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Mail-Order Brides Club #3
Colleen
Colleen Shea thought she was over the man who broke her heart. The man who invited her out for an elegant dinner, and instead of proposing informed her that he needed to marry someone else. That had been devastating enough, but running into him a year later, with his wife and new baby, was too much for her to bear. She decides to leave Boston, and to follow her good friends, Emma and Julia, to Bozeman, MT.
Emma and Julia are both happily married to Ethan and Liam, two of the many Donovan brothers. Julia is thrilled to have Colleen join them and shares the good news that not one but two brothers, David and Paul, are both interested in meeting her. Colleen is excited about the possibility being courted by two eligible men....and then, she meets another Donovan, cousin Ricky, the black sheep of the family.
Emma and Julia are both happily married to Ethan and Liam, two of the many Donovan brothers. Julia is thrilled to have Colleen join them and shares the good news that not one but two brothers, David and Paul, are both interested in meeting her. Colleen is excited about the possibility being courted by two eligible men....and then, she meets another Donovan, cousin Ricky, the black sheep of the family.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 21, 2019
In this installment, the reader is introduced to Colleen, who is employed as a seamstress. She had previously dated (courted) a man for almost a year and anticipated a marriage proposal on their anniversary. The exact opposite transpired when he decided to marry someone else after a transgression resulted in a pregnancy, breaking the young girl's heart. A year later she is face to face with the happy couple and their baby.
In this third volume entitled 'Colleen', the reader is presented with a clean and wholesome story. There are about eight women living in Boston, who are still friends after having graduated from the local orphanage at age 18. During this era, single women without families have slim pickings for job opportunities, which included duties such as Nannies, kitchen duties, and maids. They recently discovered that their former mistress at the orphanage has a mail-order business now. The thought intrigued the girls but also frightened them as well.
Colleen comes to the conclusion that Boston is not big enough to avoid further contact with them and decides to join her friends, Julia, and Emma in Bozeman, Montana, where there are two beaus looking forward to meeting her, in hopes of marriage. So, off she heads to Montana. When she arrives, there are three men vying for her attention, before one bowed out. Will she find the right man to marry?
Although there were minimal grammatical errors, there were some era anomalies. Other reviewers have already depicted most, if not all in detail already. This book is able to stand on its own, but it appears that each book will work off the introductory installment and so it is recommended that you read them in order to obtain the full effect of the journey these people took on their paths to a H.E.A.
free-read
December 2, 2015Colleen seems like a very sweet mail order bride story, and you may enjoy it if you do not care about historic accuracy (set in 1897).
Within the first 27 pages ~
- Dialogue sounds very modern.
- lack of formality among new acquaintances (single female gets a big hug upon meeting her friend's husband--when she is not a family member)
- The term "surreal" is used (not in use until 1930's).
- Heroine uses the term "dating" rather than "seeing" or "courting".
- Heroine puts on pajamas (instead of a nightgown or shift) to sleep.
- A married woman goes to town and meets the train with her hair down.
One or two minor inaccuracies can be looked over; but there are too many for the first 27 pages.
Ms. Merrick writes a sweet story and perhaps would do better with contemporary romance.
If you are interested, Colleen is still a free read.
http://www.amazon.com/COLLEEN-Western...
Within the first 27 pages ~
- Dialogue sounds very modern.
- lack of formality among new acquaintances (single female gets a big hug upon meeting her friend's husband--when she is not a family member)
- The term "surreal" is used (not in use until 1930's).
- Heroine uses the term "dating" rather than "seeing" or "courting".
- Heroine puts on pajamas (instead of a nightgown or shift) to sleep.
- A married woman goes to town and meets the train with her hair down.
One or two minor inaccuracies can be looked over; but there are too many for the first 27 pages.
Ms. Merrick writes a sweet story and perhaps would do better with contemporary romance.
If you are interested, Colleen is still a free read.
http://www.amazon.com/COLLEEN-Western...
May 21, 2016
Slow. Didn't delve too deep into the characters or romance. Colleen had three love interest- though one wasn't involved for very long. I didn't like how she went back in forth between the two main men. When the feelings finally came, it was too fast and then bam- done.
I didn't feel like this story had much to offer and was a bit boring.
I didn't feel like this story had much to offer and was a bit boring.
February 16, 2017
I understood going in that this was a "sweet" historical romance which I take to mean "no descriptions of getting down" but I didn't think it would mean no description of relationships at all. It was all "tell", no "show". And the tell didn't tell me much.
I just didn't feel any connections. Not between the characters and not with the characters as a reader.
I think that certain readers would love this books (and clearly they do - it is very well ranked), but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
I just didn't feel any connections. Not between the characters and not with the characters as a reader.
I think that certain readers would love this books (and clearly they do - it is very well ranked), but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
December 19, 2015
Perfect for young teens
It is what the title claims, a sweet historical romance, though it's not perfectly sound in the history. A nice story for young readers
It is what the title claims, a sweet historical romance, though it's not perfectly sound in the history. A nice story for young readers
June 24, 2021
The best one so far
When I read reviews I want this list of questions answered so that I can know if a book should be to my liking. Since these questions aren’t usually answered in reviews I figure it’s my job to do so.
Happily Ever After? Yes
Does the hero treat the heroine badly in the beginning? No
Does the heroine treat the hero badly in the beginning? No
If the answers for 2 or 3 are yes, then do they make appropriate amends for their bad behavior?
Is this book Christian? No
Are there sex scenes in this book? No
If there is sex, are the sex scenes explicit?
Is the heroine a virgin? Yes
Is the heroine sexually assaulted? No
Is the hero a virgin? Unknown
Is there non-romantic drama (as in a kidnapping, murder, feud, or other intrigue that isn’t centered on romance)? No
Is the end satisfying? Yes
Is the book “icky” to modern ideals or sensibilities? (As in, a 15 year old marrying a 30 year old was acceptable in 1815 but might make a modern reader uncomfortable) No
*This book was better than the previous 2 in the series. Like with the previous 2 I feel like an additional 100 pages would add more depth and that hearing more from our hero’s perspective would be fantastic. But I did feel that this book was way more satisfying than the other two.
When I read reviews I want this list of questions answered so that I can know if a book should be to my liking. Since these questions aren’t usually answered in reviews I figure it’s my job to do so.
Happily Ever After? Yes
Does the hero treat the heroine badly in the beginning? No
Does the heroine treat the hero badly in the beginning? No
If the answers for 2 or 3 are yes, then do they make appropriate amends for their bad behavior?
Is this book Christian? No
Are there sex scenes in this book? No
If there is sex, are the sex scenes explicit?
Is the heroine a virgin? Yes
Is the heroine sexually assaulted? No
Is the hero a virgin? Unknown
Is there non-romantic drama (as in a kidnapping, murder, feud, or other intrigue that isn’t centered on romance)? No
Is the end satisfying? Yes
Is the book “icky” to modern ideals or sensibilities? (As in, a 15 year old marrying a 30 year old was acceptable in 1815 but might make a modern reader uncomfortable) No
*This book was better than the previous 2 in the series. Like with the previous 2 I feel like an additional 100 pages would add more depth and that hearing more from our hero’s perspective would be fantastic. But I did feel that this book was way more satisfying than the other two.
October 16, 2017
It was a nice read and would probably pass as even a Good one by less discerning readers. For readers that have gone through Grace Livingstone Hill (born 1865), Victoria Holt (born 1906) and even Nancy Drew (1930) this kind of lapse in editing would be surreal. Yes, the word surreal is a bit difficult to process when reading about novels during this book's timeline. I am pretty sure that the 3 authors previously mentioned did NOT use such words as ~ surreal, parking lot instead of hitching post, process, and in denial. These are all present day words used in present day context. Also, two of these authors were born during the last century and one was even born at an earlier period than this book's timeline; and they have not used such words (with the exception of "parking lot") either, in their books. Ms. Merrick needs a good editor and a true friend (not a sycophant) who will tell her the Truth about her writing. Nothing wrong about her concepts and ideas, it is the words she used creating a Time Warp and confusing the reader.
November 17, 2017
When Colleen's broken heart takes her from Boston to Montana she begins to settle in with friends. When she moves with her friend Julia and husband Liam, she begins courting with Liams brother's, Paul and David. Paul backs out relatively quickly and his cousin Ricky steps in. Colleen initially doesn't know who to pick until her heart settles on David. Beautiful short, wholesome mail order romance.
February 9, 2018
Raised in an orphanage that required her to move out at 18 to make room for other orphans, Colleen decides to take her friends up on an offer to become a mail order bride - as they had done. Going west to meet two brothers who are both looking for a wife becomes a little tougher when their cousin decides he is interested in Colleen also. But she let her heart decide and things worked out for the best.
November 12, 2020
Eenie meenie miney mo
Colleen comes to Bozeman as a mail order bride to escape having to see her former fiancé with his wife. Julia is sure that between David and Paul, who are brothers of Liam and Ethan, that she will find a match. But no one suspected a third man to enter the picture. What's a girl to do?...
Without spoiling it, I did love her choice and I loved the romance between them ❤️
Colleen comes to Bozeman as a mail order bride to escape having to see her former fiancé with his wife. Julia is sure that between David and Paul, who are brothers of Liam and Ethan, that she will find a match. But no one suspected a third man to enter the picture. What's a girl to do?...
Without spoiling it, I did love her choice and I loved the romance between them ❤️
November 7, 2023
Easy, feel good read.
Colleen has had a bad relationship in her hometown of Boston. She feels she can no longer live there and follows her friends to Montana as a mail order bride.
In Montana she meets David Donovan and the entire Donovan family, including cousin Ricky Donovan.
This is the story of her courtship and ultimate marriage, but which Donovan will she marry--the farmer or the city dweller?
Colleen has had a bad relationship in her hometown of Boston. She feels she can no longer live there and follows her friends to Montana as a mail order bride.
In Montana she meets David Donovan and the entire Donovan family, including cousin Ricky Donovan.
This is the story of her courtship and ultimate marriage, but which Donovan will she marry--the farmer or the city dweller?
November 30, 2016
Colleen decides to follow two of her friends west. They had come as mail order brides and that. Was a possibility for Colleen. The Donovan brothers Paul and David decide to see if either of them suit. She starts out serving in her friend Julie's and her husband Liam's restaurant. There she met Riley a cousin of the Donovan brothers. Now she has to decide between three men.
June 19, 2017
Colleen: A Sweet Western Historical Romance (Mail-Order Bridal Club Book 3)
The love story of Colleen and David. After run into her ex boyfriend's wife, Colleen decide to go join Emma and Julia. While she is there she has a choice of marrying David or Paul or Ricky. Which will she choose? Great story.
The love story of Colleen and David. After run into her ex boyfriend's wife, Colleen decide to go join Emma and Julia. While she is there she has a choice of marrying David or Paul or Ricky. Which will she choose? Great story.
May 22, 2023
A sweet historical novella, not usually my type of read, but a good historical none the less and good for the younger reader. The mail order bride trope is true to history as marriages of this kind usually occurred upon arrival or soon thereafter. It was a bonus if each fell in love with the other.
April 6, 2017
Sweat little story
Nice, light fiction. A sweet story. Part of a series, so characters are dangled, so you will want more. A couple of historical inaccuracies, but still enjoyable.
Nice, light fiction. A sweet story. Part of a series, so characters are dangled, so you will want more. A couple of historical inaccuracies, but still enjoyable.
October 25, 2017
Colleen, book three pretty good
This one had a couple of little twists and turns that made it more interesting. Some of the characters feel warm and sweet. Others feel a little stand offish. It also has several mistakes.
This one had a couple of little twists and turns that made it more interesting. Some of the characters feel warm and sweet. Others feel a little stand offish. It also has several mistakes.
June 19, 2019
Coleen A sweet Mailorder bride
Enjoyed the story very much, clean easy read. The big family gatherings were a pleasure to see, the gentle love and caring of each family member was a bonus.
Enjoyed the story very much, clean easy read. The big family gatherings were a pleasure to see, the gentle love and caring of each family member was a bonus.
October 18, 2017
Interesting story
I usually enjoy books of this genre,but was dismayed to find soon many blank pages that it was very hard to follow service of the story line.
I usually enjoy books of this genre,but was dismayed to find soon many blank pages that it was very hard to follow service of the story line.
October 18, 2017
It worked
I like romances and historical fiction. The whole concept of mail order brides intrigues me, so this book ticked a lot of boxes for me.
I like romances and historical fiction. The whole concept of mail order brides intrigues me, so this book ticked a lot of boxes for me.
October 19, 2017
Intrigue to
Well written. An interesting book about what some people we through as mail order brides back I the horse's and buggy days.
Well written. An interesting book about what some people we through as mail order brides back I the horse's and buggy days.
November 8, 2017
Too brief to develop any attachment to the characters
October 7, 2018
Mail order brides Colleen
David and Colleen a farmer and a seamstress. Loved the first and second book can't wait for Colleen friend Brianna story next
David and Colleen a farmer and a seamstress. Loved the first and second book can't wait for Colleen friend Brianna story next
November 18, 2018
East moves West
An orphan woman decides to move to Montana in search of a new life. She has friends in Bozman who she lives with until she meets two men who find her attractive
An orphan woman decides to move to Montana in search of a new life. She has friends in Bozman who she lives with until she meets two men who find her attractive
December 7, 2018
The only reason this book in the series got a 4 is because the heroine couldn't make up her mind between two suitors and it should have been obvious which to choose.
February 5, 2019
Good
This was a very entertaining book. I enjoyed the friends, suspense and the family. A beautiful love story with more to come.
This was a very entertaining book. I enjoyed the friends, suspense and the family. A beautiful love story with more to come.
April 25, 2019
Slow
Didn’t really get into the story much. I didn’t feel the connection develop between either couples. Storyline was slow. I am glad for the happy ending though.
Didn’t really get into the story much. I didn’t feel the connection develop between either couples. Storyline was slow. I am glad for the happy ending though.
April 26, 2020
Follows the formula, easy to read
May 13, 2024
Ligero romántico
Para pasar el rato
Para pasar el rato
February 27, 2017
A sweet romance
This is the third book in the Mail-Order Bride series that I have read. I either receive them free or purchase them for $.99 which is a fair price. These are sweet, wholesome books, great for teenagers to read. They are also good for everyday reading, aren't complicated and are relaxing instead of stressful.
I still don't think they are worth the $2.99 charged for them
This is the third book in the Mail-Order Bride series that I have read. I either receive them free or purchase them for $.99 which is a fair price. These are sweet, wholesome books, great for teenagers to read. They are also good for everyday reading, aren't complicated and are relaxing instead of stressful.
I still don't think they are worth the $2.99 charged for them
September 27, 2020
As all of the Donovan books I look forward to reading all of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews