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Wild West Frontier Brides #7
The Blacksmith's Mail Order Bride
Olivia Blanchard is left homeless and destitute when a sudden fire at her ranch takes everything. Joe Stanton, the town blacksmith, has been under increasing pressure to marry the woman his overbearing mother and aunt have chosen for him. He'd rather find his own wife, and decides that a mail-order bride sounds like a better option.
When he sees beautiful Olivia, covered in dirt and soot, and understands her situation, marriage seems like the perfect solution for both of them. His mother however, does not agree, and Olivia can't seem to please her, no matter how hard she tries. Can they find a way to make things work?
When he sees beautiful Olivia, covered in dirt and soot, and understands her situation, marriage seems like the perfect solution for both of them. His mother however, does not agree, and Olivia can't seem to please her, no matter how hard she tries. Can they find a way to make things work?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2016
About the author
Cindy Nichols
110 books120 followersCindy Nichols also writes as Cindy Caldwell
Cindy Nichols writes heartwarming stories interwoven with the bonds of friendship and family that combine what she loves most about women's fiction and romance.
She's lived most of her life near a beach...just the way she likes it. She hopes to share that feeling of peace and serenity with readers in her gently thought-provoking, feel-good stories.
Feel free to sign up for her mailing list to hear about new releases as soon as they are available. Just copy and paste into your browser:
https://www.subscribepage.com/goodreads
Cindy Nichols writes heartwarming stories interwoven with the bonds of friendship and family that combine what she loves most about women's fiction and romance.
She's lived most of her life near a beach...just the way she likes it. She hopes to share that feeling of peace and serenity with readers in her gently thought-provoking, feel-good stories.
Feel free to sign up for her mailing list to hear about new releases as soon as they are available. Just copy and paste into your browser:
https://www.subscribepage.com/goodreads
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 2, 2023
Completely failed to grip me. And she wasn’t even a mail order bride!
February 24, 2018
Meh. This was an interesting story and I loved our MCs. The plot is predictable and the villain obvious.
As a romance it fell flat. They marry but agree to sleep separately until they know each other better. But the only interactions they have are about his mother or her ranch and the ongoing "mystery". There are no sweet kisses or hand holding. There is no romance. In fact, we only discover that they have finally consummated their marriage in the second-to-last paragraph of the book where they say "now that they have a true marriage". I don't need the details but a little romance isn't too much to ask from a mail order bride romance book.
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As a romance it fell flat. They marry but agree to sleep separately until they know each other better. But the only interactions they have are about his mother or her ranch and the ongoing "mystery". There are no sweet kisses or hand holding. There is no romance. In fact, we only discover that they have finally consummated their marriage in the second-to-last paragraph of the book where they say "now that they have a true marriage". I don't need the details but a little romance isn't too much to ask from a mail order bride romance book.
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May 9, 2018
Olivia has been taking care of the pig ranch since her father had passed away. Being hounded by Mr Walker for her inventory, she goes town to see her friends and settle on the inventory they want. As she makes it back home she sees everything on fire.
Joe has decided to put an ad in for a mail order bride as his over bearing mother and aunt want him to marry someone else that he doesn’t care for.
With the help of Suzanne and her sister Sadie, Joe and Olivia get married.
This was not very romantic, you get hints of it later in the book. The characters were ok but neither one held my attention. Joe’s mother is vindictive and harsh. You want to see Joe stand up to her and finally he does at the end.
I give it 3 stars as it wasn't bad and the best character was Joe's grandmother.
Joe has decided to put an ad in for a mail order bride as his over bearing mother and aunt want him to marry someone else that he doesn’t care for.
With the help of Suzanne and her sister Sadie, Joe and Olivia get married.
This was not very romantic, you get hints of it later in the book. The characters were ok but neither one held my attention. Joe’s mother is vindictive and harsh. You want to see Joe stand up to her and finally he does at the end.
I give it 3 stars as it wasn't bad and the best character was Joe's grandmother.
October 16, 2018
The Blacksmith's Mail Order Bride (Wild West Frontier Book 7)
The love story of Joe and Olivia. After her father die, Olivia is try to make a go of her hog farm , she is about to sell her inventory when the farm burn down and now she is penniless and has no home. What is she to do?
Joe's mother want him to marry a woman of her and his aunt choosing but he want nothing to do with it. He decide to get a mail order bride but when he see Olivia he as he to marry him. Will this work out well for them? Great love story.
The love story of Joe and Olivia. After her father die, Olivia is try to make a go of her hog farm , she is about to sell her inventory when the farm burn down and now she is penniless and has no home. What is she to do?
Joe's mother want him to marry a woman of her and his aunt choosing but he want nothing to do with it. He decide to get a mail order bride but when he see Olivia he as he to marry him. Will this work out well for them? Great love story.
February 24, 2018
Sweet western romance
I really enjoyed this story. Olivia and Joe came to be married in very unusual circumstances. They started to care for each other even as outside forces worked to drive them apart. It was satisfying to see their love win out. I would have liked more information on what happened to Joe's father and a glimpse into their future but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story.
I really enjoyed this story. Olivia and Joe came to be married in very unusual circumstances. They started to care for each other even as outside forces worked to drive them apart. It was satisfying to see their love win out. I would have liked more information on what happened to Joe's father and a glimpse into their future but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story.
September 25, 2018
I must say that the women in this series are tremendous role models. They were independent, strong, and respectful toward their families. Each worked together with their husbands as a team.
The men are hard working, loving, and handsome! Who wouldn't want to spend time with them?
The proofreader must have dozed through their responsibilities to this series, since there were multiple grammar errors.
In this tale, a mysterious couple is drawn together after many years apart and face their individual struggles on the road to marital bliss.
This was a sweet and clean romance that brought marriage to the longtime cook and extended Archer family member. It is able to stand alone, but is much more enjoyable read in succession with the rest of the series.
March 2, 2018
Simply put, a waste of time
Writing was dull and choppy. Characters not developed. Very little was given to the rise of love between the two main characters. The story line of the ranch, theft, and fire was interesting, but the heroine had to be an idiot not to have suspected the adversarial character. The "gun" ban was ridiculous. The denouement tied up all the loose strings in brief sentences, and made everything "perfect" for the newlyweds, so that I was rolling my eyes.
Writing was dull and choppy. Characters not developed. Very little was given to the rise of love between the two main characters. The story line of the ranch, theft, and fire was interesting, but the heroine had to be an idiot not to have suspected the adversarial character. The "gun" ban was ridiculous. The denouement tied up all the loose strings in brief sentences, and made everything "perfect" for the newlyweds, so that I was rolling my eyes.
February 27, 2018
Sweet and quick western
I read the previous book in this series and enjoyed how Will and Carol overcame resistance from both families to get their happily ever after. I was not sure how things would go with his brother Joe who was the quieter of the two. Olivia lives outside of Tombstone on a big farm. She does not want to sell the farm and move i to town like her late father wanted her to do after his death. The choice is taken away from her when her farm burns down while she was in town working out the deal for her cured ham. She stumbles back to town the next day to her friend Suzanne who owns the store. In walks Joe with an ad for a wife as he does not want the woman his aunt and mom have picked out for him. They marry and then have to deal with his mother and aunt, the loss of her livelihood and her wanting to do more than stay at home. They figure out the ham was stolen and her dad's friend Percy missing. Thankfully they have friends and his grandmother to help them through. These are nice quick stories to read when you have a short time to read and/or you need a HEA.
I read the previous book in this series and enjoyed how Will and Carol overcame resistance from both families to get their happily ever after. I was not sure how things would go with his brother Joe who was the quieter of the two. Olivia lives outside of Tombstone on a big farm. She does not want to sell the farm and move i to town like her late father wanted her to do after his death. The choice is taken away from her when her farm burns down while she was in town working out the deal for her cured ham. She stumbles back to town the next day to her friend Suzanne who owns the store. In walks Joe with an ad for a wife as he does not want the woman his aunt and mom have picked out for him. They marry and then have to deal with his mother and aunt, the loss of her livelihood and her wanting to do more than stay at home. They figure out the ham was stolen and her dad's friend Percy missing. Thankfully they have friends and his grandmother to help them through. These are nice quick stories to read when you have a short time to read and/or you need a HEA.
February 24, 2018
ROMANCE, WILD WEST, AND IT'S GOT BACON!
Cindy Caldwell earned 5 STARS for her Blacksmith 's Mail Order Brides WW #7 with this interesting entertaining romance that has a mystery built in. I laughed out loud at times in this book several times especially when our Bride goes and finally gets a chance to look in the mirror to try and fix her hair, especially after Joe's Aunt had been so expressive and forthcoming at the general store Olivia wanted to make sure her hair was ok. Also, I had a bit of anger at Joe's Mother and her gossipy Sister, Whew, don't we all know a few of them. The main objective is can these two newlyweds endure all the chaos of others on top of finding out if all the cured pork had been stolen and rebranded. Give this a chance it will be worth it. 16 yrs & up WARNING: NOTHING, CLEAN READ
Cindy Caldwell earned 5 STARS for her Blacksmith 's Mail Order Brides WW #7 with this interesting entertaining romance that has a mystery built in. I laughed out loud at times in this book several times especially when our Bride goes and finally gets a chance to look in the mirror to try and fix her hair, especially after Joe's Aunt had been so expressive and forthcoming at the general store Olivia wanted to make sure her hair was ok. Also, I had a bit of anger at Joe's Mother and her gossipy Sister, Whew, don't we all know a few of them. The main objective is can these two newlyweds endure all the chaos of others on top of finding out if all the cured pork had been stolen and rebranded. Give this a chance it will be worth it. 16 yrs & up WARNING: NOTHING, CLEAN READ
August 17, 2023
Needs better proofreading
I am a prolific reader and caught a couple of errors in this story. In Ch 29, Olivia is in the Mercantile and sees Suzanne talking to a man. “The man she’d been speaking to had turned toward the door and Suzanne frowned as she watched him walk away. “Thank you, sir,” Suzanne said as she took a piece of paper from the man she’d been talking to.”
ERROR: The man walks away but then Suzanne takes a piece of paper from him.
In Ch 33, Olivia is going to the ranch to search for branding irons. Suzanne is speaking to her out of concern and says “Suzanne, are you certain? I can send Liam with you. Or run and get Joe...”
ERROR: The character’s name should be “Olivia“, not “Suzanne“. Susanna is speaking to Olivia.
I am a prolific reader and caught a couple of errors in this story. In Ch 29, Olivia is in the Mercantile and sees Suzanne talking to a man. “The man she’d been speaking to had turned toward the door and Suzanne frowned as she watched him walk away. “Thank you, sir,” Suzanne said as she took a piece of paper from the man she’d been talking to.”
ERROR: The man walks away but then Suzanne takes a piece of paper from him.
In Ch 33, Olivia is going to the ranch to search for branding irons. Suzanne is speaking to her out of concern and says “Suzanne, are you certain? I can send Liam with you. Or run and get Joe...”
ERROR: The character’s name should be “Olivia“, not “Suzanne“. Susanna is speaking to Olivia.
November 11, 2023
Olivia Blanchard was tough. She had to be tough to survive the wilds of the high desert in Arizona where her ranch was located and, hardy enough to eke out a living for herself and her ranch hand, Percy. She was pushed to desperate measures when her ranch was completely destroyed by a black-hearted outlaw. Meeting the town's blacksmith, Joe Stanton, when Olivia was emotionally and physically a mess, turned out to be the intervention of fate into both of their lives. This story had amazing, strong characters and a lively storyline that kept me invested in their present lives and hopeful that they would fortify each other and overcome all obstacles in the way of a joyful future. It was a Great Read!!!!
March 1, 2018
Grandmother Stanton is awesome!
I enjoyed this book. It was a fairly quick read, with a captivating storyline. The characters were well developed and you felt like you knew them personally. All the plot lines were pretty
see-through though as soon as they were introduced. It was obvious to me anyway. But I liked the characters so I was still interested to see how it played out. Nothing like picking up your mail order bride before you even place the ad! And mother-in-laws can be so awful, especially with someone else egging them on. (They can be a very precious gift as well, just not in this story!)
I enjoyed this book. It was a fairly quick read, with a captivating storyline. The characters were well developed and you felt like you knew them personally. All the plot lines were pretty
see-through though as soon as they were introduced. It was obvious to me anyway. But I liked the characters so I was still interested to see how it played out. Nothing like picking up your mail order bride before you even place the ad! And mother-in-laws can be so awful, especially with someone else egging them on. (They can be a very precious gift as well, just not in this story!)
September 17, 2019
While not a mail-order bride book in the literal sense, it is an engaging story of a man and woman who marry after having met only once, a day or two earlier. The main characters are likeable, and readers will be hoping that they will find their happy ending.
The hero's mother and aunt are almost too nasty to be believable, as well as incredibly stubborn and set in their opinions--which, of course, are superior to everyone else's.
The book needed a better proof reader and copy editor; it contained more errors than the earlier book in the series I read. Compared to other books that I have read recently, however, it was *much* better.
The hero's mother and aunt are almost too nasty to be believable, as well as incredibly stubborn and set in their opinions--which, of course, are superior to everyone else's.
The book needed a better proof reader and copy editor; it contained more errors than the earlier book in the series I read. Compared to other books that I have read recently, however, it was *much* better.
December 30, 2022
Joe and Olivia meet briefly and then marry a few days later under unusual circumstances. Together they face many obstacles that help them learn about each other and help their relationship grow and strengthen. There are several times when Joe's father's death is brought up, but we never really learn exactly how it happened, other than it was an accident of some sort. I would like to know more about that because it had a profound effect on Joe's adult life and business. There were some proofreading errors that got in the way just a bit. But otherwise, it was a sweet, heartwarming story of budding romance and life in Arizona Territory in the mid 1800s. I enjoyed reading it!
July 23, 2023
The Blacksmiths Mail Order Bride
First I’m going to complain a little bit, stomach’s rumbling everywhere, can’t help but wonder if you could have used a deferent way of wording someone’s hunger.
I realised I hadn’t eaten anything sense dinner the previous day?
Or I remembered the last meal was yesterday. Just a few ideas instead of stomach rumbling, makes me think the people are I’ll and need the outhouse.
Apart from that I really would have liked to known if the mother finally came to accept the daughters that wed into the family.
The mother and her sisters plots were over the top, the story was good but I suppose it could have been a little bit better.
First I’m going to complain a little bit, stomach’s rumbling everywhere, can’t help but wonder if you could have used a deferent way of wording someone’s hunger.
I realised I hadn’t eaten anything sense dinner the previous day?
Or I remembered the last meal was yesterday. Just a few ideas instead of stomach rumbling, makes me think the people are I’ll and need the outhouse.
Apart from that I really would have liked to known if the mother finally came to accept the daughters that wed into the family.
The mother and her sisters plots were over the top, the story was good but I suppose it could have been a little bit better.
July 23, 2024
Great story
Olivia really had her hands full, taking care of the ranch and trying to ensure the sale of the last of their pork products. When all her products were gone and the ranch burned down, she got away with only the dress she was wearing and a few items she saved before the flames took over.
When Joe had finally made his mind up to send off an add for a Mail Order Bride, he was surprised that the letter never was mailed. In fact, he ended up married that very morning to a soot covered Olivia.
What a way to start a marriage. They had a lot to learn about each other and they still needed to figure out what happened to the ranch.
I really enjoyed this story.
Olivia really had her hands full, taking care of the ranch and trying to ensure the sale of the last of their pork products. When all her products were gone and the ranch burned down, she got away with only the dress she was wearing and a few items she saved before the flames took over.
When Joe had finally made his mind up to send off an add for a Mail Order Bride, he was surprised that the letter never was mailed. In fact, he ended up married that very morning to a soot covered Olivia.
What a way to start a marriage. They had a lot to learn about each other and they still needed to figure out what happened to the ranch.
I really enjoyed this story.
October 2, 2019
The plot looked interesting on the cover but I was disappointed. The main characters were weakly developed and the hero was just plain...weak. I can appreciate his respect for his mother. However, I thought he was too passive in his interactions with her. At one point in the story, I considered his action cowardly.
I never got a sense of any romance developing between the main characters. There was a lot of dialogue involving other characters that didn't contribute much to the love story. Also, the pacing was slow and I had to struggle to finish the book.
I never got a sense of any romance developing between the main characters. There was a lot of dialogue involving other characters that didn't contribute much to the love story. Also, the pacing was slow and I had to struggle to finish the book.
March 3, 2018
Cute, fun and enjoyable!
Cute story and I would have given it 5 stars but for all of the errors. I love to read and give tons of credit to people who are able to come up with interesting stories, like this one. I just wish authors would invest in proof readers, or even let me find errors for them. It would certainly make the books easier to read and therefore much more enjoyable!
Cute story and I would have given it 5 stars but for all of the errors. I love to read and give tons of credit to people who are able to come up with interesting stories, like this one. I just wish authors would invest in proof readers, or even let me find errors for them. It would certainly make the books easier to read and therefore much more enjoyable!
July 22, 2023
I only got a short ways into the first chapter and the way "Indians" were portrayed as savages was very off-putting and unnecessary. Skimmed a few chapters near then end and there was nothing appealing in the book that could override or justify the racism.
There are ways to write historical romance - this isn't it. The world does not need more racism at any point, and especially now.
DNF.
Got it for free and deleted from all accounts/devices.
There are ways to write historical romance - this isn't it. The world does not need more racism at any point, and especially now.
DNF.
Got it for free and deleted from all accounts/devices.
February 28, 2018
Olivia owned a pig ranch. Her product was ready to be sold when her ranch was burned down. Joe asked her to marry him when she turned up in town covered with soot. Joe's mother is very upset that he didn’t marry the girl she had picked out for him. Matters get worse when Olivia realizes that her product was stolen. A very good story.
March 10, 2018
An easy read that passes the time. Very predictable with the usual stereotyped characters, but pleasant and ends with the requisite happy ending. Annoying that they threw in a minor character who was never explained (perhaps on a previous book???) And also, one of the characters was called Susan instead of Suzanne. They couldn't be bothered to edit it properly?
March 15, 2018
Love always finds a way
The blacksmith needs a bride, the lady rancher needs a husband, who knows what trouble can brew up with such a simple problem to solve. In-laws and outlaws will fight to keep our heroine from happiness and her blacksmith from being his own man. However, love always finds a way.
The blacksmith needs a bride, the lady rancher needs a husband, who knows what trouble can brew up with such a simple problem to solve. In-laws and outlaws will fight to keep our heroine from happiness and her blacksmith from being his own man. However, love always finds a way.
July 28, 2023
Good
I really liked Olivia, she's got spunk and determination, as well as a good heart. Amazed at how the obvious escapes everyone's notice until the end. Loved Grandma and Mrs Allen. They seem to be the ones to see properly and sort things out. A good read with a nice and satisfying ending.
I really liked Olivia, she's got spunk and determination, as well as a good heart. Amazed at how the obvious escapes everyone's notice until the end. Loved Grandma and Mrs Allen. They seem to be the ones to see properly and sort things out. A good read with a nice and satisfying ending.
November 13, 2023
3½ stars
I enjoyed Joe and Olivia's story. It was interesting and there was some very likable characters, like his grandmother. I'm not sure what year this story plays out but it seems like western historical, yet there are several phrases best suited to a contemporary read. Overall, it is an enjoyable, clean read with a very nice ending.
I enjoyed Joe and Olivia's story. It was interesting and there was some very likable characters, like his grandmother. I'm not sure what year this story plays out but it seems like western historical, yet there are several phrases best suited to a contemporary read. Overall, it is an enjoyable, clean read with a very nice ending.
November 5, 2017
Loved this.
From the start of the series to this one you don't expect things to work out exactly. Who can fall in love with a perfect stranger just like that. Add a few crooks and 2 old battle axes and you have a story that keeps you guessing.
From the start of the series to this one you don't expect things to work out exactly. Who can fall in love with a perfect stranger just like that. Add a few crooks and 2 old battle axes and you have a story that keeps you guessing.
February 26, 2018
The Blacksmith's Mail Order Bride
I love mail order brides books. This was a great story. Such heartache for both the brothers and their wives. But in the end, love conquered it all.
I love mail order brides books. This was a great story. Such heartache for both the brothers and their wives. But in the end, love conquered it all.
March 1, 2018
A sweet albeit predictable romance. I really loved Olivia- strong and kind. The book suffered from some editing errors and in parts the timing was difficult to follow (went from morning to night in 1 conversation etc) but overall a very cute read.
March 4, 2018
Great story very well written,hard to put down, good flow.
Great story very well written. Story has very good flow. Great storyteller. This story was exciting, along with being quite entertaining. Highly recommend this book and any others by this author.
Great story very well written. Story has very good flow. Great storyteller. This story was exciting, along with being quite entertaining. Highly recommend this book and any others by this author.
March 5, 2018
I thought this was a cute and sweet story. My only negatives were that she was awfully naive for someone who'd lived her life and for a blacksmith, I thought he seemed quite obsequious almost? Overly mellow? I don't know, but overall a sweet easy read.
March 8, 2018
I really liked this book as it is a little different. I does show that there is good and evil anywhere we go. The mother was hell on bend wheels. I was very proud of both brothers and that they got the women that was perfect.. The girls were very strong and lovable. Very good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews