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Prudence
Shrewish Prudence Crawford is the last woman left at the Mail-Order Brides of the West Agency because she’s rejected every match offered to her as not good enough. One-by-one, she’s watched her fellow brides leave for their new lives and has heard tales of their happiness, and she wants that for herself—but not just any man. She will only take a husband who offers wealth and status. Michael Morgan struck it rich in mining, or at least richer than anyone else in the tiny town of Morgan’s Crossing, Montana. He’s built himself the nicest house in town, which isn’t saying much when there are only ten homes in the whole place. He’s elected himself mayor of the population of 61 inhabitants and keeps his kingdom under tight control. When he hears stories of the mail-order brides arriving in nearby Sweetwater Springs, he decided to send for a wife, even if he has to exaggerate a mite to attract one. A wealthy mine owner who’s the mayor of a town named after him and has a mansion sounds perfect to Prudence, even if the place is too close to the other mail-order brides whom she dislikes. But when Michael and his circumstances are not what Prudence dreamed, tempers flare and the fighting begins. Can Michael tame the shrew, or are they destined to have a miserable marriage? 1886 Mail-Order Brides of the West Series in Mail-Order Brides of the Trudy Mail-Order Brides of the Evie Mail-Order Brides of the Heather Mail-Order Brides of the Lina Mail-Order Brides of the Darcy Mail-Order Brides of the Kathryn Mail-Order Brides of the Prudence Mail-Order Brides of the Bertha Montana Sky Series in Chronological 1882 Beneath Montana Skies 1886 Mail-Order Brides of the Trudy Mail-Order Brides of the Lina Mail-Order Brides of the Darcy Mail-Order Brides of the Prudence Mail-Order Brides of the Bertha 1890s Bride of Montana Wild Montana Sky Starry Montana Sky Stormy Montana Sky Montana Sky Christmas A Valentine's Choice An Irish Blessing A Rolling Stone Painted Montana Sky Glorious Montana Sky Sweetwater Springs Christmas Sweetwater Springs Scrooge Healing Montana Sky Mystic Montana Sky Singing Montana Sky Bright Montana Sky (March 2018) Montana Sky Justice (August 2018)
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2015
772 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Debra Holland
65 books318 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Debra Holland is a three-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist and one time winner. She’s the author of the award winning Montana Sky Series, sweet, historical Western romance. Book Two, Starry Montana Sky, was selected by Amazon as one of 50 Greatest Love Stories. Debra is also the author of The Gods’ Dream Trilogy, fantasy romance. Painted Montana Sky Christmas is her latest book.
Debra has written a nonfiction book, The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving from Alpha Books (a subsidiary of Penguin). She has a free ebooklet available on her website, http://drdebraholland.com: 58 Tips for Getting What You Want From a Difficult Conversation.
Debra has written a nonfiction book, The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving from Alpha Books (a subsidiary of Penguin). She has a free ebooklet available on her website, http://drdebraholland.com: 58 Tips for Getting What You Want From a Difficult Conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 3, 2020
TAMING OF THE SHREW
We meet Prudence at the beginning of the Mail Order Brides of the West series, and she was a character I could totally despise (and did), right from the beginning. My opinion of her didn't change much when it came time for her own story, even if her character did develop into a slightly more likable one.
Prudence grew up in a wealthy family, and she spends her time looking down on others and expecting others to do whatever she wants. She takes pleasure in others' misfortunes and often makes herself their biggest misfortune by finding any way she possibly can to torment them. None of the mail order brides liked her, but that was OK; she didn't care for them, or much of anyone else, either, for that matter.
Mrs. Seymour has decided to temporarily close the agency to go to Montana and be with Evie during the birth of her first child. That means any potential brides who haven't yet found a match are going to have to leave when she does. Prudence has nowhere else to go, though, but even Mrs. Seymour is at the end of her rope with Prudence.
Then the letter comes from a Michael Morgan, a gold mine owner in Montana, specifically asking for Prudence. Maybe things won't be so bad after all. She'll be living with the owner of a gold mine. She'll have the finery and elegance she deserves.
Or will she? I didn't like Michael's character either, and I kind of felt like they deserved each other. They were both as unpleasant as the other, but two characters too much alike don't tend to get along well. How will Michael and Prudence overcome that, or will they?
I've got one more in this series, Bertha, but it seems she only gets a novella out of the deal. I don't much like that, as she seems to be the one I can relate to the most, but we'll see how that goes. Overall, I didn't care for this book as much as the others, but I'm sure a big part of that was my dislike for the characters, and that changed little as the book came to an end. It wasn't a bad story, though.
We meet Prudence at the beginning of the Mail Order Brides of the West series, and she was a character I could totally despise (and did), right from the beginning. My opinion of her didn't change much when it came time for her own story, even if her character did develop into a slightly more likable one.
Prudence grew up in a wealthy family, and she spends her time looking down on others and expecting others to do whatever she wants. She takes pleasure in others' misfortunes and often makes herself their biggest misfortune by finding any way she possibly can to torment them. None of the mail order brides liked her, but that was OK; she didn't care for them, or much of anyone else, either, for that matter.
Mrs. Seymour has decided to temporarily close the agency to go to Montana and be with Evie during the birth of her first child. That means any potential brides who haven't yet found a match are going to have to leave when she does. Prudence has nowhere else to go, though, but even Mrs. Seymour is at the end of her rope with Prudence.
Then the letter comes from a Michael Morgan, a gold mine owner in Montana, specifically asking for Prudence. Maybe things won't be so bad after all. She'll be living with the owner of a gold mine. She'll have the finery and elegance she deserves.
Or will she? I didn't like Michael's character either, and I kind of felt like they deserved each other. They were both as unpleasant as the other, but two characters too much alike don't tend to get along well. How will Michael and Prudence overcome that, or will they?
I've got one more in this series, Bertha, but it seems she only gets a novella out of the deal. I don't much like that, as she seems to be the one I can relate to the most, but we'll see how that goes. Overall, I didn't care for this book as much as the others, but I'm sure a big part of that was my dislike for the characters, and that changed little as the book came to an end. It wasn't a bad story, though.
August 23, 2015
As always, Debra Holland has brought us a fabulous story. I was really looking forward to this one.
Prudence was always the mean one. Always putting people down and never being appreciative of anything. When she is forced to make a match in Montana where 3 of her nemesis now live.
Michael Morgan is mayor of the town Morgan's Crossing. Feeling the need for a wife, he sends for a mail order bride. But when she gets there she isn't at all what he pictured.
As they make their way to their home and Prudence finally sees her town, she is shocked and appalled at the rustic emptiness of it. And she has to learn many things in a very short amount of time.
With his shrewish wife, Michael thinks he would have been better off alone. But when he has to be without her, he realizes some thing about himself that he is not proud of. With they ever grow together and be happy or be forever miserable?
I knew that Prudence was in for a rude awakening but the transformation in her was a welcome sight. As she was needed and shown appreciation, her spirit blossomed into a very loveable person. Finding the faults in her own self and overcoming her pride to apologize is a testament to her growth. Thank you Debra for another wonderful and heart touching story.
Prudence was always the mean one. Always putting people down and never being appreciative of anything. When she is forced to make a match in Montana where 3 of her nemesis now live.
Michael Morgan is mayor of the town Morgan's Crossing. Feeling the need for a wife, he sends for a mail order bride. But when she gets there she isn't at all what he pictured.
As they make their way to their home and Prudence finally sees her town, she is shocked and appalled at the rustic emptiness of it. And she has to learn many things in a very short amount of time.
With his shrewish wife, Michael thinks he would have been better off alone. But when he has to be without her, he realizes some thing about himself that he is not proud of. With they ever grow together and be happy or be forever miserable?
I knew that Prudence was in for a rude awakening but the transformation in her was a welcome sight. As she was needed and shown appreciation, her spirit blossomed into a very loveable person. Finding the faults in her own self and overcoming her pride to apologize is a testament to her growth. Thank you Debra for another wonderful and heart touching story.
August 30, 2015
This is a fantastic series about brides from a mail order bride home in St. Louis. The authors originally intended to only write stories about 6 of the girls. Prudence was not one of the six. She was a mean and nasty secondary character. The series is wonderful and the readers asked for more. They wanted Prudence's story. I wondered how the author could be true to her character and yet create a story that we would all want to read. I am very impressed with what Debra Holland created.
Prudence does have her talents. When she unknowingly chooses a groom from a very small mining town, she is thrust into situations she would never have imagined herself in. She discovered that she could be compassionate and that her strong will is very useful in some situations.
Michael didn't really know what he was getting in a wife. Both were unprepared for what they found in the other person. Sparks flew in more ways than one.
I was quite entertained by their interactions with one another. I was impressed with the ways the author found to make Prudence's talents shine. I enjoyed the story immensely and, like her other readers, can't wait for more. I look forward to Bertha's story to be released next spring.
Prudence does have her talents. When she unknowingly chooses a groom from a very small mining town, she is thrust into situations she would never have imagined herself in. She discovered that she could be compassionate and that her strong will is very useful in some situations.
Michael didn't really know what he was getting in a wife. Both were unprepared for what they found in the other person. Sparks flew in more ways than one.
I was quite entertained by their interactions with one another. I was impressed with the ways the author found to make Prudence's talents shine. I enjoyed the story immensely and, like her other readers, can't wait for more. I look forward to Bertha's story to be released next spring.
December 14, 2015
I have read and enjoyed all of the stories from the Mail Order Brides of the West series. When I first started reading the series, Prudence was the one character that I didn't want to find a match. Given how mean she was to the other brides, I didn't think she deserved happiness. Debra got me to change my mind.
January 4, 2016
Excellent story. Very descriptive with lots of conflict. A great read.
May 1, 2020
Refreshingly original storyline
Bravo! I've read this entire series, and this book was my favorite! The author took an unlikable character-- the villain of past books-- and made her the lead character in a romance, of all things. She began as an unlikable character. Then the reader grows to understand her story, though it doesn't excuse her bad behavior. With time, the reader will start pulling for her. By the end of the book, readers not only love the character, but her sauciness will have them laughing and loving her for it even more. Well done on an interesting twist to otherwise predictable romance books!
Bravo! I've read this entire series, and this book was my favorite! The author took an unlikable character-- the villain of past books-- and made her the lead character in a romance, of all things. She began as an unlikable character. Then the reader grows to understand her story, though it doesn't excuse her bad behavior. With time, the reader will start pulling for her. By the end of the book, readers not only love the character, but her sauciness will have them laughing and loving her for it even more. Well done on an interesting twist to otherwise predictable romance books!
January 22, 2018
The Funniest Book in the Series
When I realized the author wrote a book about Prudence, I wondered how this book could possibly turn out well after she created such a mean, despicable character. Then I wondered what type of husband would marry Prudence. You get that answer on the second chapter. The author created two self-centered, nasty characters and readers are entertained as we see their thoughts (which are hilarious), their personality changes, and their love develop. This was a wonderful book!
When I realized the author wrote a book about Prudence, I wondered how this book could possibly turn out well after she created such a mean, despicable character. Then I wondered what type of husband would marry Prudence. You get that answer on the second chapter. The author created two self-centered, nasty characters and readers are entertained as we see their thoughts (which are hilarious), their personality changes, and their love develop. This was a wonderful book!
November 21, 2017
I was unimpressed with this book. Maybe if I’d read the other books in the series first I could have enjoyed this story more. Prudence was definitely shrewish and Michael was stubborn. The disappointing part, there was no HEA or HFN. The story abruptly ended without so much as a kiss or an I love you. After so much arguing and back and forth between the two in the story, I think as a reader, I deserved that much!
October 17, 2018
What a story of redemption and forgiveness!
I'm so glad this story was written. I had read the bride stories and like probably every fan, I disliked Prudance. Her bullying and tantrum s made me want to box her ears. Then I read Bertha's story and couldn't imagine how her change in behavior could have happened. Now I will read Martha's story again so it will fit. I very much enjoyed each of the bride's stories.
I'm so glad this story was written. I had read the bride stories and like probably every fan, I disliked Prudance. Her bullying and tantrum s made me want to box her ears. Then I read Bertha's story and couldn't imagine how her change in behavior could have happened. Now I will read Martha's story again so it will fit. I very much enjoyed each of the bride's stories.
May 11, 2023
Big curve ahead
Michael misrepresents the tiny rustic mining community and his mail order bride is not well liked by anyone. He is disappointed in her appearance the day she arrives at a nearby train station, and Prudence is hurt by his reaction. They both feel swept along into a marriage with misgivings and must determine a way to make a success of it not knowing they both will become better people in the process.
Michael misrepresents the tiny rustic mining community and his mail order bride is not well liked by anyone. He is disappointed in her appearance the day she arrives at a nearby train station, and Prudence is hurt by his reaction. They both feel swept along into a marriage with misgivings and must determine a way to make a success of it not knowing they both will become better people in the process.
November 16, 2022
WOW!!! WOW, absolutely terrific
What an incredible story woven here. Prudence Crawford was NOT an appealing character in any of the preceding Brides of the West novels by Caroline Fyffe and Debra Holland. What a transformation, what a struggle with herself, along with a back story making Pru more sympathetic.
Read and find out. Great, nay fabulous entertainment.
What an incredible story woven here. Prudence Crawford was NOT an appealing character in any of the preceding Brides of the West novels by Caroline Fyffe and Debra Holland. What a transformation, what a struggle with herself, along with a back story making Pru more sympathetic.
Read and find out. Great, nay fabulous entertainment.
September 1, 2017
I was curious to see how the author would take Prudence, who was such an unlikable character in the earlier books and make her work as a main character. The vibe turned out to be a little like Taming the Shrew, in the sense that while she is obnoxious the romance still managed to work.
July 26, 2018
I read this before I realized that I haven't read the previous books. I while it was enjoyable, I should have read the earlier books so I could understand the references and relationship. So I am going back to the beginning now.
November 10, 2018
A movie in the making.
One begs another. I just couldn't put them down.
Having read all of The Mail Order Brides now, the characters have become a part of me. I look forward to seeing them again in another story.
Anyone who likes to take a step back in time.
One begs another. I just couldn't put them down.
Having read all of The Mail Order Brides now, the characters have become a part of me. I look forward to seeing them again in another story.
Anyone who likes to take a step back in time.
March 25, 2019
Surprise
I love this series and feel I know each character personally. This one was a pleasant surprise, because whoever though that snooty Prudence could change so dramatically, or Michael Morgan for that matter! I guess there's hope for all of us!
I love this series and feel I know each character personally. This one was a pleasant surprise, because whoever though that snooty Prudence could change so dramatically, or Michael Morgan for that matter! I guess there's hope for all of us!
October 3, 2019
Through the rest of the series I did not like Prudence at all, and even in most of this book I disliked her...but towards the end I started to feel bad for her. I like that she had some growth in this book.
October 1, 2020
Nobody likes Prudence . That is anyone who’s read the previous books in the series doesn’t . I didn’t like Prudence. But she is thoroughly redeemed in this book. I think it’s probably my favorite one of the series.
December 11, 2020
Mail-Order: Brides of the West: Prudence: A Montana
Prudence was a Shrew and mean. Morgan was a mayor of a mine company built a house wanted a wife. So Linda with Darcy also Tracy set him up with there nimase Pru.
Prudence was a Shrew and mean. Morgan was a mayor of a mine company built a house wanted a wife. So Linda with Darcy also Tracy set him up with there nimase Pru.
June 8, 2017
Wonderful way to turn shrew into lovely lady
Two lonely people make one happy marriage and friendships along the way.....make a dreary town in good community! Lovely book .
Two lonely people make one happy marriage and friendships along the way.....make a dreary town in good community! Lovely book .
June 23, 2017
Prudence
I read this book all in a few hours. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't put it down.
I read this book all in a few hours. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't put it down.
December 4, 2019
Good read
Who knew that you he most nasty of the awaiting brides would be one of the best stories 🤣🤣🤣👏👏👏Enjoy 👍💜
Who knew that you he most nasty of the awaiting brides would be one of the best stories 🤣🤣🤣👏👏👏Enjoy 👍💜
July 17, 2020
Once again, this series is incredibly good!
I might have enjoyed Prudence's story the most! She had the most to overcome in order to fall in love and grow! Really loved this story!
I might have enjoyed Prudence's story the most! She had the most to overcome in order to fall in love and grow! Really loved this story!
October 26, 2021
Prudence. Mail order brides of the west
I have really enjoyed this series but my favourite story of the 8 of them is Darcy s. And Prudence
I have really enjoyed this series but my favourite story of the 8 of them is Darcy s. And Prudence
January 9, 2023
Love can finds way into a hard heart
Five stars outstanding and joyful and very interesting also emotional funny how the characters stays into your mind great reading
Five stars outstanding and joyful and very interesting also emotional funny how the characters stays into your mind great reading
May 3, 2023
Cute
The fighting and the flirting. It was an interesting twist on the taming of the shrew. I enjoyed it. Clean romance.
The fighting and the flirting. It was an interesting twist on the taming of the shrew. I enjoyed it. Clean romance.
July 4, 2023
Mail-Order Brides of the West:Prudence
I disliked the first half of the book, but it has a better ending. Debra Holland has became one of my favorite authors.
I disliked the first half of the book, but it has a better ending. Debra Holland has became one of my favorite authors.
March 18, 2017
Prudence is the last of the litter and the reader can easily see why in this short book about mail order brides. She is mean and nasty. No man would want her, but Michael Morgan draws the short straw. They're made for each other, he's egotistical and a cheap skate. The story evolves and she gets nastier and nastier. Then, when the reader is sure that it's over, all goes well...it's a chick book and that's what they do.
October 6, 2018
This is the 4th book of the series and Im still loving it; the stories are just so sweet and clean, Im in love with the audible romance package #nonspons
I truly recommend you to read or listen to this series, they are sweet and entertaining and happy.
I truly recommend you to read or listen to this series, they are sweet and entertaining and happy.
January 30, 2016
As always with an audio of Ms. Holland’s is an outstanding listen one that captures your attention taking you to another place and time. This was a very entertaining I have been looking forward to reading for a long time. Prudence for a long time has been hateful, mean and downright a prude. I believe her family named her well. All the other mail-order-brides have been wonderfully sweet, caring and loving. Some down on their luck other just wanting to make a new start. I have to say my heart went out to her when I learned why she is the way she is. She has had a tough life just another to show money doesn’t bring you happiness or love.
Michael who is well to do and wants the prefect wife decides maybe he will get his self one. Going into Sweet Water Spring he runs into the past mail order brides. To say they weren’t impressed by him is saying it lightly. They decide there is only one wife he needs to fit him to a T. They are both just the same and they feel he needs to be taken down a peg or two. The tell him to ask for Prudence’s hand which he does. Once Prudence hits the town nothing will be the same for either of them. She thinks she will be living in the style she has always had until her parents died. What she finds puts her on a tailspin.
It is always a delight to listen to a book that Lara Asmundson has narrated. She has always been able to bring the story to life for me. Her different character voices are outstanding as she pulls you and takes you away. There are no background noises only a wonderfully clear wonderful voice that is a pleasure to listen to. You have no trouble knowing who is talking her male voices are as wonderful as her female ones. Her tones let you know what each character emotions are as she pulls you in giving you a story you cannot put down.
This is a very well written story which makes you smile, at times will leaving you laughing or smiling. The author also made me feel sorry for Prudence which I didn’t think would ever happen. I didn’t expect Prudence to be so giving and nice. I really thought they would meet head on and fight it out. There was some but not what I expected. This was still a wonderful listen and well worth the money as are all of this authors audios. I always have trouble waiting for the next one. I love this series so much.
Michael who is well to do and wants the prefect wife decides maybe he will get his self one. Going into Sweet Water Spring he runs into the past mail order brides. To say they weren’t impressed by him is saying it lightly. They decide there is only one wife he needs to fit him to a T. They are both just the same and they feel he needs to be taken down a peg or two. The tell him to ask for Prudence’s hand which he does. Once Prudence hits the town nothing will be the same for either of them. She thinks she will be living in the style she has always had until her parents died. What she finds puts her on a tailspin.
It is always a delight to listen to a book that Lara Asmundson has narrated. She has always been able to bring the story to life for me. Her different character voices are outstanding as she pulls you and takes you away. There are no background noises only a wonderfully clear wonderful voice that is a pleasure to listen to. You have no trouble knowing who is talking her male voices are as wonderful as her female ones. Her tones let you know what each character emotions are as she pulls you in giving you a story you cannot put down.
This is a very well written story which makes you smile, at times will leaving you laughing or smiling. The author also made me feel sorry for Prudence which I didn’t think would ever happen. I didn’t expect Prudence to be so giving and nice. I really thought they would meet head on and fight it out. There was some but not what I expected. This was still a wonderful listen and well worth the money as are all of this authors audios. I always have trouble waiting for the next one. I love this series so much.
August 29, 2015
This is Prudence’s story from Debra Holland’s Mail Order Bride Series. If you haven’t read these you really need to check them out. They are really great stories. With each book you get to catch up on previous characters which is always fun.
This story begins with Prudence being told by Mrs. Seymour, the head of the Mail Order Brides Agency, that she has to leave the agency at the end of the month. Prudence has been at the agency for quite a while with no prospects in sight. Prudence hasn’t been the easiest of candidates for Mrs. Seymour to match. She has been hateful and spiteful to everyone around her. She has no friends, no money and nowhere to go. It is quite the surprise to receive a letter at the last minute from Mr. Michael Morgan from Morgan’s Crossing requesting that she come and be his bride.
It is just what Prudence deserves, to end up in a mining town with a man who has misrepresented himself and his town. Michael is disappointed because Prudence isn’t the beauty he was hoping for and she most definitely can be a shrew. Sparks fly between the two of them until they come to the decision to stay married or part ways.
After reading about the other Mail Order Brides and Prudence’s part in the story I wondered how Ms. Holland was going to be able to find true love for Prudence. She does a great job at showing us why Prudence was the way she was and how Prudence grows up and becomes who she really wanted to be all along. Love this series!
This story begins with Prudence being told by Mrs. Seymour, the head of the Mail Order Brides Agency, that she has to leave the agency at the end of the month. Prudence has been at the agency for quite a while with no prospects in sight. Prudence hasn’t been the easiest of candidates for Mrs. Seymour to match. She has been hateful and spiteful to everyone around her. She has no friends, no money and nowhere to go. It is quite the surprise to receive a letter at the last minute from Mr. Michael Morgan from Morgan’s Crossing requesting that she come and be his bride.
It is just what Prudence deserves, to end up in a mining town with a man who has misrepresented himself and his town. Michael is disappointed because Prudence isn’t the beauty he was hoping for and she most definitely can be a shrew. Sparks fly between the two of them until they come to the decision to stay married or part ways.
After reading about the other Mail Order Brides and Prudence’s part in the story I wondered how Ms. Holland was going to be able to find true love for Prudence. She does a great job at showing us why Prudence was the way she was and how Prudence grows up and becomes who she really wanted to be all along. Love this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews