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Clover Springs Mail Order Brides #8

Christmas in Clover Springs

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Alicia Carstairs had it all—or so she thought. Financially secure, well brought up, engaged to a prominent young man. So why was she on a train headed west in the hopes of securing a position as a governess?

Aaron Higgins thought he was happy until all his friends, his brother and now Little Beaver, too, were married and having children. He wrote to Mrs. Gantley, asking for a bride.

Miss Carstairs ends up in Clover Springs, offending everyone—most of all, Aaron. He wants to put her on the next train out of town. Or does he?

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2017

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About the author

Rachel Wesson

121 books369 followers



Rachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.

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5 stars
781 (67%)
4 stars
270 (23%)
3 stars
78 (6%)
2 stars
21 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
2,345 reviews82 followers
December 18, 2018
Best one yet!!!!!

I read an ARC version of this incredible book!

What can I say to describe all the beauty of this book? It is a growing up, finding out who you are kind of book! It's about judging people for their love and friendship instead of their color or ethnicity! It's about trusting yourself above the rules of society! This book is, as the whole series is, a clean sweet romance! BUT it is also a very educational book in treating people right and not leaning on the teachings of your parents or society in a time when bigotry and prejudice was bread into society and slavery was freshly abolished! When lies about your skin color were taught by our parents that were passed down from their parents! It's about discovering what YOU believe based on YOUR experiences, and facing your past and the discriminations against you! Superbly done Rachel!
Profile Image for Scarlet Fanning.
626 reviews26 followers
March 13, 2018
Alicia Carstairs was a wealthy, engaged young lady in Boston, until the death of her parents uncovered embezzlement of several of the accounts he handled. Her fiance was only interested in her money, so was no longer interested in marrying Alicia, but he did find her employment as a governess in Leadville, Colorado.

On the train west, Alicia and Father Molloy rescue thirty orphans from a man and woman hired to bring children to Leadville to work in the mines. Father Molloy asks Alicia to accompany them to Clover Springs where the children can join the orphanage and find homes in the community.

Aaron Higgins now has his homestead, but he yearns for a wife after observing the love shared by his friends. He asks Katie to help him write for a mail-order bride. But once he meets Alicia, he no longer wants the mail-order bride.

Great story of learned prejudice and changing attitudes. The children are wise beyond their years.


Profile Image for Theresa.
335 reviews
February 9, 2026
Rumors, shame, children and love

Alicia saves an orphan on the train from Boston from abuse and meets Father Malloy. He talks Alicia into helping him with the13 orphans to get them to the orphanage in Clover Springs. She's afraid that her secret shame will be exposed and that she'll be run out of Clover Springs, She meets Aaron and discovers that he has sent off for a mail order bride and is heartbroken. Alicia is living at the orphanage and helping with the children. She decides that she doesn't want to continue her journey to Leadville anymore and when she finds out that the shame she's been carrying since Boston is due to a lie, she's even more eager to stay in Clover Springs. There are a few twists and turns in this story, but I loved reading every bit of the story. I love how it unfolds.
1,290 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2020
This fast-paced adventure and mystery-mail-order bride romance with a lovely cover had all the multi-ethnic characters extremely busy with the arrival of 30 additional children in their town due to previously privileged but impetuous Alicia's interference and rescue of them on the train. Little did she know her life was in danger also, despite learning tolerance and finding love in the little town of Clover Springs. Terminology of the time a bit different than expected, however, a unique plot with, of course, a happy ending for those who enjoy this genre.....
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,706 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2021
Christmas in Clover Springs (Clover Springs Mail Order Brides, Book 8)

The love story of Alicia and Aaron. Alicia has left Boston after her family name has fallen in disgrace. She is go to Leadville to be a governess to Mr Oats' children. She meets Father Molly on the train when she rescue a child. He talk her into coming to Clover Springs to help with all the children. It's Christmas time will the people of Clover Springs help more orphans? Great Christmas story.
28 reviews
December 3, 2017
Did not disapoint

We learn more about the past charachters and meet a new fiesty lady. With her own problems back at home and veiws that do not reflect the previous characters, Alicia has to decide what she is going to do and if she can stay in Clover Springs! ***There were a few places that I felt the times didn't match with the previous book.
177 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2018
Loved the series!

I've read 8 books in the series so far & if I could give more stars I would! I want to live in Clover Springs and wish this was how our world was.People loving each other,no matter race or differences. I could not stop reading & wish there was 10 more books in this series!!
Profile Image for Karen & Gerard.
Author 1 book26 followers
August 24, 2018
I read this in one morning! I liked how Alecia and Father Malloy brought 30 more orphans to Clover Springs. This was predictable, but I still enjoyed it very much. I liked seeing how Alecia’s prejudice fell away once she got to know people and re-evaluated her beliefs. I also liked the surprise twist at the end. (Karen's review)
111 reviews
July 18, 2021
Another excellent western romance by Rachel Wesson

I love these stories of Clover Springs. Alicia is on a train to Denver when she discovers 30 children on the train being sent to work in the mines. She and Father Malloy rescue the children and Alicia goes with him to Clover Springs to get them settled in the orphanage there.
457 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2018
Such a good story.

I loved reading about Alicia. She was brave and full of courage the way she helped in the train. This is a series. Each one gets better. I find myself struggling to put them down.
Profile Image for Loretta Gabriel.
876 reviews6 followers
February 19, 2022
Another heartwarming story of love and compassion.

The story of the trials of life and love in the town of Clover Springs continues as the town folks seem to be able to resolve every problem that occurs. Full of compassion, love and understanding.
2,837 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2022
Another winner!

I have found so much enjoyment in the reading of this series and the experiences and lessons inserted in each story. Alicia and Aaron's story is a lesson in judging others.
89 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were kinda different. The main character was a racist snob In her speech, but showed her love and protection for the orphaned children. So does she stay in Clover Springs or go back to Boston ? Read to find out. It’s a winner.
Profile Image for Darla DeWalt.
31 reviews
April 19, 2025
better and better

I really didn’t think that this book could keep getting better than the last but for sure it did just that. Thank you for all the enjoyment and keeping a smile on my face.
Profile Image for Patti Brennan.
269 reviews
January 26, 2017
Loved it

I have read every book in this series and loved them all. This one is is my favorite it is full of love against all odds and hope . I look forward to more
352 reviews
February 23, 2018
Loved it!

Loved this book. In love with the people and the town. The book made me laugh and made me cry and made me wish I lived there. Love this series and all the books in it.
Profile Image for Babs Wenk.
1,099 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2019
Aaron and Alicia

I loved reading their story! Very appropriate for theses times even though it was set in the 1880’s. Good for all ages. - Babs
4 reviews
August 22, 2019
Great

A Christian base book is very hard to find. These book have everything I want in a series. Thank You
66 reviews
August 18, 2021
Another winner

It's hard to imagine how one author can come up with so many differing stories in one small town ! Well done 😅
54 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2022
Never-ending bliss

I love the love spreading in CloverCity! So much friendships. I can't wait to read the next chapter or book in this series. It is unbelievably the best.
908 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2023
Gotta love the priest!
580 reviews18 followers
June 2, 2023
Christmas

Christmas in Clover Springs (Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Book 8) by Rachel Wesson. I really liked this story. It had romance, compassion, kindness and mystery.
2 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2024
Understanding and Courage

I found this story to have all the ingredients needed for friendship and love. With love being at the top of the list.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,608 reviews23 followers
June 12, 2024
Great story

Loved the Christmas blessing. Father Malloy and Pastor Timmons make a great team and we see them in action in this book. Good read!
497 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2024
Christmas in Clover Springs

I love this series. I wish I lived in Clover Springs. I love that everyone is included, no matter their race or background. Rich or poor
Profile Image for Erin Krol.
23 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2017
Another home run!

Loved this one too! And we finally hear Mrs. Gray's story! An unlikable heroine becomes lovable and human. I'm still waiting for that little brat, Bertram, to get his, though!
Profile Image for Joann Limpic riggs.
11 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2017
Review

I really love this series, another winner. Kept my attention, seeing the charecters interact together. Would recommend this book to everyone. It's that good.5 stars, more if I could.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews