What do you think?
Rate this book
Saddles and Spurs #3
Pony Express Christmas Bride
Want-Ad Wife Mail-order bride Josephine Dooley's trip West was supposed to end in marriage to her intended groom-not with the discovery that he hadn't actually placed the bridal ad! Now her only choice is to convince Pony Express rider Thomas Young to wed her anyway to save her from her scheming uncle. A bride shouldn't be a surprise package, and when Thomas finds out about his meddling brother's ruse, he plans to send his would-be wife packing. However, when he realizes Josephine desperately needs his help and a marriage of convenience is the only way he can protect her, he vows to become the husband she needs. But he quickly learns that it will be hard to keep his new bride at arm's length…because Josephine is his perfect match.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2015
44 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Gibson
85 books80 followersRhonda Gibson lives in New Mexico with her husband James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. She speaks at conferences and local writing groups. You can visit her at www.rhondagibson.net where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews
November 8, 2016
Josephine is desperate to escape a horrible marriage proposal. So when she arrives as a mail order bride in a small town out west, she's horrified to discover that her intended wasn't the one who wrote the letter and has no idea that he has a bride on the way. She is afraid that if she doesn't get married immediately her future will be a lifetime of misery. Thomas is going to murder his brother. But first he must rescue the poor young woman who landed on his door step. The only logical explanation is a marriage of convenience.
This was such a sweet story. But it also had some really humorous elements. The author did a great job of tying in the other books in the series while still having this book be great as a stand-alone. The secondary characters really added to the story. The author did a great job of high lighting faith, family, and the importance of love. I've read the first books in the series and was glad to get my hands on this one. It definitely didn't disappoint.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This was such a sweet story. But it also had some really humorous elements. The author did a great job of tying in the other books in the series while still having this book be great as a stand-alone. The secondary characters really added to the story. The author did a great job of high lighting faith, family, and the importance of love. I've read the first books in the series and was glad to get my hands on this one. It definitely didn't disappoint.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
April 2, 2018
Pony Express Christmas Bride was an excellent third book in the Saddles and Spurs series. I enjoyed the first two and am pleased to say that this one was also very good.
I liked how the marriage of convenience story played out. It was funny how Thomas didn't even want the marriage (his brother had set it up), but went through with it (in name only) because he had a kind heart and wanted to help protect her.
The story had a nice romance, a few moments of danger, and a good setting. I already knew I liked the characters based on the previous books, so I wasn't surprised to find them great yet again.
All in all. Pony Express Christmas Bride was a great Love Inspired Historical novel. I recommend it if you are looking for a quick historical romance read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I liked how the marriage of convenience story played out. It was funny how Thomas didn't even want the marriage (his brother had set it up), but went through with it (in name only) because he had a kind heart and wanted to help protect her.
The story had a nice romance, a few moments of danger, and a good setting. I already knew I liked the characters based on the previous books, so I wasn't surprised to find them great yet again.
All in all. Pony Express Christmas Bride was a great Love Inspired Historical novel. I recommend it if you are looking for a quick historical romance read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
January 15, 2017
This is a nice look at romance in the days of the Pony Express. It's an inspirational tale so doesn't go much further than hand-holding. The heroine has the gumption to disguise herself as a lad and take a job as a Pony Express rider at the start, but then retreats to a domestic life once she has a man willing to give her a name-only marriage. I'd have liked it better if she had continued to ride and help with the ponies, but the brothers in this on-going series have that job.
With lots of good detail and a cast who are respectable or disreputable, not forgetting Christmas preparations, this is an enjoyable historical romance set in Wyoming Territory.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
With lots of good detail and a cast who are respectable or disreputable, not forgetting Christmas preparations, this is an enjoyable historical romance set in Wyoming Territory.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
November 8, 2016
Josephine is desperate to escape a horrible marriage proposal. So when she arrives as a mail order bride in a small town out west, she's horrified to discover that her intended wasn't the one who wrote the letter and has no idea that he has a bride on the way. She is afraid that if she doesn't get married immediately her future will be a lifetime of misery. Thomas is going to murder his brother. But first he must rescue the poor young woman who landed on his door step. The only logical explanation is a marriage of convenience.
This was such a sweet story. But it also had some really humorous elements. The author did a great job of tying in the other books in the series while still having this book be great as a stand-alone. The secondary characters really added to the story. The author did a great job of high lighting faith, family, and the importance of love. I've read the first books in the series and was glad to get my hands on this one. It definitely didn't disappoint.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This was such a sweet story. But it also had some really humorous elements. The author did a great job of tying in the other books in the series while still having this book be great as a stand-alone. The secondary characters really added to the story. The author did a great job of high lighting faith, family, and the importance of love. I've read the first books in the series and was glad to get my hands on this one. It definitely didn't disappoint.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
December 16, 2022
A wonderful Christmas read🎄🎁
The first 20% of the book was pretty boring and weird, but I'm glad i stuck it out! I haven't read anything by this author in at least 6 years! It was good 😌
"Pony express" was in the title, and it was mentioned a bit... but i felt like it wasn't woven into the story very well. It was just something thrown in the background, really. If you are reading this and know nothing about the pony express, this book doesn't explain it well or much at all.
Also, the book never tells you why that random pony express rider was shot. Josephine just patched him up and that was it. 😂
Why did Thomas have to be gone each time Josephine had dangerous visitors?! That was dumb.
I understand that having a female character to be Thomas and Philip's neighbor was crucial to the story, but Hazel bothered the hell out of me! 😂 She wouldn't get her nose out of their business and spoke in a rude way several times. Like i said, she was just annoying.
I felt like there was too much drama about Josephine living in the house with her husband and brother-in-law, Philip! Too much worrying about sleeping arrangements; bedrooms. It was annoyingly repetitive.
I wished for more conversations between Josephine and Thomas. Their moments together were short, i felt. There should've been more content between them, like off them doing things together! 😁
Overall, a good book. I'm glad Josephine got her horse, Mistletoe, back!
The epilogue was weird. It just fast forwarded to Josephine giving birth to their son.. 🤷🏻♂️ could've been better.
The first 20% of the book was pretty boring and weird, but I'm glad i stuck it out! I haven't read anything by this author in at least 6 years! It was good 😌
"Pony express" was in the title, and it was mentioned a bit... but i felt like it wasn't woven into the story very well. It was just something thrown in the background, really. If you are reading this and know nothing about the pony express, this book doesn't explain it well or much at all.
Also, the book never tells you why that random pony express rider was shot. Josephine just patched him up and that was it. 😂
Why did Thomas have to be gone each time Josephine had dangerous visitors?! That was dumb.
I understand that having a female character to be Thomas and Philip's neighbor was crucial to the story, but Hazel bothered the hell out of me! 😂 She wouldn't get her nose out of their business and spoke in a rude way several times. Like i said, she was just annoying.
I felt like there was too much drama about Josephine living in the house with her husband and brother-in-law, Philip! Too much worrying about sleeping arrangements; bedrooms. It was annoyingly repetitive.
I wished for more conversations between Josephine and Thomas. Their moments together were short, i felt. There should've been more content between them, like off them doing things together! 😁
Overall, a good book. I'm glad Josephine got her horse, Mistletoe, back!
The epilogue was weird. It just fast forwarded to Josephine giving birth to their son.. 🤷🏻♂️ could've been better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2016
loved it
December 13, 2023
Josephine is running for safety straight into Thomas' arms until she finds he doesn't want her there. He didn't place an ad for a mail order bride and he hasn't been the one corresponding with her. Can she convince him to wed her anyway and save he from a faith worse than death?
December 19, 2016
I am in love with this series. The Young family has captured my heart and mind with their love, loyalty, honesty, and dignity. They all work hard, they care for each other, and are always willing to open their homes and hearts to the strangers in need of both. Their faith in God is the cornerstone of their lives, they rely on His guidance, and ask for His providence and protection as they live and love on the Pony Express route.
Thomas has always been one of the quieter ones. The scar on his face has determined his fate, the cruelty of the words spoken to him at a tender age still carries a heavy weight in his heart. He has so much to give, but his lack of faith in himself holds him back from social scenes, and especially from any kind of romance.
But Josephine needs help, she needs to be married, she needs a home, security, and protection. And Thomas's kind heart wants to and will give her anything she needs.
I loved the fumbling dance Jo and Thomas have for a relationship and to deeper feelings. It takes a lot of patience, understanding, and perseverance to make the marriage work, they fight, they argue, they apologize, they ask for forgiveness, they get to know each other and the quirks and habits of each other. They learn to share and compromise, and in the process face danger, joy, frustration, fear, and adoration.
I enjoy every moment I got to spent with the Young family, with their loving spirits and generous hearts they are encouraging and inspiring example, the stories of their lives are entertaining with the charming characters and tidbits of the times before us intriguing and exciting with the pioneer will and simpler lifestyle
~ Five Spoons
Thomas has always been one of the quieter ones. The scar on his face has determined his fate, the cruelty of the words spoken to him at a tender age still carries a heavy weight in his heart. He has so much to give, but his lack of faith in himself holds him back from social scenes, and especially from any kind of romance.
But Josephine needs help, she needs to be married, she needs a home, security, and protection. And Thomas's kind heart wants to and will give her anything she needs.
I loved the fumbling dance Jo and Thomas have for a relationship and to deeper feelings. It takes a lot of patience, understanding, and perseverance to make the marriage work, they fight, they argue, they apologize, they ask for forgiveness, they get to know each other and the quirks and habits of each other. They learn to share and compromise, and in the process face danger, joy, frustration, fear, and adoration.
I enjoy every moment I got to spent with the Young family, with their loving spirits and generous hearts they are encouraging and inspiring example, the stories of their lives are entertaining with the charming characters and tidbits of the times before us intriguing and exciting with the pioneer will and simpler lifestyle
~ Five Spoons
June 14, 2019
This book is a fine teen book of historical fiction. It takes place during the Pony Express days but, in my humble opinion, did not offer enough about the difficulties (of Pony Express riders) to make it interesting. Actually, the ads (I've read about) asking for pony express riders wanted them skinny and preferred orphans. Life as a rider was extremely dangerous and often short-lived.
The author did a good job of showing what young love could be, lots of missed cues regarding the other person's feelings.
A Pony Express rider advertised for a mail-order bride. Josephine Dooley agreed to the offer, but she needed to get away before her uncle married her off to an elderly gambler. Thus, she rode West as a Pony Express rider before her intended could send her the money to travel. When Jo arrives, she finds that Thomas Young did not want a wife. 3.5 stars
The author did a good job of showing what young love could be, lots of missed cues regarding the other person's feelings.
A Pony Express rider advertised for a mail-order bride. Josephine Dooley agreed to the offer, but she needed to get away before her uncle married her off to an elderly gambler. Thus, she rode West as a Pony Express rider before her intended could send her the money to travel. When Jo arrives, she finds that Thomas Young did not want a wife. 3.5 stars
January 5, 2017
Wonderful story
Josephine cut her beautiful read hair , dressed like a boy to because a pony express rider to marriage her husband had arranged. On top of that she answered an ad to become a mail order bride. The person that placed the ad and answered the letter is not the person she is to marry. Phillip placed the ad for his brother Thomas. This story is about learning to trust. I am not going to be a spoiler, this is a fantastic story. Cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Josephine cut her beautiful read hair , dressed like a boy to because a pony express rider to marriage her husband had arranged. On top of that she answered an ad to become a mail order bride. The person that placed the ad and answered the letter is not the person she is to marry. Phillip placed the ad for his brother Thomas. This story is about learning to trust. I am not going to be a spoiler, this is a fantastic story. Cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Read
January 18, 2017received 4 1/2 stars @ Harlequin.com (as of 01/18/17). To view reviews, go HERE> http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.ht...
Miniseries: Saddles and Spurs
Miniseries: Saddles and Spurs
November 6, 2016
4.5 really.
I loves the characters in this book. I loved the plot and the interactions within the book.
I loves the characters in this book. I loved the plot and the interactions within the book.
Read
December 6, 2016Miniseries: Saddles and Spurs
Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews