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Clara: a Wild Rose Ridge Historical
A baker on the run.
A guarded sheriff.
And a mail-order-bride escape.
Clara Miller never meant to witness a murder, but when Chicago detectives dismiss her testimony, her life is on the line. Fleeing west as a mail-order-bride is her only shot at safety, until she discovers her intended groom is a small-town sheriff who sees her as more burden than blessing.
Sheriff Amos Goodwin refuses to run from a fight, even if it means entering a marriage of convenience to strengthen his reputation in town. But from the moment Clara stumbles into one of his arrests, disaster seems to follow her. Worse, a WANTED poster arrives naming her as a person of interest in a murder investigation. Amos must decide whether to uphold the law or risk everything to protect the woman who has captured his heart.
It's Christmas. But a storm is on its way, and trouble is closing in. Will he protect Clara at the cost of his badge? Can love survive when duty demands everything?
A guarded sheriff.
And a mail-order-bride escape.
Clara Miller never meant to witness a murder, but when Chicago detectives dismiss her testimony, her life is on the line. Fleeing west as a mail-order-bride is her only shot at safety, until she discovers her intended groom is a small-town sheriff who sees her as more burden than blessing.
Sheriff Amos Goodwin refuses to run from a fight, even if it means entering a marriage of convenience to strengthen his reputation in town. But from the moment Clara stumbles into one of his arrests, disaster seems to follow her. Worse, a WANTED poster arrives naming her as a person of interest in a murder investigation. Amos must decide whether to uphold the law or risk everything to protect the woman who has captured his heart.
It's Christmas. But a storm is on its way, and trouble is closing in. Will he protect Clara at the cost of his badge? Can love survive when duty demands everything?
- GenresChristmas
166 pages, ebook
Published November 11, 2025
28 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Schwarz
15 books90 followers"I can't wait to read more of the Prescott Family Romance series. [Dear Beth] is highly recommended for fans of inspirational contemporary romance, especially for readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, and Susan May Warren." -Goodreads Reviewer
I love a good story, especially if it has a happy ending! From mountain adventures to Downton Abbey-esque romances, I firmly believe we could all use a little more inspirational and heart-warming tales to keep us up at
night—tales that take us on far away (or not so distant) adventures and speak words of life and truth into our lives.
Prescott Family Romance Series:
Dear Beth (novella)
The Glass Cottage
The Glass Road
Fields of Glass
A Midsummer Romance (Summer in Wild Rose Ridge #4)
I love a good story, especially if it has a happy ending! From mountain adventures to Downton Abbey-esque romances, I firmly believe we could all use a little more inspirational and heart-warming tales to keep us up at
night—tales that take us on far away (or not so distant) adventures and speak words of life and truth into our lives.
Prescott Family Romance Series:
Dear Beth (novella)
The Glass Cottage
The Glass Road
Fields of Glass
A Midsummer Romance (Summer in Wild Rose Ridge #4)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 23, 2025
Clara: A Wild Rose Ridge Historical is unlike anything Alyssa Schwarz has written before. It’s a wonderful historical fiction novel- sweeter than marzipan and more suspenseful with each snowy day marching towards Christmas in Wild Rose Ridge. Following Clara and Amos as they both have their own pasts to reconcile with endears you to them as much as you read them bonding together throughout the book’s pages. With crime, mystery and action packed into their story as well- this book is a great read that you won’t want to put down!
December 6, 2025
Another wonderful entry in an equally wonderful series! I've really enjoyed each of the books in the Wild Rose Ridge series, both the contemporary series and the historical one. I appreciate how even though the whole series ties together, each book can be read as a stand alone book. It's really nice as I haven't had the time to read every single book yet.
From the moment we meet Clara we're drawn into her story. She's running away from a family tragedy and seeking a new future in Wild Rose Ridge as a mail order bride. Amos Goodwin, her intended, has some of his own issues as well. Nothing heavy, but enough to keep the story moving, and keep one invested. The romance between the two of them is really sweet, and all the goodies Clara bakes will have your mouth watering.
I really enjoyed this book, and if you're looking for a light, Christmas read I highly recommend.
*I read an early ARC copy from the author/publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
From the moment we meet Clara we're drawn into her story. She's running away from a family tragedy and seeking a new future in Wild Rose Ridge as a mail order bride. Amos Goodwin, her intended, has some of his own issues as well. Nothing heavy, but enough to keep the story moving, and keep one invested. The romance between the two of them is really sweet, and all the goodies Clara bakes will have your mouth watering.
I really enjoyed this book, and if you're looking for a light, Christmas read I highly recommend.
*I read an early ARC copy from the author/publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
November 3, 2025
Mail order bride Clara Miller is running from danger. Good thing the groom who sent for her is Sheriff Amos Goodwin. Clara has aspirations to start a bakery in her new town since her family bakery in Chicago went up in flames. She escaped the thugs who wanted to put an end to her for witnessing a murder. Amos is ready for the job of protecting Clara and solving a mystery.
The characters were engaging, the story interesting and the romance progresses slowly as the hero and heroine get to know each other . Amos relys on God to lead him in his job as sheriff and to assess the character of Clara . If you enjoy ckean, faith filled, mail order bride stories with a strong hero, try this book.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Sugar and Sass Press on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
The characters were engaging, the story interesting and the romance progresses slowly as the hero and heroine get to know each other . Amos relys on God to lead him in his job as sheriff and to assess the character of Clara . If you enjoy ckean, faith filled, mail order bride stories with a strong hero, try this book.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Sugar and Sass Press on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
November 16, 2025
This sweet romance is a delightful! Clara Miller arrives in town as a mail-order bride, eager to meet the man she’s agreed to marry—only to discover he’s the town sheriff. Their blossoming connection is quickly tested when a wanted poster with Clara’s face lands on his desk. Will he protect the woman he’s growing to care for, or honor his duty to the law?
A charming blend of suspense, tenderness, and faith, this story is sure to capture the hearts of readers who love mail-order bride romances with a twist.
A charming blend of suspense, tenderness, and faith, this story is sure to capture the hearts of readers who love mail-order bride romances with a twist.
November 18, 2025
Cute book
I actually share a character's name!! (Claire) That in itself is so rare! Clara and Amos didn't know if they would match, but when push came to shove, with a few tasty treats on the side, they did!
The only complaint I have is that the author didn't share any tasty tecipes.
I actually share a character's name!! (Claire) That in itself is so rare! Clara and Amos didn't know if they would match, but when push came to shove, with a few tasty treats on the side, they did!
The only complaint I have is that the author didn't share any tasty tecipes.
November 11, 2025
Loved this book! Looking forward to something fun to read this is it!
November 20, 2025
Great story with characters I grew to love. 5 star worthy!
January 20, 2026
I loved reading this Christmas Novella. The time period and historical aspects were really interesting. I wasn’t too sure about the mail-order-bride troupe, but it didn’t disappoint and it was lovely seeing their relationship bloom.
Clara is a loveable character who has been through so much heartbreak. Amos was also quite a loveable character as the story went on and you got to know him.
This is a great read with crime, mystery, action packed story that is hard to put down.
Clara is a loveable character who has been through so much heartbreak. Amos was also quite a loveable character as the story went on and you got to know him.
This is a great read with crime, mystery, action packed story that is hard to put down.
November 25, 2025
I found myself being delighted with this little novella. Loved the writing, the time period, and the setting. And of course, I love the mail-order-bride trope, and this one did not disappoint.
Clara was a loveable and unique character, without being over the top quirky. I also like Amos though it's been a little while since I read the book so I am blanking a little about his character. He was gruff but protective and kind.
There were several delightful side characters. I absolutely adored the little boy (currently can't remember his name). And the cook.
I enjoyed the touch of mystery which kept me intrigued and turning pages.
This was a perfect cozy winter romance.
*I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Clara was a loveable and unique character, without being over the top quirky. I also like Amos though it's been a little while since I read the book so I am blanking a little about his character. He was gruff but protective and kind.
There were several delightful side characters. I absolutely adored the little boy (currently can't remember his name). And the cook.
I enjoyed the touch of mystery which kept me intrigued and turning pages.
This was a perfect cozy winter romance.
*I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews