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A Mail Order Bride’s Hope
A mail order bride longing for open skies, a farmer looking for a family, and an unexpected tragedy. Will love and strength conquer?
Grace Owens has always longed for adventure. Being a restless spirit, the stories that came from the West fired her blood. So when her parish in Pittsburg brings a newspaper ad to her attention, her decision is made. She agrees to become a mail order bride and marry a man she has never met.
Alonzo Forrester has everything he wants, except a wife and family. When Grace arrives on the train to be his, he thinks that everything will fall into place.
But when tragedy strikes under the open skies of Montana, Grace finds herself thrown into caring for a farm and ailing husband with no experience in either.
Can she muster the strength and courage to carry out the tasks ahead? Can Grace and Alonzo build a home and family together in this unforgiving land? Will they find love together?
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a 65-page stand-alone story with an HEA, so no cliff-hangers.
Grace Owens has always longed for adventure. Being a restless spirit, the stories that came from the West fired her blood. So when her parish in Pittsburg brings a newspaper ad to her attention, her decision is made. She agrees to become a mail order bride and marry a man she has never met.
Alonzo Forrester has everything he wants, except a wife and family. When Grace arrives on the train to be his, he thinks that everything will fall into place.
But when tragedy strikes under the open skies of Montana, Grace finds herself thrown into caring for a farm and ailing husband with no experience in either.
Can she muster the strength and courage to carry out the tasks ahead? Can Grace and Alonzo build a home and family together in this unforgiving land? Will they find love together?
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a 65-page stand-alone story with an HEA, so no cliff-hangers.
- GenresHistorical Romance
Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2017
166 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 25, 2017
Grace and Alonzo had some rough times after they got married. He hurt his back and she took over tending to the chores with the animals and household. Then the barn burned down but the neighbors came together. Would Alonzo sell the land after this? He wanted to once before but Grace's hard work and the love of the land held him back but will love see them though this?
Loved the writing style and the plot. The characters were pretty good for a short read. I would like to learn more about them especialy some of the secondary characters. Pauline seems like a feisty but caring person as well.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Loved the writing style and the plot. The characters were pretty good for a short read. I would like to learn more about them especialy some of the secondary characters. Pauline seems like a feisty but caring person as well.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
October 13, 2018
There are so many mail order bride books out there that I was reluctant to read another one. I am glad I read this one though. Though it is not overly religious in theme, it does have some good life lessons within its pages.
The book reminded me a little of Little House on the Prairie with all the problems that can beset farmers and ranchers. This book is for a little older audience than Little House on the Prairie though. I did wonder if Robert might perhaps be behind some of the problems that beset Alonzo but that isn't clear in the book. Alonzo doesn't seem to think so, so I guess I will have to go with that.
Though I don't suggest that anyone travel long distances to marry someone they don't know, I do understand that in the time this is set, that it was more accepted and that travel as we have today was not available, so visits to get to know each other first probably weren't possible.
Grace came west seeking adventures like the ones she'd read about and also with a yearning for wide open spaces. She does find the latter. She does have her share of adventures, but I'm not sure they were the type she fantasized about.
Though Alonzo and Grace were married (along with 2 other couples) right when she arrived, I was glad to see that Alonzo gave Grace time to get to know him and be comfortable with him. I figure the wedding was partly because many preachers of that time were traveling ones serving several congregations, so you probably had to catch him while he was nearby and also that in that time an unmarried man and an unmarried woman who were not related would not share the same house.
I did like that Grace was not afraid of hard work. She was willing to do whatever work she needed to do to keep the farm going. I also liked that Alonzo wasn't too manly to do chores around the house--he sewed, cooked, cleaned a little, etc. to help her out while she was pulling more than her weight with the livestock and stables.
Alonzo seems like a very prepared person. He has vegetables in the ground (even though they can't get them all harvested before snow), staples such as flour and smoked meats, a cow for milk, sheep for the wool, hay to feed his livestock for the winter. I can see him being lonely before Grace came though.
I also liked that Grace didn't run away or leave Alonzo because life threw some curveballs at them and life was tougher than she thought. She was determined to stick it out there--sometimes even moreso than her husband. It was nice to see that they could bear each other up when the other was at a low point.
Overall, a good take on a mail order bride genre and I would read more by this author.
The book reminded me a little of Little House on the Prairie with all the problems that can beset farmers and ranchers. This book is for a little older audience than Little House on the Prairie though. I did wonder if Robert might perhaps be behind some of the problems that beset Alonzo but that isn't clear in the book. Alonzo doesn't seem to think so, so I guess I will have to go with that.
Though I don't suggest that anyone travel long distances to marry someone they don't know, I do understand that in the time this is set, that it was more accepted and that travel as we have today was not available, so visits to get to know each other first probably weren't possible.
Grace came west seeking adventures like the ones she'd read about and also with a yearning for wide open spaces. She does find the latter. She does have her share of adventures, but I'm not sure they were the type she fantasized about.
Though Alonzo and Grace were married (along with 2 other couples) right when she arrived, I was glad to see that Alonzo gave Grace time to get to know him and be comfortable with him. I figure the wedding was partly because many preachers of that time were traveling ones serving several congregations, so you probably had to catch him while he was nearby and also that in that time an unmarried man and an unmarried woman who were not related would not share the same house.
I did like that Grace was not afraid of hard work. She was willing to do whatever work she needed to do to keep the farm going. I also liked that Alonzo wasn't too manly to do chores around the house--he sewed, cooked, cleaned a little, etc. to help her out while she was pulling more than her weight with the livestock and stables.
Alonzo seems like a very prepared person. He has vegetables in the ground (even though they can't get them all harvested before snow), staples such as flour and smoked meats, a cow for milk, sheep for the wool, hay to feed his livestock for the winter. I can see him being lonely before Grace came though.
I also liked that Grace didn't run away or leave Alonzo because life threw some curveballs at them and life was tougher than she thought. She was determined to stick it out there--sometimes even moreso than her husband. It was nice to see that they could bear each other up when the other was at a low point.
Overall, a good take on a mail order bride genre and I would read more by this author.
June 28, 2017
STORY-LINE A MAIL ORDER BRIDE'S HOPE BY FAITH CRAWFORD:
In A Mail Order Bride's Hope, we find Grace Owens, and two other women from the east standing before the minister as mail order brides. Grace had yearned for wide open space, freedom, and adventure after living in the crowded city of Pittsburgh. When her parish shows her a mail order bride ad, she set on heading west.
Alonzo Forrester, sheep farmer, wants a wife and family to share his burdens and ease his loneliness. Grace arrives as his bride and Alonzo finally has everything he ever wanted. However, fate steps in and tragedy after tragedy follows; beginning with Alonzo's back injury. Can Grace step up and take over the running of the farm? Will they survive the harsh winter, wild animals, and low food? My romance book review of A Mail Order Bride's Hope follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
Although a sweet clean western romance, A Mail Order Bride's Hope is also a story of courage and strength. Crawford created a strong woman in Grace. A woman who will not give up, meets each challenge with fortitude and does what ever needs doing. Grace was made for the west with a pioneering spirit. Alonzo's character is the perfect mate for Grace. He's kind and gentle, gives her opinion thoughtful contemplation, and allows her to be her own woman. He's so caring of her and appreciates everything she does for him. I found the tragedies they endured and conquered, made them into a strong couple. The secondary characters added an extra dimension to the story.
I found the pace of the book in line with the length of story and the characters well-developed. Crawford had several plot lines to weave together, which she skillfully did. In 65 pages, Crawford created a sweet clean romance and packed full of action, determination, and strength of character. Although short, I enjoyed this wonderful story. Perfect for a lazy afternoon read, I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend.
A MAIL ORDER BRIDE'S HOPE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
In addition, I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited as well as receiving this book from Diane, Sweet Reads Publishing. I chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest Christian romance book review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary Christian romance book review of A Mail Order Bride's Hope.
In A Mail Order Bride's Hope, we find Grace Owens, and two other women from the east standing before the minister as mail order brides. Grace had yearned for wide open space, freedom, and adventure after living in the crowded city of Pittsburgh. When her parish shows her a mail order bride ad, she set on heading west.
Alonzo Forrester, sheep farmer, wants a wife and family to share his burdens and ease his loneliness. Grace arrives as his bride and Alonzo finally has everything he ever wanted. However, fate steps in and tragedy after tragedy follows; beginning with Alonzo's back injury. Can Grace step up and take over the running of the farm? Will they survive the harsh winter, wild animals, and low food? My romance book review of A Mail Order Bride's Hope follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
Although a sweet clean western romance, A Mail Order Bride's Hope is also a story of courage and strength. Crawford created a strong woman in Grace. A woman who will not give up, meets each challenge with fortitude and does what ever needs doing. Grace was made for the west with a pioneering spirit. Alonzo's character is the perfect mate for Grace. He's kind and gentle, gives her opinion thoughtful contemplation, and allows her to be her own woman. He's so caring of her and appreciates everything she does for him. I found the tragedies they endured and conquered, made them into a strong couple. The secondary characters added an extra dimension to the story.
I found the pace of the book in line with the length of story and the characters well-developed. Crawford had several plot lines to weave together, which she skillfully did. In 65 pages, Crawford created a sweet clean romance and packed full of action, determination, and strength of character. Although short, I enjoyed this wonderful story. Perfect for a lazy afternoon read, I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend.
A MAIL ORDER BRIDE'S HOPE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
In addition, I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited as well as receiving this book from Diane, Sweet Reads Publishing. I chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest Christian romance book review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary Christian romance book review of A Mail Order Bride's Hope.
September 3, 2017
Grace Owens becomes a Mail Order Bride after exchanging several letters with Alonzo Forrester. Grace and Alonzo got married in the Absaroka Mountain Range in a small school house with two other couples. The three girls rode a train travelling to meet their husbands-to-be. After the wedding Alonzo took his Bride to their farm. Shortly after the wedding Alonzo hurt his back; Grace stepped up to take charge of the animals and other chores that comes with a farm. She also was taking care of Alonzo through the cold winter months.
This is a sweet novella that is quick and easy to read. All the elements are there and could have been a full length novel. It had a good plot, with believable characters and is a very well written story. I enjoyed the short novella.
This is a sweet novella that is quick and easy to read. All the elements are there and could have been a full length novel. It had a good plot, with believable characters and is a very well written story. I enjoyed the short novella.
November 22, 2017
Book 5: Grace’s story (published as a standalone under the title “A Mail Order Brides Hope”) ****
This was the last story of the set and I must say the very best one of them all. This book was more about the struggles of a new couple living on a farm in the west of Montana. The female character was a very strong determined mail order bride that did what was needed of her to help her new husband. It felt how life must have been for these women who left their families and homes to search for a better life or a life that they could do better in. The lovely community in this book was heartfelt and true to some towns of the time.
This was the last story of the set and I must say the very best one of them all. This book was more about the struggles of a new couple living on a farm in the west of Montana. The female character was a very strong determined mail order bride that did what was needed of her to help her new husband. It felt how life must have been for these women who left their families and homes to search for a better life or a life that they could do better in. The lovely community in this book was heartfelt and true to some towns of the time.
June 23, 2017
I enjoyed this sweet romance about a young woman who wants adventure and gets more than she expected when she agrees to be a mail order bride. Grace is a strong woman and takes on many challenges in this story. She and Alonzo really bond over their adversity and find love. It is a pretty quick read and I enjoyed it. I would have liked an epilogue to see how the couple did in the years to come.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
June 23, 2017
A Mail Order Bride's Hope, is my first book by Faith Crawford. And I think it's a lovely story. Full of hope and courage.
By stepping up, and do what had to be done, Grace saved her new husband and home. By learning and failing, she got the hang of things. And the feelings between Grace and Alonzo, grew.
A very sweet story!! And well written.
I thank the author for providing a copy to voluntarily review.
By stepping up, and do what had to be done, Grace saved her new husband and home. By learning and failing, she got the hang of things. And the feelings between Grace and Alonzo, grew.
A very sweet story!! And well written.
I thank the author for providing a copy to voluntarily review.
June 26, 2017
Warm, Loving Story About Facing Down Adversity
This is a nice, clean and warm novel The mail order bride portion is standard. But most of the story was about facing adversity and hardship with joy in your heart. The story is a page turner and the plot is well planned out. The characters seem real as does the range of emotions they share. There are some neat plot shifts and the ending is aces. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to share my honest review.
This is a nice, clean and warm novel The mail order bride portion is standard. But most of the story was about facing adversity and hardship with joy in your heart. The story is a page turner and the plot is well planned out. The characters seem real as does the range of emotions they share. There are some neat plot shifts and the ending is aces. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to share my honest review.
June 29, 2017
I liked this short story! There are a few things that I would have liked to know -- such as when it takes place -- that would have helped me get a better picture, but overall it was a really nice cute story about a couple going through hard times and falling in love. I also would have liked more back story about the main characters. It mentioned bits and pieces to give context, but I would have liked more of that.
I received an ARC of this story and have reviewed it voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this story and have reviewed it voluntarily.
July 9, 2017
Very nice clean read with a historical country/western theme. Hope is a city girl and becomes a mail order bride. She didnt count on her new husband being injured and her having to run the entire farm on her own. Can she use her faith and determination to succeed or will they lose the farm.. youll have to read to find out. I recommend this book for anyone how likes a easy quick clean read.
August 28, 2017
Delightful short story
Mail Order B Hope by Faith Crawford is a clean, heartwarming short story. It brings two people that need each other together as they overcome hardship after hardships. They learn to love each other as they love the land. Like the characters both are stubborn, full of pride, and self doubts. Comes with nice bonus stories. My opinion. Thanks
Mail Order B Hope by Faith Crawford is a clean, heartwarming short story. It brings two people that need each other together as they overcome hardship after hardships. They learn to love each other as they love the land. Like the characters both are stubborn, full of pride, and self doubts. Comes with nice bonus stories. My opinion. Thanks
December 5, 2017
A treasure trove of mail order bride stories
Because this is the way my mom and dad met, I am drawn to these stories. Like these stories, my parents enjoyed happy endings. Some stories in this book were better than others, but all were pleasant to read and relatable to reality. If you are drawn to this type of venue, you'll not be disappointed.
Because this is the way my mom and dad met, I am drawn to these stories. Like these stories, my parents enjoyed happy endings. Some stories in this book were better than others, but all were pleasant to read and relatable to reality. If you are drawn to this type of venue, you'll not be disappointed.
April 20, 2018
A Mail Order Bride’s Hope
I really enjoyed the main story tonight. And I finished the other two stories that were in this book. All three books were well written and I liked the way she could turn the story with different twist and turns. Yes I will be looking out for Mrs Crawford books.
I really enjoyed the main story tonight. And I finished the other two stories that were in this book. All three books were well written and I liked the way she could turn the story with different twist and turns. Yes I will be looking out for Mrs Crawford books.
October 29, 2019
Grace was an adventurous city girl who answered an ad and went west to marry Alonzo. Not long after she arrives, something bad happens to Alonzo, and she has to be the man and woman of the farm. It is hard work but she stands up to the challenge. Will they fall in love? Will the story have a happy ending. You must read this book if you love mail order bride books. It is a favorite of mine.
June 22, 2017
I enjoyed this story. Grace answered an ad for a mail order bride. She was looking for adventure. When Alonzo was hurt, she kept the ranch going. She showed much strenght and deternination . I liked how the town pulled together to help them re-build the barn.
June 23, 2017
A hard winter!
It was a very good book but, was sweeter than what I usually read. The author told a story of a western romance and how hard the life was for a young couple. Also, how good it could be. I would recommend reading this book.
It was a very good book but, was sweeter than what I usually read. The author told a story of a western romance and how hard the life was for a young couple. Also, how good it could be. I would recommend reading this book.
September 16, 2017
A lot of good reading.
Enjoyed some of the stories but a lot of them I had already read. They are all good stories. I am an avid reader and go through so many good historic romance and mail order brides stories.
Enjoyed some of the stories but a lot of them I had already read. They are all good stories. I am an avid reader and go through so many good historic romance and mail order brides stories.
January 26, 2019
I chose to read and review this book. I am a fan of this genre and the author. I liked the book, everything is well written, the plot, the characters, the flow of events. It is filled with a lot of emotions that we can all relate to. I recommend this one.
January 17, 2018
Good read
I really enjoyed those book from start to finish short but sweet and interesting as well not a lady body love book
I really enjoyed those book from start to finish short but sweet and interesting as well not a lady body love book
November 9, 2019
Wow! Is this the same author as the other books “by the author”? Obviously, not 5-star, but immensely better written than everything else I’ve read by this author.
September 13, 2017
Historical Western Romance
I enjoyed this book. I will ask you to read it for yourself. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did!!!!!!
I enjoyed this book. I will ask you to read it for yourself. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did!!!!!!
July 22, 2017
This is a very sweet story but I feel it is too short. The characters of Grace and Alonso are not developed enough. I didn't feel like I knew them well at all throughout the story. I like the idea of the story- mail order bride moves to a farm with her brand new husband who becomes injured leaving her to take care of the farm with no experience. This one just didn't keep me interested.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest review.
June 24, 2017
I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and have chosen of my own volition to share this review with you!
This novella is a heartwarming, quick read. The story line is engaging, but short; it could have been extended to a full novel. This glimpse into a mail order bride's life (span of one winter) is well written, with a few twists in the plot line.
I would love to see this in an extended version. Give me more of the bride and groom's individual backstories, and more of the life together after the winter!
This novella is a heartwarming, quick read. The story line is engaging, but short; it could have been extended to a full novel. This glimpse into a mail order bride's life (span of one winter) is well written, with a few twists in the plot line.
I would love to see this in an extended version. Give me more of the bride and groom's individual backstories, and more of the life together after the winter!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews