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The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides #4
The Calling Birds: The Fourth Day
Many years have passed since Bernadette Bellamy fled the Cariboo Gold Rush and her reputation as the sister of a French-Canadian gang of thieves. Armed with only an honest talent for sewing and a willingness to lead a solitary life on the run, she stays one step ahead of everyone seeking her brothers’ last—and now lost—heist. Until a craving to settle down makes her reinvent herself as Birdie Bell, a dress shop owner. The arrival of an old foe combined with her desire to hold onto her treasure trove of fabrics has Birdie joining a wagonload of brides bound for a remote town.
After losing his leg and his wife, Jack Peregrine buries his pain under a mountain-high pile of work. He only agrees to sign up for a mail-order bride to save the town of Noelle, keep his freighting business, and care for his absentminded grandfather. But Jack’s request for a sturdy bride who won’t crumble under his burdens brings him a woman as tiny as she is troubled. Can two mismatched people band together to become the perfect match?
A wanted woman's flight, a man in pursuit of honesty, not stolen gold...and only nine days left to save the town.
After losing his leg and his wife, Jack Peregrine buries his pain under a mountain-high pile of work. He only agrees to sign up for a mail-order bride to save the town of Noelle, keep his freighting business, and care for his absentminded grandfather. But Jack’s request for a sturdy bride who won’t crumble under his burdens brings him a woman as tiny as she is troubled. Can two mismatched people band together to become the perfect match?
A wanted woman's flight, a man in pursuit of honesty, not stolen gold...and only nine days left to save the town.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2017
206 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Jacqui Nelson
16 books190 followersI love historical romance adventures of all sorts, including those set in the Wild West. My love for frontier tales with grit and passion came from watching Western movies while growing up on a cattle farm. In addition to winning the Laramie® award, my stories have won the RWA Golden Heart® once and been nominated three times.
Fall in love with a NEW Old West...where the men are steadfast and the women are cardsharps, scouts, spies, and Wild West trick riders. Join my newsletter to receive my FREE READ & be the first to hear about my new releases, giveaways, events & more.
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Fall in love with a NEW Old West...where the men are steadfast and the women are cardsharps, scouts, spies, and Wild West trick riders. Join my newsletter to receive my FREE READ & be the first to hear about my new releases, giveaways, events & more.
Read an excerpt from each of my books at www.JacquiNelson.com & discover what inspires me on my BLOG. Follow me on Amazon, BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 21, 2022
Birdie Bell, aka Bernadette Bellamy, has been on the run for so long that even an uncertain future as a mail order bride seems appealing to her. She likes her husband-to-be, Jack Peregrine, but when her past threatens to catch up with her, Birdie must decide whether to come clean or run away again.
I really enjoyed this book. The connection between Jack and Birdie is palpable, and they are both engaging characters with interesting backstories. Their romance was sweet and believable, and I liked that they had it in common that the both of them were hard workers. And of course, stubborn, scatter-brained Grandpa Gus pretty much steals the show.
I did wish the external conflict in this book was simplified - two distinct villains is rather a lot for a novella! I also wish some aspects, like Jack's mistrust of mules, hadn't been so throwaway.
I really enjoyed this book. The connection between Jack and Birdie is palpable, and they are both engaging characters with interesting backstories. Their romance was sweet and believable, and I liked that they had it in common that the both of them were hard workers. And of course, stubborn, scatter-brained Grandpa Gus pretty much steals the show.
I did wish the external conflict in this book was simplified - two distinct villains is rather a lot for a novella! I also wish some aspects, like Jack's mistrust of mules, hadn't been so throwaway.
December 4, 2017
The Calling Birds is a delightful addition to The 12 Days of Christmas with another mail order bride with a secret trying to stay one step ahead of outlaws and the law that maybe hunting her down. Having to pick up and move yet again because someone thinks she has information about a stolen gold shipment her brother took. For the Bellamy gang nothing is more important than family. They have showed this over and over again by bring food and such to their baby sister when needed. She adores her brother they are the best just not very good men always trying to find the easy way to get money which usually means stealing. By coming to visit her they have put her life on the line with everyone in the country hunting her down. Now on the run again she has nowhere to turn until a little old lady said she knows of a man who needs a bride. The cast has been set she is on a train heading to a little town Noelle to start her life over yet again.
Birdie has agreed to marry a man there from his letters he doesn’t sound to kin on marrying it seems he only has one leg and he feels he doesn’t have much to give a woman. As the story takes off they learn many things about each other with many things still left unsaid. Each is hiding a part of their past that has really has kept them both from moving on to their future. It does seem she can’t outrun the outlaws or the law for they have found her. Now she must decide what to do and what to tell Jack. Will she come clean and face the fall out or do what she has always done run for the hills.
Jack is a sweet and kind man who really gives a lot to others. He does have one fault he doesn’t feel good enough for any women. He is less of a man since he lost his leg in a military accident that took his father’s life. If that isn’t bad enough he blames his self for his death leaving him unable to move ahead he is half a man. When he first sets eyes on Birdie he is in shock lord she is so small and tiny, how can she face this hard life when she is smaller than is late wife who didn’t make it very long living the life they did. He is so taken with her he can’t stand the thought of her being with another but can she make it in this land where life is hard a many die before their time? It doesn’t take Birdie long to show him what she is made of. He is totally taken with her, he knows she is hiding something but he isn’t going to let her get away from him.
The plot is awesome it is very different which a hook sewing it all up into a delightful read. I just loved Gus he is something else. I love his innocent was that aren’t so innocent, his forgetfulness as well as his humor. Birdie is a delight sassy woman who knows how to stand her ground. Jack lord my heart went out to him he has lost so much and thinks he isn’t good enough. What he finds is losing one leg doesn’t make him less of a man but more of one. Both of them must overcome their past to find their future. They are so different but balance each other so well. I loved the humor, the fear, the race against time, the hunter who becomes the hunted. Birdie’s true light caring ways really shines through she is really a lovely women who captures your heart from the start. It was nice to see how some of the characters we have already met are doing. Ms. Nelson really does a great job blending in her story with the other authors in this series. There are a few heart stopping moments, danger is all around but so is life, love and romance. I can’t wait to read more in this series each book is just as great as the last.
Birdie has agreed to marry a man there from his letters he doesn’t sound to kin on marrying it seems he only has one leg and he feels he doesn’t have much to give a woman. As the story takes off they learn many things about each other with many things still left unsaid. Each is hiding a part of their past that has really has kept them both from moving on to their future. It does seem she can’t outrun the outlaws or the law for they have found her. Now she must decide what to do and what to tell Jack. Will she come clean and face the fall out or do what she has always done run for the hills.
Jack is a sweet and kind man who really gives a lot to others. He does have one fault he doesn’t feel good enough for any women. He is less of a man since he lost his leg in a military accident that took his father’s life. If that isn’t bad enough he blames his self for his death leaving him unable to move ahead he is half a man. When he first sets eyes on Birdie he is in shock lord she is so small and tiny, how can she face this hard life when she is smaller than is late wife who didn’t make it very long living the life they did. He is so taken with her he can’t stand the thought of her being with another but can she make it in this land where life is hard a many die before their time? It doesn’t take Birdie long to show him what she is made of. He is totally taken with her, he knows she is hiding something but he isn’t going to let her get away from him.
The plot is awesome it is very different which a hook sewing it all up into a delightful read. I just loved Gus he is something else. I love his innocent was that aren’t so innocent, his forgetfulness as well as his humor. Birdie is a delight sassy woman who knows how to stand her ground. Jack lord my heart went out to him he has lost so much and thinks he isn’t good enough. What he finds is losing one leg doesn’t make him less of a man but more of one. Both of them must overcome their past to find their future. They are so different but balance each other so well. I loved the humor, the fear, the race against time, the hunter who becomes the hunted. Birdie’s true light caring ways really shines through she is really a lovely women who captures your heart from the start. It was nice to see how some of the characters we have already met are doing. Ms. Nelson really does a great job blending in her story with the other authors in this series. There are a few heart stopping moments, danger is all around but so is life, love and romance. I can’t wait to read more in this series each book is just as great as the last.
December 7, 2017
I have never read anything by Jacqui Nelson before this book but have since checked out her other books as I really enjoyed her story. The author's characters were delightful, sweet and very interesting with secrets and issues to overcome along the way. I very much enjoyed the Grandfather Gus; he played a very funny role in this story. This is a sweet read but does indicate more than just kissing which was totally fine with me and had a very important role in this story unveil. If you have not read any books in this series I would urge you to give them a look.
If you have not read any books in this series I would urge you to give them a look. Jack and Birdie's story is a tale of two souls finding their other half and overcoming the issues along the way.
If you have not read any books in this series I would urge you to give them a look. Jack and Birdie's story is a tale of two souls finding their other half and overcoming the issues along the way.
December 3, 2017
The Calling Birds was a sweet mysterious book. Jack, Birdie, and Gus truly were meant for one another. I did have a hard time following the storyline at times, seemed to jump off course every now and then, but it ended on a sweet lively, not to mention lovely note. So now 4 couples have been wed, will Noelle be saved and gain their new railroad?
December 8, 2017
I loved the book about Birdie and Jack! Two misfits who are hiding their true selves from the world! And Crazy Gus who's more of a mastermind than a senile Grandpa, brings lots of laughter to this tale! Can this seamstress stitch her way into Jack's heart?
I was honored to be a part of the continuity group making sure the individual books were consistent with the larger whole.
I was honored to be a part of the continuity group making sure the individual books were consistent with the larger whole.
December 7, 2017
Once again Jacqui Nelson out does herself with a wonderful addition to the 12 days of Christmas. Truly love this cute adorable story really love the main and secondary characters. Jacqui never ceases to amaze me with her writing I have loved every book I have read by her
December 5, 2017
Great!
Another terrific tale in this series. They seem to get more amazing each time! I adored little Birdie and her big spirit, the perfect match for Jack.
Another terrific tale in this series. They seem to get more amazing each time! I adored little Birdie and her big spirit, the perfect match for Jack.
December 4, 2017
An enchanting story that’s keeps you glued to the pages until the very last page!
Bernadette Bellamy is a woman running away from her past - specifically her brothers- forced to flee her home she decides to become a mail order bride when her past has her running again, she reinvents herself as Birdie Bell. She answers Jack Peregrine’s letter to be his bride and hopes her past will stay well away from her.
Jack Peregrine has decided to get a mail order bride only to help out his town, and help with his grandfather who’s absentminded. He’s fighting his own grief and sadness, he’s a widower and blames himself for his fathers death in the war that also took his leg. When he sees his tiny new bride he’s doubtful that she’s strong enough to survive. Will she want half a man as much as he wants her? He can’t picture a life without her and certainly not with any other man but him. Before long he knows she’s a tough cookie but with secrets but he’s willing to anything to protect her and keep her safe from the danger that’s followed her.
I totally enjoyed this beautiful story of two souls coming together through trust and love. The story is intriguing and flows well the characters well developed and likeable -especially grandfather Gus- there’s mystery and of course a love that’s well deserved. Jacqui Nelson has a flare for writing touching and loveable characters as well as her knack at taking you back in time with her descriptive scenery. An absolute must read!
I highly recommend this novella it’s book four of nine books in The Twelve Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides, perfect for Christmas reading.
I was gifted complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
Bernadette Bellamy is a woman running away from her past - specifically her brothers- forced to flee her home she decides to become a mail order bride when her past has her running again, she reinvents herself as Birdie Bell. She answers Jack Peregrine’s letter to be his bride and hopes her past will stay well away from her.
Jack Peregrine has decided to get a mail order bride only to help out his town, and help with his grandfather who’s absentminded. He’s fighting his own grief and sadness, he’s a widower and blames himself for his fathers death in the war that also took his leg. When he sees his tiny new bride he’s doubtful that she’s strong enough to survive. Will she want half a man as much as he wants her? He can’t picture a life without her and certainly not with any other man but him. Before long he knows she’s a tough cookie but with secrets but he’s willing to anything to protect her and keep her safe from the danger that’s followed her.
I totally enjoyed this beautiful story of two souls coming together through trust and love. The story is intriguing and flows well the characters well developed and likeable -especially grandfather Gus- there’s mystery and of course a love that’s well deserved. Jacqui Nelson has a flare for writing touching and loveable characters as well as her knack at taking you back in time with her descriptive scenery. An absolute must read!
I highly recommend this novella it’s book four of nine books in The Twelve Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides, perfect for Christmas reading.
I was gifted complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
December 12, 2017
Part of a series based on a single town with characters that exist in the other stories, but the story itself stands alone. Birdie is on the run, looking to hide, and Jack needs a wife. She is a strong independent woman, wanting to live peacefully, and I loved how she took on protecting those around her from her past. Jack does not trust her but once I learned his past, I rooted for him to come around. This is a quick read, and I look forward to reading the rest in this series.
This is my unsolicited review.
This is my unsolicited review.
December 6, 2017
Awesome story
Jacqui Nelson out did herself with this story. This series of stories is intricately woven together by 12 different authors yet each one flows wonderfully with the next. I loved getting to know Birdie, Jack and Gus. There are so many twists and turns in their story. I recommend reading this story. It is a stand alone but you don't want to miss all the books in this series.
Jacqui Nelson out did herself with this story. This series of stories is intricately woven together by 12 different authors yet each one flows wonderfully with the next. I loved getting to know Birdie, Jack and Gus. There are so many twists and turns in their story. I recommend reading this story. It is a stand alone but you don't want to miss all the books in this series.
November 30, 2017
This was a delightful intriguing story. This author has done a good job of developing the characters in this book. Jack and Birdie seem to be made for each other and once they worked their way through their historys they realized that fact. Birdie's history had her running for her life because of her thieving brothers. This is a nice addition to this Series.
December 4, 2017
Beautifully crafted love story!
Once again the author has recreated the old west with a new vigour. Her attention to detail sets scenes that are easy to picture and delightful to experience. Her appealing characters have rich backgrounds that allow the reader to emotionally engage in every plot twist and turn. Altogether a delightful holiday read (or any time for that matter!). P.S. Have fun watching for the clever bird references!
Once again the author has recreated the old west with a new vigour. Her attention to detail sets scenes that are easy to picture and delightful to experience. Her appealing characters have rich backgrounds that allow the reader to emotionally engage in every plot twist and turn. Altogether a delightful holiday read (or any time for that matter!). P.S. Have fun watching for the clever bird references!
December 6, 2017
Day Four
Will the turmoil of their past keep Jack and Birdie from finding their way to each other? On the run from get family's notorious reputation, Birdie seeks a safe haven in Noelle. Jack is haunted by the perils of the war and his inability to save his father after an accident that cost him his leg. Determined to save each other, first they need to accept that they are better together.
Will the turmoil of their past keep Jack and Birdie from finding their way to each other? On the run from get family's notorious reputation, Birdie seeks a safe haven in Noelle. Jack is haunted by the perils of the war and his inability to save his father after an accident that cost him his leg. Determined to save each other, first they need to accept that they are better together.
September 13, 2019
I received this story as an ARC.
Bernadette Bellamy is on the run and has changed her name to Birdie Bell. She joins a bunch of women who journey to Noelle to marry their perspective grooms. Jack Peregrine has returned from the war with the scars of his fathers’ death and his lost leg. He runs a Freight Business and buries himself in his work and taking care of his aged uncle. To help save the town he agrees to take a wife.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s a clean romance and is a pleasure to read. The characters are well thought out and the plot is good with the story flowing and keeping me interested until the last page. I think any reader of romance will enjoy this book by Jacqui Nelson.
Bernadette Bellamy is on the run and has changed her name to Birdie Bell. She joins a bunch of women who journey to Noelle to marry their perspective grooms. Jack Peregrine has returned from the war with the scars of his fathers’ death and his lost leg. He runs a Freight Business and buries himself in his work and taking care of his aged uncle. To help save the town he agrees to take a wife.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s a clean romance and is a pleasure to read. The characters are well thought out and the plot is good with the story flowing and keeping me interested until the last page. I think any reader of romance will enjoy this book by Jacqui Nelson.
December 5, 2017
This is a sweet romance set in the times of mail-order brides. A failing mining town needs some brides to ensure it's growth and have the rail road come through. Birdie is on the run from her previous life and is instantly attracted to her husband to be. The characters and their antics were fun to read. Romance and drama entwined to create this charming tale in the old west.
December 6, 2017
A girl on the run.....
A girl who is on the run from those who believe she knows where her brothers hid their stolen treasure becomes a mail order bride for a man who believes he's Broken. He's in need of a bride to help him with life, his business and of course taking care of his grandfather Gus. I love it.
A girl who is on the run from those who believe she knows where her brothers hid their stolen treasure becomes a mail order bride for a man who believes he's Broken. He's in need of a bride to help him with life, his business and of course taking care of his grandfather Gus. I love it.
December 10, 2017
The Calling Birds
Oh my goodness! This was a very good story. I enjoyed reading every page, and it had me on the edge of my seat. Jack and Birdie are another couple who I want more of. I hope the ladies who are part of the series consider doing a Valentine's special, giving us an update on these couples. Also, I discovered a new author; and you will have to read some of Jacqui Nelson's other books.
Oh my goodness! This was a very good story. I enjoyed reading every page, and it had me on the edge of my seat. Jack and Birdie are another couple who I want more of. I hope the ladies who are part of the series consider doing a Valentine's special, giving us an update on these couples. Also, I discovered a new author; and you will have to read some of Jacqui Nelson's other books.
September 26, 2019
I received this as an ARC, and have never read any of Jaqui's books before. I am so glad I got the chance to experience the world of Bernadette Bellamy. The story line confused me a little bit but I thoroughly enjoyed the way that Birdie meets Gus and Jack and the way that her story plays out.
What a great story! I am definitely going to try and read the other stories.
What a great story! I am definitely going to try and read the other stories.
September 28, 2019
Great book!
I have always loved mail order brides books. This one is no different! A great story woven throughout. With some great people, sweet, sassy, and excitement throughout- I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
I have always loved mail order brides books. This one is no different! A great story woven throughout. With some great people, sweet, sassy, and excitement throughout- I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
September 28, 2019
Such a sweet story and beautifully written. I loved all of the characters, and especially Grandpa Gus. I didn't completely understand the French, but got the gist. I loved the Old West setting.
Great, easy to read story!
Great, easy to read story!
December 5, 2017
The Calling Birds! The Fourth Day
Enjoyed the book! I love the main characters. including grandpa Gus, a wonderful character that kept me laughing throughout the book. I enjoyed following this sweet romance to a HEA. JudyE
Enjoyed the book! I love the main characters. including grandpa Gus, a wonderful character that kept me laughing throughout the book. I enjoyed following this sweet romance to a HEA. JudyE
December 5, 2017
Humor
Loved it the cast of characters is brilliant. The old timer and all of the towns people make this story appear so real that you want to take a trip to Noelle. Very worth the read!
Loved it the cast of characters is brilliant. The old timer and all of the towns people make this story appear so real that you want to take a trip to Noelle. Very worth the read!
August 30, 2018
This was another wonderful book from the "12 Days of Christmas Mail Order Brides". I had read another one of the books in the series and loved it and same with this one. It was so good I read it in one sitting and just couldn't stop shedding a tear or two. Jacqui I thank you for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book and you hit the ball over the fence.
December 5, 2017
Another fantastic addition the 12 Days of Christmas Series. Beautifully written romance. Cant go wrong when youre reading one of Jacquis books. I recommend highly!
December 4, 2017
Great series
Another great book in this series. I enjoyed the interaction and caring between these characters. I can’t wait to read the next book
Another great book in this series. I enjoyed the interaction and caring between these characters. I can’t wait to read the next book
December 4, 2017
Fourth Day of Christmas
Unique story by a new author to me! The Calling Birds of the series The Twelve Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides was a delightful read for the holidays!
Unique story by a new author to me! The Calling Birds of the series The Twelve Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides was a delightful read for the holidays!
December 5, 2017
Gus!!!!
Oh my goodness I loved this story.....I love Gus he keeps everyone on their toes! LoL very excited to read more!!!!!
Oh my goodness I loved this story.....I love Gus he keeps everyone on their toes! LoL very excited to read more!!!!!
December 10, 2017
This was another great story in these lovely series. I liked how both lead character had reasons to keep their past a secret. It is proof that first expressions aren’t what they seem. Grandpa Gus was a hoot and I think he adds to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The characters became friends and I didn't want to leave them at the end of the charming story.
I received the book free and am reviewing it voluntarily.
I received the book free and am reviewing it voluntarily.
December 8, 2017
Hero: Jack--- Heroine: Birdie/Bernadette
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* I enjoyed reading this fun and witty short story that is well written with charismatic characters, and was an exciting story.
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* I enjoyed reading this fun and witty short story that is well written with charismatic characters, and was an exciting story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews