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The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides #8
The Maid: The Eighth Day
A wanted murderer, a young maid on the run...and five days left to save the town.
Accused of murder and shunned by his former peers, Colin Deane tells himself he doesn’t want a wife but will take one to save his hometown of Noelle. He owes Noelle. The town came to his rescue all those years ago, after the war, when the country was still a seething mass.
Cara Donnelly is on the run from the marriage her domineering Mama has arranged to a senator triple her age. Leaving her Boston family behind after they discover she was working as a maid at the local orphanage, she heads first for Denver. But when she finds out that she isn't yet free of the senator's clutches, she opts for a mail order husband and sanctuary in the mountains of Colorado.
Sparks fly when both Colin and Cara discover lies have been told, secrets are about to unfold and everything they once believed in is threatened. Can they come together to defeat the mistakes of the past or will it keep them apart forever?
Accused of murder and shunned by his former peers, Colin Deane tells himself he doesn’t want a wife but will take one to save his hometown of Noelle. He owes Noelle. The town came to his rescue all those years ago, after the war, when the country was still a seething mass.
Cara Donnelly is on the run from the marriage her domineering Mama has arranged to a senator triple her age. Leaving her Boston family behind after they discover she was working as a maid at the local orphanage, she heads first for Denver. But when she finds out that she isn't yet free of the senator's clutches, she opts for a mail order husband and sanctuary in the mountains of Colorado.
Sparks fly when both Colin and Cara discover lies have been told, secrets are about to unfold and everything they once believed in is threatened. Can they come together to defeat the mistakes of the past or will it keep them apart forever?
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2017
132 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Wesson
112 books358 followersRachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 25, 2019
I like this the least of all I've read so far (8 of 12). The idea for the story is interesting, but the story isn't well told. We are told there are secrets and then teased about them, we get some information, and then she just drops it, but then she tells us there's more. And it's not intriguing, it's irritating. The secret isn't interesting enough.
Also, how these people reason is... illogical to me. Some things they realize without anyone saying a word, some things they don't realize even when it's obvious. I mean, if a guy whom you haven't seen since you were a kid, greets you by kissing you and then carrying you to his home away from other people, he doesn't see you as a child. I promise you. And then when he teases you in a stable and you get in a rather compromising situation, and he lets you go and apologizes for his inappropriate behavior, that doesn't mean he sees you as a child, on the contrary.
But - thinking that the only reason for her brother to lie was that he was the murderer - that doesn't make any f-ing sense! What if the brother had misunderstood something? What if the brother had been told lies about what happened? What if the brother was protecting someone else? Uh. No. It MUST be either one or the other.
"Trying to ride astride in a skirt was a challenge, but she found she enjoyed the feel of being more in control of the horse."
*sigh* I really wish writers found out more information, AND ASKED PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACTUALLY DONE THESE THINGS. You have just as much control of the horse when you ride aside as when you ride astride. It's just different. So you would have problems riding astride, because you aren't used to it, and aside is different, not easier or better.
Also, I'm very upset about the description of the poor family and the dirt. "There were insects crawling all over it, nibbling at the congealed fat and other food leftovers." They are so poor and hungry they steal food. Would there have been leftovers?
Groom: "You can go if you want to, because I love you."
Bride: "Ok. Tell the preacher the wedding is off."
Groom: (disappointed)"Ok. I'll do that." He leaves.
Friend:"Did he call off the wedding?"
Bride:"Yes, he did. But it's not. Tell the preacher the wedding is not off."
What?
"Not only was he quoting Shakespeare, but her favorite play, Hamlet."
What?
Also, how these people reason is... illogical to me. Some things they realize without anyone saying a word, some things they don't realize even when it's obvious. I mean, if a guy whom you haven't seen since you were a kid, greets you by kissing you and then carrying you to his home away from other people, he doesn't see you as a child. I promise you. And then when he teases you in a stable and you get in a rather compromising situation, and he lets you go and apologizes for his inappropriate behavior, that doesn't mean he sees you as a child, on the contrary.
But - thinking that the only reason for her brother to lie was that he was the murderer - that doesn't make any f-ing sense! What if the brother had misunderstood something? What if the brother had been told lies about what happened? What if the brother was protecting someone else? Uh. No. It MUST be either one or the other.
"Trying to ride astride in a skirt was a challenge, but she found she enjoyed the feel of being more in control of the horse."
*sigh* I really wish writers found out more information, AND ASKED PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACTUALLY DONE THESE THINGS. You have just as much control of the horse when you ride aside as when you ride astride. It's just different. So you would have problems riding astride, because you aren't used to it, and aside is different, not easier or better.
Also, I'm very upset about the description of the poor family and the dirt. "There were insects crawling all over it, nibbling at the congealed fat and other food leftovers." They are so poor and hungry they steal food. Would there have been leftovers?
Groom: "You can go if you want to, because I love you."
Bride: "Ok. Tell the preacher the wedding is off."
Groom: (disappointed)"Ok. I'll do that." He leaves.
Friend:"Did he call off the wedding?"
Bride:"Yes, he did. But it's not. Tell the preacher the wedding is not off."
What?
"Not only was he quoting Shakespeare, but her favorite play, Hamlet."
What?
December 26, 2025
I was gifted a copy of this book. Worth 2.5 stars, rounded up, because of the doctor.
This is my least favorite of the 12 books in the collection. I could not relate to the bride. She's a child, acting wishy-washy like a teenager all throughout the book. A good example, she slapped him because he kissed her, so he stopped, but she didn't want him to. But you slapped him? I'm with another reader about the O'Malleys; their cabin should have been clean. The more kids you have, the more clean the house is, and if they really didn't have food, how come it was all over the place instead of being eaten? They were 13 kids, plus the parents and the place looked like a tornado passed through. It's a bit unbelievable. Too many secrets in this one, including Percy's bride - who didn't draw a straw by the way. I think it would have helped if Colin had said he wasn't in love with Colleen... When Cara asked for details about the war, she was accusing him at the same time; how can a man tell his story without feeling unheard? Here too, there are many errors, but this time is about going out but passing by the bar. The bar is at the back and the door is at the front; I don't see the reverend having a wedding near the bar top.
This is my least favorite of the 12 books in the collection. I could not relate to the bride. She's a child, acting wishy-washy like a teenager all throughout the book. A good example, she slapped him because he kissed her, so he stopped, but she didn't want him to. But you slapped him? I'm with another reader about the O'Malleys; their cabin should have been clean. The more kids you have, the more clean the house is, and if they really didn't have food, how come it was all over the place instead of being eaten? They were 13 kids, plus the parents and the place looked like a tornado passed through. It's a bit unbelievable. Too many secrets in this one, including Percy's bride - who didn't draw a straw by the way. I think it would have helped if Colin had said he wasn't in love with Colleen... When Cara asked for details about the war, she was accusing him at the same time; how can a man tell his story without feeling unheard? Here too, there are many errors, but this time is about going out but passing by the bar. The bar is at the back and the door is at the front; I don't see the reverend having a wedding near the bar top.
December 8, 2017
Perfection! This Doctor already knows his bride, unlike all the other couples, but will she keep his secrets? Can she even trust him after all the things she’s been told about the family friend?
I loved the connection to Clover Springs as well as the O'Malley family scene!
I’m learning I have a lot of series to catch up on as almost every book in this series is some how connected through the specific author to a different series!
But I’m a HUGE fan of Rachel’s and I’m all caught up on her books! Her newest book Cathy from Clover Springs is directly connected to one of the children in the O’Malley family after he’s all grown up!
I had the joy of being part of the continuity group to make sure the whole series flowed together!
I loved the connection to Clover Springs as well as the O'Malley family scene!
I’m learning I have a lot of series to catch up on as almost every book in this series is some how connected through the specific author to a different series!
But I’m a HUGE fan of Rachel’s and I’m all caught up on her books! Her newest book Cathy from Clover Springs is directly connected to one of the children in the O’Malley family after he’s all grown up!
I had the joy of being part of the continuity group to make sure the whole series flowed together!
January 18, 2018
The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides
Rachel has written a brilliant story yet again the 8th book in this series she brings together two people who knew each other who in fact have a past, the doctor was at one time engaged to her sister but Cara's mind as been poisoned by her brother Thomas he accursed Colin his childhood friend of murder and so Cara believed this for such a long time that convincing her different is going to be more than challenging for the Doctor who as since built up his reputation in Noelle. Rachel also makes references to another series she wrote Clover Springs and the O'Malley Family. I recommend this series to any reader who loves historical Romances you won't be disappointed Rachel makes sure it that.
Rachel has written a brilliant story yet again the 8th book in this series she brings together two people who knew each other who in fact have a past, the doctor was at one time engaged to her sister but Cara's mind as been poisoned by her brother Thomas he accursed Colin his childhood friend of murder and so Cara believed this for such a long time that convincing her different is going to be more than challenging for the Doctor who as since built up his reputation in Noelle. Rachel also makes references to another series she wrote Clover Springs and the O'Malley Family. I recommend this series to any reader who loves historical Romances you won't be disappointed Rachel makes sure it that.
December 10, 2017
Cara and Doc Deane are a cute couple
Sometimes our pasts can come back and haunt us. Colin had those thoughts on his mind when he saw his intended. What to do, he was a wanted man in Boston, but no one in Noelle knew his true identity, that is until Cara came to town. But Cara was his intended yet, she had also used an alias. He was her sister's ex-fiance. Cara could not believe her luck. She was trying to hide from her family and who was there but the boy next door that she had secretly had a crush on for years, but this can't be. Colin was wanted for murder. How can they overcome all of these issues? Will they ever get together?
Sometimes our pasts can come back and haunt us. Colin had those thoughts on his mind when he saw his intended. What to do, he was a wanted man in Boston, but no one in Noelle knew his true identity, that is until Cara came to town. But Cara was his intended yet, she had also used an alias. He was her sister's ex-fiance. Cara could not believe her luck. She was trying to hide from her family and who was there but the boy next door that she had secretly had a crush on for years, but this can't be. Colin was wanted for murder. How can they overcome all of these issues? Will they ever get together?
December 9, 2017
The premise of the historical romance series - The 12 Days of Christmas makes the reader wanting more. The reader feels the love and time put into making this series the best Christmas series ever. Will Convicted Murderer Doc Deane and Irish Maid Cara overcome their lies and past with five days left to save the town? With great anticipation I wake up at midnight to read each well written with intriguing characters, twist and turn plot and believable resolution story.
December 8, 2017
Day 8
Colin and Cara have a past. Will it be possible to overcome it? Cara is running from an arranged marriage she wanted no part of. Colin has been wrongly accused of killing two men during the war. Cara fears that Colin is still in love with her sister, the woman he was engaged to prior to the war. Will the love she has held in her heart be enough to make it to the altar?
Colin and Cara have a past. Will it be possible to overcome it? Cara is running from an arranged marriage she wanted no part of. Colin has been wrongly accused of killing two men during the war. Cara fears that Colin is still in love with her sister, the woman he was engaged to prior to the war. Will the love she has held in her heart be enough to make it to the altar?
January 21, 2018
Can Love Conquer Past Regrets?
This book is about a man who was forced to live his life with a ton of regret because of his mail order brides' brother. Can their love find a way to overcome it all? Read this great book and all of this fun series to see if they make their deadline to save their town! Recommended for anyone.
This book is about a man who was forced to live his life with a ton of regret because of his mail order brides' brother. Can their love find a way to overcome it all? Read this great book and all of this fun series to see if they make their deadline to save their town! Recommended for anyone.
December 28, 2020
Cara and Colin 💞
Cara and Colin grew up together. Imagine his surprise when he sees she's his mail order bride! Unfortunately, there's a lot of untruths and history they need to work out before anything else.
Very enjoyable story. Not squeaky clean with the wedding night scene...but it was done in good taste and was not graphic.
Cara and Colin grew up together. Imagine his surprise when he sees she's his mail order bride! Unfortunately, there's a lot of untruths and history they need to work out before anything else.
Very enjoyable story. Not squeaky clean with the wedding night scene...but it was done in good taste and was not graphic.
December 9, 2017
Learning the truth
Somethings learning the truth is hard, but in the end well worth it. Doc Deane has had a black cloud over his head since the war ended, but Cara is determined to find out the truth of what really happened.
Somethings learning the truth is hard, but in the end well worth it. Doc Deane has had a black cloud over his head since the war ended, but Cara is determined to find out the truth of what really happened.
December 12, 2017
Hero: Heroine:
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* Another great story in this series that is filled with fun, love and intrigue.. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/humorous dialogue and a fun developing plot.
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* Another great story in this series that is filled with fun, love and intrigue.. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/humorous dialogue and a fun developing plot.
December 29, 2017
The doc and his past
Colin had run from his past, lies, and murder to make a new life for himself in Noelle. He had no idea his past would show up as his mail-order bride. Excellent book. Highly recommend the series.
Colin had run from his past, lies, and murder to make a new life for himself in Noelle. He had no idea his past would show up as his mail-order bride. Excellent book. Highly recommend the series.
December 31, 2017
Maud a milking
When Colin agrees to send for a mail order bride the last thing he expects is to meet someone from his past. At first I didn't like Cara. . . her behavior was that of a spoiled child. However, as the story unfolded, I began to like her more and more.
When Colin agrees to send for a mail order bride the last thing he expects is to meet someone from his past. At first I didn't like Cara. . . her behavior was that of a spoiled child. However, as the story unfolded, I began to like her more and more.
January 2, 2018
#8 of 12 did not disappoint!
This is the 8th in a series by multiple authors. Two people in Noelle, CO, both using false names, destined to be married as part of a Mail Order bride group. Their reasons for deception are different and their back story fascinating. A great read!
This is the 8th in a series by multiple authors. Two people in Noelle, CO, both using false names, destined to be married as part of a Mail Order bride group. Their reasons for deception are different and their back story fascinating. A great read!
January 3, 2018
Just inspiring
This novella has a really interesting twist to the plot- which makes this such a great read. Rachel Wesson is a very gifted write and thoroughly enjoyed this work. An intersecting side story is survivorship especially after the Civil War.
This novella has a really interesting twist to the plot- which makes this such a great read. Rachel Wesson is a very gifted write and thoroughly enjoyed this work. An intersecting side story is survivorship especially after the Civil War.
January 18, 2018
Awesome
What an awesome book in an amazing series, a hero hiding from his past, a heroine hiding from her unwanted suitor, will it be love or will she reveal what he wants to keep hidden, must read series.
What an awesome book in an amazing series, a hero hiding from his past, a heroine hiding from her unwanted suitor, will it be love or will she reveal what he wants to keep hidden, must read series.
January 21, 2018
Rachel Wesson continues the saga of Noelle in this beautiful tale of love and redemption. Cara and Colin's love story is heartwarming in so many ways and the growing friendships and connections make me want to hurry up and read the next book in the series.
February 13, 2018
Lovely storey
Sweet novel in a wonderful series! I have enjoyed every one of these books and am amazed at how well they link to the twelve days of Christmas and to the series, although they are stand alone novels too! Great read!!
Sweet novel in a wonderful series! I have enjoyed every one of these books and am amazed at how well they link to the twelve days of Christmas and to the series, although they are stand alone novels too! Great read!!
October 4, 2018
This book is all about her finding out the truth of Colin’s past. It is a heartwarming story about two kind, compassionate people that I enjoyed and that is a quick read. Although this is part of a series, it can also be read as a stand-alone. (Karen’s review)
December 8, 2017
Great read
Really enjoyed the book. I could feel the characters pain. But best of all I could feel the live between these two.
Really enjoyed the book. I could feel the characters pain. But best of all I could feel the live between these two.
December 8, 2017
Wonderful
Another great story by an awesome author I have never been disappointed by any of her stories keep up the great writing!!!!
Another great story by an awesome author I have never been disappointed by any of her stories keep up the great writing!!!!
December 11, 2017
Love this book
Great story, great characters, great town. Couldn't help but fall in liice with this town and all the people. Highly recommend this series.
Great story, great characters, great town. Couldn't help but fall in liice with this town and all the people. Highly recommend this series.
December 10, 2017
Another step toward the goal
I think I love these books because they have happy endings. Finding truth despite fears, reaching out to help those in need, it is how life should be.
I think I love these books because they have happy endings. Finding truth despite fears, reaching out to help those in need, it is how life should be.
December 14, 2017
The Maid: The Eighth Day!
Loved the storyline, the characters and the way Rachel Wesson writes. This book can stand alone, but this is one of the best series I've read. JudyE
Loved the storyline, the characters and the way Rachel Wesson writes. This book can stand alone, but this is one of the best series I've read. JudyE
December 19, 2017
Great book
Great storyline and wonderful characters. This book is a great addition to the rest of the series. Looking forward to reading more books by Rachel Wesson.
Great storyline and wonderful characters. This book is a great addition to the rest of the series. Looking forward to reading more books by Rachel Wesson.
January 8, 2018
Great!
Loved this story. I hope we hear more about Colin and Cara. I didn' t want it to end!! Rachel Wesson tells a fantastic story.
Loved this story. I hope we hear more about Colin and Cara. I didn' t want it to end!! Rachel Wesson tells a fantastic story.
February 19, 2018
Good series
Thank you Ms. Wesson for this book in the series. Great characters and some twists and turns. Great description of the war.
Thank you Ms. Wesson for this book in the series. Great characters and some twists and turns. Great description of the war.
June 5, 2018
Old to new
I loved this story because it gave the reader hope that a mistake can be forgiven if given enough time.
I loved this story because it gave the reader hope that a mistake can be forgiven if given enough time.
August 10, 2019
Lovely day.
I think it's great how differ authors work together to write books that work together and yet sit alone on their own merits.
Fun to read.
I think it's great how differ authors work together to write books that work together and yet sit alone on their own merits.
Fun to read.
November 19, 2024
Cute book
I really liked Doc and Cara's story. There is always miscommunication in war, and there definitely was around the Civil War.
I look forward to the next book!
I really liked Doc and Cara's story. There is always miscommunication in war, and there definitely was around the Civil War.
I look forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews