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Ruby Springs Brides #1
Catherine Finds Love
Catherine Pinkiss is a chambermaid. Her employers are ungrateful and expect too much of all their employees. Knowing that only she can change her life, she takes her chance and replies to an advertisement in the Matrimonial Times. She knows she could be risking her very life, but when a handsome man arrives on her doorstep will she regret the actions she has taken?
Dylan Jones believes that love will never find him again. Left alone to bring up his son after the tragic loss of his first wife he knows that happiness is fleeting. He knows he has already been blessed, growing up to wealth and privilege and having found the one woman who could make his heart sing. But Kyle needs a mother, and he needs companionship as he tries to build a new life away from everything he once knew. He is not looking for anything more, but will he find out that sometimes we don't get quite what we might think we are looking for?
Dylan Jones believes that love will never find him again. Left alone to bring up his son after the tragic loss of his first wife he knows that happiness is fleeting. He knows he has already been blessed, growing up to wealth and privilege and having found the one woman who could make his heart sing. But Kyle needs a mother, and he needs companionship as he tries to build a new life away from everything he once knew. He is not looking for anything more, but will he find out that sometimes we don't get quite what we might think we are looking for?
45 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2016
328 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Karla Gracey
74 books64 followersKarla 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 31, 2016
Catherine wants to change her life. She's a hard worker and a dedicated employee, but she's restless. She wants a husband and children. When her best friend becomes a mail order bride and moves to Texas. Catherine decides to take action. She begins corresponding with a widower who has a young son. Will she find the love and family she desires? Catherine is willing to work and take a risk to get her heart's desire. I liked her spunk and her determination. Not everyone is brave enough to take a chance on the unknown. Dylan wants what's best for Kyle. He's going to find a wife who will love him and his boy. I just wish he told Catherine what was in his heart rather than being so practical. She needed to know that he cared for her. I really enjoyed this story.. Ruby Springs is a welcoming town filled with good people. Catherine is a loving woman. Seeing her with Kyle was heartwarming. Dylan is a lucky man. I'm enjoying the Mail Order Bride series. These feel good romances make me smile. I enjoy reading Karla Gracey. Her stories flow smoothly and are filled with love and goodness.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
October 19, 2017
A new spin on this Mail Order Bride book found me smiling right through. This is the first of a new series and Karla Gracey gave it a little twist. Catherine is a maid and begins her correspondence with Dylan, a widower living in Texas. Dylan is looking for companionship for himself, but more importantly a woman who will love his son as her own. As their letters go back and forth, their feelings grow, but as we all know, text is not always the easiest way of communication. This to me is where the surprise comes in. Arriving at her house, Catherine is shocked to find Dylan there ready to take her to dinner! Not your usual ticket to Texas to see if you suit! He came to her! I love this story, it is so fun and heart warming, and Dylan's son is so adorable. This is a great start to this series!
J Scott Bennett is the narrator of this historical western. He is so perfect for a series like this, his voice and cadence lend a soothing tone to your ears and really make the story enjoyable.
J Scott Bennett is the narrator of this historical western. He is so perfect for a series like this, his voice and cadence lend a soothing tone to your ears and really make the story enjoyable.
March 28, 2024
An Extremely Lovely Mail Order Bride Story!
"Mail Order Bride - Catherine Finds Love" is Book 1 of the Sweet and Clean Western Mail Order Bride Inspirational Romance (Ruby Springs Brides series). This 45 page novella is about Catherine Pinkiss, an overworked and underappreciated chambermaid in Richmond, Virginia, who works for a rich family. Her friend, Ellen, is also a chambermaid, who has been writing for 6 months to a man in Ruby Springs, Texas, not that far from Dallas, Texas. Ellen met him in an advertisement for Mail Order Brides. Catherine looks through the newspaper and finds an ad from a man that interests her. Dylan Jones is a cattle rancher, who also lives in Ruby Springs, Texas. He was widowed 18 months earlier in an accident. Dylan has a 3 year old son named Kyle. He is just so adorable in this story. Catherine and Dylan write to each other for 6 months. He decides to go to Richmond to meet Catherine and bring her home with him . Will she go with him or will she stay in Richmond? Even though this book was filled with comma splices and run on sentences, I still gave it a 5 star rating because it flowed ever so smoothly.
"Mail Order Bride - Catherine Finds Love" is Book 1 of the Sweet and Clean Western Mail Order Bride Inspirational Romance (Ruby Springs Brides series). This 45 page novella is about Catherine Pinkiss, an overworked and underappreciated chambermaid in Richmond, Virginia, who works for a rich family. Her friend, Ellen, is also a chambermaid, who has been writing for 6 months to a man in Ruby Springs, Texas, not that far from Dallas, Texas. Ellen met him in an advertisement for Mail Order Brides. Catherine looks through the newspaper and finds an ad from a man that interests her. Dylan Jones is a cattle rancher, who also lives in Ruby Springs, Texas. He was widowed 18 months earlier in an accident. Dylan has a 3 year old son named Kyle. He is just so adorable in this story. Catherine and Dylan write to each other for 6 months. He decides to go to Richmond to meet Catherine and bring her home with him . Will she go with him or will she stay in Richmond? Even though this book was filled with comma splices and run on sentences, I still gave it a 5 star rating because it flowed ever so smoothly.
May 21, 2022
This short read is the first in the Ruby Springs Brides series.
Catherine is a young woman who works for a rich family. When her best friend goes to Texas to marry a man she met through the newspaper, Catherine is even more lonely with her life than she realised. Soon she finds an advertisement and begins writing letters to single parent Dylan. He is a widower who is looking to remarry so that his son has a mother once more.
I am new to reading Western romance and from what I can tell mail order brides is a popular topic in this genre. But this one I really enjoyed reading.
I like how we saw the letters exchanged and that really helped me form a connection to both characters. It was well written and standalone.
It's a clean romance so also suitable for readers who enjoy Christian romance too.
If you do like this genre I think this is a good one to try.
Catherine is a young woman who works for a rich family. When her best friend goes to Texas to marry a man she met through the newspaper, Catherine is even more lonely with her life than she realised. Soon she finds an advertisement and begins writing letters to single parent Dylan. He is a widower who is looking to remarry so that his son has a mother once more.
I am new to reading Western romance and from what I can tell mail order brides is a popular topic in this genre. But this one I really enjoyed reading.
I like how we saw the letters exchanged and that really helped me form a connection to both characters. It was well written and standalone.
It's a clean romance so also suitable for readers who enjoy Christian romance too.
If you do like this genre I think this is a good one to try.
October 14, 2017
Mail Order Bride - Catherine Finds Love
By: Karla Gracey
A short sweet clean western historical mail order bride fiction. Dylan A widower advertises for a bride to be a mother to his three year old son. Catherine a chamber maid back east wishes for a different life. Letters back and forth begin what maybe a real romance if Dylan can move past his late wife's memory. The listener will be transported into the past without time travel. A good light listen!
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. J. Scott Bennett is enjoyable to listen to as he narrates this tale.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
By: Karla Gracey
A short sweet clean western historical mail order bride fiction. Dylan A widower advertises for a bride to be a mother to his three year old son. Catherine a chamber maid back east wishes for a different life. Letters back and forth begin what maybe a real romance if Dylan can move past his late wife's memory. The listener will be transported into the past without time travel. A good light listen!
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. J. Scott Bennett is enjoyable to listen to as he narrates this tale.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 16, 2019
Lovely story!
This is a well written story with some very emotional sections and witty ones too. I loved the impromptu appearance of the groom to be - such a lovely surprise and as for his proposal - well it had me in happy tears.
The characters are nicely formed with interesting personalities. I liked that a child was also written in as well as the love that both his father and future mother were able to show him.
I always enjoy J. Scott Bennett's narrations and this one was not an exception. He helps bring the book to life with his many and varied voices and I love this about him.
For an easy, very enjoyable, quick read or listen I would recommend this book or audio.
I requested and listened to the audiobook version and my review above is voluntary and unbiased.
This is a well written story with some very emotional sections and witty ones too. I loved the impromptu appearance of the groom to be - such a lovely surprise and as for his proposal - well it had me in happy tears.
The characters are nicely formed with interesting personalities. I liked that a child was also written in as well as the love that both his father and future mother were able to show him.
I always enjoy J. Scott Bennett's narrations and this one was not an exception. He helps bring the book to life with his many and varied voices and I love this about him.
For an easy, very enjoyable, quick read or listen I would recommend this book or audio.
I requested and listened to the audiobook version and my review above is voluntary and unbiased.
November 14, 2019
Sweet Mail Order Bride Story
Catherine was tired of her job in a mansion in Richmond, Va. Her employers did not appreciate her efforts and complained constantly. While they were on a tour of Europe, along with their two spoiled daughters, Catherine began correspondence with Dylan, a rancher in Texas. He had a young son whose mother had died as the result of a tragic accident. The son missed his mother so much and Dylan decided to remarry to provide Kyle with a mother.
Dylan travelled to Richmond, met Catherine, wined and dined Catherine, then invited her to travel back to Texas with him to spend time with his son. Kyle was so taken with Catherine and Catherine with Kyle.
How did this work out? Read the book.
Catherine was tired of her job in a mansion in Richmond, Va. Her employers did not appreciate her efforts and complained constantly. While they were on a tour of Europe, along with their two spoiled daughters, Catherine began correspondence with Dylan, a rancher in Texas. He had a young son whose mother had died as the result of a tragic accident. The son missed his mother so much and Dylan decided to remarry to provide Kyle with a mother.
Dylan travelled to Richmond, met Catherine, wined and dined Catherine, then invited her to travel back to Texas with him to spend time with his son. Kyle was so taken with Catherine and Catherine with Kyle.
How did this work out? Read the book.
September 18, 2023
Catherine
Catherine is a very tired and overworked chamber maid in Richmond, Virginia. Her best friend and coworker Ellen informs Catherine that she will be leaving soon to married a man she has been corresponding with for over 6 months. Ellen than expresses her belief that Catherine should also become a mail order bride or at least read the advertisements to see if any of them catch her attention.
Catherine read several advertisements and found she really didn't think she would find any to her liking until she read one where the gentleman was looking for friendship, companionship and a mother for his young son. Soon Catherine is writing to a gentleman in Texas to figure out if they might be compatible.
Catherine is a very tired and overworked chamber maid in Richmond, Virginia. Her best friend and coworker Ellen informs Catherine that she will be leaving soon to married a man she has been corresponding with for over 6 months. Ellen than expresses her belief that Catherine should also become a mail order bride or at least read the advertisements to see if any of them catch her attention.
Catherine read several advertisements and found she really didn't think she would find any to her liking until she read one where the gentleman was looking for friendship, companionship and a mother for his young son. Soon Catherine is writing to a gentleman in Texas to figure out if they might be compatible.
March 4, 2024
A quick but good book
The characters were good and the story line was the normal mail order bride book. I like the characters best because the author gave him a personality they were very well rounded. The author also also shows that sometimes when we say stuff that we don't mean how it comes out it hurts people's feelings And that's a good lesson for everybody to realize. I think you'll enjoy this quick I think you'll enjoy this quick if you're looking for a book to read while you're waiting for an I think you'll enjoy this quick if you're looking for a book to read while you're waiting for an appointment this would be a good 1 to read.
The characters were good and the story line was the normal mail order bride book. I like the characters best because the author gave him a personality they were very well rounded. The author also also shows that sometimes when we say stuff that we don't mean how it comes out it hurts people's feelings And that's a good lesson for everybody to realize. I think you'll enjoy this quick I think you'll enjoy this quick if you're looking for a book to read while you're waiting for an I think you'll enjoy this quick if you're looking for a book to read while you're waiting for an appointment this would be a good 1 to read.
March 27, 2019
I listened to this book on Audible -- at an increased speed for my own preference.
I listened to this book while cleaning out a room -- and it wasn't near long enough for me to get the room clean! lol!
This is a short, quick, clean romance. There is development in the characters, plot and setting, but I think I wish it was longer! I see that it was suppose to take place over 6 months or so, but I felt like it lasted... well... less than an hour! ha!
I got the entire series in one audio, so I'm off to read the next book!
I listened to this book while cleaning out a room -- and it wasn't near long enough for me to get the room clean! lol!
This is a short, quick, clean romance. There is development in the characters, plot and setting, but I think I wish it was longer! I see that it was suppose to take place over 6 months or so, but I felt like it lasted... well... less than an hour! ha!
I got the entire series in one audio, so I'm off to read the next book!
October 29, 2017
Short
Candy. I'll' say though, I really enjoyed the man's point of view in opening the mail order response letters. It teaches a very good lesson in what makes a good letter. One really can learn a lot about a person through letters. Otherwise it's predictable fluff reading. Fun for a short few. I try to download only Christian or inspirational....I wouldn't call this either, just clean.
Candy. I'll' say though, I really enjoyed the man's point of view in opening the mail order response letters. It teaches a very good lesson in what makes a good letter. One really can learn a lot about a person through letters. Otherwise it's predictable fluff reading. Fun for a short few. I try to download only Christian or inspirational....I wouldn't call this either, just clean.
November 12, 2017
Good story
Just because you feel you are beneath someone does not always matter to the other person. If the person loves you they will stand up for you no matter what. A wonderful story.
Just because you feel you are beneath someone does not always matter to the other person. If the person loves you they will stand up for you no matter what. A wonderful story.
February 27, 2019
Shorter story about Catherine working as a maid for a horrible family and realizing their is more to her life. She decides to write to a man who she gets to know over six months. They hit it off and fall in love. Cute story.
October 15, 2019
Dylan and Catherine
Tender love story between two people and a motherless boy. Catherine is compassionate and becomes a mail order bride to a widower and his three year old son. - Babs
Tender love story between two people and a motherless boy. Catherine is compassionate and becomes a mail order bride to a widower and his three year old son. - Babs
February 21, 2021
I liked this story. Short, romantic and sweet. Catherine looks at the matrimonial ads to find a way to a husband and a better life. Dylan placed the ad to find a mama for his son, Kyle and a wife to be a companion. Loved the ending!!
April 23, 2022
Catherine finds love
A lovely, clean historical mail order bride romance. Wonderful to read and make their experiences mine to get lost in and share their everyday lives. A must read if you are into good, clean reads. Thank you.
A lovely, clean historical mail order bride romance. Wonderful to read and make their experiences mine to get lost in and share their everyday lives. A must read if you are into good, clean reads. Thank you.
September 28, 2017
Great story...
I enjoyed this story of adventure and romance. The characters made it a wonderful trip back in time to the days of the old west. Great story and well written.
I enjoyed this story of adventure and romance. The characters made it a wonderful trip back in time to the days of the old west. Great story and well written.
December 16, 2017
Heartwarming
Catherine Finds Love by Karla Tracey is a delightful short story. The characters were so likable and easy to identify with. My free opinion. Thanks
Catherine Finds Love by Karla Tracey is a delightful short story. The characters were so likable and easy to identify with. My free opinion. Thanks
February 12, 2018
Hotness Rating 0 out of 5
Review to come...
Review to come...
July 24, 2018
Catherine
I really enjoyed reading this book about Catherine and her best friend finding the love of their lives. Hope you enjoy it too.
I really enjoyed reading this book about Catherine and her best friend finding the love of their lives. Hope you enjoy it too.
May 28, 2018
Cute story. I like that she meets up with an old friend.
June 17, 2018
A sweet mail order bride, a good clean, historical read, I recommend these books to everyone for good fun entertainment
July 30, 2019
Very short without much depth. Pleasant enough reading.
July 30, 2019
Very short story.
September 23, 2019
In loved this couple. They were sweet and perfect for each other. I would have loved to read a full length story of these two.
September 30, 2019
Mail Order w Catherine Finds Love Sweet Clean Historical Western
This is a very good story about a young woman that is a very hard worker that is a mail order bride and finds love
This is a very good story about a young woman that is a very hard worker that is a mail order bride and finds love
November 27, 2019
Enjoyed this unique plot mail order bride romance novella.
April 15, 2020
I listened to this on audio, It is a quick easy book to listen to. I really enjoyed it.
June 12, 2020
I enjoyed Catherine's story, book one of Ruby Springs Brides, this is a short sweet story and will not disappoint.
August 14, 2021
Really enjoyed this book at a time I needed cheering up. Did a great job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews