Elaine's Unwanted Choice

by Sarah Lamb

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 4, 2026

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine Winters is desperate for work. After losing her position at a hotel through unfortunate circumstances, she’s struggled to find another job that will simply allow her to feed herself and pay for room and board. Life has never been easy for Elaine. Left on the doorstep of an orphanage as a baby with only half of a locket from her birth mother, she has never expected more from life than honest work and survival.

When her roommate accepts a position as a lady’s companion and also agrees to become a mail-order bride, she convinces Elaine to take her place and travel to Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. Elaine is completely against the idea. She has always dreamed of marrying for love, not convenience, but with no money left and an empty stomach, she feels she has little choice.

The moment Elaine steps off the stagecoach in Cottonwood Falls, things go terribly wrong. The man expecting his mail-order bride is cruel, impatient, and furious after previous brides refused him. He creates a public spectacle by dragging Elaine toward the church against her will.

Thankfully, Oliver Mason witnesses the entire scene and steps in to rescue her. Having recently moved from Boston to establish an accounting business, Oliver has come to love the town and its people. His protective instincts immediately draw him to Elaine, and sparks fly between them almost at once.

Unfortunately, Oliver is already promised to Melanie, an upper-class woman from Boston who is expected to arrive any day to become his wife. Elaine believes Oliver is far above her station in life, while Oliver struggles with guilt over his growing feelings for Elaine and his lack of love for his fiancée.

Even after Oliver offers Elaine work as his housekeeper and cook in preparation for Melanie’s arrival, both try desperately to ignore the feelings developing between them.

Sarah Lamb fills this story with emotional conflict, heartfelt romance, and several unexpected twists that keep the pages turning all the way to a satisfying happily ever after. As part of the Rejected Mail-Order Brides series, Elaine’s Unwanted Choice absolutely does not disappoint.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sweetly launches the multi-author Rejected Mail-Order Match novella series! The heartwarming story is set in 1881 in the charming town of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, "the place where dreams come true". I thoroughly enjoyed Elaine and Oliver's emotional journey to achieve that end. A wonderful cast of characters along with a well-paced plot which features a double match rejection and a surprising revelation for Elaine kept me completely enthralled in the story and cheering for a positive outcome. I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a quick, satisfying historical romance 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.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine's Unwanted Choice is a story that will touch your heart. Elaine was an orphan and the only thing she has of her mother is half of a locket. She always wondered where her mother was and why she left her at orphanage. She has no family and now no job. How will she survive. Her friend Lizzie has found a job, so she will be alone again. Lizzie gives her her letter to become a mail order bride and Elaine has no choice now. When two strangers come to her rescue, she is drawn to Oliver. He offers her a job, but there is more there. Could her life finely be more and maybe a family too? You will have to read the story to find out
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of a lonely orphan, Elaine, who is now 24 years old, and her friend, Lizzie, who both lost their jobs due to their place of work burning down, is an absolutely beautiful story. I loved the way Elaine stood up to her scariest thoughts and left to be a mail order bride. But, it wasnt meant to be. Instead, the man gets thrown in jail! You’ll have to read the book to find out why and to find out how Elaine finds everything she ever desired and more in a little town called Cottonwood Falls! 📕♥️

[Kristin Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book. I throughly enjoyed this story. Growing up as an orphan Elaine felt others were looking down upon her. Once she was old enough she found a steady job that paid well enough and provided room and meals. When the hotel burned down she and her friend Lizzie took a cheap room and scoured the town taking any jobs they could find. This is where the story really takes off. I hope other readers will enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Diane Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine's Unwanted Choice by Sarah Lamb ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book 1 in a new series called Rejected Mail Order Match .

A great way to start a new series with a 5 star rating that's sure to capture the hearts of everyone romance reader there is. Hope that includes the person reading this review. I read it in one sitting.

Pre-order your copy today for a June 4th release date

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Elaine's story growing up as an orphan and learning to stand on her own as an adult. What a sweet character who has endured much yet keeps gratitude a part of her outlook. The author also weaved a story within the story that kept me wanting more. Great book!

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own, this is another very good book from Sarah Lamb! This is another sweet, clean,closed door, faith based historical romance story,very good! This new series sounds very good I am looking forward to more!

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with many likable characters. The story immediately pulled me in and kept me entranced until the last page. A feel-good story that you will want more of.