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American Mail-Order Brides #10
Katie: Bride of Virginia
Katie, Bride of Virginia, is tenth in the unprecedented 50-book American Mail-Order Brides series.
A disastrous factory fire ends Katie Maverick’s livelihood and she must find something quick. Convinced to become a mail-order bride, she receives an offer of marriage from Daniel O’Malley.
Only Daniel isn’t the one who put the ad in the Grooms’ Gazette. His business partner, secretly placed the ad in Daniel's name. When Katie arrives, a surprised Daniel agrees to marry her with the idea she could help make his life easier and still the gossip surrounding the death of his wife.
He’s unprepared for the way the bubbly girl from Massachusetts eases his loneliness. Not only is she helpful, she’s breaking through the walls he’s erected around his heart. Troubled by the suspicious vandalizing suddenly occurring in the vineyard, Daniel wonders if things might not be as good as they seem. Is it only coincidental that the damage to his winery coincides with Katie’s arrival?
Could this sweet, innocent woman and his dead wife share a common goal to destroy him?
If you enjoyed reading this book, there are 49 more in the series! Find out about the rest of the American Mail-Order Brides here, http://www.newwesternromance.com
A disastrous factory fire ends Katie Maverick’s livelihood and she must find something quick. Convinced to become a mail-order bride, she receives an offer of marriage from Daniel O’Malley.
Only Daniel isn’t the one who put the ad in the Grooms’ Gazette. His business partner, secretly placed the ad in Daniel's name. When Katie arrives, a surprised Daniel agrees to marry her with the idea she could help make his life easier and still the gossip surrounding the death of his wife.
He’s unprepared for the way the bubbly girl from Massachusetts eases his loneliness. Not only is she helpful, she’s breaking through the walls he’s erected around his heart. Troubled by the suspicious vandalizing suddenly occurring in the vineyard, Daniel wonders if things might not be as good as they seem. Is it only coincidental that the damage to his winery coincides with Katie’s arrival?
Could this sweet, innocent woman and his dead wife share a common goal to destroy him?
If you enjoyed reading this book, there are 49 more in the series! Find out about the rest of the American Mail-Order Brides here, http://www.newwesternromance.com
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2015
99 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia McDaniel
190 books651 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sylvia McDaniel has published more than forty western historical romance, contemporary romance and even a few sci-fi novels. Known for her sweet, funny, family-oriented romances, Sylvia is the author of The Burnett Brides a historical western series, The Cuvier Widows, a Louisiana historical series, Lipstick and Lead, a western historical series and several short contemporary romances.
Former President of the Dallas Area Romance Authors, a member of the Romance Writers of America®, and a member of Novelists Inc, her novel, A Hero’s Heart was a 1996 Golden Heart Finalist. Several other books have placed or won in the San Antonio Romance Authors Contest, LERA Contest, and she was a Golden Network Finalist.
Married for over twenty years to her best friend, they have two spoilt dachshunds that reign supreme over the house. She loves gardening, hiking, shopping, knitting and football (Cowboys and Bronco’s fan), but not necessarily in that order.
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Former President of the Dallas Area Romance Authors, a member of the Romance Writers of America®, and a member of Novelists Inc, her novel, A Hero’s Heart was a 1996 Golden Heart Finalist. Several other books have placed or won in the San Antonio Romance Authors Contest, LERA Contest, and she was a Golden Network Finalist.
Married for over twenty years to her best friend, they have two spoilt dachshunds that reign supreme over the house. She loves gardening, hiking, shopping, knitting and football (Cowboys and Bronco’s fan), but not necessarily in that order.
Sign up for Sylvia’s newsletter
Visit Sylvia at www.SylviaMcDaniel.com
Follow Sylvia on twitter
Join Sylvia on Facebook
Goodreads
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 11, 2019
Part of the 50 book American Mail Order Bride series.
December 9, 2015
This was just okay for me. I didn't really connect to the characters or romance as I would have liked. I did like Katie's character, I thought she had spunk and determination. I liked that she tries to see the positive in things and is generally a happy person. She also doesn't let people push her around and I did like that she stood up for herself. I didn't like Daniel. He seemed immature and didn't really treat Katie all that well. It seemed he was physically attracted to her more than anything. More lust then love for me. I wasn't sure what she saw in him. I also found the transformation of Daniel's mother a bit unbelievable. The story does move along steadily, maybe a bit quickly, and the mystery adds another level to the story. I would have liked to have seen more relationship building between Katie and Daniel. Overall, just okay for me.
Content
Romance: Sketchy clean. Married intimacy behind closed doors, but is slightly detailed after the fact, a bit crass and mildly detailed. He found her too beautiful to "control" himself and she ended up having a disappointing experience. I think it could have been handled better, but I also liked that she did address it, since that aspect of the relationship would play a big role in a relationship of this kind.
Language: None that I remember
Violence: Mild
Content
Romance: Sketchy clean. Married intimacy behind closed doors, but is slightly detailed after the fact, a bit crass and mildly detailed. He found her too beautiful to "control" himself and she ended up having a disappointing experience. I think it could have been handled better, but I also liked that she did address it, since that aspect of the relationship would play a big role in a relationship of this kind.
Language: None that I remember
Violence: Mild
September 21, 2022
Overall this story was excellent. I was only upset with the very beginning of the book. Their wedding night came across as rape to me as the reader and I was concerned I was going to find the story very disturbing after that. The fact that Katie cried herself to sleep without comfort from Daniel after he forcefully thrust himself into her created a really bad picture. The story line got much better and I was eventually able to accept it as an awkward unenjoyable wedding night instead of rape. I liked that this book was a murder mystery. I would recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2017
The tenth book in the American Mail Order Bride series. A book of mystery and betrayal. The factory fire caused Katie to answer an ad for a mail order bride. Daniel didn't place the ad but his good friend did. Once she stepped off the train, Daniel knew he couldn't send her back. A gruff mother-in-law, and a secret mystery regarding her husband, leaves a lot of wondering and emotional times for Katie. She really is a strong woman. Will she overcome?
September 15, 2020
Definitely captured my attention. I just wanted to see how the issues were resolved. I didn't predict the whole ending, but I've watched enough fictional crime shows and read enough murder mysteries that I picked basically from the beginning who was as fault for everything in the book. Still a good read though. I enjoyed it.
August 18, 2018
Mail Order Bride Story With a Twist
This story arc doesn't follow the typical pattern in this genre, instead the couple marries right away and then things get difficult. Plus there's a whodunit mystery.It's one of the better stories so far in the series.
This story arc doesn't follow the typical pattern in this genre, instead the couple marries right away and then things get difficult. Plus there's a whodunit mystery.It's one of the better stories so far in the series.
February 27, 2023
Another unique, engaging story
Katie's story is full of secrets, suspense, and loss, but also joy, hope, and happiness. I really enjoyed the ups and downs of her story and was very surprised by several unexpected twists.
Katie's story is full of secrets, suspense, and loss, but also joy, hope, and happiness. I really enjoyed the ups and downs of her story and was very surprised by several unexpected twists.
January 3, 2019
A cute romance between Katie & Daniel. I liked that it was fasted paced & Katie was no pushover. That girl didn't take crap from on one. The romance was sweet, I just wish the story had been longer.
January 9, 2022
This book had mystery and suspense that had a surprise ending. I didn't figure it out. Great characters who went through a transformation.
May 31, 2022
This was another good story!
I am so impressed with each of these authors who took part in this series! Loved this book, though I was sure Frank had done everything himself!
I am so impressed with each of these authors who took part in this series! Loved this book, though I was sure Frank had done everything himself!
March 23, 2017
This book in the series was different. It was a murder mystery book. It was a delight to read something in the series that was different.
September 9, 2016
MARRY IN HASTE AND REPENT IN LEISURE
I enjoyed this exciting mystery suspense mail-order bride romance. The book is part of the American Mail Order Bride series of 50 stories, one for each state, that all revolve around young women who work in a factory and then after a fire, desperation sets in, but redemption comes with becoming mail order brides. In Katie’s case, she was orphaned in 1880 when her parents and siblings died due to yellow fever and after living at the orphanage run by the Sisters, she then went to work at a factory.
Katie Maverick responds to an ad from the Groom’s Gazette sent from Daniel O’Malley of Charlottesville, Virginia and he offers her marriage, and so she takes the train from Lawrence, Massachusetts to begin her new life and marriage. But there is one problem, Daniel was not the one to place the ad and offer marriage, it was his best friend and business partner, Frank. Daniel is upset and plans to send her back, but at the train platform, he sees Katie and decides that he will marry her. This marriage has so many secrets, unanswered questions, a death of a previous wife, and trouble with the vineyard, and no one will talk about what has and is happening.
The plot keeps the reader in constant suspense as this mystery unfolds. The story has secrets, sabotage, murder, mystery, angst, and lots of doubts. The marriage between Katie and Daniel starts off rocky, with confusion, hurt, and has her questioning if she made the right decision. What is the truth surrounding the death of Eloise? Daniel didn’t tell Katie he has been married before and was a widower, and refuses to talk about his late wife, the only way she has learned this information is through other people. Daniel’s mother is a bitter woman and makes accusations towards Katie, yet she stays kind and upbeat. Who is reeking havoc and sabotaging the vineyard, trying to damage it and destroy the wine that is ready for market? Why is Frank trying to find buyers for the land? Will answers be found before Katie and Daniel’s marriage and livelihood is destroyed?
I enjoyed this exciting mystery suspense mail-order bride romance. The book is part of the American Mail Order Bride series of 50 stories, one for each state, that all revolve around young women who work in a factory and then after a fire, desperation sets in, but redemption comes with becoming mail order brides. In Katie’s case, she was orphaned in 1880 when her parents and siblings died due to yellow fever and after living at the orphanage run by the Sisters, she then went to work at a factory.
Katie Maverick responds to an ad from the Groom’s Gazette sent from Daniel O’Malley of Charlottesville, Virginia and he offers her marriage, and so she takes the train from Lawrence, Massachusetts to begin her new life and marriage. But there is one problem, Daniel was not the one to place the ad and offer marriage, it was his best friend and business partner, Frank. Daniel is upset and plans to send her back, but at the train platform, he sees Katie and decides that he will marry her. This marriage has so many secrets, unanswered questions, a death of a previous wife, and trouble with the vineyard, and no one will talk about what has and is happening.
The plot keeps the reader in constant suspense as this mystery unfolds. The story has secrets, sabotage, murder, mystery, angst, and lots of doubts. The marriage between Katie and Daniel starts off rocky, with confusion, hurt, and has her questioning if she made the right decision. What is the truth surrounding the death of Eloise? Daniel didn’t tell Katie he has been married before and was a widower, and refuses to talk about his late wife, the only way she has learned this information is through other people. Daniel’s mother is a bitter woman and makes accusations towards Katie, yet she stays kind and upbeat. Who is reeking havoc and sabotaging the vineyard, trying to damage it and destroy the wine that is ready for market? Why is Frank trying to find buyers for the land? Will answers be found before Katie and Daniel’s marriage and livelihood is destroyed?
December 29, 2015
Katie: Bride of Virginia (American Mail-Order Bride #10)
By: Sylvia McDaniel
5/5 stars
With the fire at the Brown Textiles Mill, many women were left without family to take them in, there were no job prospects and most had very little money saved. They had to live together in groups in order to be able to get by. But the previous manager found the Groom’s Gazette and came up with the idea that the single women could and should become mail-order brides as a way out of their current dire situation.
Katie had no one to turn to for help other than her friends who also worked at the Mill. Katie is an orphan with no surviving family and is relieved to have an acceptance letter to become a mail-order bride. She knows that she will also be helping care for her future husband’s mother and that she will live on a vineyard.
Daniel didn’t actually send for a mail-order bride, his business partner actually ran the ad for him, believing that Daniel needed a wife to help take care of his mother & run his household. Though Daniel didn’t intend to marry Katie that day, but when he saw her step off the train, he changed his mind.
There are troubles with the vineyard, with his home, his mother and the rumors & secrets that Daniel has chosen to keep hidden from Katie. But she eventually finds out everything that he tries to hide from her. They both are learning to trust and sometimes, steps are taken in the wrong direction and trust is broken or realized that it never really was there.
By: Sylvia McDaniel
5/5 stars
With the fire at the Brown Textiles Mill, many women were left without family to take them in, there were no job prospects and most had very little money saved. They had to live together in groups in order to be able to get by. But the previous manager found the Groom’s Gazette and came up with the idea that the single women could and should become mail-order brides as a way out of their current dire situation.
Katie had no one to turn to for help other than her friends who also worked at the Mill. Katie is an orphan with no surviving family and is relieved to have an acceptance letter to become a mail-order bride. She knows that she will also be helping care for her future husband’s mother and that she will live on a vineyard.
Daniel didn’t actually send for a mail-order bride, his business partner actually ran the ad for him, believing that Daniel needed a wife to help take care of his mother & run his household. Though Daniel didn’t intend to marry Katie that day, but when he saw her step off the train, he changed his mind.
There are troubles with the vineyard, with his home, his mother and the rumors & secrets that Daniel has chosen to keep hidden from Katie. But she eventually finds out everything that he tries to hide from her. They both are learning to trust and sometimes, steps are taken in the wrong direction and trust is broken or realized that it never really was there.
December 5, 2015
Another happily married mail-order bride
Daniel O'Malley has had a hard time of things. He finds out that his wife is having an affair and leaving him, and then she is found dead out in the snow. He didn't kill her, but half of the town thinks he did. When his friend surprises him with a mail order bride, he's not sure he can trust again. But Katie is a ray of sunshine. She's positive, and supportive, and helps him with his fledgling business. But when strange things start happening as soon as she arrives, can he really put his trust in another woman again?
I liked the story, and I loved Katie, but I got a little too much information about their wedding night. The description was short, yet crude, about Daniel's impatience, and Katie's resulting discomfort and anger. I could have done without that part of the story!
Content: marital intimacy behind closed doors, but described as stated above.
Daniel O'Malley has had a hard time of things. He finds out that his wife is having an affair and leaving him, and then she is found dead out in the snow. He didn't kill her, but half of the town thinks he did. When his friend surprises him with a mail order bride, he's not sure he can trust again. But Katie is a ray of sunshine. She's positive, and supportive, and helps him with his fledgling business. But when strange things start happening as soon as she arrives, can he really put his trust in another woman again?
I liked the story, and I loved Katie, but I got a little too much information about their wedding night. The description was short, yet crude, about Daniel's impatience, and Katie's resulting discomfort and anger. I could have done without that part of the story!
Content: marital intimacy behind closed doors, but described as stated above.
November 30, 2015
Daniel's mail-order Bride of Virginia, Katie.
Katie arrives in Virginia ready to be a bride to Daniel, who had written a letter looking for a mail order wife. She then finds out that Daniel didn't write the letter; his partner, Frank, did. Daniel decides that with Katie, he would have a partner for his vineyard but also one to warm his bed. However, Daniel has a scandal hanging over his head: the whole town thinks he killed his first wife. They have a roller coaster marriage that includes many mishaps involving damage to his vineyard and finished bottles of wine. It all comes to a head in a rousing finale where Daniel and Katie profess their love for each other. This is book 10 in an unprecedented endeavor where several authors are releasing a different book for 50 days, one per day, about an American mail-order bride representing each state of the Union.
Katie arrives in Virginia ready to be a bride to Daniel, who had written a letter looking for a mail order wife. She then finds out that Daniel didn't write the letter; his partner, Frank, did. Daniel decides that with Katie, he would have a partner for his vineyard but also one to warm his bed. However, Daniel has a scandal hanging over his head: the whole town thinks he killed his first wife. They have a roller coaster marriage that includes many mishaps involving damage to his vineyard and finished bottles of wine. It all comes to a head in a rousing finale where Daniel and Katie profess their love for each other. This is book 10 in an unprecedented endeavor where several authors are releasing a different book for 50 days, one per day, about an American mail-order bride representing each state of the Union.
December 6, 2015
Katie Maverick is starting a new life by traveling to Virginia and becoming the mail-order bride of Daniel O'Malley. Only Daniel doesn't know that his business partner has arranged for him a bride until Katie arrives. It takes just one look at Katie for Daniel to decide his mail order bride may be the answer to his loneliness, a wheelchair bound Mother, and help with his vineyard. Katie is a sweet compassionate person, yet Daniel is suspicious of her when bad things start happening again just like with his first wife. Will the suspicious death of his first wife, her love affair and the town believing Daniel killed her stand in the way of Daniel and Katie's happiness? This is my first American Mail-Order Bride book. Ms. McDaniel is a favorite Author of mine and her books are always well written with strong characters. I highly recommend every book by Ms. McDaniel!
December 21, 2015
Smiling faces make a difference!
Another great mail order bride story! Katie is all alone in this world. She was orphaned at a young age and has no one to stay with now that the factory fire ended her job chances. Becoming a mail order bride is her only option so she takes the chance. Daniel doesn't want another wife after the death of his first wife. He just wants to succeed in making wine. His friend Frank sent for her and he planned on sending her back home. Her smiling face just might change his mind.
A lot happens on their way to a happily ever after and it is worth the read.
Another great mail order bride story! Katie is all alone in this world. She was orphaned at a young age and has no one to stay with now that the factory fire ended her job chances. Becoming a mail order bride is her only option so she takes the chance. Daniel doesn't want another wife after the death of his first wife. He just wants to succeed in making wine. His friend Frank sent for her and he planned on sending her back home. Her smiling face just might change his mind.
A lot happens on their way to a happily ever after and it is worth the read.
February 4, 2016
Guess who? Say what!
This book kept me guessing about what happened to the first wife until close to the end when it's revealed who was the murderer and who was the lover. I kept switching back and forth. I proud of Katie also. She had a positive outlook on life and even when she was held at gun point she tried all she could to get away...it didn't work but at least she injured him and bought herself some time. I'm glad she wasn't one of those women who cry and act like they can't even attempt to protect themselves. Katie is my hero.
This book kept me guessing about what happened to the first wife until close to the end when it's revealed who was the murderer and who was the lover. I kept switching back and forth. I proud of Katie also. She had a positive outlook on life and even when she was held at gun point she tried all she could to get away...it didn't work but at least she injured him and bought herself some time. I'm glad she wasn't one of those women who cry and act like they can't even attempt to protect themselves. Katie is my hero.
January 25, 2016
Hmmm, parts of the story were interesting. I liked he mystery aspect. Other parts were amateurish in the writing. At one point Katie and Daniel are arguing about her always being accused of doing something in the vineyard - and yet, at this point that hadn't happened. And yet, when Daniel went over the top and ruined her tea party, there was no explanation of how he was able to redeem himself to the ladies later. Just seemed a little strange in parts.
August 26, 2016
Katie: Bride of Virginia by Sylvia McDaniel
A charming historical romance where the mail-order bride smiles through life's hardships. Her smile charms all she meets.
Spoiler******
How could Daniel accuse Katie of destroying the vines in front of her guests? Inexcusable in my opinion. Yes, he eventually apologies but this made me not like him in the least. I finished the book but I would not have forgiven him as easily as Katie did.
A charming historical romance where the mail-order bride smiles through life's hardships. Her smile charms all she meets.
Spoiler******
How could Daniel accuse Katie of destroying the vines in front of her guests? Inexcusable in my opinion. Yes, he eventually apologies but this made me not like him in the least. I finished the book but I would not have forgiven him as easily as Katie did.
August 16, 2019
Mail Order bride and a mystery too
I am truly enjoying this series and have looked forward to Ms McDaniel's contribution. This was a well written story about finding true love where you least expected it. The mystery of who killed Daniel's first wife was an added bonus.
I am truly enjoying this series and have looked forward to Ms McDaniel's contribution. This was a well written story about finding true love where you least expected it. The mystery of who killed Daniel's first wife was an added bonus.
February 3, 2016
An unexpected bride, infidelity, murder, and mysterious events make this a fun and exciting read. What I loved most about the heroine was her optimism. Our groom was a bit short-sighted and pig-headed, but turned out okay in the end.
March 5, 2016
A whodunnit within a mail order bride story
The story begins with a common storyline but then goes off in a much different direction.
I am so impressed with the various storylines and attempts at continuity between stories by different authors. What a major undertaking!!!
The story begins with a common storyline but then goes off in a much different direction.
I am so impressed with the various storylines and attempts at continuity between stories by different authors. What a major undertaking!!!
November 28, 2015
Great Read!!#
Great read I really enjoyed Katie and Daniel's story and his grumpy mother.
10 down 40 more to go!!! .
Great read I really enjoyed Katie and Daniel's story and his grumpy mother.
10 down 40 more to go!!! .
December 7, 2015
Good story but I was disappointed there weren't more details about their relationship in the bedroom since it became such an issue.
June 24, 2016
Couldn't put book down
I really enjoyed this book you didn't know what was going to happen I read it in less then two days
I really enjoyed this book you didn't know what was going to happen I read it in less then two days
July 28, 2016
Katie
I loved it very much! I had susspence, drama and most importantly love! I look forward to more of the authors books!
I loved it very much! I had susspence, drama and most importantly love! I look forward to more of the authors books!
November 17, 2016
This story was pretty good. I again just did not enjoy the characters. Katie was okay but her groom was horrible. I liked the intrigue in this story but needed a better groom.
December 23, 2016
Wonderful story...
I enjoyed this story of adventure, romance, suspense. The author has done a great job of putting together a very entertaining story.
I enjoyed this story of adventure, romance, suspense. The author has done a great job of putting together a very entertaining story.
February 19, 2016
Didn't like this at all
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews