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American Mail-Order Brides #15
Emma: Bride of Kentucky
Emma: Bride of Kentucky is fifteenth in the unprecedented 50-book American Mail-Order Brides series.
Emma Waterston is determined, headstrong, and comes from a lifestyle where class structure determines one’s associations. Left destitute after the death of her mother, she takes a job at a textile factory. When a fire destroys her place of employment, leaving her penniless again, she makes a desperate decision and answers an ad for a mail order bride from a wealthy Kentucky horse breeder.
Sam Hawley is content with his life as a horse trainer on an affluent Kentucky estate. His primary focus has always been on the horses. He views their owners as rich people with nothing to do but flaunt their money. Loyalty to his mentor is the only thing that keeps him rooted to one place. When he meets the bride-to-be of the man he detests the most, his life is about to change.
Too late, Emma discovers the ad she answered was too good to be true. Her future husband is not what she was led to believe and a horrific experience leaves her no choice but to face the kind of life she’s been trying to escape. Kentucky was supposed to promise a return to her life of wealth. What she finds instead will redefine her definition of being rich.
Rated PG/Sweet (some language, kissing, all intimacy behind closed doors)
Emma Waterston is determined, headstrong, and comes from a lifestyle where class structure determines one’s associations. Left destitute after the death of her mother, she takes a job at a textile factory. When a fire destroys her place of employment, leaving her penniless again, she makes a desperate decision and answers an ad for a mail order bride from a wealthy Kentucky horse breeder.
Sam Hawley is content with his life as a horse trainer on an affluent Kentucky estate. His primary focus has always been on the horses. He views their owners as rich people with nothing to do but flaunt their money. Loyalty to his mentor is the only thing that keeps him rooted to one place. When he meets the bride-to-be of the man he detests the most, his life is about to change.
Too late, Emma discovers the ad she answered was too good to be true. Her future husband is not what she was led to believe and a horrific experience leaves her no choice but to face the kind of life she’s been trying to escape. Kentucky was supposed to promise a return to her life of wealth. What she finds instead will redefine her definition of being rich.
Rated PG/Sweet (some language, kissing, all intimacy behind closed doors)
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2015
87 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Peggy L. Henderson
74 books322 followersI never thought I'd be a writer, much less publish a book some day. I always wanted to be a veterinarian. I guess life just had other plans for me. When my husband and I decided to start a family, vet school pretty much went out the window. I used to work with a vet who had three children while going through vet school. To this day, she is my hero.
I live with my husband and two teenage sons in southern California. I have a Welsh pony and a miniature horse (down-sized from a barn of six horses). A crazy Labrador retriever who is a food vacuum, three cats, two parakeets, four bearded dragons (my compromise with my sons when they wanted a snake), and a small flock of chickens complete our menagerie of critters. I can’t imagine my life without my animals. My dream is to live in Montana some day.
Four years ago, I began writing a story that, for whatever reason, was stuck in my head for almost a year. I have been an avid romance reader for a long time, and the idea took hold to - why not? - write my own! What a simple idea, right?
It has been a long and difficult journey from my first sentence to a completed, and hopefully polished, manuscript. Today, I have a completed series of 5 books and a novella in what I called The Yellowstone Romance Series, two books in my new Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, and I am currently working on the final book in a trilogy set in the Grand Tetons.
I live with my husband and two teenage sons in southern California. I have a Welsh pony and a miniature horse (down-sized from a barn of six horses). A crazy Labrador retriever who is a food vacuum, three cats, two parakeets, four bearded dragons (my compromise with my sons when they wanted a snake), and a small flock of chickens complete our menagerie of critters. I can’t imagine my life without my animals. My dream is to live in Montana some day.
Four years ago, I began writing a story that, for whatever reason, was stuck in my head for almost a year. I have been an avid romance reader for a long time, and the idea took hold to - why not? - write my own! What a simple idea, right?
It has been a long and difficult journey from my first sentence to a completed, and hopefully polished, manuscript. Today, I have a completed series of 5 books and a novella in what I called The Yellowstone Romance Series, two books in my new Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, and I am currently working on the final book in a trilogy set in the Grand Tetons.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 15, 2018
Excellent story!
Loved every bit of it! Sweet tale with a lesson being money doesn't solve every problem! Good moral for much of our society today! I especially love the historical facts at the end of the book! Great read!
Loved every bit of it! Sweet tale with a lesson being money doesn't solve every problem! Good moral for much of our society today! I especially love the historical facts at the end of the book! Great read!
June 30, 2019
One Never Knows What One Will Get When Becoming A Mail Order Bride
Emma had trouble deciding between wanting love or money but in the end she got both and so much more! I truly loved this book as I am sure you will also.
Emma had trouble deciding between wanting love or money but in the end she got both and so much more! I truly loved this book as I am sure you will also.
June 2, 2022
Really enjoyed this book!
I loved that this book had such a great storyline! A uncle trained race horses though the rest of the family was more ranch and rodeo involved. I really enjoyed this story and how it ended!
I loved that this book had such a great storyline! A uncle trained race horses though the rest of the family was more ranch and rodeo involved. I really enjoyed this story and how it ended!
October 26, 2024
Great love story of Emma who answers an ad to be a rich wife of a Kentucky horse Baron. Turns out the horse Baron is an ass h that no one wants but she finds true love with the employee who picks her up.
December 28, 2016
Enjoyable..
I enjoyed this story. The author has done a great job of keeping her characters in a breath taking closeness all though the telling of this story.
I enjoyed this story. The author has done a great job of keeping her characters in a breath taking closeness all though the telling of this story.
March 11, 2019
Part of the American Mail Order Brides series.
March 20, 2023
Changes for the best
Emma's story is very interesting, and it is truly beautiful to see how love changes things. Sometimes there are things far more valuable than money.
Emma's story is very interesting, and it is truly beautiful to see how love changes things. Sometimes there are things far more valuable than money.
December 29, 2015
Emma: Bride of Kentucky (American Mail-Order Brides #15)
By: Peggy Henderson
5/5 stars
Emma grew up in the wealthy society lifestyle with an education and manners. But she was left destitute after her mother’s death and had to seek work at the textile factory. After that had burned, she looked for employment and when that didn’t pan out she decided to become a mail-order bride. When she found an ad for a wealthy, Kentucky horse ranch owner, she was sure that it was an answer to all her problems and she would be returning to the lifestyle to which she was accustomed.
But too late she realized that life wouldn’t be all that pleasant after she met her intended husband. The price she would pay for a comfortable lifestyle would be high, but she didn’t know what other choice she would have.
Sam Hawley was one of the most respected horse trainers in the Kentucky racing circuit. But being a trainer was a long way from being an owner and he didn’t care for the people he worked for, but was loyal to another older worker, and the animals. His life got turned upside down when Emma showed up and was to be married to the man he hated most. He was torn on his feelings about Emma and especially about her wanting and agreeing to marry the detestable man.
Emma has some choices to make, especially about leaving the enticing wealth behind and embracing the poor lifestyle which she had been desperate to escape.
By: Peggy Henderson
5/5 stars
Emma grew up in the wealthy society lifestyle with an education and manners. But she was left destitute after her mother’s death and had to seek work at the textile factory. After that had burned, she looked for employment and when that didn’t pan out she decided to become a mail-order bride. When she found an ad for a wealthy, Kentucky horse ranch owner, she was sure that it was an answer to all her problems and she would be returning to the lifestyle to which she was accustomed.
But too late she realized that life wouldn’t be all that pleasant after she met her intended husband. The price she would pay for a comfortable lifestyle would be high, but she didn’t know what other choice she would have.
Sam Hawley was one of the most respected horse trainers in the Kentucky racing circuit. But being a trainer was a long way from being an owner and he didn’t care for the people he worked for, but was loyal to another older worker, and the animals. His life got turned upside down when Emma showed up and was to be married to the man he hated most. He was torn on his feelings about Emma and especially about her wanting and agreeing to marry the detestable man.
Emma has some choices to make, especially about leaving the enticing wealth behind and embracing the poor lifestyle which she had been desperate to escape.
October 11, 2016
I've read (and part-read) a fair few mail order bride stories over the years and I have to say that Emma: Bride of Kentucky ranks among the sweetest and most enjoyable.
I didn't immediately warm to Emma herself, but as the story went on and she changed and developed as a person, I found I liked her more and more. She’s come from a privileged background, but has then been thrown into a situation where she’s lost all that goes with that privileged lifestyle. Being at the end of her resources she answers an advert for a mail order bride and sets off to Kentucky, back to living in the style in which she grew up, or so she thinks. All is not as it seemed though…
Once in Kentucky Emma meets Sam. Sexy Sam, whew! I pretty much fell in love with him right away. He’s just an all-round nice guy: kind, friendly, caring, gentlemanly and rather good-looking.
The story is set on a horse ranch, with Sam being one of the trainers. As usual Peggy Henderson’s knowledge of and love for horses runs through the story, which makes an interesting backdrop for the romance between Sam and Emma. There is also a great cast of supporting characters – some of them people you would like to meet, and some of them not.
All in all, I can highly recommend this lovely romantic tale. Anyone who loves romance, happy endings and hunky horse trainers should read this book!
I didn't immediately warm to Emma herself, but as the story went on and she changed and developed as a person, I found I liked her more and more. She’s come from a privileged background, but has then been thrown into a situation where she’s lost all that goes with that privileged lifestyle. Being at the end of her resources she answers an advert for a mail order bride and sets off to Kentucky, back to living in the style in which she grew up, or so she thinks. All is not as it seemed though…
Once in Kentucky Emma meets Sam. Sexy Sam, whew! I pretty much fell in love with him right away. He’s just an all-round nice guy: kind, friendly, caring, gentlemanly and rather good-looking.
The story is set on a horse ranch, with Sam being one of the trainers. As usual Peggy Henderson’s knowledge of and love for horses runs through the story, which makes an interesting backdrop for the romance between Sam and Emma. There is also a great cast of supporting characters – some of them people you would like to meet, and some of them not.
All in all, I can highly recommend this lovely romantic tale. Anyone who loves romance, happy endings and hunky horse trainers should read this book!
December 4, 2015
Bride of Kentucky: Emma and Sam's story
Emma is a beautiful young woman who grew up among the rich society of Boston. Her father lost all of their money gambling on different enterprises and Emma was ostracized from said society because of it. She accepts an offer (although reluctantly) to go to a Kentucky horse farm as a mail-order bride to the owner. She is met at the train station in Lexington by, not her intended, but by Sam, a stable hand. Even though she feels a spark of interest she acts as though Sam is beneath her station. Emma realizes, too late, that her fiance's mother is actually the one who posted the request for a mail-order bride, and that her intended is far from the wonderful man she was led to believe. Misunderstandings, fights, and a tornado factor into this well written story and, of course, there is a happy ending to this sweet historical romance. This is book 15 in a series where 45 different authors have collaborated in writing 50 different books where each state of the Union in order of entry will be represented by a bride for each state. These books will be released one at a time each day for fifty days. Quite an undertaking.
Emma is a beautiful young woman who grew up among the rich society of Boston. Her father lost all of their money gambling on different enterprises and Emma was ostracized from said society because of it. She accepts an offer (although reluctantly) to go to a Kentucky horse farm as a mail-order bride to the owner. She is met at the train station in Lexington by, not her intended, but by Sam, a stable hand. Even though she feels a spark of interest she acts as though Sam is beneath her station. Emma realizes, too late, that her fiance's mother is actually the one who posted the request for a mail-order bride, and that her intended is far from the wonderful man she was led to believe. Misunderstandings, fights, and a tornado factor into this well written story and, of course, there is a happy ending to this sweet historical romance. This is book 15 in a series where 45 different authors have collaborated in writing 50 different books where each state of the Union in order of entry will be represented by a bride for each state. These books will be released one at a time each day for fifty days. Quite an undertaking.
December 7, 2015
Emma: Bride Of Kentucky ( The American Mail-Order Brides! Book 15 )
I loved this book! I enjoyed the story and the hero Sam right away. In the beginning, not so much Emma. But as I read the book and got to know her, I could understand why she thought and acted the way she did. As time went by, I grew to love her and wanted her to have a HEA with someone who loved her.
Lots of twists and turns in this book and a few scary moments, as the story flowed from page to page. Two wonderful secondary characters stand out who I really liked, Gus and Millie, who added humor to keep things light.
The author knows her horses and everything about them, as you can tell throughout the book. I enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoy all of Peggy L. Henderson's books. Never disappointed and this was a wonderful clean romance.
If all the books are half as good as this one, I will enjoy reading every one of them in the American Mail-Order Brides Books. JudyE
I loved this book! I enjoyed the story and the hero Sam right away. In the beginning, not so much Emma. But as I read the book and got to know her, I could understand why she thought and acted the way she did. As time went by, I grew to love her and wanted her to have a HEA with someone who loved her.
Lots of twists and turns in this book and a few scary moments, as the story flowed from page to page. Two wonderful secondary characters stand out who I really liked, Gus and Millie, who added humor to keep things light.
The author knows her horses and everything about them, as you can tell throughout the book. I enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoy all of Peggy L. Henderson's books. Never disappointed and this was a wonderful clean romance.
If all the books are half as good as this one, I will enjoy reading every one of them in the American Mail-Order Brides Books. JudyE
December 3, 2015
Emma's Story
This story was so good and so full of feelings. Emma came from a well to do family growing up. but being on her own gave her a self confidence and a new look on another way of life. When that was taken away by a fire in the factory, she had to try another way of life to survive, being a mail order bride.
Things aren't always as you expect or hope they will be. When she arrived at her new place in Kentucky to meet her husband to be, she found someone unexpected. Did she make a terrible mistake?
The intense good writing of events and feelings in this exciting heart felt story drew you right into the scenes and I felt like I was right there watching and feeling all the things happening.
The story is fast paced and never felt slow. I highly recommend this book to everyone that loves a good love story.
5 stars +
This story was so good and so full of feelings. Emma came from a well to do family growing up. but being on her own gave her a self confidence and a new look on another way of life. When that was taken away by a fire in the factory, she had to try another way of life to survive, being a mail order bride.
Things aren't always as you expect or hope they will be. When she arrived at her new place in Kentucky to meet her husband to be, she found someone unexpected. Did she make a terrible mistake?
The intense good writing of events and feelings in this exciting heart felt story drew you right into the scenes and I felt like I was right there watching and feeling all the things happening.
The story is fast paced and never felt slow. I highly recommend this book to everyone that loves a good love story.
5 stars +
December 4, 2015
When I started reading, I almost immediately disliked Emma Waterston. I thought, “Oh no, Emma is another pampered, socialite who hates all men”. Then I remembered the author of the story is Peggy L. Henderson, an author I trust to tell a great story. That’s when I sat back and read the book to its conclusion. When I finished I reading I immediately thought, “No matter what plans we make for ourselves, God always has an even better one in mind for us. We just need to open our hearts to receive His gifts.” This was certainly true for Emma. I absolutely loved the proposal she received!
I was pleasantly surprised that Sam Hawley in this story is related to Trace Hawley from In His Eyes (Blemished Brides #1). Finishing this story made me want to reread the Blemished Brides series!
I was pleasantly surprised that Sam Hawley in this story is related to Trace Hawley from In His Eyes (Blemished Brides #1). Finishing this story made me want to reread the Blemished Brides series!
December 26, 2015
Sweet Story
This book reminds me of the line "You don't always get what you want, you get what you need." Emma went to Kentucky to be a rich man's wife. She thought she wanted to live the lavish lifestyle like she was raised until her father lost it all. When she arrived all was not as it seemed. Sam presented a simpler life and she was attracted to him, but she was David Benton's mail order bride. She considered herself better than Sam, he was a lowly horse trainer. She realized that living the simple life is sometimes just what you need. I liked the settings in this book and all the side characters.
This book reminds me of the line "You don't always get what you want, you get what you need." Emma went to Kentucky to be a rich man's wife. She thought she wanted to live the lavish lifestyle like she was raised until her father lost it all. When she arrived all was not as it seemed. Sam presented a simpler life and she was attracted to him, but she was David Benton's mail order bride. She considered herself better than Sam, he was a lowly horse trainer. She realized that living the simple life is sometimes just what you need. I liked the settings in this book and all the side characters.
February 7, 2016
Raised as one of Boston's elite, Emma finds herself working at a textile mill when her mother dies and her father gambles away all their wealth. When the mill burns down and all her friends have decided to become mall order brides, Emma reluctantly joins them, but only when she finds an ad from a wealthy groom. Anxious to return to her life of privilege, Emma travels to Kentucky to marry the wealthy but dissolute David Benton. However, it doesn't take long for Emma to realize that wealth has lost its shine and she wants another type of riches instead....Love. An enjoyable story....thank you for keeping the bride in Kentucky.
December 5, 2015
Excellent read
I love Peggy Henderson's work! This mail order bride series is fascinating. This story has a ring of truth that not all mail order brides lived happily ever after. In this case our heroine Emmaline finds true love with a wonderful man Sam.
I love Peggy Henderson's work! This mail order bride series is fascinating. This story has a ring of truth that not all mail order brides lived happily ever after. In this case our heroine Emmaline finds true love with a wonderful man Sam.
December 14, 2015
Great book
Peggy Henderson is an amazing writer!! No matter what she writes, the word pictures are wonderful! You can see everything she describes. I loved this book, it kept me engaged from the first page!
Peggy Henderson is an amazing writer!! No matter what she writes, the word pictures are wonderful! You can see everything she describes. I loved this book, it kept me engaged from the first page!
January 3, 2017
Loved it
I love Peggy L. Henderson's books, and this one, though somewhat different than her usual settings, is another gem. I love how she manages to insert cameos and "Easter eggs" into her books.
Ms. Henderson is a great writer, and Sam and Emma's story is very sweet.
I love Peggy L. Henderson's books, and this one, though somewhat different than her usual settings, is another gem. I love how she manages to insert cameos and "Easter eggs" into her books.
Ms. Henderson is a great writer, and Sam and Emma's story is very sweet.
December 3, 2015
Great read!!!
Great book, I will add this one to my favorite list of the series...
15 down 35 more to go!!!
Great book, I will add this one to my favorite list of the series...
15 down 35 more to go!!!
December 16, 2015
Emma: Bride of Kentucky
This was such a good read. It was full of romance and of suspense. Please take time to read this great romance.
This was such a good read. It was full of romance and of suspense. Please take time to read this great romance.
December 28, 2015
3.5 stars
January 27, 2016
Pretty good. I enjoyed Emma's growth in character, that she was no longer a superficial, wealthy woman who would do whatever it took to live the life she thought she wanted.
August 1, 2016
I loved the fact that it took place on horse farm. It was a short but enjoyable book.
November 22, 2016
I grew up in Kentucky and so I was excited to read this. It was different and enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews