The Deputy's Crafty Bride

by London James

Lena McIntyre has always relied on her wits, her smile, and the occasional sleight of hand to stay one step ahead of trouble. But when a furious judge issues a warrant for her arrest, Lena decides it’s time to disappear. One stolen envelope from Miss Mabel Blessington’s desk later, she’s on a stagecoach bound for Pine Grove, Oregon, armed with the address of a man who asked for a respectable bride—never guessing he’s also the town’s deputy.

Deputy Reid Harrison wanted a quiet, law-abiding wife who wouldn’t mind life in a small logging town. What he gets is a sharp-tongued beauty who lands on his doorstep looking like a walking secret. The townsfolk seem to take to her, his grandmother adores her, and even Reid can’t deny that his unexpected bride brightens his days and stirs feelings he never intended to have.

As church raffles, small-town gossip, and one very determined grandmother nudge Lena closer to an honest life, the lies she arrived with grow heavier by the day. When the truth finally comes knocking, Lena must decide whether to run like she always has—or trust God and one stubborn deputy with her future and her heart.

A witty, heartwarming Christian historical romance about grace that doesn’t look the other way, second chances that cost something, and the unexpected joy of finding a home where you never meant to stay.

They ask for quiet, obedient brides. Mabel sends them the ones with fire.

Full of laugh-out-loud banter, heartfelt faith, and sweet frontier romance, The Brides of Miss Mabel’s Registry is a series of wholesome, charming love stories where opposites attract, sparks fly, and happily ever after comes with a few unexpected detours.

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2026

About the author

Welcome to my little corner of the internet! So who am I? Well, it’s quite simple actually. Of course, first and foremost, I’m a wife and mother. However, along with those two hats, I’m also a Sweet Historical and Contemporary Romance author who writes in her fuzzy pants and loves her horses and her cats!

Love historical romance? Well, then strap on those petticoats, travel back in time, and go on adventures with my sweet Historical Romances. Not feeling historical today? I have a few sweet Contemporary Romances, too!

And if you are looking for something with a little more heat (not too much, but more smooching and some fade-to-black scenes), then check out my titles written under the name Angela Christina Archer

Reviews

[Shonda]

I love this story! Haven’t read one yet i didn’t absolutely love!

[Donna]

You have to admit, Miss Mabel pushes the matches in The Deputy's Crafty Bride. Lena needs to get away from San Francisco fast and thinks Miss Mabel can get find Lena a husband quick. Lena doesn't wait, she takes matters into her hands. Next thing you know , she is in Oregon marrying the deputy, Reid. When her past catches up to her, she runs, but this time maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest.

[Mary Ann Camilleri]

A fraudster who wants to run away from her past.
A deputy sheriff who follows the law diligently.
A grandmother who interferes in the life of her grandson.
A town where people gossip behind other backs.
When Lena redeems from her past after praying God to show her the way, and for the love of Reid and his grand mother, she has enough strength to face consequences.
A very inspiring story where two opposites meets and God helps this couple through a meddling grandmother.

[Charline Romine]

Lena ♥️ Reid

The grace of God and a forgiving heart is what this story is all about. Lena, running to hide from her past, has finally come to the conclusion that she has to face her past and does so with dignity and grace. Her dear husband, Reid, has prayed for her and God has answered. ♥️

[Earlene Click]

Reid and Lena

This is a sweet short tale of Reid, the towns deputy and the bride, Lena, that he never saw coming until it was too late to run. You will definitely enjoy this story.

[Jeannette Harbottle]

Grace!

She deserved prison but was given grace. Such a lovely romance highlighting the grace that is offered to each one of us if we choose to accept it.