Mail-Order Viscountess

Lords of the Rockies #3

by Misty M. Beller

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…
When a Montana blizzard strands two strangers in a cave, honor demands a vow neither of them want.

Nobody knows the truth about newly knighted Lord Thomas Balfour. He doesn’t deserve the being honor showered on him, so after this last trip with his brother and sister-in-law to Butte for supplies, he’ll leave this territory behind completely. But once he reaches town, he’s blindsided to discover his brothers have ordered him a bride by post. A woman complicates everything. And even worse—the bride has brought her sister.

Kate McKinney masterminded this journey west to rescue her younger sister from their controlling mother’s plans. Yet one look at the intended groom’s scowl, and Kate’s doubts bloom. Maybe this mail-order marriage scheme will be far worse for her beloved sister than the wealthy brute their ambitious mother arranged.

Thomas has no choice but to help escort the sisters back to the Balfour ranch. On the trail, a blizzard changes everything, tearing Thomas and Kate away from the others—straight into danger…

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, snowed-in peril, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

Tropes/themes:
*mail-order bride
*marriage of convenience
*snowed in/forced proximity
*English aristocracy
*fish out of water
*high-stakes danger
*family saga
*Rocky Mountain wilderness setting
*frontier time period

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Marriage Of Convenience

290 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2026

About the author

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.


Learn more at www.MistyMBeller.com.

Reviews

[BookLoverAmanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M. Beller
Book #3 in the Lord of the Rockies Series
4 Stars
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

I have enjoyed this series from Misty, it's one of those that I know is always going to have a sweet romance thread, good faith themes and good family dynamics.

In this one, we follow Lord Thomas Balfour and Kate McKinney. He is the younger brother who is pretty reckless. His brothers find him a wife without his knowledge and they take him to meet her but as things would have it...things change and Kate is the one involved in this marriage scheme. Kate and Thomas end up in a blizzard situation, stranded over night. They are seen and her reputation will be ruined if they do not marry. Little do they know the danger that is to come their way.

I really liked the snowed in aspect, their conversations, the high stakes bits, faith moments, etc. I think if you want something quick to read with the below tropes, check this out. I recommend reading the series in order just so you are familiar with all the family and characters.
Tropes:
- Mail-Order Bridge
- Marriage of Convenience
- Snowed In/Forced Proximity
- Fish out of Water
- High Stakes Moments
- Rocky Mountain Wilderness
- Family Saga
- Frontier Time Period

*Content/Trigger Warnings: I don't remember anything major that stands out, mild violence from high stakes danger, clean romance, no language.

Thank you to Misty for a copy of this e-book to honestly read for review. All thoughts are my own.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1870 Montana

Youngest Balfour brother Thomas feels guilty for being recognized for undeserved heroism. He is also weary of not be taken seriously by his brothers.

When a mail order bride arrives that Thomas knows nothing about, he is upset with his family, but also recognizes that the would be bride is innocent of wrongdoing.

This is a tale of close proximity twist on the mail order bride trope. It was an engaging tale and I hope we will hear more about two female characters that surfaced in book three.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for Misty M. Beller’s Mail-Order Viscountess, book three in the Lords of the Rockies series.

This story begins in Butte, Montana Territory, February 1870, with one of those first lines that instantly puts me in the scene: “The crate hit the wagon bed with a satisfying thud, and Thomas Balfour scraped a sleeve across his forehead as he turned for another.”

Lord Thomas Balfour. Working hard, carrying more than supplies, and quietly planning to leave everything behind because he believes he has already failed too deeply to stay.

Then he discovers his brothers have ordered him a bride. A whole bride. By post. Because apparently the Balfour brothers had thoughts!

Kate McKinney came because she loves her younger sister, Clara, and wants to protect her from a future being arranged by their controlling mother. I loved that about Kate. Her courage has a practical kind of tenderness. She will cross the country, face uncertainty, and question everything if it means trying to save someone she loves.

Thomas and Kate begin with every reason to misunderstand each other. He is guarded. She is protective. Both are carrying fears they have learned to manage quietly.

Then the blizzard comes, and the trail turns dangerous.

When Thomas and Kate are separated from the others and forced into survival together, everything changes. Honor matters. Reputation matters. Choices made under pressure matter.

Thomas broke my heart. He is strong, capable, protective, and loyal, but he cannot seem to receive the same grace he would offer someone else. He believes the honor given to him is undeserved. He sees his failure more clearly than his family’s love. Kate begins to see past his scowl, past the title, past the burden he carries, and she finds the tender heart underneath all that mountain-man stubbornness.

And I love the faith in this story.

“God help me. Show me what to do.” That is the kind of prayer I love finding in fiction. Simple and real. The kind of prayer spoken when life has narrowed to the next decision and only the Lord can make the path clear.

I also loved Kate noticing how Thomas and his family prayed. They spoke of God “like He was a friend, a father. Someone Who actually cared what happened to them.”

“God prepared the way.” That truth gave this story its quiet shine.

Mail-Order Viscountess gave me the rugged Montana danger I love from Misty M. Beller, but it also gave me Thomas’s aching heart, Kate’s fierce love for her sister, the wonderfully meddling Balfour family, and a romance that grows through hard choices.

The humor made me smile, the love was tender, and the story was exactly what I needed.
And that made this story beautiful to me.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series! This story centers on Thomas Balfour. His brothers want him to settle down so they put in for a mail-order bride without his knowledge and she is arriving the next day. Thomas is upset by this and totally against it. When his bride shows up along with her sister, things get complicated. Kate goes with her sister to meet her sister’s intended but once they meet she doesn’t trust him. After a blizzard leaves Kate and Thomas trapped together things change. I love a good snowed in together forced proximity story. Especially, when there is some animosity between them or at least on her end. They work together to survive and connect in the process. I loved watching them grow closer together. I loved seeing Kate learn to trust others. I loved their relationship. I also liked seeing all the characters from previous books. Good Christian content! Overall, a great story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Misty Beller. This book focuses on the brother, Thomas. His siblings have sent off for a mail order bride, and when she arrives with her sister, he is gobsmacked. He had no idea they did this.

Mail Order brides trope is one of my favorites to read. The book has suspense and action that makes this romance a must read for all mail order bride enthusiasts.

I can't wait for more!!

*I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

I haven't read a Misty M. Beller book that I haven't enjoyed yet. This one was really good and just had me sucked into the story. I loved that this was a mail-order bride orchestrated by Thomas's brothers. I also love how the romance was between the sister and Thomas instead of the one who came to marry him. This was a forced proximity, survival, sweet (kisses only) romance. I love how this is set in Montana and just the whole historical vibe from this series. While you can read this book as a standalone, the overall series plot is really good, and I love how it has progressed over the series. I definitely recommend this book and series!

I received a free copy of this book from the author, which does not affect my review.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“Try not to look so shocked. I’m not completely without charm.”

I love a forced proximity romance, especially if the proximity is forced because they’re snowed in together. Needless to say I was pretty delighted by the circumstances in which Kate and Thomas find themselves in Mail-Order Viscountess!

If you’ve been reading Misty M. Beller’s Lords of the Rockies series, you know that Thomas – the youngest Balfour brother – has recently been knighted for saving a royal life. And yet… he’s harboring guilt over the truth behind that incident. Not to mention that he feels as though his opinions and ideas are always dismissed by his older brothers. So he’s restless, looking for a change of scenery, a chance to prove himself and live life his own way. His brothers however want to keep him close and decide a mail-order bride is just the ticket… only telling him about it as they’re waiting for the stage she’s arriving on. If you think this will blow up in everyone’s faces – said bride and her guardian older sister included – you would be right. But ohhhh Beller works her storysmithing magic and turns that implosion around in quite an entertaining, sweet, and swoony way. One that involves the aforementioned snowed-in forced proximity and the marriage of convenience that follows. (Do you hear me squealing with glee and indulging in a little fangirl clapping?!?)

Life has not been easy for Kate McKinney, making her brave enough to do the right thing but also slow to trust and quick to protect her little sister. The same little sister she brought west to escape an arranged marriage to a vile man… only to meet Clara’s mail-order groom (and wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. But God works in mysterious ways, and so do creative authors like Misty M. Beller! I loved how being separated from Thomas’s brothers and Kate’s sister and taking shelter together from a sudden blizzard begins the process of breaking down the assumptions they’d made about each other. The cautious friendship that emerges with them from the cave is a taste of what they could be together, given more time, and when a marriage between them is strongly suggested thanks to being unchaperoned overnight, we get the pleasure of watching their relationship deepen into something so tender and swoony. I adored their late-night talks, the way they’re increasingly drawn to each other, and how more than one crisis brings them even closer and deepens their respective journeys toward personal & spiritual growth.

Bottom Line: Listen, y’all. If a hero and heroine get stranded together in a snowstorm, which requires them to spend an unchaperoned night in close quarters, which then requires them to get married for practical reasons, I am already fully invested in the story. But Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M. Beller is so much more than these irresistible-to-me tropes (though they do make it quite fun to read). Strong family ties, witty moments, and Beller’s vivid scene setting skills (you will FEEL that cold during the snowstorm) share the page with disappointments, danger, illness, and uncertainty (aka real life). But at its core, this is ultimately a tender story about seeing ourselves the way God sees us and finding peace & purpose – and home – when we truly let Him have our heart. Thomas and Kate are characters worth cheering for, individually and together, and their growing affection unfolds at a believable pace that’s sweetly swoony. Mail-Order Viscountess would be a great next read for fans of Mary Connealy, forced proximity, found family, and marriage-of-convenience stories.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio, which is well done.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could go wrong during a Montana storm....

The Balfour family is back for another adventure in the wilds of Montana and I am most definitely here for it. Mail-Order Viscountess is the third book in the Lords Of The Rockies and features youngest Balfour brother, Thomas, and his absolutely unexpected mail-order bride. As I've come to expect from a Misty M. Beller novel, this book was a nice blend of sweet historical romance and wilderness adventure with an additional dash of suspense tossed in to keep those pages turning.

Mail-Order Viscountess was an easy and fairly quick read for me, coming in at around 260+ pages. The characters were interesting and I really found myself rooting for Thomas and Kate to work out their baggage and allow romance to bloom – even in a nippy Montana winter. Kate and Thomas both have a desire to be seen for themselves, something that I think resonates with a lot of readers. I know that their need to have options and make their own choices rather tugged at me too.

I found this third Lords Of The Rockies book to be an entertaining read that I enjoyed. I've liked every Misty M. Beller series that I've read so far, and this one has been no exception. I love the relatively small cast of characters that allows you to get to know each one – and I am particularly curious about what happens next to a particular young lady.

Anyway, if you love historical romance with a dash of danger and dramatic landscape that almost becomes a character of its own, I definitely recommend this book and the rest of the series....

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I liked how Thomas had to learn to not run from his problems and face them. I liked that Kate helped him to see that bad things that happened weren’t his fault and that his family loved him. I liked how Thomas and Kate found kindred spirits in each other and were able to open up to each other in ways they weren’t able to with anyone else. I also liked that Kate learned to let down some of her walls and allow people in. I liked the character growth of these characters and look forward to the next book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas, as the youngest brother, has been feeling even more restless lately, wanting to create his own life without his brothers. They decided to take matters in their own hands and sent for a mail order bride for him, without his knowledge. I really enjoyed this installment in the Lord of the Rockies series. Thomas and Kate both have issues to overcome, but the slow burn of their chemistry is fantastic! I think they may be my favorite couple of the series!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and uplifting story! I loved returning to the Balfour family of Montana again. Thomas and Kate ended up being such a great match for each other, even though it wasn’t what either intended upon their first meeting. I loved the way these two were able to bond and open up to each other in a way that neither one of them usually did with anyone else.

As always, the family dynamics on the ranch added richly to the story and there was an overarching threat to the Balfour family that they had to address, as well. I’m looking forward to seeing how James’s story plays out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M. Beller is a Christian Historical Romance. It is the third book in the Lords of the Rockies series.

Honor, Heart, and Unexpected Love in the Montana Wilderness
If you enjoy historical romance filled with rugged landscapes, reluctant heroes, strong heroines, and a touch of royal intrigue, this captivating Montana-set adventure delivers all that and more.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, this story introduces readers to Lord Thomas Balfour, a newly knighted nobleman carrying secrets and burdens he believes make him unworthy of the honors he’s received. Determined to leave Montana behind after one final trip to town, Thomas is stunned to discover that his well-meaning brothers have arranged a mail-order bride for him. As if that surprise isn’t enough, the bride arrives with her fiercely protective older sister, Kate McKinney.

Kate has her own reasons for traveling west. Desperate to protect her younger sister from their controlling mother’s ambitions, she isn’t convinced that a mail-order marriage is the answer. Her concerns deepen further when she meets the brooding, intimidating Thomas. Yet beneath his gruff exterior lies a man wrestling with questions of honor, identity, and redemption.

The story truly comes alive when a devastating Montana blizzard separates Thomas and Kate from the rest of their party. Stranded together in a remote cave, they face both physical danger and emotional challenges that force them to confront their assumptions about each other. What begins as mutual distrust slowly develops into respect, friendship, and an undeniable attraction.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its combination of romance and adventure. The harsh winter landscape creates constant tension while also providing the perfect setting for the classic “snowed-in together” trope. Readers who love marriage-of-convenience stories will find plenty to enjoy as circumstances force Thomas and Kate into an arrangement neither expected nor desired.

The author skillfully balances heartfelt romance with themes of family loyalty, personal sacrifice, forgiveness, and the discovery of one’s true worth. Thomas’s journey toward accepting grace and Kate’s determination to protect those she loves add compelling emotional depth beyond the romance itself.

Fans of clean historical romance will appreciate the strong character development, engaging dialogue, and vivid depiction of frontier life. The unique premise of English nobility raised in the rugged Montana Territory adds a fresh twist to the genre, blending aristocratic expectations with the realities of life in the American West.

Filled with danger, honor, family bonds, and a slow-burning romance that will keep readers turning pages, this novel is a delightful addition to any historical romance lover’s bookshelf. If you enjoy mail-order bride stories, snowbound romance, and heroes who discover that redemption is possible, this book is well worth the journey.

Rating: ★★★★★ – A heartwarming and adventurous historical romance that combines Western charm, noble heroes, and a love story forged in the midst of a Montana blizzard.

So if you enjoy Christian Historical Romances, check out Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M. Beller along with 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.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We’ve arranged something. Something we think will be good for you.”- James

Yikes! It’s the winter of 1860 in Montana Territory when Misty M. Beller’s character, Thomas, hears his brother utter those fateful words. Sure enough, in Mail-Order Viscountess, the three older brothers are still assuming they know what is best for their now-grown brother and trying to direct his paths. Thomas, who has always felt his opinions are ignored and has been trying to prove himself to his siblings, finds himself with James and Rose, greeting two young women at the train station. He has just been informed by his brother, James, that one of the young women is his mail-order bride. A bride he never sent for, but is now responsible for, half-a-continent away from their civilized home. The bride-to-be, Clara, is very quiet, but her sister, Kate, is very outspoken and protective of her sister, sizing Thomas up every chance she gets. Is Thomas Balfour really a safe, trustworthy man to hand her sister over to? “His brothers had ordered him one mail-order bride and gotten two women instead—one who’d come expecting marriage, and one who looked at him like he was something she’d scrape off her boot.”

Kate and Clara McKinney gladly seize the opportunity of the request for a mail-order bride. They can leave behind Clara’s domineering mother who would marry Clara off to a much older man. Clara can marry a rancher and Kate can start her own business in the West. Kate even finds the foothold into society she needs to start the business.

Then… once Kate and Clara understand the false pretenses that brought them, they still need a place to rest before deciding their next steps. As Thomas and Kate are separated from the rest of the party and put in a compromising situation, it seems the only solution is for a marriage of convenience between these two instead.

I loved Kate’s protectiveness and love for her sister, of whom she could have easily been resentful. She sees her sister’s need for structure and does the heavy lifting of planning for the future of the two. Kate studies Thomas and begins to develop an understanding of the young man who feels unseen, unheard, and unappreciated by his Balfour brothers.

I love how Thomas slowly falls for Kate as she shows him respect and sees him as an individual worth listening to. I did begin to wonder, though, if Thomas spends too much time being bitter when others had his best at heart….oh, yeah, that’s how he got in this crazy mess. Best strike out on his own, be his own person. Go to California. Kate quietly questions whether he is running away, then explains that there is a difference between running or choosing. “Choosing a path means you know where you’re going. Running just means you’re desperate to be anywhere but where you are.”

This novel held a romance that I loved, a great marriage-of-convenience story, found family, trust, and a good deal of heart-pounding suspense. I believe this is one of Beller’s best. I certainly enjoyed every element!

I received a copy of the book from CelebrateLit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“But sometimes the very thing we think will trap us is actually the thing that sets us free.”- Rose

“ ‘I don’t know if I can give her what she needs.’ James stayed quiet a long moment. When he spoke, his tone had softened. ‘None of us know that when we start. We just choose to try.’ ” -Thomas, James

“Truth doesn’t count for much when scandal makes a better story.” Thomas

“You’re not running from cowardice.” Kate’s words came softer now, almost gentle. “You’re running from the weight of everyone’s expectations. From having to be the hero they think you are.”

“Every instinct screamed at her to run—to protect herself from the vulnerability of binding her life to another person who could hurt her, leave her, fail her the way her father had.” ( Kate)

“…reputation is the only currency that matters out here. Once lost, it cannot be recovered.” -Mr. Hartwell

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail-Order Viscountess is a wonderful historical fiction novel. It’s also book three in a series that you don’t want to miss! Can I be honest? I’m sad. This should be a five-part series. There are five brothers. Well, there were. But I feel like I’m being cheated out of a novel since the oldest brother died. Maybe a prequel from the mother’s perspective while in England, the kidnapping, plus being sent to America!

Book One, we focus on the second oldest, who is now the title inheritor since the eldest died. Enoch gets his bride in that novel, and it’s amazing. Loved it. Highly recommend. Read book one first.

Book two focuses on James. His story isn’t a mail-order bride, really. He orders her as a housekeeper first. You’ll love it! Make sure you read it second.

And now book three!
This one focuses on Thomas. He’s the risk taker. The act before I think, guy. But he’s not reckless. He’s not out to get killed. He just doesn’t think he’s worth it. You see, he was recently knighted. Which, he’s already a Lord, but now he’s a knight too. But in order to become a knight, someone had to die. And that loss is what is weighing on him. He feels unworthy. He also feels that his brothers don’t take him seriously, or that the ideas he has are just dismissed immediately.

I enjoyed getting to know Thomas better in this novel. And I loved Clara and Kate. They have an amazing relationship. Kate has had a hard life, with her mother dying and her stepmother being very against her. When the parents are going to marry Clara off to someone twice her age, Kate takes matters into her own hands, and they answer a mail-order bride ad.

A mail-order bride ad for Thomas, which he has no idea about. What could go wrong!?
This was super fun! I loved Kate’s spark. Clara comes out of her shell and is a strong character as well. She’s not afraid to make her thoughts known, but in her own way.

But what happens when Kate and Thomas are caught on the wrong side of the ice breaking on the river? And what about having to hide in a cave overnight to stay alive in a blizzard? But most importantly, what will they do when a high society person sees them leaving the cave together?

Will Thomas still go to California? Or will he stick with his family?

I cannot wait for book four. This was an amazing read, and I highly recommend it.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sisters, a mail-order bride plan gone wrong, trapped during a snowstorm, & an unsuspecting groom made for one exciting, romantic adventure! I’ve loved every story in the Lords of the Rockies series & this one is a new favorite. Mail-Order Viscountess is Thomas’ story & I loved seeing the charming youngest find his match. Full of danger, romance, & faith, this story had me eagerly turning the pages.

Lord Thomas Balfour’s tired of not being taken seriously by his older brothers & living up to a legacy he feels he doesn’t deserve. When he meets his brother & sister-in-law in Butte for supplies, he plans to tell them he’s leaving for California. Instead, he learns they’ve ordered him a mail-order bride, hoping to curb his reckless ways. When his bride & her sister arrive soon after, Thomas is beside himself. Their journey back to the Balfour ranch proves disastrous when a sudden blizzard traps Thomas & his bride’s sister, Kate, on the other side of an icy river.

I adored this story! Kate is extremely skeptical of Thomas at first & wonders if her plan to get her sister Clara away from their mother’s machinations was worth it. Having never felt truly loved since her mother died & her father remarried, she holds that hurt close. Thomas knows he’s loved by his family but doesn’t feel worthy or taken seriously. I enjoyed watching these two find common ground, a deep understanding of one another, & a sizzling undercurrent of attraction.

There are so many twists & turns in this story, and though Thomas is supposed to marry one sister, circumstances force him to consider the other. I loved his chivalry & the way he cared about Kate’s feelings & thoughts. He’s a fabulous listener who truly takes the time to know her. Kate’s prickly, distrustful at first, & fiercely protective of her younger sister. I loved the way she slowly melted as she came to trust Thomas & see his goodness.

Loved the exciting ending & can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Highly recommend to closed door Western romance fans. I received an advanced copy but also borrowed in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I think this was my favorite book in this awesome series!! Thomas is the youngest brother, the one who feels as if he doesn’t belong, and his family decides he “needs settling”. He’s secretly planning on leaving asap to go find his own place in California, when his family asks him to run to town and get some provisions before the bad weather comes. He’s fine with it as he can also finish getting his own supplies. But, when he finds out there’s someone at the train depot to pick up, he really gets angry at his siblings. He has full intentions of bringing her back to marry his older brother who still hasn’t married and then leaving! When he gets there, his breath is taken away by the beauty of this woman! She’s also brought her sister. His family sees there’s going to be a problem, so they step in and they all meet at the diner to talk things out. When they head back home, the blizzard hits suddenly and with a vengeance! Thomas and Kate’s wagon gets separated from the other wagon, (where her little sister is) nearly falling through the frozen water and they have to survive several days on their own. Thomas realizes that IF he would ever marry, this would definitely be the perfect woman for him. She is a hard worker, bringing in branches, knocking the snow off, staying awake for hours to help keep the fire going while Thomas risks his life bringing in the wood. They are staying behind a frozen waterfall that looks like a dreamland but there are so many dangers outside of the falls, and they’re on a narrow ridge. I just can’t re-tell the entire book in my review and ruin it for others! This is such an exciting book; I absolutely loved it and encourage everyone to read this one! This entire series is so great, but I highly recommend reading this one! 📕♥️

[D.M. Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mail Order Viscountess by Misty Beller is the latest in her Lords of the Rockies series. It has been a true reader’s delight to journey with the Balfour brothers in their quest for love. This book follows Thomas, the youngest brother—and a personal favorite.

Each chapter vibrated with an almost tangible sense of emotional strain. In this circumstance-driven plot with its unexpected twist on the mail-order bride trope, I found all my predictions tossed out the window right from the start. I appreciated the story’s unpredictable elements, which made it feel new and exciting.

I fully enjoyed the depth of character sprinkled throughout this story about two strong-willed main characters. The heart-warming quality of the story stemmed from its characters’ unvarnished depth and the secrets that necessitated their evolution. I found myself rooting for love to win while biting my nails, wondering if it would.

The suspenseful turn at the end had me racing through the last few chapters. A true delight of romance sprinkled with historic details, this book transported me to harsh Montana winters and the dangers of the Rockies. The characters experienced some profound lessons that were impactful enough to remain in memory. This is one of those series that makes you feel like such a part of the family that you become fully invested in the outcome of their lives. Any fan of historical romance will love these books. I recommend reading them in order for the best experience.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Western Christian Romance, Mail-Order Viscountess. This is the third book in the series Lord of the Rockies. I'm a big fan of Mistie's work. I'm always thrilled to receive one of her books. I have really enjoyed this series. I know you are going to love it.

Lord Thomas Balfour was newly knighted for an act he felt was wrong. A man had died and he was rewarded. He has become restless and told his brothers he was going to leave. His brothers think if they find him a wife he will settle down, so without his knowledge they send for a bride. They take him to town to meet her and don't tell him until she arrives. He explains what his family has done but offers to take them to their ranch until they sort things out.

Kate McKinney has always carried for her younger sister. She arranges for a marriage to get them both away from their controlling mother. She is very disappointed when they see her sister's intended. He had obviously been in a fight and was in severe pain. When they leave for the ranch the next morning a blizzard arises and Kate and Thomas are stranded together over night. They are seen the next morning by a man that had traveled with the women. Her reputation is destroyed unless they marry.

Neither Kate or Thomas even like each other as they enter into a forced marriage. God has a plan for these two a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.

[Donna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I think you should know:
Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M. Beller is the third book in the Lords of the Rockies series. Set in February 1870. This book features youngest brother Thomas Balfour and his surprise mail order bride. I would not start with this book, instead I would start with Mail Order Duchess, as this book gives numerous spoilers.

What you might need to know:
Kate was raised by her father and step mother, who did not treat Kate like a daughter. This left Kate very untrusting of people.

What I think about this book:
To be completely honest, I have fallen in love with the Balfour family by this point in the series. Thomas’s brothers have an unwelcome surprise waiting for him in Butte, a bride who thinks she is wanted by him. Instead the family is surprised when his intended bride arrives with her older sister. Kate, the older sister, is immediately taken back by the situation when she found out that they have been deceived, due to her history she is less than forgiving of the situation, but trying to make her sister happy. This situation leads to a very prickly Kate and an equally stubborn Thomas. I really enjoyed watching these two grow as the story progressed, Once again the author takes the reader on an adventure that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last. I anxiously awaited this book as I am already awaiting the next to see what adventure we get to take with the quiet Balfour Brother.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Balfour's brothers believe it is now time for him to get a wife. So even with his sisters-in-law's backing, they send for one. Unfortunately, they never let Thomas know till the day of the arrival. As you can expect, Thomas is less than thrilled since he wants to break away from his older brothers' shadows and the one that still follows them from England. Thomas has plans to branch out to California and build his own ranch. He plans on stopping his wedding from ever happening. That is until he meets his bride Clara and her older sister Kate.

Kate is very protective of her younger sister. They agreed to this arranged marriage to escape their evil stepmother and her plans for both. However, when Kate finds out Thomas has no such plans and just found out about this arrangement, she is left to come up with something else for her and her sister. That is until a whirlwind of events takes place and she finds herself the bride of Thomas instead.

This was a great continuation, and I highly enjoyed watching very stubborn Thomas fall in love with an equally stubborn Kate. With all kinds of danger from nature, sickness, and from across the sea, the Balfour family continues to stand strong and united. Looking forward to Clara and Robert's story next.

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.

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[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail-Order Viscountess is book three in the Lord of the Rockies series that written by one of my favorite historical fiction authors, Misty M. Beller. I have read all the books in the series, you can read them as stand alones -but since this is a series following brothers, you will want to read them all. Plus, this series is probably my favorite of the author.
Lord Thomas Balfour is newly knighted. He does not feel worthy or adequate and wants to walk away from it all. He has lived a reckless life - and it has shown. However, his brothers have sent away for a bride for him….. And she comes with her own sister. Kate McKinney’s thought process was to rescue her younger sister from her mother’s ill fated plans. Her sister would be the intended for Thomas - but a blizzard takes fate into it’s own hands. It becomes a journey of survival.
I have been looking forward for Thomas’s story. I knew that it was going to be great, and boy was it ever. I loved that Kate also wanted to help her sister, and she finds out that her plans will not go the way that it plans - it shows that God’s plans are better then what we can whip up.
Well written characters, engaging storyline this is a MUST read for historical fiction fans. I love this author, and this series.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate LIt for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail-Order Viscountess

I liked this unexpected romance between Thomas and Kate. Kate and her younger sister, Clara, had traveled three months to Montana to fulfill the promise of Clara becoming the mail order bride for Thomas. Upon arrival, they found out Thomas did not write the letters looking for a bride but his brothers had done it to keep him from leaving the family to go to California. During the return to the family ranch, a snowstorm hit causing Thomas and Kate to get separated from the rest of the Balfour family and Clara. They found a cave behind a waterfall where they spent the night. When leaving the cave the next morning, a rich man from the town saw them and accused them of immoral behavior since they were both single and spent the night together without a chaperone. When they made it home, they revealed what happened. The solution was that Thomas and Kate should get married to restore their reputations. Did they? You will have to read the book to find out. There was also a kidnapping, an attack on the family, and Clara becoming deathly sick. I highly recommend this exciting romantic suspense to those who love a clean romance with action. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something for everyone in this beautifully written story. I love how the author brings the scenery to life with visual words that made me feel like I was there during the snow storm. It was popular during this time period for women to travel long distances to find a husband. It made me think of the dating apps we have today. People go online hoping for a connection. With Mail-order brides, they have no idea what each other looks like so I love to read about their impressions of each other when they first meet.

A charming match happens but not exactly with the two people that it was intended for. I had to laugh when poor Thomas finds out what his meddling brothers have done. The last thing on his mind is a wife since he is trying to get out of town and start over somewhere else. I like how he handles difficult situations with grace.

Kate has good intentions traveling with her younger sister to help her get settled as a wife. Misunderstandings find Kate and her sister Clara wondering what they have gotten theirselves into. I like how Kate faces her pain of not feeling loved by her mother in an emotional journey to forgiveness and a new beginning.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty Beller has done it again with another enjoyable historical fiction read. I love her book series. Lords of the Rockies is about a family of English Lords who were transplanted, for safety reasons, to Montana when they were young. The boys are now all old enough to marry, and because there are so few unmarried women, they need to get creative about finding wives for themselves (and each other).
In Mail-order Viscountess, the brothers conspire to find a wife for Thomas, who seems a bit unsettled because of events from the previous book. James and his wife, along with Thomas, make the trip to town to pick up supplies (and the wife Thomas doesn’t know about). As you can imagine, there are problems with this arrangement, and even more arise when the group is caught in a blizzard on their way back to the ranch. As is usual with Beller’s books, this was another “can’t stop reading” story for me.
While Mail-Order Viscountess is written for an adult audience, there is nothing in the book that would prevent it from being added to a K-12 Christian school library. Teen girls will enjoy the story's romance.
I received a complimentary copy of Mail-Order Viscountess. This is my honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail-Order Viscountess is the third book in the Lords of the Rockies series by Misty M. Beller. This story follows after the previous books in the series, so it is best to read them in order. In this story we catch up with youngest brother Thomas when his family brings in a mail-order bride for him without his knowledge. The young lady is accompanied by her sister, Kate, who actually draws his attention. While traveling home from the train, the two get caught in a snowstorm and are forced to spend the night in a cave. In the morning a prominent man in the community sees them and threatens to ruin her plans for setting up a sewing business once her sister and Thomas are settled.

This is such an enjoyable story to read. I like how descriptive the writing is, so it is easy to imagine what is happening. I enjoyed how Thomas struggled with his family's plan for him and how he feels as the younger brother. I especially enjoyed how the family works together to protect each other. This is such a good series, I look forward to reading about the other brothers.

I voluntarily received a com0plimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Lords of the Rockies series and I enjoyed it as much as the first two. Getting to know this down to earth family that hold titles in England but have adapted to the Montana ruggedness is like a breath of fresh air literally and figuratively. Thomas is the brother that feels unseen and plans to leave for California until he is blindsided by his brothers sending for him a mail-order bride. On the way to the ranch unforeseen circumstances force a close proximity and what follows will keep you turning pages. With great plot lines and characters that feel like family you won’t want it to end. Being seen as a person is important but even more so is knowing we are always seen by God. I love this author storytelling abilities and how I am always drawn in to the story from the descriptive words that make you visualize the countryside to the dialog that you can hear. I look forward to the next book in the series and how everything is wrapped up. I recommend settling in and reading this one for total enjoyment.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/Wild Heart Books. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐥-𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐬 tells the story of Thomas, the youngest Balfour brother. Thomas is easy to like, and I understood his need to prove himself to his family. I also enjoyed getting to know Kate and watching both her and Thomas grow throughout the story.

This fun series is full of surprises, and each book keeps getting better. If you enjoy close-proximity stories where the hero and heroine do not start out as friends, this one will pull you in. It works well as a stand-alone, but reading the full series gives you a better look at each of the Balfour brothers. With suspense, surprises, and sweet romance, this story is entertaining and sure to leave you smiling. This is a heartwarming read I would gladly recommend.

First Line: The crate hit the wagon bed with a satisfying thud, and Thomas Balfour scraped a sleeve across his forehead as he turned for another.
Series: Lords of the Rockies, book 3
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Author: Misty M. Beller
Page Count: 290

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Misty Beller’s storytelling ability. This book is especially good. Thomas is the youngest of the Belfour brothers . The restless and reckless younger brother. His brothers decided he needed settling so the sent for a mail order bride without telling him. Clare was supposed to be the mail order bride. She was accompanied by her older protective sister Kate. But plans change after events beyond their control. This where the book starts but it gets more involved with a few twist and turns. The conversational flow of the characters is very realistic . I felt their emotions throughout the storyline. That is what makes a good book. The relationship between Thomas and Kate is very powerful. The family deals with life together with love, respect and understanding. The ending of the book shows this family strives to grow together with their faith is God ever present. I highly recommend reading this series and especially this book. I would give it more than 5 stars if possible if possible.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book, and this is my honest review.”

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I thought bringing Clara here would fix everything. New place, new start, new life. But I'm still the same person I was in Columbia. Still afraid. Still trying to control everything because I don't know how to trust anyone else."

"The walls she'd spent years building-stone by careful stone-trembled under the weight of what he was offering.
Partnership. Not rescue. Not obligation.
Something they would forge together."

I've really been enjoying this series and the third book did not disappoint. I felt this one was less intense and much sweeter. Thomas and Kate were both used to being unseen, but they see each other. A compromising situation drives them to a marriage of convenience, but within it they build a place of safety, understanding and friendship for each other as it grows into more. They had a wonderful dynamic and great communication with a very sweet conclusion. My only complaint is I think his brothers should have grovelled a bit more for their blatant interference (which effected three people) and their ignoring of his worth, but I did appreciate their sincere apologies and reconciliation. Now I'm really looking forward to the next story about Kate's sister Clara and Thomas's brother Robert!