Sage

by Sarah Lamb

Neither of them want a marriage. But it will be the only thing that saves them both.

With nowhere else to turn, Sage Robinson takes a leap of faith—answering a mail-order bride advertisement and praying the man on the other end will be kind. The letter reveals little about him, but anything is better than starvation and losing the roof over her head.

Micah Walker never wanted a mail-order bride. His mother arranged it without his consent, and he has far more pressing concerns—like stepping into his late father's shoes as head of the railway. Yes, he needs a wife eventually, but a complete stranger? What if she's only after his money?

When circumstance throws them together—neither knowing the other's true identity—an unexpected connection begins to bloom. But the wedding day is fast approaching, and secrets can't stay hidden forever. When the truth comes out, will their growing feelings be enough to overcome the deception that brought them together?

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 8, 2026

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage is a charming and slightly different take on the mail-order bride story, with just enough of a twist to make it stand out.

Sage’s situation is heartbreaking from the start—left with nothing after her brother abandons her and her governess, she makes the difficult decision to become a mail-order bride simply to survive. I really appreciated her determination, especially her desire to care for the governess who had always been there for her.

Mitch’s storyline adds another layer, as he’s pushed into marriage by circumstances of his own. I enjoyed the way he travels incognito on his railroad, quietly observing and interacting with others without revealing who he is.

Their early meeting on the train was one of my favorite parts. Watching them connect without knowing each other’s true identities made the story feel fresh and engaging.

Having read quite a few books in this genre, I was pleasantly surprised by how the story unfolded. Sarah Lamb added a twist that made this one feel a little different while still delivering the warmth and satisfying ending her readers expect.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage, the ninth book in the endearing, multi-author Garden Belles Mail-Order Brides series, is a sweet western mail-order bride novella that had me turning pages quickly and anxiously, waiting for the truth to be revealed. A well-structured plot and wonderful characters combine to make this a heartfelt, engaging story that can easily be read in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed Sage and Micah's story and highly recommend it. Note: Each book in the series is a standalone read.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Diane Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage by Sarah Lamb ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book 9 on the Garden Belles Mail Order Brides series. All stand alone books by various authors. Read in the order if your choice. How will you read them? In number order? Release date? By author? What ever way you decide to read them I highly recommend reading the whole series.

This as you might have guess is a story about Sage. Her parents have passed as she is left to find her own way after, deciding to be a mail order bride. On her way to meet her intended trouble heads her way. Now she must decide which way to go. What will she do? I guess you have to read it to find out. Pre-order your copy today for a May 8th release date.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage, part of the Garden Belles series, is such a delightful story. A breathe of fresh air. Sage is living through the worst time of her life. There is nothing left for her, only her companion, Mrs Erics. She is traveling by train, to meet her intended, as a mail order bride. She is assisted by Micah on the train and her life is changing again.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

With barely enough food for Sage and her friend/caretaker/Mother like companion to eat, no money & their home being sold out underneath them, Sage had to make the decision to become a mail order bride. This is her story. Will she find love with her mail order groom?

This book had all the feels and was written well and even though you could guess the ending, I found it difficult to put this book down. Highly recommend!

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage

I enjoyed Micah and Sage story so much. Sage is a mail order bride. Micah has to Marry soon. Micah mother helps him send for a mail order bride. Micah and Sage meet on the train not knowing about each other. I love mail order bride stories, this one is a good one.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Great characters that immediately grabbed my heart. The plot was so fun and did a great job of pulling me in from the start. I couldn't wait to see how the story tied up at the end. The romance is so swoony. Excellent ending, it did not disappoint!

[Kristin Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage is in a desperate situation. Her parents are deceased, her brother (who inherited everything) just sold her home. In desperation she send off to become a mail-order bride. On the way to fulfill her contract she falls in love. There are such heart felt moments I never wanted the story to end.

[Bridgette]

I received an ARC, and all opinions are mine, another good book from Sarah Lamb, this is a clean, sweet, faith based historical romance book, this is a pretty quick read,very good, if you enjoy that type of story I would definitely recommend this book!

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone but some of the characters may overlap.
He has to marry before his next birthday. She's running out of time before they're homeless.
Mail order marriage
Forced proximity
Chance encounter
Marry the one chosen or the one they're falling for?

[Lori Chasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was well written and I enjoyed reading it! Well done to the author!