Cinco hijos de un duque inglés, todos criados en las Montañas Rocosas...
James Balfour, el encantador hijo mediano de un duque inglés, está decidido a demostrar que puede asumir el liderazgo del rancho familiar en Montana antes de que llegue el próximo invierno letal. Con la hacienda al límite de sus posibilidades, James idea un plan astuto para contratar a Rose Prescott, su mejor amiga de la infancia, y así reparar una vieja injusticia.
La extraordinaria voz para el canto de Rose debería haber sido su don, pero en Virginia City se ha convertido en su maldición. Forzada por su padrastro a actuar en espectáculos nocturnos, sueña con escapar y tener una vida libre de su dominio. Cuando un anuncio en el periódico para el puesto de ama de llaves le ofrece una escapatoria, se juega el todo por el todo y huye, esperando que su padrastro no pueda encontrarla. Nunca imaginó que volvería al rancho de los Balfour, ni que vería de nuevo a James, cuyo encanto ahora le recuerda demasiado a los hombres que la han traicionado antes.
El deseo de James de proteger a Rose se tambalea cuando su vieja amiga lo trata como a un enemigo. Ganarse su confianza se convierte en su mayor reto hasta la fecha. Mientras las tensiones se recrudecen en el rancho, viejos secretos y nuevos peligros amenazan todo lo que James y su familia han construido.
Con los enemigos acechando, Rose debe decidir en quién puede confiar y si está dispuesta a luchar por la libertad y el amor que siempre ha anhelado.
De una autora bestseller de USA Today llega una saga familiar aristocrática que incluye una novia por correspondencia, un romance de segunda oportunidad y un matrimonio aristocrático de conveniencia... todo ambientado en el agreste Territorio de Montana.
Tropos/ *novia por correspondencia *romance de segunda oportunidad *jefe/empleada *diferencias de clase *peligro extremo *saga familiar *paisaje agreste de las Montañas Rocosas *época de la frontera
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get a free bestselling novel here: https://mistymbeller.com/freebook
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.
Just love this series! Misty sure knows how to keep you interested!! We pick up where book 1 left off, so I highly recommend starting with book 1 since we see Enoch and Mandie's story continue a bit in this as well from where things ended. You can read it as a standalone but its best in my opinion to start with book 1 :)
This is James and Rose's romance story. James Balfour is one of the brothers we follow throughout this series and Rose Prescott is his childhood friend on the run for her safety. James is determined to prove his worth on the ranch and Rose is trying to escape her abusive step-father as he had a contract for her to continue working for him for many years. She goes on the run answering an ad to help James and his family but when James realizes it's Rose from so long ago, his protective instincts kick in. They reconnect on the ranch and when trouble comes knocking...James isn't going to let her step-father win.
We also have a bit of a mystery tied in too that was unexpected and kept me engaged in the book.
I think this series is a good one for anyone who likes Rocky Mountain settings, Christian Historical Romance and a good family saga. The Christian content was good also!
Thank you to Misty for providing a copy for me to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own. I am looking forward to the next book! :) These books have been exactly what I need in a tough season right now.
content warnings: no language, clean kisses only romance, abusive step-father but it was mild, mentions of past parental death, overall mild fighting
“I think sometimes God’s best gifts come wrapped in our deepest pain.“
I have been eagerly waiting for this book since I finished reading Mail-Order Duchess. Misty M. Beller has a gift for creating fictional families that I instantly feel part of too, and the same is true of the Balfours. These titled British aristocrats have fallen in love with the Montana mountains and the life of ranchers, and I in turn have fallen in love with them. So, while Mail-Order Baroness is focused on James’ story, all the other brothers also play a significant role – which allows Beller to continue building the foundations for the stories to come as well. And that means I’ll be first in line to grab a copy of book three when it releases this summer!
But, back to this book. Mail-Order Baroness is a really sweet second chance romance between childhood best friends separated for years. James hasn’t quit trying to reconnect with Rose despite no response on her part, and he sees the family’s need for additional household help as the key to getting Rose to return to the ranch. But the Rose who answers his anonymous ad is a more guarded, more traumatized young woman than the girl he knew before, and she’s got secrets she fears will permanently sever their tentative new friendship. Oh my goodness – James’ steady pursuit of Rose’s heart, his faithful love for her, and his patient care for her wounded spirit were so beautiful to read about. I also loved watching Rose find not just safety with the Balfours but also the knowledge that she’s not alone, that God hasn’t abandoned her, and neither has James. For his part, James has some spiritual lessons to learn on a deeper level in this story too – and I found some truth to apply to my own life as well.
“Maybe that was what strength truly was — not the ability to control or fix everything, but the wisdom to trust the Father instead of trying to handle it all alone.”
Bottom Line: Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller captured my heart from the very beginning and didn’t release its hold on me until I’d reached the final word. Truth be told, I actually became invested in James’ story during book one, and I will be carrying him – and Rose – with me through the rest of the series and beyond. (Because let’s be honest, I’m still thinking about the Coulter family from her last series too and hoping to see them pop up somewhere else one of these days lol) This novel’s steady pace, tender romance, and dashes of high-stakes danger (with a true villain in every sense of the word), along with Beller’s beautifully compassionate handling of deep emotional wounds, made it such a meaningful read as well as one that kept me entertained. A hero who loves well and waits faithfully. A heroine finding her way back to hope. Swoony romance and quiet spiritual depth. How could I ask for more? Well… except for being super eager to return to this family again very soon, of course!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Mail-Order Baroness, Lord of the Rockies Book 2, is a a clean Christian novel with a mail-order bride, a second-chance romance, and a marriage of convenience to an aristocrat, set in the glorious Montana territory. Engaging and hopeful!
Rose Prescott is on the run. Desperate to flee her current life, she covertly answers an advertisement, not knowing it will take her back to the very place her troubles began.
In an engaging second installment of the Lords of the Rockies series by Misty Beller, we meet Rose Prescott and re-meet James Balfour. As typical with Beller's books, the reader is treated to a story filled with faith, sweet romance, and danger. I enjoyed catching up with the Balfour family and reading James' story.
Sensitive readers should note that there is a kidnapping, a woman is forcibly sedated, a man tries to strangle a woman, and characters get into a fight that results in injuries and worsened injuries.
This can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Book One first so you can experience the enjoyment of seeing how a few characters’ lives have progressed.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with CelebrateLit. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
This is a fantastic book!! It's #2 of the Lord of the Rockies series. It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the first book Mail Order Duchess as it provides essential character backgrounds.
The characters are well written and easy to like (except for one 🤫). James is a very sentimental man. He has held on to fond memories of Rose, his playmate when he was a child. Her sudden departure from his life left him with unanswered questions and heartache. Rose is living in a nightmare. Her life is run by a man who seemed generous but it was all a trap. Her desperation leads her to her childhood friend and possible freedom.
Redemption is the main theme of this book. All of the years that Rose had lost because of secrets and lies were now in the past with a promise of a wonderful future! "I think sometimes God's best gifts come wrapped in our deepest pain....now we get to spend the rest of our lives discovering what God does with people who've learned to trust Him."
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the series. You don’t have to read them in order to enjoy them but there may be spoilers. This story is about James and Rose. They knew each other when they were younger and Rose has been gone for years. She has been singing in shows for her stepfather in a contract for payment for him taking care of her mother while sick. When she sees a job notice she decides to escape. She didn’t know the job was for James’s family. The five brothers need more help around the place and James tries to get Rose to come. Which works! She shows up and they are reunited. But her stepfather is hunting her down. I really enjoyed this story! I loved seeing the Balfour family again. I loved watching Rose and James get together. Rose’s stepfather is despicable! Good Christian content! Overall a great story and I recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: choking and hitting
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Mail Order Baroness is book 2 in the Lords of Rockies series by Misty M. Beller. I absolutely adore the Balfour brothers and have really enjoyed ‘watching’ them fall in love.
James and Rose grew up together, and even after she moved away, James never forgot about her. Rose needs to escape a dangerous situation and finds herself accepting employment at a ranch, not realizing it’s the ranch where she grew up. James does everything he can to keep Rose safe.
This is a beautiful story full of second chances, found family, redemption, and surrendering to Jesus.
If you love western historical romances, Misty M. Beller is the author for you!
* I was sent a gifted copy with no expectations for a favorable review.
(I received a complimentary copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.)
“I think sometimes God’s best gifts come wrapped in our deepest pain.” -Misty M. Beller
WOW. I absolutely loved this book! So much in fact that I read the entire thing in one day! Shoutout to the snow storm that hit over a weekend with my wonderful husband at home, for giving me the ability to do that as a mom of two haha!
The Lords of the Rockies series follows the Balfour brothers–titled in England, but ranching in Montana. This second story in the series is James Balfour’s story, and I could not put it down! I loved Rose and James and the entire Balfour family. This book is full of danger and suspense, and the romance (clean) was really sweet. I loved the author’s message of God’s unconditional love that was woven so well throughout the story.
The first book in this series, Mail-Order Duchess, is available on KU, and I’ve had it waiting on my kindle since it came out. I’m so excited to go back and read it! The next book in the series is titled “Mail-Order Viscountess” and will be Thomas Balfour’s story. I’m so looking forward to this third book as well!
If you’re looking for a clean, Western with Christian faith elements and danger/suspense, I’d highly recommend checking out this book. And this author!
This was such an amazing story! Misty M. Beller is definitely becoming a go-to author for me. I just love her stories and how she writes. This one picks up after the previous book ends, but focuses on a different brother. I loved how this was childhood best friends to lovers. I really enjoyed the character growth in this story and how these two became close again after years of not seeing each other. This is just one of those books that was easy to read and had it all: the romance, the plot, the character development, and the action. You can definitely read this as a standalone, but it'll be so much better to just read the entire series because for one it's amazing and two the brother dynamic will make more sense. If you enjoy reading clean, Christian historical romances, then definitely check this one out!
I received an ARC of this book from the author, which does not affect my review.
This is a great series set in Montana where the hero is an English aristocrat and has long pined for the heroine. There is mystery and action that pulls the reader in as much as the romance does. If you like mail order bride stories, don't miss out on this one.
second book into this series and it's getting better. I love a sotry with childhood friends that, for different things has to part, and then reconect years later.
I more or less guess the twist half a way but it was a good one.
This’ the second book on the Lords of the Rockies series, the story of James Balfour, and I loved it! 😊 In this book we see how trust in friends and God can be challenged by the behavior of the ones surrounding you.
As we “embark on this literary journey” we can see the passion of the author as she writes inspiring words so relatable to our Christian daily walk. I love her writing because with the magic of her pen we experience the grandeur of the Rockies and God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of each character in her novels.
Rose ❤️ James
James Balfour tries to find a solution for the increasing tasks in the ranch he shares with his brothers. So he posts an advertisement to hire help for the women of the house. He’s expecting that his childhood friend and former employee of the Balfour family, Rose Prescott, answers it and everything will be as perfect as when he was a boy. But after 11 years apart and lives shaped already, will he find his second chance at love? But you’ll have to read the story to find out, I’d not like to spoil it for you 😉
The next story in the series will be Thomas’s story and I can’t wait for it! ‘Mail-Order Viscountess’ is coming out next!
And here are some quotes/excerpts I loved…
“Broken years could not be returned — but maybe they could be redeemed.”
“…family was built out of love, sacrifice, and being there when it mattered most. Not simply born —it was chosen.”
“But God was proving His love wasn’t conditional. Wasn’t dependent on what had happened to her or how she’d responded. He simply loved her —completely and without conditions.”
“Maybe that was what strength truly was —not the ability to control or fix everything, but the wisdom to trust the Father instead of trying to handle it all alone.”
“I think sometimes God’s best gifts come wrapped in our deepest pain.”
TW: persecution; verbal abuse; kidnapping; poisoning; ranch life struggles/accident; death
I received an eArc of the story by the author but a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed on this review are my own.
This sweet story was heartwarming. Poor Rose had been ripped from an idyllic life on the Balfour ranch and forced into a terrible life for the remainder of her childhood and early adult years. I felt so sorry for all that she had endured and the way she had been treated.
And I really felt for James, too. He was such a kind and caring man who had always wondered what had happened to the childhood friend that he loved. His determination and focus to help Rose was admirable and he proved his strength and love for her again and again as he did anything necessary to keep her safe.
This story is also a nice addition to the Lords of the Rockies series, however it can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the first book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I received an advance reader copy of this book, the thoughts and review are my own. Another great read from Misty M Beller. I love how she weaves history in to a great story! Can childhood love turn into real love when you get older? Can a bond shared as children hold even into adulthood? Rose and James’s story is full of deep and unconditional love grown from childhood. Years apart bring them to different places in life, but God brings them back together in His time. This is a story remind us that God is always working things out for our good, even when we feel like He isn’t answering us at all. A good reminder to trust in the Father and not try to do it all ourselves.
Rose and James gave me such a wonderful story of love and trust that only Misty Beller can bring to the table. I love her rigged Montana wilderness books because they feature such a wonderfully cozy lifestyle living in the mountain terrain. But this book is slightly different than her other series because the Balfour family is English royalty. They retain the proper ways of English lifestyle, but have also settled into life on the frontier.
Rose's experience broke my heart and the treatment she's experienced has left her questioning God's plan for her and stripped her of being able to see herself as worthy.
Thankfully, James has never stopped thinking about. Even though Rose and her mother left the Balfour Ranch many years ago, James is still wondering about her and hoping to find her. The opportunity finally comes where they need another woman on the ranch to help out around the house and James uses the chance to put an ad out for help needed.
With Rose returning to the family ranch, she's very different than the happy little girl they all remember. She's on the run from a danger they don't quite understand and her demeanor is clearly retreated and scared. I felt so strongly for her because of her fear - all I wanted to do was give her a huge hug and tell her it would all be alright.
James never gives up on Rose and continues to try to show her that she's meant to be there and how much he loves her. But her own fears continue to drive her further away from him.
A lesson in being able to forgive ourselves for the things we've experienced without burdening ourselves in blame. This book has so many self lessons on how to treat ourselves, and let others in to help us. I loved the lessons and I loved how deeply James cared for Rose from the very start and all the way through.
I loved the concept, plot, and characters. A taste of British aristocracy in the American mountains added an interesting element of fierce determination and adventure. I will go back and read the first book to receive a bit mor of the background though it did not hurt the reading experience of book two. Rose has a good life as the daughter of a lady’s maid and a friend of the aristocratic family. That is until her mother thinks like might be better for her in the care of an American man. Rose’s dreams pull her back to her life on the ranch and her childhood friend, James. So often we want a different life, only to find home is with those who love us dearly. I look forward to the next novel in this series.
I’m loving this new series!!! Thank you Misty Beller👏🏻 The Balfour brothers each carry in their hearts their mother’s compassion for others and family. Rose’s character shows us clearly how girls/women were looked at as weaklings by a majority of the men. As Rose showed us through the pages of this story, as she was so brokenhearted, her courage/self-worth arose to great strengths!! I couldn’t put this story down. I’m looking forward to the release of the author’s next book #3.
"Maybe family was built out of love, sacrifice, and being there when it mattered most"
Family ties shine forth in this book! The Balfour men have each other's backs throughout this book as they fight to keep Rose safe from her "master". These guys are royalty but don't act like it as they care for their ranch and family.
Rose is a resilient woman who cares deeply for those around her. She didn't let her circumstances deter her from helping others.
The friendship between James and Rose was so endearing. The reader could picture the childhood fun that they had.
I was given a complimentary arc of the book. The opinions are my own.
We were eager to see this sequel unfold for another Balfour brother in the Lords of the Rockies series. The first thing that grabbed our attention was the stunning cover design. Beller demonstrated even though we may walk away from God and allow lies to keep us chained, He never stops working on our behalf and is ready to once again bestow good gifts on His children when we return to Him.
We received an advance copy of the book. This is our honest review.
Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller is the second book in the Lords of the Rockies series. This Christian Historical Romance grabbed my attention from the very first page.
A Sweeping Western Romance Filled with Family Loyalty, Healing, and Second Chances
If you love historical romance with rich family dynamics, emotional tension, and a rugged frontier setting, this story delivers all three in a compelling way. Set against the backdrop of Montana Territory, it blends aristocratic intrigue with the grit of ranch life, creating a romance that feels both tender and high-stakes.
At the center of the story is James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, who is determined to prove himself worthy of leadership on his family’s Montana ranch. With winter approaching and pressure building, James is already carrying plenty of responsibility. Bringing Rose Prescott back into his world only deepens the emotional weight of everything he’s facing.
Rose is an especially sympathetic heroine. Her longing for freedom and safety gives the story immediate emotional depth, and her journey from fear to hope is one of the strongest elements of the book. Having endured betrayal and control, she doesn’t easily trust James, even though they share a past. That hesitation gives their relationship a believable tension that makes the romance more satisfying as it unfolds.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the novel is the second-chance element. James and Rose have history, but time, pain, and misunderstanding stand between them. Watching James try to earn back her trust adds heart to the story, and his protective instincts make him easy to root for. Their connection develops with a blend of sweetness and emotional conflict that keeps the pages turning.
The family saga element also adds a lot of charm. The idea of five sons of an English duke being raised in the Rocky Mountains is a fun premise that gives the story a unique flavor. The ranch setting feels vivid and demanding, while the hints of old secrets, outside threats, and social expectations raise the stakes beyond the central romance.
Readers who enjoy marriage-of-convenience themes, frontier romance, and stories about finding both love and belonging will likely find much to enjoy here. The book offers danger, emotional wounds, and a heroine fighting for her future, all set against a backdrop that feels adventurous and romantic.
Overall, this is a heartfelt historical romance with strong emotional undercurrents, a memorable setting, and a couple worth cheering for. It’s a lovely pick for readers who enjoy stories of redemption, resilience, and love fought for.
So if you enjoy Christian Historical Romances, check out Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller, and the rest of the Lords of the Rockies series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Mail Order Baroness by Misty Beller is the second book in the Lords of Rockies series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. James Balfour is the son of an English Duke living and working on a Montana Ranch. He has fond memories of his childhood friend, Rose. Rose Prescott has had a rough time since leaving the ranch and has been forced by her step-father into singing in saloons. She flees when she sees an ad for a housekeeper placed in the paper by James. But, can James keep Rose safe from her complicated past?
I adored this book. It had all the things I love: English aristocracy, a Montana ranch, frontier time period, charming characters, sweet romance, and subtle faith themes. James and Rose were engaging characters who rekindled their childhood romance. I was very drawn to Rose and wanted her to find loves with James and have a new beginning. James was a great hero whose tender heart, great work ethic, and charm was so endearing.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mail Order Baroness by Misty Beller. I loved the redemptive theme of this character driven story. This will be a favorite for me this year. I cannot wait for book number three in the Lord of the Rockies series! I highly recommend.
I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
I enjoyed the second book in this series! It was so fun to read James’s story. Rose’s circumstances were unique, and I enjoyed the twists the plot took throughout the book! The story was compelling and realistic, and James and Rose were so cute! The whole premise of this series is so interesting and I can’t wait to read the youngest brother’s book! I received a copy from CelebrateLit in order to read and review on my blog. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
Do you order things through the mail or prefer shopping in person? I love getting things in the mail, but it’s still fun to shop in person and browse through items (especially books).
Rose is a singer in Virginia City stuck in a twenty-year contract she signed with her stepfather when she was fifteen. She dreams of the happy days she spent in her childhood with her mother on the Balfour ranch. When an ad appears advertising for an assistant housekeeper at a ranch, Rose takes it upon herself to make her escape to try out the new job. She soon discovers the job is at the Balfour ranch, and she is reunited with her childhood friend James, the middle Balfour brother. James has never forgotten Rose and is happy to have her back. Will these two find love? Will her stepfather find her? Why did her mother leave the ranch suddenly when she a child?
My thoughts on the novel: • I enjoyed the mystery in this book. Why did Rose and her mother leave the ranch? I also enjoyed the suspense of her escape.
• I enjoyed the romance and relationship between James and Rose.
• I also enjoyed the continuing story from book one of Enoch and Mandie’s story.
• The plot line was similar to the first book but was still enjoyable.
• I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
• I love the beautiful Montana setting.
• It was unique having the British aristocracy living in Montana. Enoch will need to return to England soon leaving James in charge of the ranch which is added stress.
• There were moments of tension and danger toward the end of book which added excitement.
• This is a second chance romance novel which is one of my favorite tropes.
• This was a Christian book and a clean read.
• This was a quick read and good escapism reading.
• This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I did enjoy reading both books in the series.
• I love how understanding and empathetic James is.
Overall, Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller is a wonderful historical western romance with great characters and a suspenseful storyline. It’s a great story to get lost in.
Book Source: Thank-you to author Misty M. Beller for a review copy of this novel.
Separated childhood friends, dark secrets, & a second chance love made Mail-Order Baroness a must read! I loved the first book in the Lords of the Rockies series & couldn’t wait for James’ story. Misty M. Beller delivers swoon-worthy romance, suspense, endearing characters, & a touch of faith in this exciting sequel. These sons of a wealthy English duke are growing up in the wilds of Montana, proving they can tame the West while finding love in unexpected places.
After his older brother’s marriage & upcoming return to England, James must prove he can run the family ranch. With winter approaching & a new nephew or niece on the way, he places an ad for a housekeeper hoping his childhood friend Rose might answer. He’s never forgotten her or the past he longs to make right.
Rose’s talent for singing keeps her stepfather’s saloon afloat, but when she sees the ad, she seizes her chance to escape. Risking everything, she travels to Balfour Ranch, only to find it’s James who hired her. But the danger of her stepfather finding her & the dark secrets she carries threaten any future they might have.
I loved this story! Second chance romance is quickly becoming a favorite trope & add in childhood friends to more & I’m hooked. Watching James & Rose reconnect & rediscover their past haunts as adults was so much fun. Both carry deep wounds, James losing his mother at a young age, & Rose trapped with a cruel stepfather. Rose wrestles with faith when her prayers seem unanswered, but James reminds her that God’s timing is perfect & full of second chances.
The thrilling ending had me on pins & needles & now, I can’t wait for Thomas’ story! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily. 4-4.5 stars!
Mail-Order Baroness is a Christian historical romance set in the Montana Territory in 1869. I was excited for the chance to read this book with its unique series premise of five sons of an English Duke living in Montana where they each will find love. I also was excited to read a book in this genre as I’m always looking for more like this. This story ended up being a quick read for me and a sweet second chance romance.
James is preparing to take on more responsibilities as he nears taking his role as the leader of the family in Montana. When one of those duties is to find help for the family housekeeper, it triggers a determination in James to find out whatever happened to his childhood friend Rose. Rose is living a life completely different than she pictured as a child as she is forced to sing for pay by her evil stepfather. When she sees a notice for a job in Montana, she runs away only then discovering it was James and his family.
Read this for: *Childhood friendship turned second chance romance *Montana ranch setting *Dual POV *English aristocratic ties *Mild suspense *Protective hero *American historical romance *Standalone series *Christian themes *Happy ever after
I enjoyed the characters in this story and how James was so protective of Rose as well as how all the Balfours stepped up for family. Though it’s a historical romance, the writing style reminded me a little of Mandi Blake’s contemporary novels, so if you like those vibes and historical romance, I’d say this is something you’ll want to check out. I enjoyed it and recommend it for fans of the genre. 4.5 stars
James Balfour plans on bringing his childhood sweetheart back to his family's ranch to help out their longtime and beloved housekeeper. He knows exactly where to find her and bring her back.
Rose Prescott, going by a different name, is on the run from her stepfather and feels alone in this world. Imagine her surprise when James comes for her.
However, little do they know that there are past secrets that bind them together that could rip their worlds apart. Not only that but Rose's stepfather is bound and determined to get her back for his own private gain. Under basically a slavery contract with her, they must find a legal way for him to relinquish his hold on her.
James wants Rose to know he will fight for her no matter how much danger arises. Can Rose accept that?
This was another great addition to this family saga of sons of a duke doing their best to make a living on a ranch in the old west of USA. The love for the land and the loyalty to family was something to be applauded. We were never meant to walk this world alone, and sometimes we need help. I am glad Rose opens her eyes and heart to all those possibilities with James. They just need to shine the truth on a past that is determined to haunt both of them.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
What I think you should know: Mail Order Baroness, by Misty M Beller is the second book in the Lords of the Rockies Series. When responsibilities become too much for the Balfour’s housekeeper and surrogate mother Mrs. Wang James thinks of his childhood best friend who has been gone for 11 years. Set in 1869 Montana Territory, this book does give spoilers for the previous book in the series, I would read it prior to this book for the most enjoyment.
What I think you should know: Rose has been under a forced contract singing in a Saloon.
What I think about this book: James Balfour has never stopped thinking of Rose, although he has tried for years with letters to contact he makes one last ditch effort by listing a job of house keeper and companion needed. Rose has spent years in an increasingly desperate situation, when she finally sees a chance out she is willing to take it. When Rose returns to the Balfour ranch she is overwhelmed with the love that she receives and the secrets that she carries. James is determined to do everything to keep her safe. I was definitely invested in this story, James and Rose have such a hard, but beautiful story. I loved the quote “I think sometimes God’s best gifts come wrapped in our deepest pain”, it really wraps up this story. I can’t wait to see what happens next to the Balfour brothers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
My review today is on the Western Romance, Mail-Order Baroness. This is book in the series, Lord of the Rockies. I'm a big fan of Mistie so I'm always glad to get another one of her books. This series is different than some. I know you are going to love it.
James Balfour is the third son of an English duke. He would be the one in charge when his brother took his place in England this spring. James is doing everything he can to prove he is worthy. He suggests they hire Rose Prescott to help Mrs. Wang and Mandy. (his brother's expectant wife) Rose had been his first love when they were but children. Still he loved her. As she arrives he finds that she is in trouble. Can he save her?
Rose Prescott was taken from the Balfour ranch when she was but a child. She had loved James and dreamed of a future but due to a secret she and her mother was forced to leave in the middle of the night. Her step father now held a contract to force her to sing in bars for him until she is thirty. She sneaks away to answer an ad but it turned out to be at the Balfour ranch. Can she keep her secret without losing more of her heart?
A terrifying journey to free her from a monster. God has a plan for them a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your lif
Once again the author delivers a story that fills the pages with emotional turmoil. The setting on a ranch adds excitement as there is always work to be done. What I really liked was the reunion between Rose and James. It is a sweet yet unsettling reunion as Rose is very guarded at times.
Everyone is excited to have Rose back but she holds back a little. The author hints that there is more going on and that is what kept me reading. James is a kind hearted man who is determined to show Rose his feelings. I liked the intrigue and how two people find that unconditional love can overcome obstacles.
I loved how protective James and his brothers were of Rose. She starts to feel a little more trusting when she knows that she will be safe. As the story continues you can sense how James can’t hide his feelings for Rose. He places himself in a dangerous position to free her from someone who has entrapped her with a contract that isn’t legal. The author delivers a well rounded story that captures the importance of faith and trust. I thought about how our past seems to always catch up with us. When we allow God to be in control we find freedom. Beautiful ending and I loved how the author always delivers characters that readers come to love.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I enjoy a good Misty M. Beller story whenever I can get my hands on one and this book was no exception. Mail-Order Baroness is the second book in her new Lords Of The Rockies series and it was both a fun and interesting read.
The blend of historical romance with a touch of suspense kept me engaged and turning those pages. James and Rose are characters that you can't help but like and you quickly become invested in their story. And what a story it is. Threads of the past wind their way through the present and put the future in jeopardy. I found myself completely caught up I whether Rose's stepfather would find her and if James could convince her to stay.
I'm also a fan of the Montana setting with its dramatic landscape and wild weather. That weather plays a big part in several scenes and I must admit that it was a little crazy that, even as I read about winter snow and cold, an early spring snow was falling outside my window.
Anyway, Mail-Order Baroness was a good read and I did enjoy it. Of course, now I have to wait to find out what happens next to the Balfour family and also where Misty M. Beller will take her Lords Of The Rockies as well as her readers....
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)