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Echo Canyon Brides #1
Montana Rescue
A clean historical western cowboy romance novel about a mail order bride. Echo Canyon Brides: Book 1
Josie Bainbridge has watched all of her friends get married and despairs ever finding a husband—especially because her home city of Pullman, Washington has too many women and not enough men. It becomes clear that if she’s ever going to find a man of her own, she’s going to have to look elsewhere. Josie begins scouring the personal advertisements, hoping to find the man of her dreams. When she comes across one for a Montana sheriff, she thinks she just might have found him.
In 1890, Echo Canyon, Montana, is on the verge of extinction. The gold rush has moved elsewhere along with many of its citizens, including most of the available women. Those who are left are diehards who refuse to leave their hometown. With Echo faced with an uncertain future, a few loyal townspeople create an unusual plan to turn things around in Echo and keep it on the map.
It seems simple: if they can increase their population it will keep their businesses alive and Echo will survive. They decide that mail-order-brides are the best way to make their plan a success. But who will be the first gentleman to order a bride? After a shocking incident in Echo, Sheriff Evan Taft reluctantly decides to step up and give it a whirl. If he can secure a bride, maybe other men will follow him in finding their own wives.
Evan embarks on finding the perfect wife, but can it be done? Evan has been burned in
the past and he doesn’t want to repeat the experience. Even more than he wants to keep from losing Echo, he doesn’t want to lose his heart only for it to be crushed again. Strife and evil forces accompany his search for true love. Will he succeed? The fate of Echo could very well depend on it.
Josie Bainbridge has watched all of her friends get married and despairs ever finding a husband—especially because her home city of Pullman, Washington has too many women and not enough men. It becomes clear that if she’s ever going to find a man of her own, she’s going to have to look elsewhere. Josie begins scouring the personal advertisements, hoping to find the man of her dreams. When she comes across one for a Montana sheriff, she thinks she just might have found him.
In 1890, Echo Canyon, Montana, is on the verge of extinction. The gold rush has moved elsewhere along with many of its citizens, including most of the available women. Those who are left are diehards who refuse to leave their hometown. With Echo faced with an uncertain future, a few loyal townspeople create an unusual plan to turn things around in Echo and keep it on the map.
It seems simple: if they can increase their population it will keep their businesses alive and Echo will survive. They decide that mail-order-brides are the best way to make their plan a success. But who will be the first gentleman to order a bride? After a shocking incident in Echo, Sheriff Evan Taft reluctantly decides to step up and give it a whirl. If he can secure a bride, maybe other men will follow him in finding their own wives.
Evan embarks on finding the perfect wife, but can it be done? Evan has been burned in
the past and he doesn’t want to repeat the experience. Even more than he wants to keep from losing Echo, he doesn’t want to lose his heart only for it to be crushed again. Strife and evil forces accompany his search for true love. Will he succeed? The fate of Echo could very well depend on it.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2015
883 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 18, 2015
This is a well written story. It starts off interesting to the end I liked how the ones from Dawson was mentioned. Can't wait till next one comes out. I love how Evan and Josie fell in love, and how Billy accepted his heritage. Hope that Win finds himself a bride and that Lucky finds his wife and child.
May 18, 2015
Another big hit series
I can tell this series will be a big hit? I loved it and will be looking forward to more from Echo Canyon. Evan and Josie were made for each other, I hope Lucky can be reunited someday with his family and Billy will find his place in this world. You just got to love Aunt Edna.
I can tell this series will be a big hit? I loved it and will be looking forward to more from Echo Canyon. Evan and Josie were made for each other, I hope Lucky can be reunited someday with his family and Billy will find his place in this world. You just got to love Aunt Edna.
February 23, 2018
This review is for 1-3 in the series. I must say that I had read the authors Montana Mail Order bride series and fell in love with it. I was bummed when I reached the end and decided to give another of her series a shot. I must also say if I had just read book 1 in this series I would not have read the other ones and missed out. I don’t know if I didn’t like book 1 because I kept comparing it to the previous series or what.... These are different from the other series because while they might have a slightly more prominent couple it is actually about many different people. I loved books 2 and 3 in this series a great deal. I’m glad that I gave this a shot. I cannot wait to finish this new series.
May 12, 2016
Different type of Western Sheriff and mail order Bride.
Unexpected twists in the plot. Good follow through in characters and storyline. Enjoyed immensely. Can't wait for the next story... characters that are confident in self and able to be different in stereotypes. Each story can stand alone in the series.
Unexpected twists in the plot. Good follow through in characters and storyline. Enjoyed immensely. Can't wait for the next story... characters that are confident in self and able to be different in stereotypes. Each story can stand alone in the series.
June 14, 2015
I thought the beginning of the book was a bit slow. By mid book I was more interested the story and characters (which there are a lot of). I did like the ending. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
December 14, 2024
Excellent
Excellent beginning to this new series. Trust is important in any relationship and the past can and does affect your ability to see the truth. Loved this book Linda. On to the next.
Excellent beginning to this new series. Trust is important in any relationship and the past can and does affect your ability to see the truth. Loved this book Linda. On to the next.
June 15, 2016
3 stars
I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed all of the characters. It felt like I knew them personally by the end of the book.
I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed all of the characters. It felt like I knew them personally by the end of the book.
September 26, 2016
Clean western late 1800's
Good story, clean western romance that has some drama to keep it exciting. I'll be reading the series. Try this author.
Good story, clean western romance that has some drama to keep it exciting. I'll be reading the series. Try this author.
August 15, 2021
In my quest to find a good historical mail order bride story, I fell upon this. I have to admit the "clean" didn't inspire me at all and neither did the undercurrent subplot between Marvin and his twin, I don't enjoy suspense - but the overall abundance of pure sugar overload had me page turning and investing in the characters - Aunt Edna and her shirtless entourage had me smirking (and that's about as kinky as it gets)!
Overall, This reminded me of the family Westerns (Bonanza and The Virginian) we used to watch on TV as kids on a Sunday afternoon (my childhood dog was named Trampus after one of the characters), so I'm sure the nostalgia played a big part. I'm not sure how many more of these books I will read in the series (there are 11 books), the wholesome goodness will most likely grate my last nerve, but for now, this was an enjoyable read.
Overall, This reminded me of the family Westerns (Bonanza and The Virginian) we used to watch on TV as kids on a Sunday afternoon (my childhood dog was named Trampus after one of the characters), so I'm sure the nostalgia played a big part. I'm not sure how many more of these books I will read in the series (there are 11 books), the wholesome goodness will most likely grate my last nerve, but for now, this was an enjoyable read.
April 26, 2025
Very simple story and dialogue. Some parts of the story left hanging and leaves you with more questions. I didn't feel a connection to anyone, and the pacing was slow.
Near the end the story line had some suspense. Secondary characters were having relations with more than one person. But, our main MC didn't cheat and only kisses. Bedroom door shut when married.
No cliffhanger, HEA, and little on romance. I couldn't believe the H had the h pay her way to Montana and he made her buy her own horse. Plus, I couldn't understand why they waited so long to get married. The story ended at the 88% mark on my e-reader. Another confusing aspect was the villain, whose name to some was Marvin and others Earnest.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
Near the end the story line had some suspense. Secondary characters were having relations with more than one person. But, our main MC didn't cheat and only kisses. Bedroom door shut when married.
No cliffhanger, HEA, and little on romance. I couldn't believe the H had the h pay her way to Montana and he made her buy her own horse. Plus, I couldn't understand why they waited so long to get married. The story ended at the 88% mark on my e-reader. Another confusing aspect was the villain, whose name to some was Marvin and others Earnest.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
September 28, 2018
This first introduction into the Echo Canyon Brides series takes us through the meeting, courtship and HEA for Josie Bainbridge and Evan Taft.
I thought that Josie would have had a harder time acclimating herself to the more rough-and-tumble atmosphere of Echo Canyon but to her credit she fit right in and made a place for herself both in the town as well as in Evan's heart.
Future groom Sheriff Evan Taft was not sure what kind of young woman he would be getting as a mail-order-bride but to his pleasant surprise Josie more than met any expectations and exceeded some as well.
With a little hint of mystery, a little bit of suspense and a whole lot of interesting characters this first book went by swiftly for me.
I thought that Josie would have had a harder time acclimating herself to the more rough-and-tumble atmosphere of Echo Canyon but to her credit she fit right in and made a place for herself both in the town as well as in Evan's heart.
Future groom Sheriff Evan Taft was not sure what kind of young woman he would be getting as a mail-order-bride but to his pleasant surprise Josie more than met any expectations and exceeded some as well.
With a little hint of mystery, a little bit of suspense and a whole lot of interesting characters this first book went by swiftly for me.
December 24, 2019
Evan Taft, sheriff of Echo Canyon, very much wanted bride but all of the women of child-bearing age were married. He decide to write an advertisement for a mail-order bride and correspond with women who were interested before making a decision. He got one response, seemed to meet his criteria, so he sent for her. She let him know when her train would arrive and he awaited her arrival.
The train derailed so Evan took his wagon to the city she was to meet him and learned that Josie and Lucky, an Irish man that assisted Josie after the train wreck, had escaped virtually unhurt and walked together to the next city. Evan gave them both a ride to Echo Canyon.
Read about the wedding, other characters in Echo Canyon, and see how the characters interact. I feel sure you've hooked as I was.
The train derailed so Evan took his wagon to the city she was to meet him and learned that Josie and Lucky, an Irish man that assisted Josie after the train wreck, had escaped virtually unhurt and walked together to the next city. Evan gave them both a ride to Echo Canyon.
Read about the wedding, other characters in Echo Canyon, and see how the characters interact. I feel sure you've hooked as I was.
September 5, 2021
ACTION, SUSPENSE, AND A LITTLE COMEDY THROWN IN.
Linda Bridey is one of my go to authors for a guaranteed good book. This is my 3rd time to reread this series Echo Canyon Brides. I come back to this series anytime I need a uplifting good book. Echo Canyon Brides will tug at your heart strings. It has action, live, and some whimsical comedy thrown in. I have never laughed so hard and cried so hard. Linda Bridey makes the characters believable even some of the not so believable characters, she makes you fall in love with them all even the evil ones if that is possible. I promise you , you will not regret reading this series! I highly recommend the series, but I do advise to read them in order, in order not to spoil the surprises down the road.
Linda Bridey is one of my go to authors for a guaranteed good book. This is my 3rd time to reread this series Echo Canyon Brides. I come back to this series anytime I need a uplifting good book. Echo Canyon Brides will tug at your heart strings. It has action, live, and some whimsical comedy thrown in. I have never laughed so hard and cried so hard. Linda Bridey makes the characters believable even some of the not so believable characters, she makes you fall in love with them all even the evil ones if that is possible. I promise you , you will not regret reading this series! I highly recommend the series, but I do advise to read them in order, in order not to spoil the surprises down the road.
November 27, 2025
Mail Order Bride for the Sheriff
Truly enjoyed this story about a sheriff reluctant to seek a wife. When he decides he really wants a wife & family he enlists the help of his Aunt Edna in posting an advertisement. J9sie answers Evan's ad when she knows the women greatly outnumber the men in the town she resides. A great supporting cast of characters add to the story of Evan & Josie. A mixture of women & men, all with a variety of backgrounds & history.
The most notable flaw that jumped at me was the lunch Josie & Marvin shared. In Montana, for his co8k to prepare cucumber sandwiches & salmon as an entre. I found it very unbelievable that those items would be available at that time period. I l9ok forward to reading more stories about Echo Canyon.
Truly enjoyed this story about a sheriff reluctant to seek a wife. When he decides he really wants a wife & family he enlists the help of his Aunt Edna in posting an advertisement. J9sie answers Evan's ad when she knows the women greatly outnumber the men in the town she resides. A great supporting cast of characters add to the story of Evan & Josie. A mixture of women & men, all with a variety of backgrounds & history.
The most notable flaw that jumped at me was the lunch Josie & Marvin shared. In Montana, for his co8k to prepare cucumber sandwiches & salmon as an entre. I found it very unbelievable that those items would be available at that time period. I l9ok forward to reading more stories about Echo Canyon.
September 24, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobooks of this series.
I have to acknowledge the very comical and realistic characters portrayed by the narrator, through the voice characteristics of each person encountered. It adds so much to the an already charming collection of stories.
Book 1 Montana Rescue
It's suggested that the sheriff should set the example, and in doing so, save the town, by finding a mail order bride.
There's drama, even before the prospective bride arrives, and it doesn't stop there.
There's interference from sinister people, wanting to revel in other people's misery.
However, there is a HEA in this first episode.
I have to acknowledge the very comical and realistic characters portrayed by the narrator, through the voice characteristics of each person encountered. It adds so much to the an already charming collection of stories.
Book 1 Montana Rescue
It's suggested that the sheriff should set the example, and in doing so, save the town, by finding a mail order bride.
There's drama, even before the prospective bride arrives, and it doesn't stop there.
There's interference from sinister people, wanting to revel in other people's misery.
However, there is a HEA in this first episode.
May 21, 2023
This book was all over the place for me. I liked the main characters and there are a lot of secondary ones who are quirky to the max. I didn’t particularly like the aunt, but most of the others were interesting. There was just soooo much going on. I also thought that many of the phrases used were too modern for the time period. However it has a good storyline with possibilities for the future books.
As to the Audible narrator, he was a train-wreck in my opinion. His accents were not compatible with the characters and I often didn’t know what he was trying to sound like. Even his voice with the main male wasn’t always consistent. It was painful. I won’t listen to him again.
As to the Audible narrator, he was a train-wreck in my opinion. His accents were not compatible with the characters and I often didn’t know what he was trying to sound like. Even his voice with the main male wasn’t always consistent. It was painful. I won’t listen to him again.
January 31, 2022
Can you throw any more social injustices into your book
Reviews are highly personal. There are some people that may really like this book, dont let my bad review deter your decision, but Linda Bridey is on my do not read list starting now. There are so many things in life that are not fair I just didn't realize you could touch on so many social wrongs in one book. The plight of native people and all the injustices done to them, maybe write a book on that. The romance seemed a sidenote. And shadow, a person, please don't.
Reviews are highly personal. There are some people that may really like this book, dont let my bad review deter your decision, but Linda Bridey is on my do not read list starting now. There are so many things in life that are not fair I just didn't realize you could touch on so many social wrongs in one book. The plight of native people and all the injustices done to them, maybe write a book on that. The romance seemed a sidenote. And shadow, a person, please don't.
February 5, 2022
This is a really good book with some very eccentric characters. This has got to be the most colorful town in the west. Everybody is a different race, and almost everyone has some strange insecurities.The villain in this story is strange and they have no idea the secrets that the evil Earnest has or his plans for the town. The reader has no idea either, and the villain is left to terrorize this town for another day, or book 2 of this series. The story has some deep moments, but is very lighthearted in nature.
August 27, 2018
I listened to this book on Audible and the narration was not the best, so that may effect my judgement of the book.
I found the story to be nice, but the writing was very immature and childish compared to my regular reads. Dialogue was a lot of “he said”, “she said”, “he said”. A lot of short sentences and lack of detail. I plan to read the 2nd book in this series, but sure hope the writing gets better.
I found the story to be nice, but the writing was very immature and childish compared to my regular reads. Dialogue was a lot of “he said”, “she said”, “he said”. A lot of short sentences and lack of detail. I plan to read the 2nd book in this series, but sure hope the writing gets better.
April 21, 2023
Enjoyed
I love a good western. Linda did a great job in making everything in this book realistic. I could picture myself back then. They sure had a rough time in taking the west. I know, they had all types of experiences. I'm not sure I could walk beside a wagon for miles. Cooking over an open fire. Drinking questionable water. The list goes on and on. Thank you Linda for this story and making it so realistic. Buy it got yourself and enjoy.
I love a good western. Linda did a great job in making everything in this book realistic. I could picture myself back then. They sure had a rough time in taking the west. I know, they had all types of experiences. I'm not sure I could walk beside a wagon for miles. Cooking over an open fire. Drinking questionable water. The list goes on and on. Thank you Linda for this story and making it so realistic. Buy it got yourself and enjoy.
May 12, 2021
Pretty sweet little story
I enjoyed this humourous little tale. The characters play off one another so well. I could picture every step. The flow was good, well-paced storylines. My only complaint would be the villain did not suffer the consequences of his actions. But I realized this is the beginning of a series. I'm off the devour the next story.
I enjoyed this humourous little tale. The characters play off one another so well. I could picture every step. The flow was good, well-paced storylines. My only complaint would be the villain did not suffer the consequences of his actions. But I realized this is the beginning of a series. I'm off the devour the next story.
September 17, 2021
Great!! Books!
I love mail order brides! Have read several of yours,and enjoyed them through ly . The settings are realistic, and make me home sick. I grew up in the Colorado,Utah, Montana,and Wyoming area. The people are real, and I enjoy knowing them. Keep up the Great work, and I'll keep buying them.
I love mail order brides! Have read several of yours,and enjoyed them through ly . The settings are realistic, and make me home sick. I grew up in the Colorado,Utah, Montana,and Wyoming area. The people are real, and I enjoy knowing them. Keep up the Great work, and I'll keep buying them.
January 29, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable read
Easy to imagine being there with all the great characters. Good to see the strength in the characters as they stand up to their challenges. Really like “Lucky”. His positive attitude after all he had been through and how he is so wise and I afraid of hard work.
Easy to imagine being there with all the great characters. Good to see the strength in the characters as they stand up to their challenges. Really like “Lucky”. His positive attitude after all he had been through and how he is so wise and I afraid of hard work.
February 18, 2022
Thrilling!
This amazingly compelling emotional drama of finding love and courage in a small western town was definitely exciting. Characters that were interesting and intriguing , unforgettable drama that takes you on a rollercoaster ride from beginning to the climatic ending. I can't wait to read more in the next book in this series.
This amazingly compelling emotional drama of finding love and courage in a small western town was definitely exciting. Characters that were interesting and intriguing , unforgettable drama that takes you on a rollercoaster ride from beginning to the climatic ending. I can't wait to read more in the next book in this series.
February 19, 2022
echo canyon bride
A nicely written story with interesting characters and a plot that seems relatively possible. Not too sure that the town would not know the number of people in the “bad” family. My interest was held through the whole book, so would like to read the next installment.
A nicely written story with interesting characters and a plot that seems relatively possible. Not too sure that the town would not know the number of people in the “bad” family. My interest was held through the whole book, so would like to read the next installment.
July 14, 2022
This book begins a series of at least 11 books, and introduces the solidly American Western characters, but with uniquely diverse and quirky traits, as we learn the origin of Sherriff Evan and his new fiercely independent mail order fiancé and the story of a town seeking to survive by bringing in brides.
August 18, 2022
I read all your Montana Mail Order Bride Series and now I am starting on the Echo Canyon series. I enjoy your books greatly so please keep on writing just the way you are presently doing. I think that this series will be just as good as the last. I am retired and my pastime is reading so keep them coming. Thanks for your books and stories.
January 1, 2019
The premise is okay. However, the book is poorly written, POV all over the place and it needs severe editing. The writer needs to take grammar lessons and needs to do research on the timeframe she's writing in as she uses references that would not be used in 1890.
April 26, 2019
Wonderful
This was a re-read for me! I didn't realize this was the first of the Echo Canyon series until I was into it by several chapters and it was so good, I went ahead and finished it! Such a great story and a great series! Loved them all!
This was a re-read for me! I didn't realize this was the first of the Echo Canyon series until I was into it by several chapters and it was so good, I went ahead and finished it! Such a great story and a great series! Loved them all!
May 14, 2019
Excellent
Really an excellent read! The attention to detail make you feel like your right there. I fell in love with the characters, each was given a little extra care so they felt like friends. I loved the love story and the drama and suspense.
Really an excellent read! The attention to detail make you feel like your right there. I fell in love with the characters, each was given a little extra care so they felt like friends. I loved the love story and the drama and suspense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews