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American Mail-Order Brides #27
Constance: Bride of Florida
Constance has always done everything by the book. Follow the rules, be good, and hide. Can this letter to a man she doesn't know break her out of the shadows?
Drake has dreamed of going to sea, but Father's ultimatum has him sending for a mail-order bride. He'll take care of her, but she needs to know, he'll leave for the sea after they're married,
Drake has dreamed of going to sea, but Father's ultimatum has him sending for a mail-order bride. He'll take care of her, but she needs to know, he'll leave for the sea after they're married,
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2015
39 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 7, 2019
I have read 15 of the 50 Brides of America books in the series. While I have enjoyed them all, I found this one to be especially delightful. Most of the mail order bride books have the women travel to their intended via train. I loved that this book had a twist in that Constance traveled via ship. Drake was a different personality from many of the men that have placed an ad for a bride. Constance was shy and scared of her own shadow. It was interesting to read of their change in personality due to their need for each other and the situations they went through. This was a great book with twist from the usual mail order bride books out there.
March 17, 2017
Mail Order Bride
Can a shy mouse-like girl find her courage? After answering an ad for a mail order bride, she found herself on a sail boat to Florida where her husband to be resided. She found him to be an unsettled sort with sea salt in his veins. She heard a "voice" telling her to marry him. She knew there to be challenges but she said yes.
Can a shy mouse-like girl find her courage? After answering an ad for a mail order bride, she found herself on a sail boat to Florida where her husband to be resided. She found him to be an unsettled sort with sea salt in his veins. She heard a "voice" telling her to marry him. She knew there to be challenges but she said yes.
October 21, 2020
I really liked this book, mainly because it's different from any mail-order bride story I've ever read. Drake lives in Florida and works at his family's successful business, but he longs to buy a ship and sale the seas. His dad has promised he would give him his inheritance when he married. So he advertises for a mail-order bride in order to get the money and buy his ship.
Constance has had a hard life. She loses her parents at a young age and spends her life working in a factory, until it burns to the ground. She's timid and has no one in her life and no prospects after losing her job, so she answers Drakes ad for a wife.
I would have rated this higher, except two things bothered me. Drake was hard to like. He had a loving family who he was distant, almost rude to. He meets someone else and almost changes his mind about sending for a bride, but he does come around in the end. Secondly, I get that Constance had a hard life and was meek and afraid of her own shadow, but I think her turn around comes a little quickly. I would have liked to have seen a more gradual change, instead of the one day she was scared and meek and the next she was telling Drake what they would do on their first date. Overall the story was good and well written.
Constance has had a hard life. She loses her parents at a young age and spends her life working in a factory, until it burns to the ground. She's timid and has no one in her life and no prospects after losing her job, so she answers Drakes ad for a wife.
I would have rated this higher, except two things bothered me. Drake was hard to like. He had a loving family who he was distant, almost rude to. He meets someone else and almost changes his mind about sending for a bride, but he does come around in the end. Secondly, I get that Constance had a hard life and was meek and afraid of her own shadow, but I think her turn around comes a little quickly. I would have liked to have seen a more gradual change, instead of the one day she was scared and meek and the next she was telling Drake what they would do on their first date. Overall the story was good and well written.
January 27, 2020
I couldn't put this down! Definitely the best I've read in this series.
Constance is a timid girl with nowhere to go. She accepts an offer to become E. Ferris' mail order bride and sets off onboard the ship he arranged her travel on. On the way, she comes out of her shell and really comes into her own.
Meanwhile, Drake (one of the 3 E. Ferris sons) feels like he's never fit in with his family. Knowing he'll inherit money when he marries, he's decided to wed a mail order bride, set her up in a house and then fulfill his lifelong dream to go to sea. When his Mother's health is bad, he struggles with an interest in her new nurse, knowing his mail order bride will be arriving soon.
It was so interesting trying to figure who he would choose. And if he would go to sea after all or stay with the family business. Would he finally find his place in his family? Would one of his brothers become the E. Ferris for Constance or would she stay unmarried? Or would her and Drake get together? Soooo good!
Constance is a timid girl with nowhere to go. She accepts an offer to become E. Ferris' mail order bride and sets off onboard the ship he arranged her travel on. On the way, she comes out of her shell and really comes into her own.
Meanwhile, Drake (one of the 3 E. Ferris sons) feels like he's never fit in with his family. Knowing he'll inherit money when he marries, he's decided to wed a mail order bride, set her up in a house and then fulfill his lifelong dream to go to sea. When his Mother's health is bad, he struggles with an interest in her new nurse, knowing his mail order bride will be arriving soon.
It was so interesting trying to figure who he would choose. And if he would go to sea after all or stay with the family business. Would he finally find his place in his family? Would one of his brothers become the E. Ferris for Constance or would she stay unmarried? Or would her and Drake get together? Soooo good!
March 13, 2017
Good read
This is my first book by this author and will not be my last. Her characters are well developed and 3 dimensional This book is one of 50 that are interconnected, yet stand alone connected because they'll start in Lawrence Massachusetts and with 50 girls that suddenly find themselves out of work due to a fire. 1 bride for each of the 50 states released in order of that states statehood Constance finds herself with no time left and only a groom in Florida to choose from. Her prospective groom sends her passage via a ship instead of the rail. Drake intends on this being a marriage of convenience only to get the money promised to him so he can live his dream sailing... the seas... Then he meets Constance and..... well you need to read for yourself I've already disclosed too much.
This is my first book by this author and will not be my last. Her characters are well developed and 3 dimensional This book is one of 50 that are interconnected, yet stand alone connected because they'll start in Lawrence Massachusetts and with 50 girls that suddenly find themselves out of work due to a fire. 1 bride for each of the 50 states released in order of that states statehood Constance finds herself with no time left and only a groom in Florida to choose from. Her prospective groom sends her passage via a ship instead of the rail. Drake intends on this being a marriage of convenience only to get the money promised to him so he can live his dream sailing... the seas... Then he meets Constance and..... well you need to read for yourself I've already disclosed too much.
August 1, 2020
This was unlike any mail order bride story I have ever read and it was so good! Nothing in it was forced there was no over the top kidnappings just like a book characters and a feeling of genuine emotions. There was a part of the book when his mom‘s nurse started liking him and he started liking her and I thought she became attached and when he told her he couldn’t because he had ordered a mail order bride I thought her reaction was over the top, but that was the only thing I think I could’ve done without. The rest of the book was awesome Constance goes from a mouse to a lion and drake goes from a loaner to a lover this book is so good! That is why I gave it five stars I listen to it on audible and thought the narrator did such a good job with Alice’s voice and distinguishing the different characters and as I said these characters are so likable. Such a good book!
June 6, 2020
Constance is afraid of her own shadow, but somehow manages to find the courage to answer a mail-order bride ad. Will she find love?
Drake has only one dream—to sail the ocean. He doesn’t want to waste his life working in his father’s store. His father offers to give him his inheritance if Drake will marry. So he places an ad for a bride, who will be too desperate not to agree to his terms. He will marry her, provide for her, buy his ship, and only return to her on occasion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance. There were a few typos, but it didn’t detract from the story. The author did a fabulous job of developing this story.
Drake has only one dream—to sail the ocean. He doesn’t want to waste his life working in his father’s store. His father offers to give him his inheritance if Drake will marry. So he places an ad for a bride, who will be too desperate not to agree to his terms. He will marry her, provide for her, buy his ship, and only return to her on occasion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance. There were a few typos, but it didn’t detract from the story. The author did a fabulous job of developing this story.
September 12, 2018
This one just was not for me. I struggled with the hero and found several plot holes. I did like the heroine and enjoyed her transformation from a little mouse to a lioness! The narrator is not good which may have affected my overall enjoyment.
I'm glad I found this through the romance package. I really don't like giving anything below 3 stars, but in good conscious, I could not give anything higher than 2. Reading/listening is very subjective. Just because this one is not my cup of tea doesn't mean it won't be yours. Happy reading/listening!
I'm glad I found this through the romance package. I really don't like giving anything below 3 stars, but in good conscious, I could not give anything higher than 2. Reading/listening is very subjective. Just because this one is not my cup of tea doesn't mean it won't be yours. Happy reading/listening!
November 18, 2018
Great Story!
This is the 27th book in the American Mail Order Brides series. The heroine starts in Lawrence after the Brown Textile Factory fire and sails to Florida for part of the storyline. The hero is conflicted throughout much of the story due be the fact that he lost a twin at birth. The author created a believable story and interesting characters with an added thread of belief in God. It was a very uplifting book.
This is the 27th book in the American Mail Order Brides series. The heroine starts in Lawrence after the Brown Textile Factory fire and sails to Florida for part of the storyline. The hero is conflicted throughout much of the story due be the fact that he lost a twin at birth. The author created a believable story and interesting characters with an added thread of belief in God. It was a very uplifting book.
October 23, 2019
A sweet story
I totally loved this story. It was a page turner from the start. E. Farris/Drake was so engrossed in himself and didn't want to be involved with his family, he thought that ordering a mail order bride would free him from everything, but it did not at all. In the end he found freedom and unconditional love. Wonderful love story.
I totally loved this story. It was a page turner from the start. E. Farris/Drake was so engrossed in himself and didn't want to be involved with his family, he thought that ordering a mail order bride would free him from everything, but it did not at all. In the end he found freedom and unconditional love. Wonderful love story.
February 21, 2017
Great story...
I enjoyed this story of adventure, romance, and suspense. The author has done a great job of telling her story of the adventure of a woman's quest for life and the settling of her heart.
I enjoyed this story of adventure, romance, and suspense. The author has done a great job of telling her story of the adventure of a woman's quest for life and the settling of her heart.
July 12, 2019
The mouse becomes a lioness
Constance was a mousy girl until the sea voyage to meet her husband to be. Life makes happen that are unforeseen for all of us. Drake and Constance found there was a way to each other by way of the sea.
Constance was a mousy girl until the sea voyage to meet her husband to be. Life makes happen that are unforeseen for all of us. Drake and Constance found there was a way to each other by way of the sea.
June 12, 2022
This one was a bit different!
Seemed different to have the man in the story to be so cut off and different from his family! Maybe because it was so close to the way I felt most of my life. I loved how she became a lioness after her sailing trip!
Seemed different to have the man in the story to be so cut off and different from his family! Maybe because it was so close to the way I felt most of my life. I loved how she became a lioness after her sailing trip!
May 1, 2023
The sea is a jealous mistress
Constance agrees to marry a man, but will she lose him to another woman, or perhaps to the sea? Her story is unique and has some great depth while still offering the HEA I've come to expect in this series.
Constance agrees to marry a man, but will she lose him to another woman, or perhaps to the sea? Her story is unique and has some great depth while still offering the HEA I've come to expect in this series.
October 22, 2019
Refreshing
What a blessing to read a wholesome, good book with pure characters that believe in God. No surprises with disappointing scenes. A sweet read
What a blessing to read a wholesome, good book with pure characters that believe in God. No surprises with disappointing scenes. A sweet read
December 16, 2019
My love is the sea.
I enjoyed this mail order bride story. It is a little extreme but a fun lite book. This Arthur clearly enjoys writing.
I enjoyed this mail order bride story. It is a little extreme but a fun lite book. This Arthur clearly enjoys writing.
September 20, 2020
Two people who were more alike than they thought, if they'd only give each other a chance.
Some mispronunciations on the narration were distracting.
Some mispronunciations on the narration were distracting.
January 2, 2025
Really enjoyed it. The only thing I didn’t like was the treatment of Kimberly.
January 24, 2016
Constance: Bride of Florida (American Mail-Order Bride #27)
By: Patricia PacJac Carroll
4/5 stars
Constance came to the United States from England with her parents as a young girl. But with the death of her parents she began working and worked at the factory until it burned down. Like all the other girls, she had limited choices, so she became a mail-order bride. But she has always been painfully shy, just trying to blend in and never stand out.
Drake longs to be on the sea. He wishes that he’d been born many years before, so that he could have been one of the great seafaring adventurers and discoverers of new lands and great treasures. But his father has wanted him to help his brothers take over the family store. Finally his father agrees to give him his share of the inheritance, but only after he gets married.
Drake, not wanting to be tied down, doesn’t want a wife in the real sense of the word. So the easiest thing for him to do is to send for a mail-order bride. He knows that mail-order brides are somewhat desperate, so just as long as he financially takes care of his wife, he won’t actually have to do anything else.
But along the way, Constance finds her strength, but refuses to use it to force Drake to stay by her side. They have an interesting path together, but one that may shape up to be passionate.
By: Patricia PacJac Carroll
4/5 stars
Constance came to the United States from England with her parents as a young girl. But with the death of her parents she began working and worked at the factory until it burned down. Like all the other girls, she had limited choices, so she became a mail-order bride. But she has always been painfully shy, just trying to blend in and never stand out.
Drake longs to be on the sea. He wishes that he’d been born many years before, so that he could have been one of the great seafaring adventurers and discoverers of new lands and great treasures. But his father has wanted him to help his brothers take over the family store. Finally his father agrees to give him his share of the inheritance, but only after he gets married.
Drake, not wanting to be tied down, doesn’t want a wife in the real sense of the word. So the easiest thing for him to do is to send for a mail-order bride. He knows that mail-order brides are somewhat desperate, so just as long as he financially takes care of his wife, he won’t actually have to do anything else.
But along the way, Constance finds her strength, but refuses to use it to force Drake to stay by her side. They have an interesting path together, but one that may shape up to be passionate.
December 27, 2015
An unusual and touching historical romance with fully-realized and complex characters, Patricia PacJac Carroll's CONSTANCE: BRIDE OF FLORIDA begins slowly but quickly draws the reader into the lives of Constance and Drake. Although they do not meet until nearly halfway through the book, which perhaps is a bit too long, the separation does allow the reader to get to know both characters and experience some of their growth as individuals before they must contend with each other and with the realization of their seemingly divergent dreams.
I thoroughly enjoyed CONSTANCE and found it written with grace and insight. A heartfelt story.
I thoroughly enjoyed CONSTANCE and found it written with grace and insight. A heartfelt story.
February 20, 2016
A Delightful Romance
Constance, always shy and timid, accepts a mail order bride offer. She gains more confidence about herself on the sea voyage to Florida to meet her intended husband, E. Ferris. But, there are three E. Ferris men, two already escorting ladies and the third who shows no recognition of her name when introduced. Constance has nowhere in her past to return to, and I'd resolved to make her future in Florida close to the sea, but will one of the Ferris me be part it? Well-written and the characterizations for all the main characters were interesting, giving clues into the experiences that shaped their attitudes and goals. Sweet Romance.
Constance, always shy and timid, accepts a mail order bride offer. She gains more confidence about herself on the sea voyage to Florida to meet her intended husband, E. Ferris. But, there are three E. Ferris men, two already escorting ladies and the third who shows no recognition of her name when introduced. Constance has nowhere in her past to return to, and I'd resolved to make her future in Florida close to the sea, but will one of the Ferris me be part it? Well-written and the characterizations for all the main characters were interesting, giving clues into the experiences that shaped their attitudes and goals. Sweet Romance.
February 16, 2016
Constance blooms when she sets out for a new life as a mail-order bride. She has hidden in the shadows but now longs to find inner strength and beauty. When her ship shows up early, she is given a window into her future husband's life and isn't completely sure of him, though she has become sure of herself. Her newly rediscovered faith in God and in herself will have to get her through if her groom can not.
February 21, 2016
I was so ready to stop reading the books in this series after a couple of disappointments, but I decided to give it another chance and I'm so glad I did. This book was excellent and reeled me back into the series. Constance is searching for courage to be herself and a family of her own: Drake wants to find his own place to belong and looks to the sea. Ironically, the sea does give then both what they are looking for by bringing them together.
August 2, 2016
3.5
I enjoyed this book but didn't connect with the character's relationship, which is what I strive to do with stories of this genre. The author did a great job with building the characters individually and their stories were well thought out.
It took them a great deal of time to actually meet which I found uncommon in this series thus far.
Overall it was very enjoyable!
I enjoyed this book but didn't connect with the character's relationship, which is what I strive to do with stories of this genre. The author did a great job with building the characters individually and their stories were well thought out.
It took them a great deal of time to actually meet which I found uncommon in this series thus far.
Overall it was very enjoyable!
January 6, 2016
Lovely Story
I enjoyed this story. Constance was able to find her strength and learned to truly live. Friedlander that what you wish for isn't always what you need. I also liked how the author included depending on God for answers.
I enjoyed this story. Constance was able to find her strength and learned to truly live. Friedlander that what you wish for isn't always what you need. I also liked how the author included depending on God for answers.
February 8, 2016
Pretty good. Not typical. I'm glad Constance grew a backbone. I thought Drake seemed very immature throughout the book, even though he was struggling with his identity, he seemed childish/selfish in his reactions.
July 8, 2017
This series was my first experience with multiple authors working together to write a series on a large scale. I enjoyed every book in the series and found several new authors that I hadn't read before.
September 10, 2023
Just a beautiful transformation!
When God has a plan, man cannot change it! Both of these characters had hopes and dreams too small for God! He gave them more than they could ever dream of! A forever kind of love!! Patricia always writes a remarkable tale! This one may be my favorite!
When God has a plan, man cannot change it! Both of these characters had hopes and dreams too small for God! He gave them more than they could ever dream of! A forever kind of love!! Patricia always writes a remarkable tale! This one may be my favorite!
December 15, 2015
Great read...
I live in Florida on the gulf side and as I was reading I pictured a little Fisher cove not far where I live name cedar key , wonderful book...
I live in Florida on the gulf side and as I was reading I pictured a little Fisher cove not far where I live name cedar key , wonderful book...
December 30, 2015
The sea is a tough mistress
Constance and Drake find that the only true love is what you find in each other. Their love catches fire and brings them great joy. Such a sweet story.
Constance and Drake find that the only true love is what you find in each other. Their love catches fire and brings them great joy. Such a sweet story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews