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Mail Order Brides of Hickory Stick #1
Caroline's Love
Thomas J. Connors sent off for a mail order bride or two. What could go wrong?
Caroline Lovelace was tired of being hungry and doing without. She reluctantly left Virginia for the Colorado Territory. After all, she’d fallen in love with Thomas J. Connors. Well, in love with his letters anyway.
All goes well until she gets on the train to Colorado and sits across from Julia Brooks who also has a letter from Thomas J. Connors. And then they meet Sarah Graham in Colorado, who, you guessed it, also has letters from the man.
For Caroline, this can only mean one thing.
War.
Caroline Lovelace was tired of being hungry and doing without. She reluctantly left Virginia for the Colorado Territory. After all, she’d fallen in love with Thomas J. Connors. Well, in love with his letters anyway.
All goes well until she gets on the train to Colorado and sits across from Julia Brooks who also has a letter from Thomas J. Connors. And then they meet Sarah Graham in Colorado, who, you guessed it, also has letters from the man.
For Caroline, this can only mean one thing.
War.
171 pages, ebook
Published June 20, 2014
453 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 24, 2021
I was interested in this book due to the blurb - the idea of these mail order brides banding against the man who'd brought them out West under false pretenses. Unfortunately that spirit of defiance is present nowhere in this book. The women are one-note and do not like each other. The male characters are similarly one note. The romance was non-existent - the beautiful letters, etc. which might have shown the characters' connection having been exchanged off-screen. The threads of longer-running plot lines are introduced, but so haphazardly that I more or less skimmed over even such outrageous things as the introduction of a murder.
In short, do not recommend.
In short, do not recommend.
August 16, 2023
It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. It's a clean and quick romance to read. However, it was very repetitive.
July 16, 2019
Sweet story but a little simplistic. An interesting premise — Thomas writes for a mail-order bride for himself and his brother but three women turn up. We learn a little about Thomas but, as the main male character, we should have learnt a lot more. We learn a little more about the women, but their characterisation is still fairly superficial. One of the women is attacked but that remains unsolved — fair enough to leave that to another book in the series but I felt some headway should have been made. The three women form a friendship but, in essence, it is really shallow — not at all what one should see in a Book that mentions the bible so often. The Bible is referred to several times — Thomas had found Jesus a few years earlier, Charlotte had cursed God and therefore felt lost without her religion, Sarah, having seen her entire family killed did not believe — yet, apart from vague comments, it had very little significance. I felt a favourite verse should at least have been mentioned. There was no big climax and the resolution to all of the little problems making up the story happened too suddenly.
The shame of this book is that it showed promise but did not deliver.
The shame of this book is that it showed promise but did not deliver.
October 31, 2023
This is a different kind of Western story because three mail-order brides travel to their intended destination. While on the train, the three women realize they will meet the same man with the same goal of marriage.
Caroline is a Southern belle who is tired of being hungry. She buried her family members and her intended husband and was left with nothing. The plantation is long gone, and she has spent too much time rooting for food to eat.
Julie was a saloon girl who was looking for a better life. Although Caroline knows she was in a brothel, she does not share that with others. She understands about starting over again. Sarah is the whiny one of the group. She's from New York City and was too plain to ask her to marry him. She sees this as her last chance at happiness. However, she has several demerits; she fears men, what others will think, and her shadow. The other two women try to help her walk more genteelly and act more confident. These lessons are hard because she is always the last one chosen by the men.
Caroline and the other ladies are so enraged that Thomas Connors invited three women that they form a pact that they will NOT marry Thomas Connors. It is interesting how the women decide to meet the men of Hickory Stick with the goal of marriage. This is the first of eight stories about the mail-order brides of Hickory Stick.
Mail Order Brides of Hickory Stick
** 1. Caroline's Love (2014)
2. Julia's Romance (2014)
3. Sarah My Beloved (2014)
Caroline is a Southern belle who is tired of being hungry. She buried her family members and her intended husband and was left with nothing. The plantation is long gone, and she has spent too much time rooting for food to eat.
Julie was a saloon girl who was looking for a better life. Although Caroline knows she was in a brothel, she does not share that with others. She understands about starting over again. Sarah is the whiny one of the group. She's from New York City and was too plain to ask her to marry him. She sees this as her last chance at happiness. However, she has several demerits; she fears men, what others will think, and her shadow. The other two women try to help her walk more genteelly and act more confident. These lessons are hard because she is always the last one chosen by the men.
Caroline and the other ladies are so enraged that Thomas Connors invited three women that they form a pact that they will NOT marry Thomas Connors. It is interesting how the women decide to meet the men of Hickory Stick with the goal of marriage. This is the first of eight stories about the mail-order brides of Hickory Stick.
Mail Order Brides of Hickory Stick
** 1. Caroline's Love (2014)
2. Julia's Romance (2014)
3. Sarah My Beloved (2014)
July 13, 2022
This book was a waste of time, honestly.
I was super excited about the plot, three different women respond to the same Mail Order Bride advertisement and end up arriving in the town at the same time, but the writing was sloppy, the characters’ lines were redundant, and there was NO romance. No romance build up or anything.
The ending was very dumb and left many things unsolved. Annoying. I don’t want to have to read the whole series just to know about what happens. I may just look at reviews for the next books just to see who Julia and Sarah end up with.
Also, why are these women so damn stingy?! They’re all catty to each other because they’re in competition, I get it, but why were they complaining about just needed to have food on the table + a place to live, and then turning nice men down because there was no love or attraction! Pick what you want already! 😂
Each of the three main women were ANNOYING! They were all nice one minute and then rude the next.
Thomas was legit and very kind. He did nothing wrong in my opinion.
I have no interest in reading anything next in this series or from this author at all. I don’t recommend this book. Great plot idea, poor execution. I wish this book was waaaaay longer and simply covered all of the women’s stories all at once. 🤷🏻♂️
I was super excited about the plot, three different women respond to the same Mail Order Bride advertisement and end up arriving in the town at the same time, but the writing was sloppy, the characters’ lines were redundant, and there was NO romance. No romance build up or anything.
The ending was very dumb and left many things unsolved. Annoying. I don’t want to have to read the whole series just to know about what happens. I may just look at reviews for the next books just to see who Julia and Sarah end up with.
Also, why are these women so damn stingy?! They’re all catty to each other because they’re in competition, I get it, but why were they complaining about just needed to have food on the table + a place to live, and then turning nice men down because there was no love or attraction! Pick what you want already! 😂
Each of the three main women were ANNOYING! They were all nice one minute and then rude the next.
Thomas was legit and very kind. He did nothing wrong in my opinion.
I have no interest in reading anything next in this series or from this author at all. I don’t recommend this book. Great plot idea, poor execution. I wish this book was waaaaay longer and simply covered all of the women’s stories all at once. 🤷🏻♂️
April 2, 2019
A refreshing and entertaining mail order bride western!
This is a fun read about mail order brides that goes slightly wrong in a humorous way. Three women wind up traveling to the town of Hickory Stick on the same stage coach to marry the same man. Along the way Caroline, Julia, and Sarah compare notes and devise a plan for retribution. The story has romance, mystery, cowboys, a great dog, and a happily ever after – all delivered in a clean, sweet plot.
There were the normal typos and editorial mistakes that might have been caught in one more round of editing but I liked the story and would expect to see more books to follow to find the happily ever after for some of the other women and townfolk. This was a good book with good values and I enjoyed reading it.
This is a fun read about mail order brides that goes slightly wrong in a humorous way. Three women wind up traveling to the town of Hickory Stick on the same stage coach to marry the same man. Along the way Caroline, Julia, and Sarah compare notes and devise a plan for retribution. The story has romance, mystery, cowboys, a great dog, and a happily ever after – all delivered in a clean, sweet plot.
There were the normal typos and editorial mistakes that might have been caught in one more round of editing but I liked the story and would expect to see more books to follow to find the happily ever after for some of the other women and townfolk. This was a good book with good values and I enjoyed reading it.
May 2, 2019
I would give the book a 3.75. This is the first book in the Mail Order Brides of Hickory Stick series, and I would likely choose to read others in the series.
There are three possible brides Thomas Connors, and from the beginning Caroline is his perfect match. The only one of the three that bugged me was Sarah Graham. I am certain she will improve as the series continues, but I found her quite annoying, and, in truth, I am not certain whether I care whether she discovers a husband or not. I prefer my heroines strong and resourceful. Sarah is a bit too dependent on others for my taste in heroines. Also, the idea of someone attacking Sarah and another woman earlier is not resolved. I am assuming that is part of the series, not part of this specific book.
There are three possible brides Thomas Connors, and from the beginning Caroline is his perfect match. The only one of the three that bugged me was Sarah Graham. I am certain she will improve as the series continues, but I found her quite annoying, and, in truth, I am not certain whether I care whether she discovers a husband or not. I prefer my heroines strong and resourceful. Sarah is a bit too dependent on others for my taste in heroines. Also, the idea of someone attacking Sarah and another woman earlier is not resolved. I am assuming that is part of the series, not part of this specific book.
September 26, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say I liked it. Caroline and two other women get to talking on a train heading for Hickory Stick, Colorado. Thing is, they are all going as mail order brides and have discovered they are all going to be the bride of one man, Mr. Thomas J. Connors. Three women, one man, what's a man to do, or a girl for that matter. The shenanigans that go on once the women arrive in town are quite funny.
This is a must read if you want a good, clean read. I look forward to reading Julia Brook's and Sarah Graham's stories. Check out Caroline's love for some good fun. Enjoy!
This is a must read if you want a good, clean read. I look forward to reading Julia Brook's and Sarah Graham's stories. Check out Caroline's love for some good fun. Enjoy!
July 29, 2024
It was good but...
This was a good story (until it wasn't ) with lots of twists and turns, and then it was suddenly a fairy tale and everything fell into place really quickly and was so sugary sweet it was unbelievable. Sarah, who just about jumped and cried at her own shadow, morphs into this belligerent, nasty person. It was so out of character! And if I don't hear the word pact again...that would be great. The mystery is not resolved and will most likely continue through the series. The story had the potential to be more but the overly sweet, rushed ending spoiled it for me. The cover is beautiful and is what drew me..
This was a good story (until it wasn't ) with lots of twists and turns, and then it was suddenly a fairy tale and everything fell into place really quickly and was so sugary sweet it was unbelievable. Sarah, who just about jumped and cried at her own shadow, morphs into this belligerent, nasty person. It was so out of character! And if I don't hear the word pact again...that would be great. The mystery is not resolved and will most likely continue through the series. The story had the potential to be more but the overly sweet, rushed ending spoiled it for me. The cover is beautiful and is what drew me..
October 21, 2020
Do not leap before you look
Thomas J. Connors wanted a bride for himself and his brother. So, he places an ad just for himself, thinking that he would surprise his brother after the brides arrive. Instead, he gets three possible brides who want nothing to do with him after they find out his plot.
The duped brides do not take Thomas's actions well. (And I wouldn't say I liked the characters all the time. [Fiction mimics real life—you think?])
Read and find out how the enterprising ladies who venture West turn the tables on the males they meet.
Thomas J. Connors wanted a bride for himself and his brother. So, he places an ad just for himself, thinking that he would surprise his brother after the brides arrive. Instead, he gets three possible brides who want nothing to do with him after they find out his plot.
The duped brides do not take Thomas's actions well. (And I wouldn't say I liked the characters all the time. [Fiction mimics real life—you think?])
Read and find out how the enterprising ladies who venture West turn the tables on the males they meet.
January 28, 2019
A page-turner. I just find Caroline a bit hypocrite but I think childish is the best way to describe it. The 3 women's husband hunt was a like a reality TV show. The Bachelorette came into my mind whilst reading it and I find it a little funny and it made me want to read about Julia's and Sarah's love story. Lastly, there are only a number of grammatical errors and statements that seems to be a question.
July 21, 2020
Thomas and Caroline
This is an unusual mail order bride tale. Thomas and his brother are miners of gold and he Thomas wants a wife for himself and his brother. He decides to order a bride by mail and at the same time order one for his brother too. Only there is a third bride thrown into the mix. Lots is excitement,adventure and a crying want Abe bride or two.You will enjoy discovering how Thomas and Caroline find their happily ever after.
This is an unusual mail order bride tale. Thomas and his brother are miners of gold and he Thomas wants a wife for himself and his brother. He decides to order a bride by mail and at the same time order one for his brother too. Only there is a third bride thrown into the mix. Lots is excitement,adventure and a crying want Abe bride or two.You will enjoy discovering how Thomas and Caroline find their happily ever after.
September 17, 2018
Mail order brides are usually so similar but this one has a definite twist to it with three, TWO propositioned and ONE tag-a-long hopeful bride. As others stated, sweet, clean and easy and quick read. You could probably read it all waiting in your doctor's office. (at least in MY doctor's office. !!!)
September 7, 2019
Great story!
I don't usually read historical romances, but I wanted a short read today and this one sounded interesting. I loved getting to know the people and the author did a good job with their individual personalities. I might even decide to get the next book in the series and find out who Julia chooses!☺
I don't usually read historical romances, but I wanted a short read today and this one sounded interesting. I loved getting to know the people and the author did a good job with their individual personalities. I might even decide to get the next book in the series and find out who Julia chooses!☺
August 20, 2020
For the love of Caroline and ???
Three mail order brides, but only two were actually called out. A small town called Hickory Sticks with a mystery attached to it, becomes a real part of these three women's lives. A pact bonds the three, but will love overcome the pact? Read on to find put.
Three mail order brides, but only two were actually called out. A small town called Hickory Sticks with a mystery attached to it, becomes a real part of these three women's lives. A pact bonds the three, but will love overcome the pact? Read on to find put.
January 10, 2024
This is an interesting way to start a mail order bride story. These ladies each come from such different backgrounds and yet they have some of the same dreams and hopes. So many dangers are facing them. Thomas has gotten himself into quite the mess, though he hadn't intended for it to be such. This was a great, quick read.
April 12, 2025
This was a sweet story.
There is a frequent mention of Godly things—prayer, trust, and forgiveness.
While there are several plot points in the overall story left unfinished, the couple in this story gets a start to their HEA. This is Book 1 in a series, so I can only assume the other mysteries will be answers along the way to the last book if the series.
There is a frequent mention of Godly things—prayer, trust, and forgiveness.
While there are several plot points in the overall story left unfinished, the couple in this story gets a start to their HEA. This is Book 1 in a series, so I can only assume the other mysteries will be answers along the way to the last book if the series.
September 17, 2018
Good clean book shows how God forgives our past mistakes.me
Good clean book shows how God forgives our past mistakes. The mail order brides must have suffered a lot going into an unknown West and meeting men so rough but faith in God helped them.
Good clean book shows how God forgives our past mistakes. The mail order brides must have suffered a lot going into an unknown West and meeting men so rough but faith in God helped them.
October 18, 2018
Caroline love
Thomas sent for 2 brides1 for him and 1for his brother
Caroline was the bride for him.now the other brides will have to find there husband will read the next books to find out what man they chosen.
Thomas sent for 2 brides1 for him and 1for his brother
Caroline was the bride for him.now the other brides will have to find there husband will read the next books to find out what man they chosen.
February 8, 2019
Three birds with one letter.
It wasn't until I was partly through this book when I realized I had already read it before, so it was a re-read for me. It is a good enough book though to warrant a second read.
It wasn't until I was partly through this book when I realized I had already read it before, so it was a re-read for me. It is a good enough book though to warrant a second read.
March 23, 2019
Different but true to life
The old days have always intrigued me to think of what people went through in those days is unbelievable yet they did and not only survived but thrived with God ALL things are possible
The old days have always intrigued me to think of what people went through in those days is unbelievable yet they did and not only survived but thrived with God ALL things are possible
October 4, 2020
What a predicament these ladies find theirselves in! I loved the pact and Caroline's desire to honod it! Bessy is a wise woman, and a blessing to the town, but why isn't SHE married? In a tiwn so desperate for women, she should have been married for several years now!
May 1, 2022
Jesus Will Forgive Us But First We Have To Believe He Will
I really really enjoyed this book so very very. CAROLINE'S LOVE, MAIL ORDER BRIDES OF HICKORY STICK BOOK 1 BY PATRICIA PACJAC CARROLL . I recommend teens and up.
I really really enjoyed this book so very very. CAROLINE'S LOVE, MAIL ORDER BRIDES OF HICKORY STICK BOOK 1 BY PATRICIA PACJAC CARROLL . I recommend teens and up.
May 4, 2023
An interesting premise
A man writes letters to two mail order brides with the intention of finding one for his brother and himself. Surprisingly three women show up. They make a pact not to marry him. The plot thickens as he falls hard for one of them.
A man writes letters to two mail order brides with the intention of finding one for his brother and himself. Surprisingly three women show up. They make a pact not to marry him. The plot thickens as he falls hard for one of them.
June 28, 2023
Who gets the man?
When three women show up to claim the man, do they draw straws? Caroline’s Love is an easy read and sweet. I did feel the romance was a bit weak but entertaining overall.
When three women show up to claim the man, do they draw straws? Caroline’s Love is an easy read and sweet. I did feel the romance was a bit weak but entertaining overall.
September 9, 2023
Mail-Order Brides X Three!!!
A post-civil war tale of 3 young women with nothing left where they are. Funny, with a touch of faith and a little suspense thrown in, this book has it all!
A post-civil war tale of 3 young women with nothing left where they are. Funny, with a touch of faith and a little suspense thrown in, this book has it all!
April 1, 2024
This was a little complicated. 3 people voted a letter for a mail order bride. It was a mistake but it did cause problems. A small town needed women. 2 were supposed to promised to husbands. Then the 3rd woman got a letter too plus a bear, a dog as big S a wolf and a new foal. Very exciting!
July 26, 2017
Fun story
This is an encouraging and easy reading story. The author shares heartfelt emotions along with Truth sprinkled throughout the characters lives.
This is an encouraging and easy reading story. The author shares heartfelt emotions along with Truth sprinkled throughout the characters lives.
November 14, 2017
This was such an interesting book. Three women coming to the town for the same man. Each one had a difference personality. Want to read the other two.
October 10, 2018
Very enjoyable!
This is a story of strife experienced by three young women who join forces to find husbands and romance provided by God.
This is a story of strife experienced by three young women who join forces to find husbands and romance provided by God.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews