Ella: Wild Rose Ridge Historicals

by Mary A. Felkins

A peace-loving seamstress.
A targeted deputy.
A fledgling town in need of brides.

ELLA WEAVER is a headstrong cotton farmer's daughter from Galveston, Texas seeking a new life in a small town, miles from senseless conflict and death. But when Ella's traveling companion abandons her mail-order bride arrangement with widower Deputy Sheriff JAMES GARRISON moments after their first meeting, she is left with no money, no prospects, and no way home.

James has one more chance to save his family from being torn apart. Otherwise, come spring thaw, his mother-in-law will make good on her threat to drag his only daughter back East to live with her. Marrying Ella might be his and her salvation, so long as he keeps his heart out of the arrangement.

But James is a pistol toting lawman—the kind of man Ella swore she'd never marry! His badge makes him her worst nightmare.

Or is he?

It's the dead of winter and options are running out. Will salvation come from the last man she’d ever trust? What will it cost for lonely hearts to fall in love?

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Mary A. Felkins is a multi-published, award-winning romance author and Truth smuggler. Her stories feature faith, redemption, witty banter, and satisfying endings.
She is a member of ACFW, FHLCW (Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers), My Book Therapy, and Novel Academy.


She can be lured from her creative writing space if presented with an unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick—although she’d likely pass out. 


If she likes your first or last name, expect it to show up in one of her novels. 


To receive Mary’s author newsletter, subscribe via email at www.maryfelkins.com. FREE novella to new subscribers!

Reviews

[Courtney Pityer]

This upcoming novel Ella is a lovely story about finding love again after suffering from a major tragedy. I will say that this was a very enjoyable story and it's also a short read if you are looking for something quick. Our main heroine Ella is traveling as a companion to Bernadette who is going to Montana to be mail order bride. However, the moment Bernadette meets her intended bridegroom James and his unruly daughter Luisa she is put off and calls off the whole thing.

James however, is at a loss with this situation and his mother-in-law Florence is threatning to take her granddaughter back. He finds himself responsible for Ella who was left behind when Bernadette left town. He starts feeling things for Ella that he hasn't felt since the tragic death of his wife Marie but isn’t sure if Ella would want the dangerous life as a lawman's wife.

[April Wilson]

This is a new author to me and the writing style took just a little bit of getting used to, but the story was interesting. Ella is a strong and courageous young woman wanting to start over, not needing romance. James is desperate to keep his family intact, but not willing to open his heart. Their unusual meeting throws a wrench in both their plans.

There is humor, heartache, fear, doubt, loneliness, and real love found within the pages. It is a fairly quick moving story with some bad guys. Ella’s trust in God brings James back to his belief that God really does care what happens to him.

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.

[Megan]

Having read several of the current day Wild Rose Ridge books I was excited to see where the authors would take it in this historical series set in Wild Rose Ridge. Writing about the settlers of the area and the romances offered a unique and fun story.
The romance between Ella and James was very sweet. I particularly enjoyed the antics of James' daughter, Luisa. She added an extra spark to the story. The second chance romance between Ella and James, James is a widower and Ella's fiancé was killed in a battle, added some extra depth to the marriage of convenience/mail order bride tropes.
The writing style veered a little melodramatic for me at times. But I did enjoy the story. It's a fun read for a weekend this time of year.
*I read an early ARC from the publisher/author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Anita]

New and abiding love comes at last to the Garrison home, by the hand of God, in the form of Ella. God also brings healing, restoration and a new sense of belonging to each member of the family, as well. Remarkable love story amidst the dangers of the Wild West and an enduring faith in our Lord and Savior and Creator God. My hope is that many will read, enjoy and be blessed by this mail order bride story so full of faith and a very happily ever after. I received a complimentary copy of this book and am not required to write a positive review. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Charline Romine]

Ella ♥️ James

Second in the series of mail-order-brides is a faith filled story of conflict which shows the power of the Lord, His guidance and His love for each who turns to Him. Ella Weaver has accompanied her close friend who is a bride for James Garrison. When she finds out he is a lawman she turns right around and gets on the ship and leaves. Ella stays and James proposes to her right there on the dock. The rest of the story is absorbing, fun and not without problems.

[Dorothey Thompson]

Ella

More of Wild Rose Ridge, this time a deputy is noticing Ella. Ella becomes a friend to his daughter and mother n law, Flo. Ella is a seamstress and works at the tailors shop using his machines to make clothes. Their budding romance and some twists and turns, but well worth reading p, enjoy.

[Carmen]

Another spectacular read.

Ella was just as fun as Val, Book 1. So far, this series is delightful. I enjoyed watching Ella and the sheriff overcome their fears of love and grow font of each other. Watching the sheriff’s daughter shift from a wild, grieving girl into a lovely young lady was a treat. I look forward to Book 3!

[Nancy Werner]

A delightful read.

This read of James and Ella's journey to find their happy everafter is an amazing read that I fell is love with. The storyline is wonderfully created along with wholesome and intrigueing characters. It is also a page turner read.

[Jennifer Dabrowski]

Ella and The reluctant deputy are a romantic read

This novel was a sweet continuation of the series with characters that you wanted to push together faster. The ending was triumphant and worth the wait.

[Babs Wenk]

Ella

Ella or James never wanted to marry and especially not each other. Drawn to one another it was hard for them to relinquish control over their lives.

[Ann Damron]

Great story!

[Donna]

great book

This was a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.

[Alice]

Awkward

Writing style is awkward. Sentence, paragraphs, chapters have contradictory text throughout.
Of course the chief characters show their contradictory behavior to each other

[Jean H. Kromeke]

Another Great Story in this Series.

[Linda]

A new-to-me author who has written a delightful and enjoyable story. It is a mail-order bride story. The original bride decided to ditch her groom-to-be leaving her travel companion Ella Weaver, alone with no money and nowhere to live. Widower Deputy Sheriff James Garrison needs a way to provide for his daughter, as his mother-in-law has threatened to haul her back east. Could marrying Ella be the answer even though a Deputy Sheriff is not the kind of man she would marry. Is the cost too high? An adventure from the beginning to the end.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.