Mail-Order Marriage Promise

Frontier Bachelors #6

by Regina Scott

husband and father! 

Stunned that his sister ordered him a mail-order bride, John Wallin insists he’s not the husband Dottie Tyrrell needs. The scholarly logger knows Dottie will make the perfect wife — for some other man. Yet he’s compelled to invite the lovely widow and her infant son to stay with his family…but only until she can find her own way. 

Dreams of true love are for other women. Betrayed by her baby’s father, Dottie just wants a safe home for her precious child. But who could resist a man with John's quiet strength? When her secret past brings danger to their door, they may yet find this mail-order mix-up to be the perfect mistake…

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical, Christian, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Love Inspired Historical

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2017

About the author

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.

She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good story about a mail-order bride! This one is set in Seattle and the surrounding country that was being settled. I loved the location since I took a historical tour the last time I visited Seattle and it was fascinating. Dottie is in a hard spot because she needs employment to support herself and her son, but taking care of her son prevents her from being able to find a job. I feel like this is a situation many single moms still face these days. John is perfect husband material, but his insecurities slowly come to light as he and Dottie get to know each other. Their slow-growing romance is sweet and I loved how their friendship had time to develop, as well as trust and loyalty. It was fun to have the members of John's family from the previous books in the series as the supporting cast, and I hope his sister Beth's story will be next!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mail-Order Marriage Promise is the sixth book in the Frontier Bachelors series and another great read. I loved getting to read John's story and the romance was sweet. I liked how it wasn't a typical mail-order bride story. All in all, a really good read.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story! I felt so sorry for Dottie and what she had been through. She showed such bravery in her move out west! I loved the interactions and growing feelings between Dottie and John. Dottie battled trust issues and John battled self-worth issues. I liked the way both of the characters grew

This story can be read as a stand alone novel if you haven’t read the others in the series. The previous characters from the other books do make appearances in this one. If you have read the stories you will enjoy seeing what they are all up to. Mail-Order Marriage Promise is a nice addition to the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book revisits the Wallin family yet again—a group I never tire of hearing more about even as the clan grows larger. This book allows John to take center stage and be the hero, a role he cannot see himself filling, even as he acknowledges that Dottie needs one. But with skill, Scott gives us his reasons, written in bits and pieces within the story itself, never insulting the reader's intelligence by stating it outright but giving us plenty of information to draw our own conclusions.

More than any other story in the Frontier Bachelors series, this one made me smile. I chuckled at Peter's antics and adoration of John; John's interactions with the logging crew who also pursue Dottie made me laugh out loud as he allows Peter to scare off the competitors and show his own skills with children off to advantage. Seeing him so comfortable with a baby in his arms no doubt melted Dottie's heart right along with mine as it reminds me of my husband with our kids.

This is historical fiction that will be enjoyed most by those who like mail-order bride novels, frontier stories, or those with an interest in Seattle's history. I would also recommend it for those who like historical fiction in general, as there are plenty of details about the time and place as well as an engaging story with likable characters.

I received a free copy of this book from the author, but no compensation for this review. I was not required to post a positive one, and the thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seattle Washington Territory - 1874

Dottie Tyrrell, age 23, a widow, accompanied by her infant son, Peter, has traveled from Cincinnati to be a mail order bride. Dottie’s marriage to Frank Reynolds had been unhappy but when she discovers that he is already married to another woman, she chooses to flee.

John Wallin, age 28, owns land in Wallin Landing not far from Seattle. Dottie has been communicating via letter with John’s sister, Beth. However, John does not know this until Beth introduces them telling John that Dottie is to be his mail order bride. But John is adamant that he does not want a wife and Dottie is equally adamant that she will not leave without a husband.

But John is a good man and kindly offers for Dottie and Peter to live in his house by themselves and the entire Wallin Landing family and community embraces and welcomes them. John is very nice to Dottie and their friendship soon grows. Can their friendship become love before Dottie’s past comes back to haunt her?

This is a pleasant, clean romance. I found a lot of the story to be rather predictable and simply “vanilla." I am sure there will be other readers who will love it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Susannah Carleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story about a young woman, who has already been betrayed by a man, who travels west as a mail-order bride to provide for her young son, only to discover that the man she’d agreed to marry, via a long correspondence with his sister, has no idea what his sister was doing, nor does he believe himself the kind of man that a woman would want to marry.

But he’s a good man, and a kind one, and he moves her into his home (he moves out) and agrees to help her find a husband.

Will these two people with battered hearts realize that they are perfect for each other?

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehhh, this book was an "okay" read. The hero was rather weak and the ending was a bit anti-climatic. Okay... onto book #7 in the series. The end is near! :D

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail-Order Marriage Promise is book six from Regina Scott's Frontier Bachelors series. This book is so much fun. I just love the characters of John and Dottie. I thought they had perfect chemistry right off the bat and rooted for them throughout. I only intended to sit down to read a chapter or 2 but did not get back up until I was done with the whole book. A good, clean, and sweet romance.

Highly recommended.

5+ stars.

I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long enjoyed Regina Scott's books and will continue to enjoy them.
This is her 6th in the Frontier Bachelor series, set in Washington state in the late 1800s and it's a really good one. I look forward to her next two from the Wallin family. Great characters and beautiful scenery with a plot that's good, too.

*I was given a preview copy of this book. All opinions are my own and honest.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful, refreshingly genuine, and endearing story! Last night I was just going to start the book and finish it today, but I was so engaged in the twists of the plot and the destinies of the characters I could not put it down until I reached the very satisfying ending of the tale.
The story is well balanced and the plot is built cleverly. It has the perfect portion of drama and trouble, joy and sweetness, faith in God and growth as a character. All the elements are well embedded into the romance, suspense, and the everyday life at the frontier, engaging the mind of the reader, and welcoming to join the scenes.
John Wallin is such a good, lovable man. He is humble, kind, helpful, generous, protective, great with kids, adults, and pets. His doubts of his own worth and input to the society showed his unpretentious nature and made me love and appreciate him even more. He is both alpha and beta, and the perfect mate to Dottie Tyrrell. I loved his relationship with the Lord. John's faith is a natural part of him, and his conversations in prayer with God are artless and sincere.
Dottie's life is currently driven by the motivation to keep her son safe, and herself away from her baby's father. The fear, shame, worrying and suppressing her life, emotions, and future goals and needs are all temporary. Underneath it all is a kindhearted, capable, and lonely woman, wishing for a connection and circle of friends, even family, to belong to.
The connection between John and Dottie is adorable and tangible. The danger intensifying around them increase the depth of the emotions growing between them, yet the feelings are true and real and hold the test of the drama and trouble surrounding Dottie's past.
A charming, genuine, earnest tale that captivated my mind and won over my heart.
~ Four Spoon with a teaspoon on the side

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story set in and near the early days of Seattle, WA Territory 1874
Pulling from the faith of her youth, Dottie sets off as a mail order bride w/her 4 month old son, Peter. Skeptical and hurt, she finds hope and healing in the Wallin Family.
John Wallin is a problem solver; he always has been. So when Dotting shows up and turns his world upside down, he feel obligated to help in any way possible. It's just what her broken heart needs. But being a hero doesn't come easy. John sees his role as less than that of those around him who offer so much more., at least based on the books he's read.

QUOTABLE:
• “We make the struggle because we want what’s best for our children. We want to give them a bright future.”

• “You are a fine and noble man. I never imagined there was anyone left in the world like you. That’s why I have to tell you the truth about why I came to Seattle, and why I must leave.”
•
FAITH QUOTE:
• "God didn’t give us eyes in the back of our heads. Our eyes, like our feet, face forward, toward the future."

TEA QUOTE:
• ""I just know John is going to love you.” The tea bubbled up inside Dottie, threatening to choke her. She didn’t believe John Wallin would love her. She certainly had no expectation of falling in love with him."

For me, it's the 1st book I've read in the FRONTIER BACHELORS series. The author did a good job relating tidbits and characteristics of previous people who appeared in the story. I did not feel I was missing out, yet at the same time I was interested enough to want to read the other stories.

I also like the cover and I'm disappointed it is not featured here on GoodReads.

I purchased this ebook. All thoughts & opinions are entirely mine.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

* I received a copy through Goodreads giveaways**

I feel like I set myself up for slight disappointment by not thoroughly reading the type of romance that this was. Love Inspired is a subset of Harlequin that includes inspirational/religious undertones to the plot. Overall, I thought that it was a decent romance, however, because there was so much restraint put on characters because of their faith, it felt like the plot was being drawn out more than necessary.

The two main characters kept circling each other and trying to be proper and sticking to the societal constraints of the time that there was very little forward movement until the last quarter of the book when Frank came back into the picture.... And even then, there was a slight let down in how quickly they managed to subdue him. The fat that he broke/snuck into John's house and had custody of Peter and just gave him back to Dottie and John - so much could have been done with the scene to add some punch.

I liked the idea behind mail-order brides that were sent by the family members of unwitting men, and to add to that a child! Loved that. Just the execution fell a little flat for me.

Final notes:
- Told in alternating third person POV
- The most heated scenes involve 2 kisses
- There is a cat <3
- Mentions of bigotry

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail-Order Marriage Promise by Regina Scott
Frontier Bachelors Series Book Six
John Wallin is content helping others. He's decided that marriage isn't for him. He's the guy that the girls consider a friend—not husband material. When his sister, Beth, introduces him to Dottie, he's shocked to find out that Beth had chose her to be his bride. Now John needs to find Dottie a job or a husband—not him—so he can go back to his life. Alone.

Dorothy “Dottie” Tyrrell is in trouble. She's come all the way from Ohio just to find out the too-wonderful-to-be-true man that Beth had been writing her about, doesn't want her. She can't go back to Ohio, there's nothing but heartache back there. And with a young son to take care of, a job isn't easy to come by.

I loved this story. It's some years later at Wallin Landing. A few things have changed since the previous Wallin stories and I enjoyed seeing them all again. Their families have grown and there are more buildings. Some things have stayed the same, such as; James still likes to dress well. Looking forward to Beth and Levi's stories.

**Received book from the author for an honest review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

John is stunned when he learns that the beautiful woman sitting at the table with his sister is a mail-order bride for him. His sister corresponded with Dottie and led Dottie to believe that John was wanting a bride. Now Dottie is stuck in the small town of Seattle with no husband and no home to return to. To add to the complications, she has a tiny son that she failed to mention to anyone. John is willing to help her find employment or another husband, because he has no intention of every getting married.

This was a sweet story with a slightly different angle from most of the typical mail-order bride stories. The book was obviously part of a series since it mentioned other couples. But I didn't feel lost or confused. There was just enough information to help the story flow and peak my interest in going back to read the other books. The romance between the two main characters was sweet, clean, and romantic. The outcome is inevitable, but the author took a unique route getting there. She also infused faith and family throughout the book to creating a rich story with plenty of history about the small towns. This would be a good book for anyone who enjoys historical Christian fiction.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Wanted: Husband and Father

Stunned that his sister ordered him a mail-order bride, John Wallin insists he's not the husband Dottie Tyrrell needs. The scholarly logger knows Dottie will make the perfect wife===for some other man. Yet he's compelled to invite the lovely widow and her infant son to stay with his family...but only until she can find her own way.

Dreams of true love are for other women. Betrayed by her baby's father, Dottie just wants a safe home for her precious child. But who could resist a man with John's quiet strength? When her secret past brings danger to their door, they may yet find this mail-order mix-up to be the perfect mistake...


MY REVIEW
WOW!!!!! That's all I can say, WOW!!! Regina did a wonderful job with this story, I didn't want to put the book down especially the last half! I have really enjoyed this series and will highly recommend it to anyone who likes/loves historical fiction, mail-order bride stories, and stories that show how a strong faith can pull you through the rough mountains of life.

I was given this book by Regina Scott for an honest review and that is what I have given here.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book six in the Frontier Bachelors series. This is a stand alone book, however you will miss some history of the background characters. I have only read one other book in this series and had no problem keeping up with this book, but now I want to go start at the beginning and fall in love with all the characters in this book, especially the Wallin family.

John Wallin is such a humble, hard working man, yet he does not feel like he is husband material. So when his sister surprises him with a mail order bride he is not sure what to do with her.

Dottie Tyrrel has nowhere to go, she will do whatever it takes to protect her baby, even if it is marriage with no love. She is afraid to come clean with the Wallin family, especially John, because she does not feel she will measure up to them. When she comes face to face with her past will she be able to trust John enough with her secret and maybe her heart too?

[Jordann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail-Order Marriage Promise by Regina Scott brings you back to Wallin Landing. In this installment, John Wallin learns that his sister has procured for him a mail-order bride without his knowledge. What follows is a story that captivates the reader’s mind and heart, as the main characters overcome their pasts to find a long-lasting love that neither thought was possible.

Although this book is part of a series, it can definitely stand alone and offer great value to readers by itself. Regina Scott succeeds at blending the past stories into the current story-line in such a way that it is easy for readers to dive in without feeling lost.

If you have not read any of Regina’s books I highly recommend Mail-Order Marriage Promise as well as all her others. Her stories take you on a wonderful adventure and always leave you wanting more.

*I received a complimentary copy of Mail-Order Marriage Promise in exchange for my honest review.

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique twist on the mail-order marriage trope, I loved Dottie and John’s heartwarming tale! The relationship that develops between these two characters is tender and touching, as they both struggle to overcome the issues that plague them. The Wallins are an endearing family, and I always delight in the opportunity to spend time in their special community. Mail-Order Marriage Promise is a wonderful addition to the Frontier Bachelors series, and I look forward to reading more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Anna Swedenmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful addition to the series. You can read it as a standalone or even as a part of the whole. This title absolutely warmed my heart. I loved the characters the setting and the writing. You can sit and relax and just enjoy as this story unfolds. I was captivated to think about how such things actually happened being a mail order bride and being so brave as to go to someone you do not know and make a life with them! Even now I must say this book will stay with me for a long time as it was written with heart and life and passion. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail-order bride Dottie Tyrrell has packed up and moved to Seattle to meet her new husband-to-be John Wallin, but when she arrives, things aren’t quite what she expects.

Regina Scott writes another great Love Inspired historical romance! I really enjoyed the characters and storyline and I highly recommend this book. Check it out! And if you enjoy this one, check out Regina’s book “A Convenient Christmas Wedding” for another great Wallin family story.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the Wallin family saga. John's story continues a few years later. Dottie arrives in Seattle expecting to marry John only to find out she's been writing Beth! And so the journey begins. John feels obligated to make sure Dottie and her son are safe and taken care of while she seeks employment and/or a suitable husband. Beth and the other Wallin women are in agreement that John is that man. Dottie's past is not free of scandal and she hopes she has escaped it.
I received this book from the author, all views represented here are my own.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

clean romance

Great stand alone book in a entertaining series!

The hero and heroine both struggle with self identity due to life’s challenges and past hurts. But both find they have more strength then they realize as they discover that strength and sense of self through faith and love and family support.

If you enjoy reading romance stories with a great plot and well crafted characters then I highly recommend this book, this series…this author!

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail order marriage promise

Dottie is a mail order bride but John is surprised when she shows up. His sister was the one that arranged it. She has a baby and he really likes John. A lot of the men try courting her but who will end up with. Definitely more to the story, enjoyed it. Loved all the characters. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail Order Marriage Promise is book number 6 of Frontier Bachelors series by Regina Scott. This book takes place in 1874. Historical Romance. It's funny, it's romantic, caring. Mail order bride finding romance with man she came to marry. A man whom everyone counts on doesn't think he's good enough for the mail order bride. Families building a community. A very good read.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a slight miss for me. Beth seemed so unreasonable to bring a mail order bride out for John without his knowledge and Dottie seemed slightly dishonest to not mention she had a child before she arrived. The family really pushes them together. The romance was a little bland. The length of the sermons was off-putting.

[Julynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about the Wallin family and the settling of the Seattle area. John Wallin is a stand up hero and worthy character, Dottie grows in trust and faith as she is adopted in to this sweet family. Good read!

[Awjtf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Jenny Koim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regina Scott is one of my top authors and this was absolutely a western adventure! I will definitely be reading the other stories in the frontier bachelors series.

[Dragonmommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet, and blessedly clean. The language feels appropriate to the era, and the characters were likeable and mostly relatable. I'd like to read more about the Waller family.

[Nari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has some elements of a typical mail order bride story and some elements that are not typical which makes this story more interesting. John Wallin's sister decides he needs help getting a bride so she advertises for one and corresponds with Dottie in John's place. When Dottie shows up in Seattle, John feels bad but has no intentions of getting married. Dottie has lost her trust in men but she has a young son so she is in desperate of a husband so she is willing to be a mail order bride. She does not expect romance. She just wants a roof over her head and kindness. Will Dottie change John's mind about wanting to marry?