch of emotional angst, two well developed villains and society's limitations on women, this book packs just the right emotional punch.
Julia Crawford knows she's always been an embarrassment to her family; after all her mother tells her that as often as she can. Determined to make a life for herself, even though she's been told she's not as attractive as her sisters, needs to lose weight and is socially awkward, Julia secretly replies to a mail order bride advertisement in the Boston papers. Claiming to head off to visit her aunt in Delaware, Julia instead boards a train West and heads to South Dakota to marry a middle aged storekeeper. Only things don't quite go according to plan.
Jake Shellings has decided it's time to do something for himself. A self made farmer from the age of 16, he'd raised. his two younger sisters when their parents died, found them husbands and bought out their share of the family farm. Realizing he's lonely and needs an heir, Jake decides to send off for a mail order bride. Determined to make a smart match, he sends off a request for a woman he thinks would make an excellent farmers wife. So what if the day he's supposed to pick up his bride is Founders Day? The activities in town shouldn't be a problem. He never expected to accidentally marry the wrong woman. Instead of marrying the perfect farmer's wife - he finds himself married to a fine bred society lady from Boston.
The scenes between Julia and Jake are well written, full of witty dialogue and sly humor. The scene at the train station seriously made me laugh. Since the town preacher won't undo the "accidental" marriage he's performed, Julia and Jake will have to make the best of things. Regardless of how he feels about his mistake, Jake has one motto in life, what's mine is mine and he's determined to convince Julia to make their marriage real and forever. For her part, Julia is determined to start over and finds herself attracted to her new husband, even if she's afraid to tell him all of her secrets.
The secondary characters, especially Flossie and Gloria, are all well developed and make good contributions to both the plot and the emotional conflicts in this story. The two villains, members of Julia's family, are also well developed and there were several times where I really wished they were real and standing in front of me so I could slap them silly. While I was a little disappointed Ms. Bush didn't have Julia smack them around some, what happens to them does make sense since their love of money and social standing was no doubt going to be severely affected.
Will Julia and Jake make a complete success of their family? And will Julia ever really learn to cook and be a farmer's wife? You'll need to read Train Station Bride to find out. I enjoyed this book a lot and see myself re-reading this in the future. I can't wait to see what Ms. Bush pens for us next.
Train Station Bride by Holly Bush is a heartwarming historical romance set at the end of the 19th century. With a likable characters, witty dialogue and a well paced plot, this book captured my attention from the first page. Taking place both in Boston and South Dakota, Ms. Bush did an excellent job with the historical portrayal of East versus West during this period in American history. With a sweet romance, just the right touch of emotional angst, two well developed villains and society's limitations on women, this book packs just the right emotional punch.
Julia Crawford knows she's always been an embarrassment to her family; after all her mother tells her that as often as she can. Determined to make a life for herself, even though she's been told she's not as attractive as her sisters, needs to lose weight and is socially awkward, Julia secretly replies to a mail order bride advertisement in the Boston papers. Claiming to head off to visit her aunt in Delaware, Julia instead boards a train West and heads to South Dakota to marry a middle aged storekeeper. Only things don't quite go according to plan.
Jake Shellings has decided it's time to do something for himself. A self made farmer from the age of 16, he'd raised. his two younger sisters when their parents died, found them husbands and bought out their share of the family farm. Realizing he's lonely and needs an heir, Jake decides to send off for a mail order bride. Determined to make a smart match, he sends off a request for a woman he thinks would make an excellent farmers wife. So what if the day he's supposed to pick up his bride is Founders Day? The activities in town shouldn't be a problem. He never expected to accidentally marry the wrong woman. Instead of marrying the perfect farmer's wife - he finds himself married to a fine bred society lady from Boston.
The scenes between Julia and Jake are well written, full of witty dialogue and sly humor. The scene at the train station seriously made me laugh. Since the town preacher won't undo the "accidental" marriage he's performed, Julia and Jake will have to make the best of things. Regardless of how he feels about his mistake, Jake has one motto in life, what's mine is mine and he's determined to convince Julia to make their marriage real and forever. For her part, Julia is determined to start over and finds herself attracted to her new husband, even if she's afraid to tell him all of her secrets.
The secondary characters, especially Flossie and Gloria, are all well developed and make good contributions to both the plot and the emotional conflicts in this story. The two villains, members of Julia's family, are also well developed and there were several times where I really wished they were real and standing in front of me so I could slap them silly. While I was a little disappointed Ms. Bush didn't have Julia smack them around some, what happens to them does make sense since their love of money and social standing was no doubt going to be severely affected.
Will Julia and Jake make a complete success of their family? And will Julia ever really learn to cook and be a farmer's wife? You'll need to read Train Station Bride to find out. I enjoyed this book a lot and see myself re-reading this in the future. I can't wait to see what Ms. Bush pens for us next.
April 22, 2012
Holly Bush knows how to spin a story. In 1887, Julia Crawford has little prospects for marriage and lives in the shadow of her attractive sisters and domineering mother. Told for years that she is not as pretty or thin as her sisters and having had an indiscretion which the family hid well, she felt she had no choice but to run away and marry a man she had been corresponding with. By mishap, she ends up marrying the wrong man – who actually ends up being the perfect match for her. But Julia has left a secret behind her and soon decides she must right a wrong from years before and do the honorable thing.
Train Station Bride is a beautiful tale of love, family and redemption. Ms. Bush does an excellent job of bringing the reader back to a time period now lost to us where decency, honor and truth prevail. Her characters are well-thought out and believable to the point that you feel like you know them personally. The settings are described with enough detail (but without boring, lengthy description) that you can easily picture the grand home in Boston or the charming farmhouse in South Dakota. I could smell the bread baking in the oven and hear the corn stalks rustling in the field. Train Station Bride is the perfect historical romance.
Train Station Bride is a beautiful tale of love, family and redemption. Ms. Bush does an excellent job of bringing the reader back to a time period now lost to us where decency, honor and truth prevail. Her characters are well-thought out and believable to the point that you feel like you know them personally. The settings are described with enough detail (but without boring, lengthy description) that you can easily picture the grand home in Boston or the charming farmhouse in South Dakota. I could smell the bread baking in the oven and hear the corn stalks rustling in the field. Train Station Bride is the perfect historical romance.
February 9, 2019
I enjoyed this book. In fact, I stayed up until 2 A.M. to finish it in one sitting. I would rank it a 4.5, rather than a plain 4, but not a 5.
I loved the characters of Jake and Julia. They both had their baggage, but they eventually prove themselves.
There were several tear-worthy moments, as well as a bit on humor.
I would have suggested that the author not use so many names starting with "J." I am a fast reader, and I was constantly having to look back at Jacob Snelling and Jake Shelling, as well as at Jane, Julia, Jennifer, Jillian, and Jolene. Moreover, there was William Crawford, William Crenshaw, and Will (Gloria's husband).
I loved the characters of Jake and Julia. They both had their baggage, but they eventually prove themselves.
There were several tear-worthy moments, as well as a bit on humor.
I would have suggested that the author not use so many names starting with "J." I am a fast reader, and I was constantly having to look back at Jacob Snelling and Jake Shelling, as well as at Jane, Julia, Jennifer, Jillian, and Jolene. Moreover, there was William Crawford, William Crenshaw, and Will (Gloria's husband).
April 19, 2012
I adored this book! It was so well written and I could not put it down! The characters are very well developed and a very nice hero who isn't dark, brooding or unlikeable--Jake was likable from the get go! And Julia? She found strength she didn't know she had. Just a beautiful story with nice plot twists! I do look forward to reading more from Holly! I've not got her on my top 6 most favorite authors list. She's up there with Carmen Caine, Laurin Wittig and Amanda Forester!
May 28, 2012
This was such an enjoyable read. Julia was a refreshing heroine, not the typical barbie doll woman. Jake was the kindest and most tender-hearted hero, who has a fierce love for all his family. Jake's two sisters were also a nice addition to this book. Ms. Bush weaves a spell-binding tale with sweet love scenes and truly remarkable characters. I rarely give 5 stars, but this book deserved it! I truly enjoyed this story and plan to read other stories by this talented author.
October 5, 2012
A lovely mail-order-bride story, with surprising depth and twists.
4/5 Stars, with the full review to follow shortly.
4/5 Stars, with the full review to follow shortly.
December 6, 2015
I liked Jake's sisters better than I did Jake or Julia. 3 stars
July 10, 2012
Julia Crawford is a constant source of embarrassment for her wealthy East Coast family. The plump, twenty something has decided to do everyone a favor, especially herself. After corresponding with a middle-aged man looking for a wife to take care of him and his aging mother in North Dakota, Julia packs her bags and secrets herself away to become the man's wife.
Jake Shelling has sacrificed much of his early life to care for his sisters once their parents die of influenza. At sixteen he stepped up and became parent, provider as well as brother to his siblings. Now in his early thirties, he realizes it's time to lay down his own roots, marry and have some children. Jake isn't even thinking of love, he's not even sure he knows what that is.
A twist of fate has Julia and Jake together with an I do and a fainting spell. Once reality hit the couple, they decide to make the best of things until Julia's family get involved. Julia has a secret she has been hiding for ten years and once this secret is out it could ruin her relationship with Jake as well as her family in Boston.
What an awesome story with characters I cared so much for. Julia, a product of her family's upbringing comes into her own once she is away from the very people who are supposed to have cared foe her unconditionally. Instead they berate her and make her feel unattractive and useless. Once married to Jake, she has a tough time believing the kind things he and his family say to her. When Julia finally comes into her own, I wanted to do a happy dance. I also wanted to take some of her snooty family members and beat the living daylights out of them. At first, Jake seems to be uncaring and aloof, but quickly turns into the hero of the day with his honesty the way he treats those he cares for. When a story gives me that much to work with, it's a great read and I love to share my feelings about it.
Train Station Bride is a fabulous read by Holly Bush and I hope you all give it a go and enjoy it as much as I did.
~KIMBERLY~
October 26, 2012
This is the second book I have read by this great new author. I am wondering when she is going to have another book out. This author has a great talent for creating works that will take readers back in time. The first book I read by this author took me to the mid 1800’s in Ohio. After reading this book the author has taken me back to the mid 1800’s in North Dakota.
The plot and characters in this book were well written and developed. I enjoyed the story line and the challenges that the lead female Julia faced. I do wish the book was a little longer. However that does not take away from the story.
Julia wants a home of her own and a family to care for. She writes to a male in North Dakota and they decide to get married. She leaves her family in Boston with them believing she is going to visit an elderly aunt. Growing up Julia’s family is emotionally abusive to her, especially her mother. Julia is told over and over that she is not good enough, not pretty enough, she is too fat. The list is never ending. After a while of hearing this Julia starts to believe it herself. I can understand where Julia is coming from. I have gone through the same situation in my life.
Reading this book helped to remind me that people only have the power to hurt you if you give them that power. The more you do not care about what others say the less power they hold over you.
Moving to North Dakota was the best possible solution to help her overcome the problems from her family. Sometimes the best answer is to leave. It may be the hardest thing to do but it removes so much stress from a person’s life.
I enjoyed reading this book and allowing it to remind me never give someone else the power to hurt me emotionally.
Thanks for another great read Holly.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 carrots.
The plot and characters in this book were well written and developed. I enjoyed the story line and the challenges that the lead female Julia faced. I do wish the book was a little longer. However that does not take away from the story.
Julia wants a home of her own and a family to care for. She writes to a male in North Dakota and they decide to get married. She leaves her family in Boston with them believing she is going to visit an elderly aunt. Growing up Julia’s family is emotionally abusive to her, especially her mother. Julia is told over and over that she is not good enough, not pretty enough, she is too fat. The list is never ending. After a while of hearing this Julia starts to believe it herself. I can understand where Julia is coming from. I have gone through the same situation in my life.
Reading this book helped to remind me that people only have the power to hurt you if you give them that power. The more you do not care about what others say the less power they hold over you.
Moving to North Dakota was the best possible solution to help her overcome the problems from her family. Sometimes the best answer is to leave. It may be the hardest thing to do but it removes so much stress from a person’s life.
I enjoyed reading this book and allowing it to remind me never give someone else the power to hurt me emotionally.
Thanks for another great read Holly.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 carrots.
August 26, 2012
Let me begin this by saying this is the best historical romance I have read in ages! This is the second book I have read by Holly Bush, and she has not disappointed me. She writes in a readable style with well-developed characters, and a great sense of humor!
This delightful story is full of strong characters and a few twists and turns. I love the fact that morality is stressed (even though it is not always practiced). I had been warned about the bedroom scenes, but they were absolutely exquisite. I say that for two reasons. One, the couple were married before they ever jumped into bed together. And two, the scenes were detailed without being crude. They were sweet, romantic, and passionate. The thought I had was that if I ever were to get married again, I would love to do it the way Julia did as long as it meant I would get a man like Jake!
Let me say that I appreciate the fact that the heroine was not a super skinny "minnie" without a thought in her head. Julie was so strong, and everyone saw it but her. Everyone also saw her as attractive (except for herself). And the story demonstrated that words and actions are much more important than keeping up appearances.
The only negative I can say about this book is that there is some mild profanity. I honestly have no other criticisms for the book, and the language, for me, was not even a real issue. I can whole-heartedly recommend this to anyone who loves a good, old-fashioned romance! Set aside every other book you are currently reading, and read this book!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
This delightful story is full of strong characters and a few twists and turns. I love the fact that morality is stressed (even though it is not always practiced). I had been warned about the bedroom scenes, but they were absolutely exquisite. I say that for two reasons. One, the couple were married before they ever jumped into bed together. And two, the scenes were detailed without being crude. They were sweet, romantic, and passionate. The thought I had was that if I ever were to get married again, I would love to do it the way Julia did as long as it meant I would get a man like Jake!
Let me say that I appreciate the fact that the heroine was not a super skinny "minnie" without a thought in her head. Julie was so strong, and everyone saw it but her. Everyone also saw her as attractive (except for herself). And the story demonstrated that words and actions are much more important than keeping up appearances.
The only negative I can say about this book is that there is some mild profanity. I honestly have no other criticisms for the book, and the language, for me, was not even a real issue. I can whole-heartedly recommend this to anyone who loves a good, old-fashioned romance! Set aside every other book you are currently reading, and read this book!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
October 4, 2016
This was a wonderful read and Holly Bush just gets better every time I read something by her. Now Julia's older sister is up next, Jolene and hummm...not sure how I am going to handle that. Everybody says she gets redeemed, but man...going to take a lot for me to believe that. But Julia's story was very well done. This would be a great recommend for someone that hasn't read HB's work before and looking for a well done romance without the hard core descriptive love scenes.
July 4, 2012
Holly Bush brings you back in time with believable characters, love and romance within an interesting and well developed novel. Holly pens the settings in her novel that so real that you actually feel you have been transported back. Train Station Bride is a beautifully written historical romance. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Holly Bush.
October 19, 2012
Reviewed by Lady Blue at Romantic Historical Lovers
http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
July 1, 2015
A beautiful book. I wasn't expecting less from the author.
August 17, 2012
At twenty-seven Julia Crawford feels like it is long past time to make a life for herself. As the second born child in a wealthy Boston family, she often feels like her mother thinks of her as a failure, and often reminds Julia that she is nothing like her sisters, who are tall and thin whereas Julia is short and plump. Her family takes great stock in marrying someone within their station and have been trying to match Julia with an undesirable man. Unbeknownst to them though Julia has been corresponding with a man in Cedar Ridge, South Dakota, and has come up with a ruse so that she can travel there to marry him and take care of his elderly mother.
Jake Shelling feels like its time to be married. His parents died when he was sixteen so he put his time and efforts into raising his sisters and making their farm profitable. Now though at the age of 35 he wants a wife, and not just any wife, he wants a strong capable woman, who can give him a son,and be a help. His solution is a mail order bride from Sweden, and he is expecting her on the next train. When a mix up at the train station has him marrying Julia instead of his mail order bride what will they do.
"Train Station Bride" was a book I just couldn't put down. I actually read it in a few hours because I became smitten with the characters and had to know how things would play out. I really could understand why Julia wanted to break away from her family, her older sister and mother were awful. Their constant ridicule had given Julia such a distorted self image of herself. It was so nice to see her blossom and become the woman she was meant to be. The secret that she was carrying was an unexpected twist that I didn't see coming, and I felt like it added another layer to an already great plot. Jake was an honorable character, and he really got much more than he bargained for. The author did an excellent job of providing plenty of detail without bogging down the story. I really enjoyed reading this story, and while Ms. Bush provides a satisfying ending I hope that perhaps she may give us another story with the character of Jillian. Overall a fantastic historical romance, with wonderfully developed characters and a story that I hated to see end. Ms. Bush has certainly gained a new fan here! Highly recommended!
Jake Shelling feels like its time to be married. His parents died when he was sixteen so he put his time and efforts into raising his sisters and making their farm profitable. Now though at the age of 35 he wants a wife, and not just any wife, he wants a strong capable woman, who can give him a son,and be a help. His solution is a mail order bride from Sweden, and he is expecting her on the next train. When a mix up at the train station has him marrying Julia instead of his mail order bride what will they do.
"Train Station Bride" was a book I just couldn't put down. I actually read it in a few hours because I became smitten with the characters and had to know how things would play out. I really could understand why Julia wanted to break away from her family, her older sister and mother were awful. Their constant ridicule had given Julia such a distorted self image of herself. It was so nice to see her blossom and become the woman she was meant to be. The secret that she was carrying was an unexpected twist that I didn't see coming, and I felt like it added another layer to an already great plot. Jake was an honorable character, and he really got much more than he bargained for. The author did an excellent job of providing plenty of detail without bogging down the story. I really enjoyed reading this story, and while Ms. Bush provides a satisfying ending I hope that perhaps she may give us another story with the character of Jillian. Overall a fantastic historical romance, with wonderfully developed characters and a story that I hated to see end. Ms. Bush has certainly gained a new fan here! Highly recommended!
March 25, 2015
Julia Crawford is a constant source of embarrassment for her wealthy East Coast family. The plump, twenty something has decided to do everyone a favor, especially herself. After corresponding with a middle-aged man looking for a wife to take care of him and his aging mother in North Dakota, Julia packs her bags and secrets herself away to become the man's wife.
Jake Shelling has sacrificed much of his early life to care for his sisters once their parents die of influenza. At sixteen he stepped up and became parent, provider as well as brother to his siblings. Now in his early thirties, he realizes it's time to lay down his own roots, marry and have some children. Jake isn't even thinking of love, he's not even sure he knows what that is.
A twist of fate has Julia and Jake together with an I do and a fainting spell. Once reality hit the couple, they decide to make the best of things until Julia's family get involved. Julia has a secret she has been hiding for ten years and once this secret is out it could ruin her relationship with Jake as well as her family in Boston.
What an awesome story with characters I cared so much for. Julia, a product of her family's upbringing comes into her own once she is away from the very people who are supposed to have cared foe her unconditionally. Instead they berate her and make her feel unattractive and useless. Once married to Jake, she has a tough time believing the kind things he and his family say to her. When Julia finally comes into her own, I wanted to do a happy dance. I also wanted to take some of her snooty family members and beat the living daylights out of them. At first, Jake seems to be uncaring and aloof, but quickly turns into the hero of the day with his honesty the way he treats those he cares for. When a story gives me that much to work with, it's a great read and I love to share my feelings about it.
Train Station Bride is a fabulous read by Holly Bush and I hope you all give it a go and enjoy it as much as I did.
August 7, 2020
This is a very unexpected find. I initially was about to read Jolene's story first but after the first chapter, I had too many questions and I realized then that there is a first book. I finished today and I will say, you will never regret picking this book up. Amazing story. I could have don with a longer finale chapter but it will have to do. I was so so surprised at the twist in here. Amazing!!! Very rare gem indeed! Now, I am still in the process of convincing myself to read book 2 (not because of the author, no, she is amazing, book 1 was written magnificently), but because of Jolene. I am thinking maybe I have misjudged her? Or maybe I will get more from her story on book 2, but I will need a bit of time to digest book 1 first.
August 22, 2015
I really liked this book. I love Mail Order Bride stories and this one had a twist. Julia's family made me want to throat punch some people. I found myself thinking "Bless her heart" a lot. And I really, really liked her character. Jake was such a good guy, although really stubborn.
The conflict in the story was sad and kept me guessing throughout the book.
*This book has some cussing- nothing major. & several "marriage bed" scenes, but nothing graphic.
The conflict in the story was sad and kept me guessing throughout the book.
*This book has some cussing- nothing major. & several "marriage bed" scenes, but nothing graphic.
November 16, 2019
I love romance novels that at "marriage of convenience". This one is sweet and had a couple of twists you usually don't read about in historical romance. I will be reading the 2nd book in this series. The author has taken one of the villains from this book and made her the heroine in the 2nd. Can't wait to read how she redeems her.
January 7, 2013
started off pretty slow and predictable...and then, it just got better and better! great book;)...no stupid misunderstandings, but I did feel like it moved a bit fast...
If you love mail order brides and plain jane stories, this is it!
5 stars;)
If you love mail order brides and plain jane stories, this is it!
5 stars;)
January 25, 2015
Wow, amazing story. I finished it in one seating because I just couldn't put it down.
I'm so looking forward to the next one.
I'm so looking forward to the next one.
August 20, 2015
This book was charming and I really enjoyed the characters. Not even sure how I came to find this book--it was on sale maybe. Fun read!
October 23, 2012
I loved this book. Simple, easy read. I recommended it for my mom.
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