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McKinnie Mail Order Brides #1
Love on the Prairie
Abigail McKinnie refuses to allow her sisters to be dispersed across the nation as mail order brides. Despite the fact the union soldiers took everything from them during their march through Atlanta-their lands scorched, house burned, food stolen-she won’t give up. With a plan in place, she sets out for Kansas to her second cousin under the guise of marriage. But instead, she plans to convince him that the seven of them can help run the homestead for him. Her plan is full proof, until she makes the arduous journey to discover he’s dead.
Owen Baker vows to never have a woman in his life again after the death of so many in his life, but when Abigail McKinnie struts onto his land claiming ownership on behalf of her dead cousin, he’s dumbfounded by her drive and beauty. Despite her abilities and their attraction, he vows to throw her over his horse to deliver her to the first train home the minute she recuperates from her trip.
Owen Baker vows to never have a woman in his life again after the death of so many in his life, but when Abigail McKinnie struts onto his land claiming ownership on behalf of her dead cousin, he’s dumbfounded by her drive and beauty. Despite her abilities and their attraction, he vows to throw her over his horse to deliver her to the first train home the minute she recuperates from her trip.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2017
1062 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Ciara Knight
118 books804 followersCiara Knight is a USA Today bestselling and Maggie Award-winning author of heartwarming romance.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
December 1, 2017
This is the first book in the McKinnie Mail Order Brides series and this is sister Abigail's story. A sweet and clean well developed story line. After their Southern Georgia home is destroyed along with their way of life and the comforts that entails oldest sister,Abigail feels it's her responsibility to take care of her sisters.Abigail has six sisters and I am assuming each sister will have her own story in the series. Traveling to the prairie of Kansas is a little more than uncomfortable for her but she must do whatever it takes to care for her younger sister's she's left behind until she gets settled. She intends to settle on her cousin's land there but Owen Baker claims to own it. Owen and Abigail have both had bad experiences in the past and are wary of each other and in no need to pursue a romantic relationship,at least that's what they think. It takes a tough woman to not let the threat of Indian attacks and life on the prairie get to her not to mention the loneliness. Abbey is one smart and sassy lady and holds her own easily so don't make her mad! I enjoyed getting to know Abbey and Owen through their story and seeing their character development. Can't wait to read the next story about another sister in this series.
Pub Date 02 Mar 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Season Publishing for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date 02 Mar 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Season Publishing for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2017
Inaccuracies overwhelming plot
I want to like this book. The premise seemed a good start. But I'm only a short amount in, and the inaccuracies are grabbing all my attention. You cinch a belt, not synch it. You can't churn butter on a homestead with only chickens, 1 ox(that means male), and one horse. And you cannot spin cotton into linen. Just ...oy.
I want to like this book. The premise seemed a good start. But I'm only a short amount in, and the inaccuracies are grabbing all my attention. You cinch a belt, not synch it. You can't churn butter on a homestead with only chickens, 1 ox(that means male), and one horse. And you cannot spin cotton into linen. Just ...oy.
December 21, 2018
This was a good read. I love a good mail order bride story but this wasn't really one. It was fun to read. Nothing really great about the writing and a little silly drama lead to the 3 stars. This is a clean western romance that is about a woman fighting for her place in the west.
June 27, 2017
Love On The Prairie ( McKinnie Mail Order Brides -Book 1 )
By: Ciara Knight
Love on The Prairie is book one in the new series McKinnie Mail Order Brides. I have just found Ciara Knight and love her writing so far. This was a good clean western , on the prairie, romance and I loved it. The story takes place on the prairie. I really enjoyed the two main characters, Abigail and Owen. They both have been through so much. Abigail and her sisters are left with nothing after the war took everything away from them, but they refuse to give in. Abigail is a very strong and determined woman . She will not give up after traveling to the prairie . Were things what she expected when she got there? Will she still be able to bring her sisters to live with her. So many things happening on the prairie. I loved Owen. He is also a kind and determined man. I felt so sorry for both of them. There was times when I had tears in my eyes and could not read fast enough. Love On The Prairie will keep you on the edge of your seat . I can’t wait to read book two in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to write a positive review.
By: Ciara Knight
Love on The Prairie is book one in the new series McKinnie Mail Order Brides. I have just found Ciara Knight and love her writing so far. This was a good clean western , on the prairie, romance and I loved it. The story takes place on the prairie. I really enjoyed the two main characters, Abigail and Owen. They both have been through so much. Abigail and her sisters are left with nothing after the war took everything away from them, but they refuse to give in. Abigail is a very strong and determined woman . She will not give up after traveling to the prairie . Were things what she expected when she got there? Will she still be able to bring her sisters to live with her. So many things happening on the prairie. I loved Owen. He is also a kind and determined man. I felt so sorry for both of them. There was times when I had tears in my eyes and could not read fast enough. Love On The Prairie will keep you on the edge of your seat . I can’t wait to read book two in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to write a positive review.
August 29, 2017
My Musings
This is a sweet western romance with engaging characters and a great plot. I believe this is the first historical written by this author and she definitely tells a good story, but some of the garbage is a little modern. That's the only reason I have it 4 stars. Happy ☺reading 📚!
This is a sweet western romance with engaging characters and a great plot. I believe this is the first historical written by this author and she definitely tells a good story, but some of the garbage is a little modern. That's the only reason I have it 4 stars. Happy ☺reading 📚!
September 23, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
LOVE ON THE PRAIRIE begins the McKinnie Mail Order Brides series with a complex couple who have their hearts set on far, far different goals when Abigail and Owen first meet. I love this time period, the ongoing march to the West coast and the War Between the States on the East and South – plus some Regency over in England. It’s a time when a lot is going on in the world, so I will devour romances set within this general time frame. A story or a series doesn’t have to be “hot off the presses” for me to enjoy or continue – the written word really has no time limit.
Abigail and her six sisters have been through hell on earth as Union soldiers destroyed their home, their possessions, and their future. War is ugly and leaves behind so many victims. Now trying to survive in a mostly burned-out home the McKinnie sisters have decisions to make – but eldest sister, Abigail has her own plan, one she’s certain will work out for them all. The trouble with that plan is that all is not as she expected when she arrived hoping to marry a distant relative and bring her sisters out West to safety for them all. No, death once again has taken hope from Abigail. But the land her relative homesteaded remains and that she can work with. The land – not the man who claims to have worked the land in partnership with her deceased relative. Certainly not the man who will do everything in his power to send her home as quickly as is humanly possible.
Owen and Abigail’s romance starts off rocky and has an uphill battle before these two will even be working together let alone falling in love. Life on the prairie is hard, and Owen knows the price that can be expected is often someone’s life. He has no idea of what drives Abigail, at first, aside from her stubbornness but she is slowly wearing him down as she continues to work the land, and perhaps work some magic on his heart as well. There are dangers to be faced, pride to set aside, and trust to be given before they can have a future together. A rocky road indeed, but well worth the journey.
I enjoyed LOVE ON THE PRAIRIE. It’s a clean, engaging romance of two stubborn people who finally realize that they don’t have to fight for them both to win. There is, of course, a villain – and a nasty one at that – to be dealt with, but also good people who are trying to make a home. This story brings home both sides of the story as in order for homesteads to be built and land worked, the original people, the Indians who live there are pushed from their homes. That is a reality we often overlook in modern times. I also enjoyed that glimpse of both sides of the history that often romance stories bypass. If you enjoy Western Historical Romance then this is a series you may want to look into.
I own a Kindle edition of Love on the Prairie.
LOVE ON THE PRAIRIE begins the McKinnie Mail Order Brides series with a complex couple who have their hearts set on far, far different goals when Abigail and Owen first meet. I love this time period, the ongoing march to the West coast and the War Between the States on the East and South – plus some Regency over in England. It’s a time when a lot is going on in the world, so I will devour romances set within this general time frame. A story or a series doesn’t have to be “hot off the presses” for me to enjoy or continue – the written word really has no time limit.
Abigail and her six sisters have been through hell on earth as Union soldiers destroyed their home, their possessions, and their future. War is ugly and leaves behind so many victims. Now trying to survive in a mostly burned-out home the McKinnie sisters have decisions to make – but eldest sister, Abigail has her own plan, one she’s certain will work out for them all. The trouble with that plan is that all is not as she expected when she arrived hoping to marry a distant relative and bring her sisters out West to safety for them all. No, death once again has taken hope from Abigail. But the land her relative homesteaded remains and that she can work with. The land – not the man who claims to have worked the land in partnership with her deceased relative. Certainly not the man who will do everything in his power to send her home as quickly as is humanly possible.
Owen and Abigail’s romance starts off rocky and has an uphill battle before these two will even be working together let alone falling in love. Life on the prairie is hard, and Owen knows the price that can be expected is often someone’s life. He has no idea of what drives Abigail, at first, aside from her stubbornness but she is slowly wearing him down as she continues to work the land, and perhaps work some magic on his heart as well. There are dangers to be faced, pride to set aside, and trust to be given before they can have a future together. A rocky road indeed, but well worth the journey.
I enjoyed LOVE ON THE PRAIRIE. It’s a clean, engaging romance of two stubborn people who finally realize that they don’t have to fight for them both to win. There is, of course, a villain – and a nasty one at that – to be dealt with, but also good people who are trying to make a home. This story brings home both sides of the story as in order for homesteads to be built and land worked, the original people, the Indians who live there are pushed from their homes. That is a reality we often overlook in modern times. I also enjoyed that glimpse of both sides of the history that often romance stories bypass. If you enjoy Western Historical Romance then this is a series you may want to look into.
I own a Kindle edition of Love on the Prairie.
March 6, 2019
Worth much more than five stars. Very much worth reading this first story in this series.
I loved this awesome story. Ms. Knight created very good characters and did her research well for understanding life on the prairie and how to live with these Native Americans who were peaceful when the white people came into their sacred land but didn't want war with them. This story is about life after the Civil War and one family of sisters that lived in Georgia lost everyone and everything they had and were living in a mostly burnt down home and still scared for their lives. One sister goes to Kansas to marry a cousin who had gotten land from the land act that had to be liveable and improved in 5 years. She gets there only to find another man who tells her her cousin died. She is a very determined woman who doesn't need a man and she is as tough as nails, has a lot of gumption to succeed in building up the land she is believes is now hers then send for her sisters so they can all be together.
The man she finds on her property was helping her cousin improve his land and her cousin was helping his new friend to improve his land also. They shared one soddy, worked together until his friend, our heroines cousin, died as did the man's wife and child.
He wants her to go back to Georgia as the prairie is too harsh for woman and children. She refuses.
There is so much going on in this fabulous story that you'll have a hard time putting it down.
The storyline is really good and historically accurate in being true to life back then and riveting in many ways. There are certainly things that I didn't expect but we're so good in this story. I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series. This is one you do not want to miss it you love historical romances that is based on accurate history. I loved this one a lot. I have really loved all of Ms. Knights stories. She is a very good author who does her research and writes amazing stories. I highly recommend you get this first book then read the whole series of the sisters determined to make a good life hopefully together. I would give this one more than five stars if I could.
I loved this awesome story. Ms. Knight created very good characters and did her research well for understanding life on the prairie and how to live with these Native Americans who were peaceful when the white people came into their sacred land but didn't want war with them. This story is about life after the Civil War and one family of sisters that lived in Georgia lost everyone and everything they had and were living in a mostly burnt down home and still scared for their lives. One sister goes to Kansas to marry a cousin who had gotten land from the land act that had to be liveable and improved in 5 years. She gets there only to find another man who tells her her cousin died. She is a very determined woman who doesn't need a man and she is as tough as nails, has a lot of gumption to succeed in building up the land she is believes is now hers then send for her sisters so they can all be together.
The man she finds on her property was helping her cousin improve his land and her cousin was helping his new friend to improve his land also. They shared one soddy, worked together until his friend, our heroines cousin, died as did the man's wife and child.
He wants her to go back to Georgia as the prairie is too harsh for woman and children. She refuses.
There is so much going on in this fabulous story that you'll have a hard time putting it down.
The storyline is really good and historically accurate in being true to life back then and riveting in many ways. There are certainly things that I didn't expect but we're so good in this story. I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series. This is one you do not want to miss it you love historical romances that is based on accurate history. I loved this one a lot. I have really loved all of Ms. Knights stories. She is a very good author who does her research and writes amazing stories. I highly recommend you get this first book then read the whole series of the sisters determined to make a good life hopefully together. I would give this one more than five stars if I could.
June 24, 2017
This is a great book! I really liked both Abigail and Owen! Abigail is spunky and sassy and determined. Her love for her sisters is admirable. Owen is such a gentleman. He is kind, caring and hard working. Both of them could be quite stubborn, which was entertaining at times. I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow.
I loved the story! I loved the lessons it contained about not judging others and not making assumptions about another person’s life. I also really liked the interactions Abigail and Owen had with the Indians. The romance in the story was great! But there was so much more.
I’m excited about this series! After reading Abigail’s story, I really want to know what happens with her sisters. They have all suffered so much in the war and I can’t wait to see them get their happy endings.
I received a copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
I loved the story! I loved the lessons it contained about not judging others and not making assumptions about another person’s life. I also really liked the interactions Abigail and Owen had with the Indians. The romance in the story was great! But there was so much more.
I’m excited about this series! After reading Abigail’s story, I really want to know what happens with her sisters. They have all suffered so much in the war and I can’t wait to see them get their happy endings.
I received a copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
October 22, 2021
Well, not a horrible story. It was yet another super clean western historical romance though.
Instead of romance, I found there to be more emphasis regarding the PTSD from their experiences with the Civil War and drama regarding the towns people harassing the Native Americans in the area… which I found both topics to be sad and depressing to sit and read about. My anxiety runs pretty high on a good day, so I tend to enjoy reading books a bit more fluffy and romantic as an escape from reality :)
Regardless, I plan on tracking down a few of the other stories in this series to see how their lives turned out.
Instead of romance, I found there to be more emphasis regarding the PTSD from their experiences with the Civil War and drama regarding the towns people harassing the Native Americans in the area… which I found both topics to be sad and depressing to sit and read about. My anxiety runs pretty high on a good day, so I tend to enjoy reading books a bit more fluffy and romantic as an escape from reality :)
Regardless, I plan on tracking down a few of the other stories in this series to see how their lives turned out.
June 23, 2017
Love on the Prairie by Ciara Knight is Book 1 in the new
McKinnie Mail Order Brides series.
The book is wonderful! I really enjoyed reading it!
It is a touching & emotional love story.
Abigail & sisters have lost everything because of the war. To survive, Abigail travels alone to Kansas from Georgia to marry her cousin. On her way there, he dies. The land is now owned by a man Owen.
He & her cousin worked their claims together.
Now Abigail has claimed her cousin's land as her own.
The two of them do not see eye to eye on this & Owen wants Abigail gone. But she will do anything to keep her & her sisters together.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR EVERYONE TO READ!!
McKinnie Mail Order Brides series.
The book is wonderful! I really enjoyed reading it!
It is a touching & emotional love story.
Abigail & sisters have lost everything because of the war. To survive, Abigail travels alone to Kansas from Georgia to marry her cousin. On her way there, he dies. The land is now owned by a man Owen.
He & her cousin worked their claims together.
Now Abigail has claimed her cousin's land as her own.
The two of them do not see eye to eye on this & Owen wants Abigail gone. But she will do anything to keep her & her sisters together.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR EVERYONE TO READ!!
September 13, 2019
Interesting premise and characters with potential, but the writing is substandard, and the editing and copy editing—if there was any—was worse.
April 18, 2021
“Abigail McKinnie and her six sisters huddled together for the last time. Ashes and debris littered the floor of their half-demolished home, the smell of burned wood, gunpowder, and Yankee stench still haunting the air. Everything was gone. Not just their possessions, but their dreams, too.”
The opening scene of this story immediately connected me with the characters, making me want to learn more about what tragedies they had lived through and where their journeys would take them. The bond of sisters is like no other and the author established that bond beautifully from the beginning. Being the oldest of four siblings, it was easy for me to relate to Abigail and understand the love and sense of responsibility that drove her to the prairies to provide a safe home for her sisters.
“A short ceremony, with no words and no tears, but full of sadness.”
Owen’s introduction alludes to his own difficult past. Both leading characters, though flawed, are likable and relatable. The remainder of the story follows Abigail and Owen as they battle the dangers of prairie life and the feelings they are developing for each other.
“Abigail stumbled down the hill, both her feet flaming lumps of pain.”
Although I laughed at this, I sympathized with her pain.
This book started out as a fast 5/5. However, the story became a little rushed towards the middle and end. The hurried pace affected the quality of writing, dropping my final rating to a 3.6 overall.
I did like how the story ended. The second book in the series is next on my list.
“When their lips parted, she felt she’d given part of herself to him forever. Hope emerged through the ashes of sorrow and for the first time, she believed in happiness.”
“I don’t need fancy. I just need you,”
The opening scene of this story immediately connected me with the characters, making me want to learn more about what tragedies they had lived through and where their journeys would take them. The bond of sisters is like no other and the author established that bond beautifully from the beginning. Being the oldest of four siblings, it was easy for me to relate to Abigail and understand the love and sense of responsibility that drove her to the prairies to provide a safe home for her sisters.
“A short ceremony, with no words and no tears, but full of sadness.”
Owen’s introduction alludes to his own difficult past. Both leading characters, though flawed, are likable and relatable. The remainder of the story follows Abigail and Owen as they battle the dangers of prairie life and the feelings they are developing for each other.
“Abigail stumbled down the hill, both her feet flaming lumps of pain.”
Although I laughed at this, I sympathized with her pain.
This book started out as a fast 5/5. However, the story became a little rushed towards the middle and end. The hurried pace affected the quality of writing, dropping my final rating to a 3.6 overall.
I did like how the story ended. The second book in the series is next on my list.
“When their lips parted, she felt she’d given part of herself to him forever. Hope emerged through the ashes of sorrow and for the first time, she believed in happiness.”
“I don’t need fancy. I just need you,”
June 26, 2017
I think it's only fair to start this review with the admission that I really don't tend to gravitate towards books that are straight romance. The only romance I usually read is the paranormal type. BUT, in this case, I knew this author. I knew there was going to be nothing typical or cheesy about this read. And frankly, anything based in the Civil War era intrigues me, because there was so much more to it that didn't make the war as simple as our history books have made it sound. Nor was the westward expansion that was going on at the same time. Americans during this time period had to work HARD to survive, no matter where they were, who they were battling, or if they were trying desperately to avoid battles altogether.
I could not have been more right about trusting this author and where she would take this story. If you're looking for steamy romance, this book isn't where you'll find it, but you definitely won't need it. This author did her research -- like you wouldn't believe the details. I don't think there's anything she DIDN'T research. From the first page, you immediately FEEL the hardships those that were in the middle of the war (literally) dealt with. It didn't even matter if they chose to be a part of the war -- pure location of their home made them a part of it. And the women had more hardships than I realized, as men in the families -- sometimes all of them -- died in the war, leaving the women to take care of entire plantations alone. If they survived it. Homes and land were burned, and the women were often left with nothing, sometimes being forced to be mail order brides in order to save their own lives or the lives of their families.
This is where Abigail's story begins. The eldest of her sisters, she heads to the prairies to marry someone she's never met, hoping he's not abusive or dangerous himself, and finds prairie life is a whole different type of difficult. The storms, the hard land, the wars with Indians, a different culture...and a man that's living on the land that she didn't expect, because he was working with the man she was supposed to marry...who died while she was traveling.
My absolute favorite part of this book is the fact that it wasn't a story of a hardened man, softened by the love of a woman, and they live happily ever after. Largely because it simply didn't work that way in that time. From the very beginning, with bleeding feet and building blisters, she fought to work the land every day, and prove that she didn't need this man's help, and she would never give up on saving her sisters from becoming mail order brides, being separated forever. She would build enough to get them there so they could work together to build their new home. This story was about an exceptionally strong woman, and a man that felt more affection towards her for her toughness and bravery.
Abigail found on a daily basis that there were more twists and turns that life, and other people in the town and the prairies would throw at her, and she not only rolled with the punches, but she did it in her own way...not the way others would expect. And along the way, she had the growing admiration and attention of the only man who's opinion mattered to her.
By the end of this book, I had such admiration for Abigail, Owen, and her other sisters. I found their strengths giving ME drive to do better in life. This was the perfect combination of true history, and being able to really feel for myself the daily hardships, while being able to grow relationships that were both powerful and sweet. I can't wait to read the next book, which I assume is the next sister's adventures, and find how she overcomes her own obstacles and past horrors.
I could not have been more right about trusting this author and where she would take this story. If you're looking for steamy romance, this book isn't where you'll find it, but you definitely won't need it. This author did her research -- like you wouldn't believe the details. I don't think there's anything she DIDN'T research. From the first page, you immediately FEEL the hardships those that were in the middle of the war (literally) dealt with. It didn't even matter if they chose to be a part of the war -- pure location of their home made them a part of it. And the women had more hardships than I realized, as men in the families -- sometimes all of them -- died in the war, leaving the women to take care of entire plantations alone. If they survived it. Homes and land were burned, and the women were often left with nothing, sometimes being forced to be mail order brides in order to save their own lives or the lives of their families.
This is where Abigail's story begins. The eldest of her sisters, she heads to the prairies to marry someone she's never met, hoping he's not abusive or dangerous himself, and finds prairie life is a whole different type of difficult. The storms, the hard land, the wars with Indians, a different culture...and a man that's living on the land that she didn't expect, because he was working with the man she was supposed to marry...who died while she was traveling.
My absolute favorite part of this book is the fact that it wasn't a story of a hardened man, softened by the love of a woman, and they live happily ever after. Largely because it simply didn't work that way in that time. From the very beginning, with bleeding feet and building blisters, she fought to work the land every day, and prove that she didn't need this man's help, and she would never give up on saving her sisters from becoming mail order brides, being separated forever. She would build enough to get them there so they could work together to build their new home. This story was about an exceptionally strong woman, and a man that felt more affection towards her for her toughness and bravery.
Abigail found on a daily basis that there were more twists and turns that life, and other people in the town and the prairies would throw at her, and she not only rolled with the punches, but she did it in her own way...not the way others would expect. And along the way, she had the growing admiration and attention of the only man who's opinion mattered to her.
By the end of this book, I had such admiration for Abigail, Owen, and her other sisters. I found their strengths giving ME drive to do better in life. This was the perfect combination of true history, and being able to really feel for myself the daily hardships, while being able to grow relationships that were both powerful and sweet. I can't wait to read the next book, which I assume is the next sister's adventures, and find how she overcomes her own obstacles and past horrors.
May 9, 2017
I really love Mail Order Bride Historical Romances, they hold a special place in my heart because they were the first romances I ever read as a kid. Now whenever I get my chubby paws on one, I do a happy dance and usually read it within a day. That's what I did with this one. I'm pretty sure I finished it in under 2 hours!
Abigail McKinnie is no shrinking violet and doesn't back down from a fight. She's feisty and resiliant and one heck of a loyal sister. The writing was good, but the pacing was a bit skewed. I really enjoyed reading this one, which is a feat because I've become quite jaded on this genre. Knight has given me a breath of fresh air and renewed my love of Mail Order Bride Sweet Romances! Luckily for me, Abigail has a bunch of sisters, so I can look forward to more books in the future!
Abigail McKinnie is no shrinking violet and doesn't back down from a fight. She's feisty and resiliant and one heck of a loyal sister. The writing was good, but the pacing was a bit skewed. I really enjoyed reading this one, which is a feat because I've become quite jaded on this genre. Knight has given me a breath of fresh air and renewed my love of Mail Order Bride Sweet Romances! Luckily for me, Abigail has a bunch of sisters, so I can look forward to more books in the future!
March 8, 2019
Cute easy read
June 25, 2017
Ciara Knight you have yet another awesome book with such strong women as your characters. During such a time of war and struggle these women prevail even when doing things is against what they believe in. Can't wait to read more on this series. Ciara is one of my top favorite authors and never disappoints me. Make sure you get this book and start reading. I received the book from Ciara Knight from a contest so please know this is my honest review.
August 24, 2017
Choosing to survive
Abigail is willing to do whatever it takes to rebuild a home for her and her sisters. The war took everything. She wasn't giving up any more. Owen has lost everything more than once. He needs to make Abigail understand that the prairie is no place for a woman on her own. What will it take to make them realize how much they need each other?
Abigail is willing to do whatever it takes to rebuild a home for her and her sisters. The war took everything. She wasn't giving up any more. Owen has lost everything more than once. He needs to make Abigail understand that the prairie is no place for a woman on her own. What will it take to make them realize how much they need each other?
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September 6, 2017I love mail order bride stories.This was a great one with a twist & turn.
January 4, 2019
A short story about mail order brides out west.
A hard working woman, a man who knows just how hard the land is.
An enjoyable enough read to fill in a grey afternoon.
A hard working woman, a man who knows just how hard the land is.
An enjoyable enough read to fill in a grey afternoon.
August 31, 2017
In “Love on the Prairie” by Ciara Knight, we see the destruction that the war left on the citizens, the communities, and those who bravely fought in this war. Abigail McKinnie and her sisters are left with nothing after Sherman’s march to the sea during the Civil War. Because they will starve if they don’t think of something to help, the sisters decide to offer themselves as mail-order brides. Although with seven young women looking not for love, but for security, the pickings in their community are slim to none. Abigail, as the oldest, decides that she will accept the offer of marriage from their cousin and travel to their cousin’s ranch. Her intention is to convince him to bring all her sisters to the ranch establish their home there. Upon her arrival she finds that her cousin has died and his friend now lives in the dugout home the cousin inhabited. She is determined to take over the property since she and her sisters are the only living relatives of the deceased.
Owen Baker has just finished burying his friend and finds letters to cousin, Willy, from Abigail regarding her travels to marry him. Owen is too late to stop her journey and prepares to send her right back to Georgia when she arrives. And THAT is the gist of this story. Abigail is determined to stay and Owen is just as determined that she go. What happens in between the beginning of the story and its ending will keep you up late reading. I enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to read other works from this author.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from NetGalley.com and was under no obligation to post a review. You can read this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-rW. Check out other book reviews at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
Owen Baker has just finished burying his friend and finds letters to cousin, Willy, from Abigail regarding her travels to marry him. Owen is too late to stop her journey and prepares to send her right back to Georgia when she arrives. And THAT is the gist of this story. Abigail is determined to stay and Owen is just as determined that she go. What happens in between the beginning of the story and its ending will keep you up late reading. I enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to read other works from this author.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from NetGalley.com and was under no obligation to post a review. You can read this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-rW. Check out other book reviews at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
September 4, 2017
Love on the Prairie” by Ciara Knight, is a tale of the ravages of war in post Civil War, Altanta. Seven sisters must survive with nothing left of their beautiful plantation but burned, scarred land, a house that the Yankees burned, their parents deaths, the destruction and terror of their lives, in ways than one. So, Abigail, the eldest of the sisters sets out to become a mail order bride to their cousin, William, in order to save her devastated sisters. Once she reaches him, he has died. His friend and partner, Owen, tries to send her away without success. Abigail is stubborn and determined to stay. Owen has lost much too. Together, can these two find their HEA? Will Abigail be able to send for her beloved sisters before its too late for them?
Well written, sweet Western Romance with engaging characters. The plot is interesting, the storyline unique in its concept of violence in a sweet romance. There is violence, fighting with Indians, a tornado, grief, fighting with neighbors but there is also healing, survival, faith, finding love and acceptance. Many emotions to carry the reader along in the turmoil of civil war, the difference between different cultures and the ability to find love. The danger and suspense was palpable. The romance was sweet, with ups and downs between Owen and Abigail. Overall, an interesting Sweet Historical Western Romance. I hope to read more of Abigail and Owen's adventures, learn if Abigail's sisters finally found a home, trust, as with so many women of this time in our history, understanding of their horrible ordeal, find peace and a love of their own. Ano interesting read!
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions at my opinions.
Rating: 4
Heathe rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR
Well written, sweet Western Romance with engaging characters. The plot is interesting, the storyline unique in its concept of violence in a sweet romance. There is violence, fighting with Indians, a tornado, grief, fighting with neighbors but there is also healing, survival, faith, finding love and acceptance. Many emotions to carry the reader along in the turmoil of civil war, the difference between different cultures and the ability to find love. The danger and suspense was palpable. The romance was sweet, with ups and downs between Owen and Abigail. Overall, an interesting Sweet Historical Western Romance. I hope to read more of Abigail and Owen's adventures, learn if Abigail's sisters finally found a home, trust, as with so many women of this time in our history, understanding of their horrible ordeal, find peace and a love of their own. Ano interesting read!
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions at my opinions.
Rating: 4
Heathe rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR
October 11, 2018
Post civil war love story
I almost didn’t make it past the first pages, primarily because of the line “...our slaves abandoned us...”. Saying I could not roll my eyes long or hard enough would not be an exaggeration. But, given that this story is about a family of women from Georgia, some blatantly ignorant comments were allowed.
Abigail is the oldest girl of 6 surviving siblings. All girls, they lost their brothers and parents in quick succession. Abigail is trying to keep her sanity and her family together but that’s proving difficult with their house in ruins. She chooses to go to Kansas to hopefully start a life with a cousin that lives there. But, the cousin has recently died and she instead meets Owen, her cousins business partner.
Owen is not expecting company and is really not interested in having a ‘gentle’ southern woman to take care of. He just buried his wife and step son and he knows how hard it is to live out here. He’s just wants Abigail to head home and forget this land.
But, Abigail has nowhere to return to and needs this land to work so that her sisters can find peace. Owen funds Abigail interesting and impressive but he’s afraid of giving his heart to someone only to have her die.
This book, while inspiring (ie no sex) suffers from cliche. Native Americans are referred to as ‘savages’. White men want to ‘protect their women and children’ by killing everyone that isn’t white or people who are ‘savage sympathizers’. It’s all problematic but I want to believe that it was written with the best intent. And, even with this mediocre review, I still want to know what happens to the remaining sisters. Go figure!
I almost didn’t make it past the first pages, primarily because of the line “...our slaves abandoned us...”. Saying I could not roll my eyes long or hard enough would not be an exaggeration. But, given that this story is about a family of women from Georgia, some blatantly ignorant comments were allowed.
Abigail is the oldest girl of 6 surviving siblings. All girls, they lost their brothers and parents in quick succession. Abigail is trying to keep her sanity and her family together but that’s proving difficult with their house in ruins. She chooses to go to Kansas to hopefully start a life with a cousin that lives there. But, the cousin has recently died and she instead meets Owen, her cousins business partner.
Owen is not expecting company and is really not interested in having a ‘gentle’ southern woman to take care of. He just buried his wife and step son and he knows how hard it is to live out here. He’s just wants Abigail to head home and forget this land.
But, Abigail has nowhere to return to and needs this land to work so that her sisters can find peace. Owen funds Abigail interesting and impressive but he’s afraid of giving his heart to someone only to have her die.
This book, while inspiring (ie no sex) suffers from cliche. Native Americans are referred to as ‘savages’. White men want to ‘protect their women and children’ by killing everyone that isn’t white or people who are ‘savage sympathizers’. It’s all problematic but I want to believe that it was written with the best intent. And, even with this mediocre review, I still want to know what happens to the remaining sisters. Go figure!
January 24, 2018
Set in one of the most difficult periods in American history, Love on the Prairie tells the story of seven sisters having to face the aftermath of devastation and war, with no one to depend on other than themselves. However, as they decide to choose the option of becoming mail order brides, they find that it's going to be a whole lot more difficult than they at first thought. Abigail is the first sister to set off, with the plan that she will be able to marry her cousin and then send for her sisters, thereby keeping the family together. She arrives too late for a wedding as she finds that his neighbours have just buried him. Abigail is beyond exhausted when she arrives at the farm and although her cousin's partner would like to send her straight back to where she has come from, Owen recognises that she needs rest. He knows that Abigail's family was formerly wealthy, despite having lost everything in the war, but he is nevertheless surprised to see her determination and stubbornness in working her claim. Owen and Abigail face prejudice and more difficulties than most people can handle, but they eventually come to a place where they recognise that together there is a possibility for a future, provided bigoted neighbours, Indians and natural disasters don't destroy them first. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 30, 2017
With her family's home destroyed from the war, Abigail sets out to save her sisters from being scattered as mail order brides by traveling to her cousin's claim in the territory. When she arrives and learns of her cousin's death, she must work hard to prove herself. Will she dare to let love into her heart along the way?
Abigail's reason for her journey was very practical, and I liked that about her. She was no shrinking daisy, but at the same time, she was almost too tough. It was difficult to believe how impervious she behaved. The only trace of vulnerability she was allowed was her nightmares from the war. I kept expecting her to send for her sisters immediately, since she left them in such bad place. This never happened and so we are left with the ending where her sisters have scattered.
Owen was an alright hero for Abigail, but he was forgettable in my opinion. He was kind but stubborn. the expected obstacle to their happiness was boring and had me rolling my eyes.
Overall, there was nothing terribly bad about the book. It's a clean read and enjoyable enough. It's just not making it onto any of my favorite shelves.
For fans of mail order bride stories, this gives exactly that.
I received my copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
Abigail's reason for her journey was very practical, and I liked that about her. She was no shrinking daisy, but at the same time, she was almost too tough. It was difficult to believe how impervious she behaved. The only trace of vulnerability she was allowed was her nightmares from the war. I kept expecting her to send for her sisters immediately, since she left them in such bad place. This never happened and so we are left with the ending where her sisters have scattered.
Owen was an alright hero for Abigail, but he was forgettable in my opinion. He was kind but stubborn. the expected obstacle to their happiness was boring and had me rolling my eyes.
Overall, there was nothing terribly bad about the book. It's a clean read and enjoyable enough. It's just not making it onto any of my favorite shelves.
For fans of mail order bride stories, this gives exactly that.
I received my copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
September 27, 2017
After the Civil War, Abigail McKinnie is doing her best to hold her family together after Sherman's Union Army destroyed her home, killed her brothers, and took the innocence of one of her sisters. In order to do that, she makes an arrangement with a distant cousin to be his mail-order-bride and help on his farm in the prairies of Kansas. Unfortunately when she gets there, she discovers that her cousin is dead and that his partner, the handsome Owen Baker, has taken over the land she believes is rightfully hers. For his part, Owen wants nothing to do with this former southern belle. She's trouble with a capital T. However fate has a way of throwing together people who need each other the most.
I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this book. But the description intrigued me. I really did like Owen, his sort of hardened pragmatic look at life on the Prairie was refreshing. I was less fond of Abigail. She was stubborn to the point of stupidity multiple times over and I was disappointed that she never followed through on bringing her sisters out to Kansas. From a meta standpoint I get it, they have their own books to be in, but from a narrative and characterization standpoint it didn't make sense.
While I liked the protagonists interactions with the Native American tribes, I kept feeling horrible for what I knew history would do to them. I also appreciated that Abbey has PTSD after her experiences with the Civil War. And that the author acknowledged that the heroine and her family were slave owners. (a lot of authors try to get around that by doing a 'not all southerners" thing which is even more problematic)
In the end, the book was okay. I'd recommend it for people who like clean romance and for those who like western themed romances. However for me, I can only give this:
Three Stars
*** I received an ARC through NetGalley.
I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this book. But the description intrigued me. I really did like Owen, his sort of hardened pragmatic look at life on the Prairie was refreshing. I was less fond of Abigail. She was stubborn to the point of stupidity multiple times over and I was disappointed that she never followed through on bringing her sisters out to Kansas. From a meta standpoint I get it, they have their own books to be in, but from a narrative and characterization standpoint it didn't make sense.
While I liked the protagonists interactions with the Native American tribes, I kept feeling horrible for what I knew history would do to them. I also appreciated that Abbey has PTSD after her experiences with the Civil War. And that the author acknowledged that the heroine and her family were slave owners. (a lot of authors try to get around that by doing a 'not all southerners" thing which is even more problematic)
In the end, the book was okay. I'd recommend it for people who like clean romance and for those who like western themed romances. However for me, I can only give this:
Three Stars
*** I received an ARC through NetGalley.
September 21, 2024
That’s it? That’s where the story ends? No epilogue? Why did I read this for it to end here. Looks like subsequent books are other sisters and they’re spread out. That sucks.
Unlikeable heroine until about halfway. She’s gonna keep the hero on as hired help. Eyeroll. Calling him stupid. Very rude and coarse for someone raised in wealth. Thinking she “needs the land more than” him because she has family. What a communist.
Was this written by AI? Because so much didn’t make sense.
“Barren but hopefully fertile.”
“When Confederate army had…”
“…her ken folk.”
“…synch the waist tight…”
“…spin it into linen…” [cotton doesn’t become linen]
“…shining in the lightening flash.”
“…eat your conscious up.”
“Freak out” was first used in 1966. Google. You’re welcome.
“Get us arrested” likewise also a modern phrase.
“…at the at the store.”
“…what they do to murders, don’t you?”
“…how fabulous you are…” said by the German immigrant. Sure.
Lastly I thought it was really cute that she and her sisters didn’t have the “man power” (space in original) to save their home but will be totally able to farm the prairie. And this hothouse flowers was plowing for hours every day. Also, burning doesn’t make land infertile.
Unlikeable heroine until about halfway. She’s gonna keep the hero on as hired help. Eyeroll. Calling him stupid. Very rude and coarse for someone raised in wealth. Thinking she “needs the land more than” him because she has family. What a communist.
Was this written by AI? Because so much didn’t make sense.
“Barren but hopefully fertile.”
“When Confederate army had…”
“…her ken folk.”
“…synch the waist tight…”
“…spin it into linen…” [cotton doesn’t become linen]
“…shining in the lightening flash.”
“…eat your conscious up.”
“Freak out” was first used in 1966. Google. You’re welcome.
“Get us arrested” likewise also a modern phrase.
“…at the at the store.”
“…what they do to murders, don’t you?”
“…how fabulous you are…” said by the German immigrant. Sure.
Lastly I thought it was really cute that she and her sisters didn’t have the “man power” (space in original) to save their home but will be totally able to farm the prairie. And this hothouse flowers was plowing for hours every day. Also, burning doesn’t make land infertile.
July 2, 2017
Love on The Prairie is book one in the new series McKinnie Mail Order Brides. I have recently been introduced to Ciara Knight and really enjoy her writing style. I love historical fiction and this book grabbed me from the very beginning. The book starts out with Abigail living in Georgia and trying to keep her sisters together after losing most of their home and so many of her family in the war. Abigail decides to go out west to marry her cousin so she can keep her family together. The challenging journey out west could put anyone packing to turn back but Abigail is tough and strong willed. Things aren't exactly what she expected once she arrives at her cousin's homestead. She meets Owen who is living in his cousin's home. She's bound and determined to keep what is hers and to get her sisters out there. With both Abigail and Owen trying to heal from their hardships can they figure out how to work together? So much happens on the prairie. Can they overcome hardships to find love? I loved this story and can't wait to read the 2nd book.
I received a copy of the book and am providing an honest review.
I received a copy of the book and am providing an honest review.
December 13, 2017
The story is about Abigail McKinnie who goes across the country to marry her cousin, in hopes of bringing her sisters there with her. Their home is destroyed, compliments of the Civil War, and unless her siblings wish to become mail order brides, this is the only thing Abigail see's as the solution. Unfortunately, their cousin, is dead and Abigail finds herself claiming the land while trying to convince Owen Baker, the neighbor, that she belongs there.
Aye. Not sure what to say about this story. I want to be positive, but I found myself just flipping through the pages looking for a morsel that would drag me in and keep me there. But I found it a little boring. I didn't like either of the main characters and the flow of the book just didn't keep me captivated. A few interesting parts would develop and then would throw me off-balance enough that I had enough. I admit, I didn't finish the book. Made it about 3/4 of the way through, and then flipped through the rest of it.
Would I recommend this book? Perhaps, if you are already a Ciara Knight fan.
I did receive this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Aye. Not sure what to say about this story. I want to be positive, but I found myself just flipping through the pages looking for a morsel that would drag me in and keep me there. But I found it a little boring. I didn't like either of the main characters and the flow of the book just didn't keep me captivated. A few interesting parts would develop and then would throw me off-balance enough that I had enough. I admit, I didn't finish the book. Made it about 3/4 of the way through, and then flipped through the rest of it.
Would I recommend this book? Perhaps, if you are already a Ciara Knight fan.
I did receive this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 14, 2020
Sweet Story of Love on the Prairie
This is a sweet story of love on the prairie. There was a problem of Indian attacks or fears of Indian Attacks which got everyone in an uproar, leading the settlers to try to oust the Indians from their homes. The settler attacked the Indian villages trying to injure or kill as many as possible because when they had first settled the West they Indians had tried to scare the settlers.
Abigail and her sisters lived in the deep south where they had always lived in the lap of luxury. Unfortunately , their home had been almost completely destroyed. Only two inside walls remained, the crops had been destroyed and all their slaves had been run off. Abigail and her sisters did the best they could it Abigail started looking for mail order bride ads and located some that promising, so Abigail traveled ahead to the west to check out the area.
Then settlers decided to run all the Indians off the land they had lived on for centuries and this was not acceptable. The Indians started pushing back on the settlers trying to run them off.
Enjoy this book. I certainly did.
This is a sweet story of love on the prairie. There was a problem of Indian attacks or fears of Indian Attacks which got everyone in an uproar, leading the settlers to try to oust the Indians from their homes. The settler attacked the Indian villages trying to injure or kill as many as possible because when they had first settled the West they Indians had tried to scare the settlers.
Abigail and her sisters lived in the deep south where they had always lived in the lap of luxury. Unfortunately , their home had been almost completely destroyed. Only two inside walls remained, the crops had been destroyed and all their slaves had been run off. Abigail and her sisters did the best they could it Abigail started looking for mail order bride ads and located some that promising, so Abigail traveled ahead to the west to check out the area.
Then settlers decided to run all the Indians off the land they had lived on for centuries and this was not acceptable. The Indians started pushing back on the settlers trying to run them off.
Enjoy this book. I certainly did.
June 2, 2022
Abigail and Owen - a sweet story with a little bit of danger
This is a sweet romance set after the civil war which includes a little bit of danger. Abigail is a former southern belle. After their family loses everything in the war, she and her sisters agree to be mail order brides. Abigail is determined they stay together so she travels to Kansas to convince her cousin, Willy, to let all her sisters live there with them after they wed. Owen, a recent widower, was homesteading in Kansas with Willy. Unfortunately Willy died right before Abbey arrives. Now Abigail is determined to homestead the land by herself and Owen’s determined to send her home to protect her. I enjoyed watching Abigail and Owen’s personalities blossom together interaction by interaction while they made their inevitable journey to their HEA. The book included witty dialogue, characters with depth who grow, and an engaging storyline. It was a fun and happy read. I will definitely read more in the series.
This is a sweet romance set after the civil war which includes a little bit of danger. Abigail is a former southern belle. After their family loses everything in the war, she and her sisters agree to be mail order brides. Abigail is determined they stay together so she travels to Kansas to convince her cousin, Willy, to let all her sisters live there with them after they wed. Owen, a recent widower, was homesteading in Kansas with Willy. Unfortunately Willy died right before Abbey arrives. Now Abigail is determined to homestead the land by herself and Owen’s determined to send her home to protect her. I enjoyed watching Abigail and Owen’s personalities blossom together interaction by interaction while they made their inevitable journey to their HEA. The book included witty dialogue, characters with depth who grow, and an engaging storyline. It was a fun and happy read. I will definitely read more in the series.
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