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Sweeping Montana Romances #1
Mail Order Bride: Susannah's Story
Historical Western Montana Romance- meet Susannah and the Mackenzie cowboys!
After discovering an ad in the Matrimonial Times for a Montana cowboy looking for a mail-order bride, Susannah jumps at the opportunity to leave her job of hardship with the Davenports in New York for a new opportunity in Montana. She soon learns that the ad was posted in error, and in fact Jared was not looking for a wife- but he could use a writer at his newspaper. Susannah takes off immediately for Montana, thrilled to embark on a new life and career. She does not anticipate the being in Jared's life- even as a writer, not a wife-comes with a dangerous price, and that falling love is not something you can necessarily control.
Jared was definitely not planning to get married, and when he read Susannah's letter it took him a moment to realize it was his mother looking out for him that caused the mail-order bride ad to be printed. He saw an opportunity in the situation and decided to take a chance on Susannah- his newspaper could sure use a lady's touch! Not realizing that Susannah's move meant that she now became part of his close circle of family and friends threatened by an old rival of his, he felt a strong need to protect her from the danger she now faced. Unexpectedly falling in love with her did not make things any easier. Will Jared be able to keep Susannah safe and reveal his secret love for her?
After discovering an ad in the Matrimonial Times for a Montana cowboy looking for a mail-order bride, Susannah jumps at the opportunity to leave her job of hardship with the Davenports in New York for a new opportunity in Montana. She soon learns that the ad was posted in error, and in fact Jared was not looking for a wife- but he could use a writer at his newspaper. Susannah takes off immediately for Montana, thrilled to embark on a new life and career. She does not anticipate the being in Jared's life- even as a writer, not a wife-comes with a dangerous price, and that falling love is not something you can necessarily control.
Jared was definitely not planning to get married, and when he read Susannah's letter it took him a moment to realize it was his mother looking out for him that caused the mail-order bride ad to be printed. He saw an opportunity in the situation and decided to take a chance on Susannah- his newspaper could sure use a lady's touch! Not realizing that Susannah's move meant that she now became part of his close circle of family and friends threatened by an old rival of his, he felt a strong need to protect her from the danger she now faced. Unexpectedly falling in love with her did not make things any easier. Will Jared be able to keep Susannah safe and reveal his secret love for her?
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2015
705 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 17, 2017
When Susannah is financially down on her luck, she responds to an advert in the newspaper to become the wife of Jared. However, it turns it out that the advert was placed by his mother (who barely makes an appearance in the rest of the book), but struck by how attractive Susannah is he decides to offer her a job as a housekeeper, and as a contributor to his newspaper. Along their journey of insta-love, another powerful figure wishes to cause chaos for Jared in revenge for the newspaper's previous intentions to slander his wife.
Unfortunately, this short read failed to capture my interest. The main love interests were bland and undeveloped, they never truly get to know each other and their instant attraction makes little sense. Even the main characters fail to explain why they like each other. I also found it frustrating that Susannah prides herself as a self-proclaimed "independent woman" when she is later kidnapped and depends on a male to rescue her, and makes no effort to free herself.
Additionally, there was a lot of info-dumping in attempt to make up for a lack of characterisation. While the simple plot was somewhat interesting, the writing was weighed down heavily with a lot of unnecessary adverbs and telling rather than showing. The story overall had potential, but it failed to grip my interest.
Unfortunately, this short read failed to capture my interest. The main love interests were bland and undeveloped, they never truly get to know each other and their instant attraction makes little sense. Even the main characters fail to explain why they like each other. I also found it frustrating that Susannah prides herself as a self-proclaimed "independent woman" when she is later kidnapped and depends on a male to rescue her, and makes no effort to free herself.
Additionally, there was a lot of info-dumping in attempt to make up for a lack of characterisation. While the simple plot was somewhat interesting, the writing was weighed down heavily with a lot of unnecessary adverbs and telling rather than showing. The story overall had potential, but it failed to grip my interest.
November 6, 2016
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Jared Mackenzie is a fugitive from New York. He worked there as a reporter at the New York Times until one of his stories almost got him killed. Relieved that he survived and worried that it might come back to haunt him or worse, he joins his two older brothers on their ranch outside of Great Falls, Montana. Not being mentally or physically suited for ranching, he goes to work at the Great Falls Gazette and is soon partners with the printer, Hank Richards.
Susannah Craven moved from her parent’s farm in upstate New York to the city. Times were hard for farmers and with two brothers and two sisters left behind, her departure would ease the financial strain on the Craven family as she could send back part of her meager wages to her needy family. Susannah got domestic employment in the home of a local business. She soon found herself enslaved to doing everything with very little to show for it. A chance sighting of a notice in Matrimonial Times changed everything.
Sixteen-year-old Jesse Smith was also employed at the same house as Susannah. As an orphan, he had little choice in the matter. It was either there or on the unforgiving streets.
The advertisement that changed these three people was placed by none but dramatically affected all. Susannah and Jesse leave New York and travel to Montana. Jared wasn’t looking for a wife but could sure use a clever and literate woman to help him on his newspaper.
This is not your average mail order story. Social, cultural, and emotional problems are mixed with mystery and crime to make a unique literary concoction. The inchoate and amorphous regard to sex, leaves the reader wanting, but the basic goodness of most of the characters makes up for that.
Being the ever vigilant critic, I can’t let the flagrant typographical and grammatical errors go unnoted. As an avid amateur writer, I realize how easily thoughts outpace fingers in the flurry of inspiration. Therefore it is essential to employ an editor and/or proofreader to correct all of those unnoticed mistakes.
Jared Mackenzie is a fugitive from New York. He worked there as a reporter at the New York Times until one of his stories almost got him killed. Relieved that he survived and worried that it might come back to haunt him or worse, he joins his two older brothers on their ranch outside of Great Falls, Montana. Not being mentally or physically suited for ranching, he goes to work at the Great Falls Gazette and is soon partners with the printer, Hank Richards.
Susannah Craven moved from her parent’s farm in upstate New York to the city. Times were hard for farmers and with two brothers and two sisters left behind, her departure would ease the financial strain on the Craven family as she could send back part of her meager wages to her needy family. Susannah got domestic employment in the home of a local business. She soon found herself enslaved to doing everything with very little to show for it. A chance sighting of a notice in Matrimonial Times changed everything.
Sixteen-year-old Jesse Smith was also employed at the same house as Susannah. As an orphan, he had little choice in the matter. It was either there or on the unforgiving streets.
The advertisement that changed these three people was placed by none but dramatically affected all. Susannah and Jesse leave New York and travel to Montana. Jared wasn’t looking for a wife but could sure use a clever and literate woman to help him on his newspaper.
This is not your average mail order story. Social, cultural, and emotional problems are mixed with mystery and crime to make a unique literary concoction. The inchoate and amorphous regard to sex, leaves the reader wanting, but the basic goodness of most of the characters makes up for that.
Being the ever vigilant critic, I can’t let the flagrant typographical and grammatical errors go unnoted. As an avid amateur writer, I realize how easily thoughts outpace fingers in the flurry of inspiration. Therefore it is essential to employ an editor and/or proofreader to correct all of those unnoticed mistakes.
March 29, 2017
This a different kind of read for me. The story flows fast and is very sweet. You'll love the couple Susannah Craven is a woman desperate for change. So desperate is she to flee from her current situation that she is willing to marry a stranger. An ad was placed in the Matrimonial Times by our Hero's mother, unbeknownst to him. Jared Mackenzie is a newspaper editor and does not wish to drag an innocent woman into the middle of the hornets nest he's stirred up. So he offers her a job in place of marriage. The moment she gets off the train the two are lost. The two spend time together writing and such and find their attraction growing to the point that Jared soon has to avoid the paper all together in order to maintain some distance. Susannah Knows he is hiding something from her and as much as she wishes to be with him she can not afford to ruin the life shes rebuilding for herself. Still no matter how hard they both try they cannot stop the strong feelings that are between them. A bridge is finally built and all secrets are exposed. I loved the ease you feel between the pair. No need for the other to have the upper hand but until the danger is passed they have to put their future plans on hold. This is a clean read with a mild Christianity influence. There is some action and I found Jared's family added to the story as did the young friend Susannah brings with her. Enjoy!
September 13, 2020
As the story opens, Susannah is a maid for the Davenport couple. They treat her like a stupid slave, constantly adding new tasks and forgetting to let her have her promised day off. She responds to a matrimonial magazine figuring that marrying a stranger couldn't be much worse than her life at present. The responding letter advises her that he isn't looking for a wife but he is looking for a newspaper writer.
When Susannah arrives in Montana, she inadvertently brought along Jered's (the newspaperman looking for help) arch-enemy (someone Jared escaped to Montana to avoid). I left out other parts of the story but let me just say that that fish didn't fly. Why on earth would the New York stranger need to chase Jered to Montana?
The story seemed a bit syrupy in places but the story had a wrinkle regarding the usual mail-order bride story. Jered refused the marriage but offered Susannah a writing job. It's a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. 3.5 stars
When Susannah arrives in Montana, she inadvertently brought along Jered's (the newspaperman looking for help) arch-enemy (someone Jared escaped to Montana to avoid). I left out other parts of the story but let me just say that that fish didn't fly. Why on earth would the New York stranger need to chase Jered to Montana?
The story seemed a bit syrupy in places but the story had a wrinkle regarding the usual mail-order bride story. Jered refused the marriage but offered Susannah a writing job. It's a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. 3.5 stars
August 11, 2021
Good romance story. Susannah answers an ad for a Mail Order Bride and goes to Great Falls, Montana to meet Jered. She had been working in service in New York City, treated badly but proudly doing all that she was asked to do. Her young friend Jesse fled with her for a promise of a new life. Jared is a newspaper owner who had gotten into trouble writing a story about a gangster back in New York. The one who travelled with Susannah as she came to Montana. She's a writer and spun a tale about him without knowing what his motives were. Story unfolds into a sweet romance. Some Christian mentions, some slightly raunchy spots.
I received a free copy of this book from Amazon. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I received a free copy of this book from Amazon. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 21, 2020
Good, but...
It was a good read, but just getting into the book one of the guys saying g*ddamn.
I also don't believe the woman cussed like she had the main character saying a few cuss words. Not the villain calling the main female character a hitch and saying all women are bitches. It detracted from the book as well as the friend coming at the end and the way she spoke to the man picking her up ...and her attitude saying the 2 brothers are dumb and having one one brain cell between them. Not the kind of talk you would expect then, more like today's ugly and rude vernacular.
It was a good read, but just getting into the book one of the guys saying g*ddamn.
I also don't believe the woman cussed like she had the main character saying a few cuss words. Not the villain calling the main female character a hitch and saying all women are bitches. It detracted from the book as well as the friend coming at the end and the way she spoke to the man picking her up ...and her attitude saying the 2 brothers are dumb and having one one brain cell between them. Not the kind of talk you would expect then, more like today's ugly and rude vernacular.
July 3, 2017
Highly Recommended Story
Susannah is trapped in a job in service by a couple who treat her as a slave, in a moment of dejection she replies to a marriage advert, only to find that it had not been placed by the prospective groom. However, whilst Jared is not looking for a wife, his newspaper needs a female writer and he offers her a job out West.
I really cared about the characters and whilst short (12 chapters plus prologue & epilogue) the story was engaging and just right for a lazy afternoon of reading.
Susannah is trapped in a job in service by a couple who treat her as a slave, in a moment of dejection she replies to a marriage advert, only to find that it had not been placed by the prospective groom. However, whilst Jared is not looking for a wife, his newspaper needs a female writer and he offers her a job out West.
I really cared about the characters and whilst short (12 chapters plus prologue & epilogue) the story was engaging and just right for a lazy afternoon of reading.
May 16, 2017
I could not finish this. It is very sweet, but just too sweet for me. I expected all the usual romance cliches and have no problem with that, but one kiss and she is in love after a few days! And the drama of "Oh she was in love!" and sinking to her knees. Too much!
This one is for those who like their romances sugar sweet.
This one is for those who like their romances sugar sweet.
May 25, 2019
This is a good short story. It's about a young women who wants to get out of servitude from a horrible family. She will do anything to get away from them. So when she sees a post for a mail order bride she takes it. However, things are not what they seem, and her adventure begins with an unexpected twist. If you're into mail order bride books this is a good book. I can't wait to read the others.
April 5, 2020
Fair
If you are interested in a complete fantasy yet mildly entertaining story this is a good book to choose. The story is simple and neatly tied together at the end but it is riddled with revelations meant to explain away irregularities. The characters also, are one dimensional although they are likeable.
If you are interested in a complete fantasy yet mildly entertaining story this is a good book to choose. The story is simple and neatly tied together at the end but it is riddled with revelations meant to explain away irregularities. The characters also, are one dimensional although they are likeable.
June 20, 2017
Mail order bride :Susannah story
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a good series
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a good series
April 16, 2018
Enjoyable escape.
Good plot, and characters. Hard to put this book down. Other than a brief, overly descriptive, romantic interlude, the story would have been perfect. The story’s action, and the twists and turns. Makes me want to read the rest of this series.
Good plot, and characters. Hard to put this book down. Other than a brief, overly descriptive, romantic interlude, the story would have been perfect. The story’s action, and the twists and turns. Makes me want to read the rest of this series.
January 11, 2019
Lovely story
This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this story. Newspaper man meets lady reporter and sparks fly. A little mystery in the mix. I am now looking forward to the rest of this series. I would recommend this author.
This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this story. Newspaper man meets lady reporter and sparks fly. A little mystery in the mix. I am now looking forward to the rest of this series. I would recommend this author.
April 1, 2019
Wonderful
What a wonderful sweet story. Of course being I am a Montana girl, I really liked the story taking place in Great Falls. Story was full of mystery, family, and love, yes, I have ordered the next book too!!
What a wonderful sweet story. Of course being I am a Montana girl, I really liked the story taking place in Great Falls. Story was full of mystery, family, and love, yes, I have ordered the next book too!!
December 23, 2019
Excellent story
Really liked this book. I love reading about mail order brides. Could have left out a couple of cuss words but other than that I would recommend this book. Fixing to start on the second one in the series.
Really liked this book. I love reading about mail order brides. Could have left out a couple of cuss words but other than that I would recommend this book. Fixing to start on the second one in the series.
September 7, 2020
Mail Order Bride: Susannah's Story (Book 1)
I loved Susannah's Story she see an add in the paper about mail order brides she finds one she likes from Montana .So she writes back and the adventure begins . I recommend 16 and up .
I loved Susannah's Story she see an add in the paper about mail order brides she finds one she likes from Montana .So she writes back and the adventure begins . I recommend 16 and up .
March 10, 2017
The story never captured my interest. It didn't flow well and story line had holes.
May 14, 2017
I was glad to give this book four stars. the heroine was strong and independent
July 17, 2017
Good story
A good story, readers of romance will enjoy getting to know the characters. A bit of intrigue with a love story. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
A good story, readers of romance will enjoy getting to know the characters. A bit of intrigue with a love story. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
August 1, 2017
Mail Order Bride: Susannah's Story
I love reading mail order bride stories and this one was amazing. Very romantic and also adventurous! A must read!
I love reading mail order bride stories and this one was amazing. Very romantic and also adventurous! A must read!
October 27, 2017
A good short read.
January 24, 2018
Very much enjoyed this book. Writing was good, story line believable, characters bold and sassy.
Looking forward to next book in series
Looking forward to next book in series
April 27, 2018
Afternoon delight
This is a great little romance to sit on the porch with your feet up drinking a glass of iced tea for a couple of hours as you read from beginning to end!
This is a great little romance to sit on the porch with your feet up drinking a glass of iced tea for a couple of hours as you read from beginning to end!
May 22, 2018
Romantically unrealistic
A harlequin romance that is just a fun read. The magic of fallible in love at first sight is fulfilled.
A harlequin romance that is just a fun read. The magic of fallible in love at first sight is fulfilled.
May 22, 2018
Fabulous Book
This book is a ten and the author is fabulous. If you like mail order bride books this is a must read.
This book is a ten and the author is fabulous. If you like mail order bride books this is a must read.
July 19, 2018
Stopped reading due to language used
I've read so many books written without having to use profanity. I was disappointed and won't read any more from this author.
I've read so many books written without having to use profanity. I was disappointed and won't read any more from this author.
July 24, 2018
Good
I gave it a 3 because I like the story but would've like the book to go a little further on
I gave it a 3 because I like the story but would've like the book to go a little further on
October 19, 2018
Good read
Love mail-order bride stories. It’s amazing how technology has came full circle that now it’s tinder and marriage instead of a letter and marriage.
Love mail-order bride stories. It’s amazing how technology has came full circle that now it’s tinder and marriage instead of a letter and marriage.
December 2, 2018
Mail order bride
Mail order bride is a sweet love story about a mail order bride and her cowboy. It's a pretty quick read, definitely some pg rated parts, but a good story line.
Mail order bride is a sweet love story about a mail order bride and her cowboy. It's a pretty quick read, definitely some pg rated parts, but a good story line.
January 17, 2019
Room to grow
An interesting start to this series of books, with opportunities to develop, make for good reading. There is humor, romance and intrigue.
An interesting start to this series of books, with opportunities to develop, make for good reading. There is humor, romance and intrigue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews