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Wyoming Mountain Tales #1
A Pony Express Romance
After growing up as an orphan, Josiah English wants nothing more than to have his own ranch and raise Arabian horses. Riding for the Pony Express seems like the ticket to his dream. And when he meets the stationmaster's beautiful sister, it seems he may be within reach of the happy life he craves.
Mara Reid is thrilled to finally meet the man of her dreams, and the fact that they both want to raise horses in the Sweetwater River valley seems like confirmation straight from God.
But when the Express shuts down and Mara's family home is in peril, the danger looming over Mara's life may not be half as destructive as that threatening her heart.
Mara Reid is thrilled to finally meet the man of her dreams, and the fact that they both want to raise horses in the Sweetwater River valley seems like confirmation straight from God.
But when the Express shuts down and Mara's family home is in peril, the danger looming over Mara's life may not be half as destructive as that threatening her heart.
Audible Audio
First published December 1, 2016
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About the author
Misty M. Beller
109 books2,280 followersMisty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get a free bestselling novel here: https://mistymbeller.com/freebook
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.
Learn more at www.MistyMBeller.com.
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.
Learn more at www.MistyMBeller.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
April 5, 2019
Josiah English wants to raise Arabian horses. Riding for the Pony Express can help him get his dream. Then he meets the stationmaster's sister, Mara Reid.
I was drawn into the story from the first scene. It was like reading a Louis L'Amour story.
Detailed descriptions gave me the experiences of the Express. Bone-jarring rides on crazy horses over icy hills. The dangers of the job were ever present, and the characters suffered as a result.
Sometimes I held my breath as anticipation mounted, then the reveal. Then tears. Twists I hadn't seen coming made this book very interesting.
I found myself glued to the pages, wanting every word. Beller is a gifted author, one who weaves an exciting plot. It's a book I'll long remember.
I'm hooked on this series and look forward to the next one.
I was drawn into the story from the first scene. It was like reading a Louis L'Amour story.
Detailed descriptions gave me the experiences of the Express. Bone-jarring rides on crazy horses over icy hills. The dangers of the job were ever present, and the characters suffered as a result.
Sometimes I held my breath as anticipation mounted, then the reveal. Then tears. Twists I hadn't seen coming made this book very interesting.
I found myself glued to the pages, wanting every word. Beller is a gifted author, one who weaves an exciting plot. It's a book I'll long remember.
I'm hooked on this series and look forward to the next one.
January 14, 2021
Hmmm... Not bad, but not my favorite from this author. Though she does mention that it's one of her earliest works, so maybe that's why it didn't seem quite as polished.
The biggest issue for me was the four-year time skip in the middle of the book--I understand why it would have been difficult to narrate that period, but since just about all of the change for both of the main characters happened in that period, I was left feeling like I didn't really know them anymore. And it took a while for me to reconnect with Mara especially, and to reconcile how she was acting with how she was supposed to be feeling.
There were a couple other things that niggled just a bit--while the Pony Express details were accurate, we never got an explanation for why Josiah was accepted for the job when he met so few of the requirements. Also, I never really understood why he had his heart set on a horse ranch when he had so little background with or practical understanding of horses. There were allusions made to his carrying shame from parts of his past, but we never got any details on that either, so I'm still not sure what exactly made him feel like Mara could do better. And while I don't mind characters beginning with physical attraction and working to something deeper, the structure of the story made it feel like basically two surface-level attraction stories, rather than building their relationship to a deeper level.
I did adore Katherine, and I loved Mara's brothers (most of the time...). I loved Josiah and Mara, too; I just would have loved to get to know them on a deeper level and seen them get past the overwhelming physical attraction stage in their relationship with each other.
Content--a lot of focus on physical attraction/reacting to the other's nearness; some passionate kisses (not excessively descriptive); some description of illness, wounds, and death; mentions of needing to relieve oneself; some period-appropriate, slightly derogatory names for Indians, but not all Indians are portrayed in a bad light; mentions of Indian attacks and massacres
The biggest issue for me was the four-year time skip in the middle of the book--I understand why it would have been difficult to narrate that period, but since just about all of the change for both of the main characters happened in that period, I was left feeling like I didn't really know them anymore. And it took a while for me to reconnect with Mara especially, and to reconcile how she was acting with how she was supposed to be feeling.
There were a couple other things that niggled just a bit--while the Pony Express details were accurate, we never got an explanation for why Josiah was accepted for the job when he met so few of the requirements. Also, I never really understood why he had his heart set on a horse ranch when he had so little background with or practical understanding of horses. There were allusions made to his carrying shame from parts of his past, but we never got any details on that either, so I'm still not sure what exactly made him feel like Mara could do better. And while I don't mind characters beginning with physical attraction and working to something deeper, the structure of the story made it feel like basically two surface-level attraction stories, rather than building their relationship to a deeper level.
I did adore Katherine, and I loved Mara's brothers (most of the time...). I loved Josiah and Mara, too; I just would have loved to get to know them on a deeper level and seen them get past the overwhelming physical attraction stage in their relationship with each other.
Content--a lot of focus on physical attraction/reacting to the other's nearness; some passionate kisses (not excessively descriptive); some description of illness, wounds, and death; mentions of needing to relieve oneself; some period-appropriate, slightly derogatory names for Indians, but not all Indians are portrayed in a bad light; mentions of Indian attacks and massacres
February 5, 2017
Reviewer for A Pony Express Romance
I have this book five stars because I like going back in time and I looooove history.
I love the fact that Misty used The Pony Express as a backdrop because there's just not enough written about the express. It's a fascinating time and I found it interesting that was how our mail used to get carried around
I strongly recommend this book for people who love history and especially the pony express
I have this book five stars because I like going back in time and I looooove history.
I love the fact that Misty used The Pony Express as a backdrop because there's just not enough written about the express. It's a fascinating time and I found it interesting that was how our mail used to get carried around
I strongly recommend this book for people who love history and especially the pony express
March 1, 2019
Sweet lovely story
A fast read but one that keeps your interest the whole ride through! I didn't like the many years that just flew by from page to page but that would have made a much longer book! A new author to me, but am anxious to read on in this series! Good read!
A fast read but one that keeps your interest the whole ride through! I didn't like the many years that just flew by from page to page but that would have made a much longer book! A new author to me, but am anxious to read on in this series! Good read!
January 1, 2023
I've been looking forward to reading this author but there wasn't much backstory or character development. I did enjoy the historical setting, but the romance fell a bit flat. I got the whole series for Christmas so I'll try another.
March 30, 2017
A Pony Express Romance really captivated me and drew me in. The author did a great job of incorporating what it was like for an Express Rider. I was amazed as I learned about the harrowing rides that the hero of the story took, switching horses along the way and then bunking down at one of the Express stations to catch up on rest. Josiah had to persevere through bad weather, watch for Indian raids, and go for long periods of time without sleep!
I also enjoyed reading about the stations themselves, such as the Rocky Ridge Pony Express station where Mara and her brothers lived and worked. These characters became very real to me as I read their story and I was very invested in their lives! I loved the peek into what it was like to run a Pony Express and Stage Station while this family also bred and trained horses.
The romance that blossomed throughout this novel was very beautifully written. It was sweet and hopeful, full of great chemisty between the characters. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and I am really looking forward to reading the next story in the series. I highly recommend A Pony Express Romance to fans of both historical and western fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I also enjoyed reading about the stations themselves, such as the Rocky Ridge Pony Express station where Mara and her brothers lived and worked. These characters became very real to me as I read their story and I was very invested in their lives! I loved the peek into what it was like to run a Pony Express and Stage Station while this family also bred and trained horses.
The romance that blossomed throughout this novel was very beautifully written. It was sweet and hopeful, full of great chemisty between the characters. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and I am really looking forward to reading the next story in the series. I highly recommend A Pony Express Romance to fans of both historical and western fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
November 18, 2020
I listened to the audiobook of A Pony Express Romance. I wasn't sure about the reader at first, but he did a great job. His voice was well-modulated and easy to listen to. The story is a sweet romance and a light listen or read. Very enjoyable.
June 26, 2025
This was just far too dull. I could not for the life of me get invested. I originally picked this up because of local history with the Pony Express but as soon as that part of the plot ended I just stopped caring.
There is definitely an audience for this novel but for me it just felt kind of surface level when it came to the historical detail and besides Mara none of the characters really spoke to me.
There is definitely an audience for this novel but for me it just felt kind of surface level when it came to the historical detail and besides Mara none of the characters really spoke to me.
October 17, 2025
A sweet slow burn romance.
March 19, 2018
This is the first in a new series and it does bring in characters from her previous series. Josiah is new to riding for the pony express. It shows the struggles of the riders, the horses and the station managers. Mara and her two brothers run his home station and sparks start to fly. Mara does the cooking (although Josiah is a better cook) and trains the horses. When Josiah is hurt Mara has to nurse him back to health. While recovering Josiah tries to help out and Mara even trains him to ride his horse properly. There is humor, a budding romance, hardships, danger and The Pony Express closing due to the telegraph and trains. I enjoyed reading the well researched story on the pony express, the characters are ones you would like to know in person, the danger and hardships are shown. The book is well researched and well written.
I purchased this book after reading other books by Misty M. Beller. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors. No one asked me to read nor review this book. All opinions are my own and I do highly recommend this terrific book and any other books by Misty M. Beller.
I purchased this book after reading other books by Misty M. Beller. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors. No one asked me to read nor review this book. All opinions are my own and I do highly recommend this terrific book and any other books by Misty M. Beller.
July 15, 2017
A Pony Express Romance, by Misty M. Beller, is the first book in the Sweetwater River Tales. Like a soft blanket on a cool evening, this novel is warm, gentle, and comforting. Ms. Beller skillfully balances moments of sweet romance and ranch life with scenes of brief action and mild peril that move the plot along at an enjoyable pace. Themes of loyalty, redemption, and courage resonate as the characters grow and mature by facing various challenges and overcoming personal struggles. Shown in different seasons, the Wyoming setting adds a richness and natural beauty to the story while also drawing attention to a time and place in history that have long since faded away. This is truly an endearing novel that would compliment a rainy day, a cozy chair, and a hot cup of tea. I eagerly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction that is clean, romantic, and inspirational. I was provided a copy of the book by the author. All opinions in this review, whether positive or negative, are entirely my own.
February 16, 2017
This is the first book I have read by Misty M. Beller. She does write a wonderful book and I would read more of her books.
Mara and her brothers run a Pony Express and Stage Station. Josiah is one of the riders for the Pony Express. Mara and Josiah meet through this connection. The chemistry between Mara and Josiah was spot on. Both of them had to overcome a lot of issues before they had to finally discover a relationship. There was plenty of action and suspense throughout the book.
Although this was a good story, I felt it dragged in a few areas and the story could have been shortened up into a novella. Thus the reason I knocked it to four stars.
Disclosure statement
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Mara and her brothers run a Pony Express and Stage Station. Josiah is one of the riders for the Pony Express. Mara and Josiah meet through this connection. The chemistry between Mara and Josiah was spot on. Both of them had to overcome a lot of issues before they had to finally discover a relationship. There was plenty of action and suspense throughout the book.
Although this was a good story, I felt it dragged in a few areas and the story could have been shortened up into a novella. Thus the reason I knocked it to four stars.
Disclosure statement
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 6, 2020
Love kept him riding, will love bring him back?
A love story that takes place at a pony express station back in the mid 1800's. Indians were very active then and it could be many miles between any other people.
Mara and her brothers ran the station that was a part of the pony express as well as a stopping point for the stage coach line.
Josiah was hired to ride for the pony express and was stationed at the Pine Ridge station. He was green to the long, hard rides that he took over. With Mara's help with tips on how to handle the horse, he was able to ride the hours at a time. But what really kept him going, was his love for Mara.
When the pony express is shut down, Josiah leaves to find a way to earn enough money to buy his own land and build his own home.
Will he and Mara find a way back to each other? A lovely story.
A love story that takes place at a pony express station back in the mid 1800's. Indians were very active then and it could be many miles between any other people.
Mara and her brothers ran the station that was a part of the pony express as well as a stopping point for the stage coach line.
Josiah was hired to ride for the pony express and was stationed at the Pine Ridge station. He was green to the long, hard rides that he took over. With Mara's help with tips on how to handle the horse, he was able to ride the hours at a time. But what really kept him going, was his love for Mara.
When the pony express is shut down, Josiah leaves to find a way to earn enough money to buy his own land and build his own home.
Will he and Mara find a way back to each other? A lovely story.
April 26, 2017
Full review on Faithfully Bookish http://wp.me/p7ngfE-Nx
As an orphan, Josiah English basically grew up between a rock and a hard place. He's no stranger to hard work and loneliness which makes him an ideal candidate for a Pony Express route.
Mara Reid loves her life in the west. She helps her brothers run the station for express riders and the stagecoach but her passion is working with horses.
There are so many interesting elements within this story, from the stagecoach and Pony Express station to relations with natives and even the establishment of the telegraph! Fans of historical western romance will be as pleased as peach cobbler with A Pony Express Romance.
As an orphan, Josiah English basically grew up between a rock and a hard place. He's no stranger to hard work and loneliness which makes him an ideal candidate for a Pony Express route.
Mara Reid loves her life in the west. She helps her brothers run the station for express riders and the stagecoach but her passion is working with horses.
There are so many interesting elements within this story, from the stagecoach and Pony Express station to relations with natives and even the establishment of the telegraph! Fans of historical western romance will be as pleased as peach cobbler with A Pony Express Romance.
December 12, 2016
A Pony Express Romance is such a great story. I lives the interactions between Josiah and Mara. They had quite a few ups and downs. I enjoyed this historical and highly recommend it.
5 stars
5 stars
June 1, 2025
This book was not what I was expecting it to be. There were a couple inaccuracies, such as a rider for the Pony Express needing to weigh a maximum of 125 pounds, yet Josiah was above that and was still a rider. Also, how would he be a rider when he doesn't know how to ride a horse? It made no sense that he would have this passion for horses, desiring to raise and sell them on his own ranch, when he doesn't even know how to ride, let alone train, horses. The story also jumped around quite a bit, switching from Mara to Josiah with no explanation of why things are suddenly the way they are.
The huge 4 year leap was surprising. I was never certain why Josiah left in the first place. There never seemed to be any genuine love between Josiah and Mara. I sensed more of a physical attraction between the two and a desire to get to know the other than I did true love. They didn't seem to have spent hardly any time together before they were lovestruck. There wasn't much of the Pony Express in the story, and then about halfway through the book, it's abruptly said the Pony Express isn't around anymore, with no explanation of any kind as to why. And there is no more Pony Express for the rest of the story.
This book had so much potential, but for me, it wasn't what I was hoping for.
The huge 4 year leap was surprising. I was never certain why Josiah left in the first place. There never seemed to be any genuine love between Josiah and Mara. I sensed more of a physical attraction between the two and a desire to get to know the other than I did true love. They didn't seem to have spent hardly any time together before they were lovestruck. There wasn't much of the Pony Express in the story, and then about halfway through the book, it's abruptly said the Pony Express isn't around anymore, with no explanation of any kind as to why. And there is no more Pony Express for the rest of the story.
This book had so much potential, but for me, it wasn't what I was hoping for.
May 15, 2017
"That half smile was a killer . . . . made a man want to reach up and stroke her cheek, . . . "
Josiah English was smitten. The lovely Pony Express stationmaster's sister was a beauty, and she seemed to appreciate his attention; if only he wasn't a penniless man, after having been robbed of his life savings on the way to the Sweet Water River Valley of Wyoming.
Mara Reid thinks that Express rider Josiah English is the finest man that she has ever met. Handsome, kind, loves horses, cooks like a pro . . . . . . what more could a young woman ask for? Unfortunately, Mara soon learns that happy endings might just be a figment of one's imagination; after the Express station is shut down, Josiah abruptly moves west seeking further employment, and her world tips on its axis. How could God had possibly allowed their hopes and dreams to dissolve into thin air?
Enjoy this lovely story seeped with interesting western history and chapters full of second chances.
I was gifted with a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Josiah English was smitten. The lovely Pony Express stationmaster's sister was a beauty, and she seemed to appreciate his attention; if only he wasn't a penniless man, after having been robbed of his life savings on the way to the Sweet Water River Valley of Wyoming.
Mara Reid thinks that Express rider Josiah English is the finest man that she has ever met. Handsome, kind, loves horses, cooks like a pro . . . . . . what more could a young woman ask for? Unfortunately, Mara soon learns that happy endings might just be a figment of one's imagination; after the Express station is shut down, Josiah abruptly moves west seeking further employment, and her world tips on its axis. How could God had possibly allowed their hopes and dreams to dissolve into thin air?
Enjoy this lovely story seeped with interesting western history and chapters full of second chances.
I was gifted with a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
February 5, 2018
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
(copied from Amazon.com)
After growing up as an orphan, Josiah English wants nothing more than to have his own ranch and raise Arabian horses. Riding for the Pony Express seems like the ticket to his dream. And when he meets the stationmaster's beautiful sister, it seems he may be within reach of the happy life he craves.
Mara Reid is thrilled to finally meet the man of her dreams, and the fact that they both want to raise horses in the Sweetwater River Valley seems like confirmation straight from God.
But when the Express shuts down and Mara's family home is in peril, the danger looming over Mara's life may not be half as destructive as that threatening her heart.
MY REVIEW
Oh how I have missed reading Misty's books, why did I punish myself!!! Misty never lets me down, it get pulled in on the first page and stay there to the end. If you like Historical Fiction you will love this one. Now on to number two in the series, "A Rocky Mountain Romance".
(copied from Amazon.com)
After growing up as an orphan, Josiah English wants nothing more than to have his own ranch and raise Arabian horses. Riding for the Pony Express seems like the ticket to his dream. And when he meets the stationmaster's beautiful sister, it seems he may be within reach of the happy life he craves.
Mara Reid is thrilled to finally meet the man of her dreams, and the fact that they both want to raise horses in the Sweetwater River Valley seems like confirmation straight from God.
But when the Express shuts down and Mara's family home is in peril, the danger looming over Mara's life may not be half as destructive as that threatening her heart.
MY REVIEW
Oh how I have missed reading Misty's books, why did I punish myself!!! Misty never lets me down, it get pulled in on the first page and stay there to the end. If you like Historical Fiction you will love this one. Now on to number two in the series, "A Rocky Mountain Romance".
August 19, 2021
Liked reading about this time period - when Wyoming territory wasn't settled and the Pony Express Riders took the mail back and forth. Josiah had some long rides when he had to ride during the night. When Josiah leaves after the Pony Express is shut down, he never says good-bye to Mara. He buys her favorite horse and takes off before morning. Mara is heartbroken. Not only does she miss Josiah but her horse is gone. Little does she know that Josiah bought it so that her brothers would not sell it to a stranger. Josiah is gone for 4 years and when he returns much has changed. Mara has adopted a daughter and is not willing to open up her heart to Josiah again and be hurt again. Josiah bides his time - builds a house and barn across the river from the Stage Coach Stop (Mara's home) and tries to woo Mara back because he loves her. His love for Katie-girl is so touching. The author really hit a soft spot in my heart as Josiah and Katie interact. Mara's defenses start to melt when she sees Josiah with Katie and sees that he is a changed man. A happily ever after ending for Josiah and Mara.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
Josiah had learned to cook by going to work every day with his mother when she was alive. After her death, at the age of 16, he took over her position as head cook in a fairly decent hotel. He had saved quite a bit of money. When he got accepted as a Pony Express rider, he knew he could have his dream if owning an Arabian horse ranch within a few months. On his first layover, at the station where he would reside when not on his run, he meets the beautiful Mara Reid, sister to two brothers, one of whom is the head stationmaster there in Sweetwater River Valley. It is exactly where he wants to buy land and raise horses. A woman had not even entered his mind. But, Mara had been praying that the Lord would send her the man she was supposed to spend her life with. When their eyes met, something stirred deep inside of them both! This is the exciting, and sometimes, heartbreaking story of Josiah and Mara!! I loved this fantastic book of horses, pony express riders, and first love! I received an advanced copy and this is my honest opinion. Get this book-you’ll be glad you did!!
November 2, 2021
A little wordy, but a fairly good Christian romance
Slow paced at first.I think I'd read 30 or more pages before something happened besides Josiah riding back & forth & Mara saying more than "breed your Arabians with something else" the first words she"d spoken to Josiah. This story did have a couple of suspenseful moments. The romance part was very slow, then no romance, then fairly quick. My favorite character was Katherine whom Josiah called Katie girl most of the time. She bounced with enthusiasm & I could see her so clearly. There were a few times . I did get very tired of the author describing the lines around Josiah's eyes as if they & nothing else were supposed to convey his emotions .
But I did enjoy the plot. The author had them lean on God a couple of times, mainly at the end. This definitely isn't a favorite book but I liked it fairly well.
Slow paced at first.I think I'd read 30 or more pages before something happened besides Josiah riding back & forth & Mara saying more than "breed your Arabians with something else" the first words she"d spoken to Josiah. This story did have a couple of suspenseful moments. The romance part was very slow, then no romance, then fairly quick. My favorite character was Katherine whom Josiah called Katie girl most of the time. She bounced with enthusiasm & I could see her so clearly. There were a few times . I did get very tired of the author describing the lines around Josiah's eyes as if they & nothing else were supposed to convey his emotions .
But I did enjoy the plot. The author had them lean on God a couple of times, mainly at the end. This definitely isn't a favorite book but I liked it fairly well.
October 16, 2021
Should we expect people to forgive us ?
Ezra, Zeche, and Mara owned and ran a stage station and a pony express from their home. Josiah came to replace a rider that had quit the pony express. He lived with them when he didn't have to ride. Josiah and Mara fell in love, but after several months the pony express stopped running because they began to run Telegraph lines in this area. Josiah left to find work so he could afford to buy a ranch. He left without telling Mara good bye and this made her very angry. Four years later Josiah came back, but Mara would have nothing to do with him. How will he ever undo all of his mistakes? Can she ever forgive him? Will Marx's brothers forgive him too? An exciting story you must read!
Ezra, Zeche, and Mara owned and ran a stage station and a pony express from their home. Josiah came to replace a rider that had quit the pony express. He lived with them when he didn't have to ride. Josiah and Mara fell in love, but after several months the pony express stopped running because they began to run Telegraph lines in this area. Josiah left to find work so he could afford to buy a ranch. He left without telling Mara good bye and this made her very angry. Four years later Josiah came back, but Mara would have nothing to do with him. How will he ever undo all of his mistakes? Can she ever forgive him? Will Marx's brothers forgive him too? An exciting story you must read!
July 1, 2025
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Josiah English grew up as an orphan and wants his own ranch to raise Arabian horses. After hiring on as part of the Pony Express he is robbed of his life savings and must start over. He meets Mara Reid and her brothers who run the station where he is assigned with the Pony Express until the telegraph lines come through and the Express is no longer needed. He then leaves and takes a job setting up lines for the telegraph. After several years, he has saved the money he needs and returns to land he purchased near the Reid family in hopes of getting Mara to marry him. An interesting look at the Pony Express and its history, as well as life in the West during that time. A tale of second chances and forgiveness.
October 20, 2020
Misty Beller has never disappointed! A Pony Express Romance is an interesting story of a Pony Express rider, Josiah English, who dreams of having his own horse ranch and of Mara Reid, who helps her brothers run a Pony Express station after the death of their father. Mara and Josiah are both excellent protagonists. You will enjoy reading about Mara's lack of cooking skills and admire Josiah's kindness since he has previously worked as a chef! I recommend A Pony Express Romance to anyone who is intrigued by the Pony Express. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
December 8, 2020
Josiah has left everything he has known behind to start a new life in the West as a Pony Express rider. He dreams of soon owning his own horse ranch. Enroute to his assignment he is robbed of his earthly possessions. Now he will have to work a bit longer to achieve his dream.
I enjoyed this period romance novel. I realized as I was reading it that I hadn’t put much thought into the danger the Express riders faced, nor the grueling work that was involved. I thought the romance between Josiah and Mara was very sweet, though I did want to knock a bit of sense into Josiah a time or two. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.
I enjoyed this period romance novel. I realized as I was reading it that I hadn’t put much thought into the danger the Express riders faced, nor the grueling work that was involved. I thought the romance between Josiah and Mara was very sweet, though I did want to knock a bit of sense into Josiah a time or two. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.
October 10, 2022
This is a story about love, forgiveness, and redemption. It’s centered around a real historical Pony Express Outpost near Sweetwater. Three adult siblings operate it now that their father has died. The new rider assigned to the outpost is drawn to the sister and they soon fall in love but troubles arise and the rider leaves abruptly.
There are many life lessons written into the story, some with scriptures. It wasn’t too “preach-y” but could be too much for a person not into that. I enjoyed the book. I did, however, deduct a star from the Audible narrator. His accent is perfect for the time period but his voices weren’t all distinct.
There are many life lessons written into the story, some with scriptures. It wasn’t too “preach-y” but could be too much for a person not into that. I enjoyed the book. I did, however, deduct a star from the Audible narrator. His accent is perfect for the time period but his voices weren’t all distinct.
July 16, 2023
Wyoming Adventure
Good book, with a deep story. The story gives its characters the chance to develop and change, to become better. It is not an Express love story, it takes the entire book for the love story to hit firm and final resolution. There were multiple unexpected eliminated that kept me interested, and a few eliminates that were expected but took so long to happen you wondered if your expectations were incorrect. I have reward the 1st and 2nd book in series (accidentally read out of order). The second book is so far my favorite of the two, highlighting Zeke's story.
Good book, with a deep story. The story gives its characters the chance to develop and change, to become better. It is not an Express love story, it takes the entire book for the love story to hit firm and final resolution. There were multiple unexpected eliminated that kept me interested, and a few eliminates that were expected but took so long to happen you wondered if your expectations were incorrect. I have reward the 1st and 2nd book in series (accidentally read out of order). The second book is so far my favorite of the two, highlighting Zeke's story.
April 25, 2025
DNF. I enjoyed most of this book. It described life on the Wyoming frontier at a stage stop and pony express base. Also described friendly interactions with neighbor Indians and attacks on distant stage stops. The characters overcame challenges of frontier life and romance evolved. Then the author included attack by Indians, destroying the ranch while our beloved chapters hid in a dry well.
This book does not claim to be an historical account. And I realize these attacks my have happened in our history. I see no reason to reinforce these old stereotypes with new fiction. I will avoid this author in the future.
This book does not claim to be an historical account. And I realize these attacks my have happened in our history. I see no reason to reinforce these old stereotypes with new fiction. I will avoid this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2017
Great story!
Let me start off by saying I will be reading more books by Misty Beller! With close attention to historical accuracy, she spins a tale that had my attention right away. Mara, the lead female, is like many women; hard working, more talented in certain skills then men, and leary of love after being burned. She and her brothers run the Rocky Ridge Pony Express and stage coach station in a remote part of Wyoming. Challenges and trouble make all the characters make decisions; some of which they will uphold, while regretting others after God's wisdom helps them see
Let me start off by saying I will be reading more books by Misty Beller! With close attention to historical accuracy, she spins a tale that had my attention right away. Mara, the lead female, is like many women; hard working, more talented in certain skills then men, and leary of love after being burned. She and her brothers run the Rocky Ridge Pony Express and stage coach station in a remote part of Wyoming. Challenges and trouble make all the characters make decisions; some of which they will uphold, while regretting others after God's wisdom helps them see
August 8, 2020
This is the first book by this author I have read and I will be looking for other books by her.
This story is about Josiah English, who lost his job, working as a chef in a hotel. He eventually
was hired as a Pony Express rider.
He meets Mara at the Rocky Ridge Station. He rides for several months and then the telegraph goes through the area and the Pony Express is discontinued.
Josiah leaves the area and eventually meets Father Domingo and helps at his church.
Eventually Josiah decides to go back to the area of the Rocky Ridge Station and with help
of God, his dreams come true.
This story is about Josiah English, who lost his job, working as a chef in a hotel. He eventually
was hired as a Pony Express rider.
He meets Mara at the Rocky Ridge Station. He rides for several months and then the telegraph goes through the area and the Pony Express is discontinued.
Josiah leaves the area and eventually meets Father Domingo and helps at his church.
Eventually Josiah decides to go back to the area of the Rocky Ridge Station and with help
of God, his dreams come true.
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