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Sun River Brides #1

A Bride for Carlton

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Come along for the ride to meet feisty Boston city girls who know what they want, and rugged Montana men who just need to be loved. It's 1900, and things are changing fast in sleepy Sun River. As the town begins to expand, its inhabitants are getting restless, looking for love and adventure.

Why would an accomplished governess respond to an advertisement in the Matrimonial Times? Myra Gilbert had never considered such a thing, but something has awoken within her and she is determined to take her chance on love.

Carlton Green claimed his lands, and now has the deeds in his grasp. But something is missing in his life. Will his quest to find love fill that hole, or is there something from his past that could change everything and leave him with nothing?

47 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2016

648 people are currently reading
381 people want to read

About the author

Karla Gracey

75 books64 followers
Karla Gracey was born with a very creative imagination and a love for creating stories that will inspire and warm people's hearts. She has always been attracted to historical romance including mail order bride stories with strong willed women. Her characters are easy to relate to and you feel as if you know them personally. Whether you enjoy action, adventure, romance, mystery, suspense or drama- she makes sure there is something for everyone in her historical romance stories!

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5 stars
387 (41%)
4 stars
264 (28%)
3 stars
199 (21%)
2 stars
66 (7%)
1 star
23 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
November 1, 2019
..

This was a short, clean and wholesome, historical tale. However, there is very little character development, side characters, or drama associated with a normal-sized volume.

The mail-order bride premise was quite interesting and there were no grammatical errors that distracted from the reading. It focuses on Carlton Green, a former Bostonian, who now resides in Montana as a richer and Myra Gilbert, a Bostonian, that replied to his matrimonial advertisement.

DESCRIPTION:

Come along for the ride to meet feisty Boston city girls who know what they want, and rugged Montana men who just need to be loved. It's 1900, and things are changing fast in the sleepy Sun River. As the town begins to expand, its inhabitants are getting restless, looking for love and adventure.

Why would an accomplished governess respond to an advertisement in the Matrimonial Times? Myra Gilbert had never considered such a thing, but something has awoken within her and she is determined to take her chance on love.

Carlton Green claimed his lands, and now has the deeds in his grasp. But something is missing in his life. Will his quest to find love fill that hole, or is there something from his past that could change everything and leave him with nothing?


Myra requests that Carlton come to Boston in order for the two to meet and decide if they would suit as marriage partners. There were not many details regarding their excursions, but there is a twist that evolves satisfactorily.

This is a sweet, delightful, stand-alone tale that concludes with a H.E.A. and includes an epilogue. A good epilogue is like icing on the cake to an avid reader, like myself.

Although I enjoyed this short tale, there was not enough to wow me. However, there was nothing negative either. So, all in all, anyone interested in a short journey about this genre may get a good sip of history, without getting drunk in the experience.

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A Bride for Carlton
(Sun River Brides #1)
by Karla Gracey
Print Length: 62 Pages

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Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,705 reviews311 followers
December 2, 2018
Really short story

I can't call this a book because it was like 62 pages but I liked the story very much. It is totally clean, no intimate scenes of any kind at all. It's about a rancher who wants a wife and puts an ad in the paper. Myra answers it and they start a correspondence. It's very sweet and safe. There is a twist that surprised me and I really enjoyed it. And it was free!
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books160 followers
October 6, 2016
Hmm, this story was just underdeveloped. The characters lack any real depth. Now, the narrator did an excellent job, and I would listen to him again. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Jessica Wright.
63 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2023
Emotional rollercoaster, read it all in one sitting!
Profile Image for Denise.
28 reviews
Read
December 31, 2019
I'm sorry but this is the most ridiculous cover choice for this book! I can't even recall if they kiss at all or if there was any lustful or passionate thoughts. So I think it is sad that the covers seem to be used to get readers.
I found it on Audible for free with my subscription service (would never pay for it because it is SO short). It was an hour read (faster if I had read it on paper).
It starts off as a typical western mail order bride but with a fun twist at the end. Great to listen to while cleaning the house or on a short drive. While the book is mediocre, it is a good, clean, quick read/listen. Take it for what it's worth - just don't judge this book by its cover.
Profile Image for Bev Walkling.
1,455 reviews50 followers
November 18, 2023
Short sweet romance

This is really more of a novella than a novel and as such, character development doesn't have a huge amount of depth. I am beginning to see a pattern in the author's stories, the potential groom has a problematic past and the potential bride is feeling rather desperate.
Profile Image for Evelyn Hazel.
208 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2024
Definitely a clean romance and surprisingly sweet.

Although it was nothing new and a little boring. 2⭐️s.
Profile Image for Mandeera.
51 reviews
August 30, 2023
Best book ever written... I don't know why anyone would read anything else
Profile Image for Shelli.
909 reviews51 followers
July 21, 2016
This was a really sweet, enjoyable read for me. It's short and sweet, just long enough to enjoy in one evening. I really liked the way we got to see their relationship develop in this, from the advertisement he placed for a bride, to the letters they wrote each other, and eventually meeting. So many other mail order romances just sort of drop you into the middle of the story where the bride is already on her way to meet her husband, but we got to see it develop in this book, which was nice. The other positive thing is that the whole story was clean, and sweet, no cursing or explicit sex scenes for those who don't care for that, this is the book for you! I really liked this book and would listen to her other books as well!
Profile Image for Teressa.
500 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2016

"Nice Mail Order Bride; Good New Series"

A Bride for Carlton was a great beginning for the Sun River Brides series. I liked the characters and the setting. The story was neat and clean with a fulfilling ending. Overall, this was a very relaxing and enjoyable listen. I like calling these cozies as they make me feel comfy and cozy.

Alan Taylor's narration was great. He had a smooth consistent tone and was definitely easy on my ears. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him read this short story. He did a wonderful job.

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom dot com."
Profile Image for Melissa.
428 reviews24 followers
May 22, 2018
This was the weakest story I have read from Gracey. There was no chemistry between Myra and Carlton. It was also a bit awkward with a conflict in the hero's story arc that wasn't smooth out by the end of the story.
Profile Image for Timothy Hendricks.
477 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2018
This is the first book from this author and I enjoyed it very much. I liked the two main characters, Myra and Carlton. I thought they were very well developed. The only complaint I have is that the story was pretty much over before I realized it. Thank goodness for the epilogue so the story ended reasonably. Although I feel it could have been longer. But despite the complaint I feel it deserves the 5-star rating. It was a clean read which I appreciate. There wasn’t any profanity and no graphic sex. It was very well written. Faith was exercised but it wasn’t religious or preachy in any way. Also the mail order Bride part of the story was handled much differently than other mail order books I have read and I appreciated. Now that doesn’t mean I didn’t like the others; but I did appreciate the difference. Also, I especially like the strength of Myra’s character. She is instrumental in reuniting Carlton with his son. She is a supporter of the women’s suffrage movement; but more importantly she was interested in the availability of education to women. I hope to read more of this author’s books.
4,720 reviews40 followers
May 8, 2017
Ms Gracey is a new author for me and I must say I really enjoyed her story. This is the first one of the series and I am looking forward to reading the others books in the series. It is not a long story so great for a coffee break or afternoon read. For people who prefer story instead of steam this is a good fit.
I love mail order bride stories and this one did not disappoint. Yes it may lack a bit of character development, but it is short stories so there is not a great of time to do that. What you do have is a young woman who develops a relationship with a gentleman through letters and a young man who needs a wife to claim his deed. Myra is a wonderful character and Carlton will grow on you. An entertaining book all in all. I have downloaded book 2 and 3 and looking forward to reading them this week. I would certainly recommend this sweet romance it was a very enjoyable read.
346 reviews
August 13, 2017
This was a very quick read. You can read it in a few hours. It's a nice story of Carlton who lives in Montana and Myra who is a governess in Boston. He sends for a mail order bride and he never expected to get an answer as his ad had been running for quite a while with no response. Myra happened to see the ad and wrote to him. He sent her one letter she sent him two, he came to Boston to meet her and fell in love with her. Then his past came back to startle him. He would have to break off his engagement even though he loved her. The story takes a turn at this point and I do not want to spoil it for you. I believe you will enjoy this book. It is well written but my only complaint was that it could have been developed a little more.
403 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2018
I enjoyed reading this GREAT BOOK. I shows what love and trust in one another can really bring out what matters the most. Both thought there was no hope for happiness for either of them until he happened to post an add in a paper. She by chance read it. She had been wondering what was to become of her when the two girls she was a governess for when they no longer needed her. She thought she was too old to become a wife. He had been married before thru an arranged marriage between his father and her father. HIS wife committed suicide and he was told that she had killed their newborn son also.he agrees to come to Boston where they can meet face to face only just after he ask her to marry him, he see his father and a young boy at the park.
Profile Image for R.J. Groves.
Author 32 books59 followers
May 29, 2017
Short and sweet

This was the second short story I've read by Karla Gracey. I thought Myra and Carlton were an incredibly sweet couple - especially through their letters and their first meeting. I also liked that he came to see her in Boston. However, I felt that the dialogue was a bit forced at times and there were mix ups with other character's names on occasion. Also, the issue that arose that woulc have caused a problem in their relationship was stated and over with before it could really have an effect. Overall, it was a nice read with good characters that started strongly, but seemed to be rushed at the end.
Profile Image for Patsy.
614 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2018
After reading several long intense historical novels this was a refreshing read. In the 1900's starting in Boston and ending in the wide open sky's of Montana. There were letters flying through the mail as correspondences went back and forth. Also, it's always fun to feel a couple's first impressions as they met for the first time. What a surprise when Myra first met Carlton! This is a good clean romance with a mystery thrown in for adventure.

I am looking forward to more of Karla Gracey's books. Mail Order Bride novellas are always sweet, fast, to the point, and entertaining and this was a very enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Christy.
658 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2019
Bride for Carlton

I chose this short story because I enjoy this genre, as I enjoy many other genres. I enjoy hearing about Myra's wonders as she journeyed across the country to meet and marry (hopefully) Carlton, whom she had been corresponding with via email order bride ad. I think the two go well together. Like everyone everywhere, they face hardships, challenges, and hurdles - but that doesn't detour their desire for each other. Carlton seems a bit gruff sometimes, but I still like him. I think maybe the stiffness is an act so people won't think him a push over. Book is easy to read and listen to.
Profile Image for Ruth Ann.
246 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2020
Needing to leave

This was a good book written by Karla Gracey and I really enjoyed reading it. A governess and a mail order bride, a farmer, sent for a mail order bride, writing, enjoying her charges, more writings, falling in love with him, traveling meeting both falling in love, spending time together, a proposal and saying yes, running into someone, finding out about his son, talking about getting his son, will there be a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy the book and enjoy reading it.
13 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2017
Mail Order Bride - A Bride For Carlton

What a way to meet the love of your life!! This is how Carlton met Myra by placing an ad in the newspaper for a wife. Carlton felt it was time for a change in his life and Myra felt she would be unwanted and no place to go. Then she saw the ad about mail order bride and took a chance by writing him. In the end, Carlton got a wife and son he thought was dead. Great read!!!
Profile Image for Theresa.
316 reviews
June 30, 2018
Very moving

I give mail order brides a lot of credit for marrying someone they barely know. Myra definitely knows who she is and has principles. She knows how to set boundaries even though she's a little impulsive. Carlton is also a bit compulsive, so I think they make the perfect couple. I'm glad that Myra's intuition helped Carlton with his secret and the ending of the book made me smile. I was riveted throughout the whole time I was reading.
207 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2019
Mail Order Bride - A Bride for Carlton

Interesting storyline. Great characters. You almost got the impression Myra was poor because she was a Nanny; she was poor in wealth, but not in background. Sweet love story. Carlton was a Rancher in Montana, broke ground, made his ranch ready for a family.

You have to read it for yourself, it's certainly worth your time. Enjoy your read.
2,522 reviews
December 31, 2023
very short free ebook

she was in boston teaching 2 girls, but they had grown and her job there was ending. she answered a ad

he was in montana. his wife died, he was told his son died too but when he went to boston to meet her he saw his dad and his son.

he told her he couldnt marry her, he was trying to get his son, she helped him get his son, they married and moved to his new house in montana
Profile Image for Mary.
939 reviews10 followers
April 27, 2021
Myra's Farmer

Myra worked as a governess after the death of her father left her an orphan. She never dreamed that she'd be able to see and have a family of her own. Carlton had a farm in Montana that kept him busy but he longer for a wife. Mail Order seemed the only way to get one.
13 reviews
July 16, 2017
Montana Bride

I chose the above rating because the author put me in every scene and I felt like a friend to the characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to read more of Ms Gracey's works.
Profile Image for Leona Jackson.
247 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2017
Carlton

A great short story. He returning to a pass he wants to forget. She running to a future She hopes to embrace. Their lives collide. Written smartly, loving and a great happy ever after.
Profile Image for Casey.
1,537 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2017
A different type of mail order bride story

Although the writing is just a little bit stilted the story is well plotted and very readable.
I do wonder how they expect to have electricity in an isolated farm house and that was never explained.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews

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