Carrie's Catch:

by Stacey Haynes

Sometimes the greatest storms lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.

Carrie Malone never meant to leave New York. Life was good working in her father’s saloon… until the ruthless businessman Mr. Whitiker set his sights on her. Fearing for her safety, Carrie’s parents secretly arrange for her to become a mail-order bride through the Westward Home and Hearts Matrimony Agency.

Widowed farmer Jason Steele has spent years guarding his heart while raising his young son and struggling to keep his Kansas farm alive. The bank refuses him loans without a wife to prove stability, so marriage seems like the only solution. But the strong-willed woman who arrives is nothing like the quiet partner he expected.

When a violent tornado tears across the plains and Whitiker appears, spreading lies to destroy her reputation, Carrie must decide where she truly belongs… and Jason must choose whether to risk his heart for the woman he’s come to love.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 2, 2026

About the author

Stacey Haynes is an award-winning, and best-selling author. She has always enjoyed reading and writing romance stories beginning with her first story in 6th grade. Her dream has always been to have one of her books published, and now she has several, including a poem about her most disliked food, Peas!

She won her first writing contest when she and her sister, Marie, entered their story The Magic of a Billionaire into an online writing contest on www.ajoara.com – and their story won 1st place!

She considers herself a hopeless romantic and tries to find the best in others. She loves to write in her spare time to relax after a hard day at work.

Stacey lives in Utah with her wonderful husband and three adorable children. She hopes to have more books published in her lifetime.

Reviews

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie is the daughter of a tavern owner. A strong opinionated woman who takes no gruff from any man. When the drunk customers challenge her, there is a back and forth conversation. Each time a man tells her she should not speak in such a manner after she has told them they should not drink, her response is priceless. “yet here we are”. A wealthy man in town Mr. Whitaker thinks he can pull her into his web. The tavern is struggling and in debt. He will pay all debts in exchange for Carrie. To thwart his attempts her parents sign her up with a mail order bride company.
In Kentucky there is a single dad and farmer who needs a bank loan to rebuild from tornado damage. The cost, he has to have a wife to show stability. He contacts Mildred Crenshaw, Matchmaker elite.
Next thing, Carrie finds her way on a train from NY to Kentucky to marry a farmer she never met. She trusts her instincts and he reassures her if the changes her mind, she is free to do what she wants. The thing that tugs at her heart is his story, his son and the warm welcome of his community.
They are faced with Mr Whitaker appearance and the all feared tornado, will she or won't she pick the right path? I cried and I cheered as convictions were affirmed.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novella! There's so much packed into the story. The theme of second chances is prevalent throughout the book.

The characters are relatable and easy to like (except for 1 major turd)! Carrie reminds me a lot of myself. She's a tough woman, she speaks her mind and people know where they stand with her. Jason is hunkaliscious!! He's so patient, kind and compassionate. I love that he doesn't pressure Carrie into situations where she might be uncomfortable. "I already brought her into a life she didn't ask for. I won't cage her soul too."

Carrie finds herself curious about the Bible and God. As she reads the Psalms, she finds peace and courage!

I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie's Catch is a book you won't put down. Carrie is trying to help her parents, working at the saloon, but she doesn't hold back when trouble walks in the door. Her parents want to protect her, so they send her off to become a mail order bride. Jason needed help with raising his son Alex and working the farm. He never expected to ever find love again, but Carrie just might change his mind.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.