The Substitute Wife

Brides of Little Creede #1

by Cici Cordelia

THE SUBSTITUTE WIFE, Book One HARRISON . . . Once his fortune in silver mining is secured, Harrison Carter finally sends back home for his fiancée. It's been four years since he's seen Jenny.But it's Retta Pierce, Jenny's sister, who arrives by stagecoach with young daughter Adeline in tow. When she brings devastating news and a written plea from Jenny to marry and care for Retta and little Addie, what's a good man to do? RETTA . . . Fulfilling her dying sister's request, Retta travels across dangerous territory to marry a man she barely remembers. But the hard miner who meets her at the stagecoach surely isn't the same one her sister claimed was kind and honorable, a gentleman who'll embrace her and her daughter as if they were his own. Has she made a mistake she'll pay for, the rest of her life? TWO PEOPLE . . . Thrown together in shared sorrow, Harrison and Retta struggle to forge a life in the brand-new state of late-nineteenth-century Colorado.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Westerns, Historical, Western Romance, Historical Fiction, Ebooks

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2018

About the author

Cheryl Yeko and Char Chaffin are award-winning romance authors known for their heartwarming and captivating stories. In addition to writing together under the penname CiCi Cordelia, Yeko and Chaffin also publish individually under their own names. Their talent for crafting complex and relatable characters and their ability to craft engaging and emotional plots have made them fan favorites in the romance genre.

Their books have won or finaled in many writing contests, including Heart of Excellence Readers Choice Award, Heart of the West Great Beginnings Contest, The Beverley, InD'Tale Magazine's RONE Award, the International Digital Awards (IDA) Contest, and more.

As a writing team, they bring a solid know-how for accomplishing the foundation of what makes a great romance read: a strong story, a passionate romance, fascinating characters, and a happy-ever-after ending. Whether you love historical romance, contemporary romance, or something in between, you won't be able to resist the allure of their captivating stories.

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/cicicordelia

Learn more about us at: CiCIWriter.com/

Reviews

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing start for a sister swap story. So a 2.75*
But then it settles into the routine check-all-boxes frontier/old western story complete with small frontier towns with staples like stores, saloons and controlling banks, ott villains and then add to the mix few sexy times and an overly-cute plot moppet - and we have our book.

Here the sister gifts her younger sister, a ruined girl with a young daughter, her fiancé/love who has gone west to better his life. Now, when he sends for his girl, she sends the h/sister knowing both will get a better life. For she is dying and actually does make a sensible and selfless decision. (As it's revealed in the first few pages, so no great spoiler.)

The H accepts and adapts pretty fast imo. I would have liked him to at least write back to his lady love (if not actually travel back) to know how she's doing.
The kid is cute but ermm tooo cute? The sex and the kid are definitely the softeners in the story, and make it more lightweight than it could/should have been.
And I found it strange that the townspeople never ask, wonder or are told by the H about the h's previous marital status (non in her case) seeing that she's the replacement and has a kid tagging along - and it never gets clarified.

[ItaPixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read a romance that takes place in the old wild west before and I loved it.

Retta,our heroine,is a smart and gorgeous woman who doesn't let her bad luck to beat her to the ground. Harrison is a good man and we can see how his feelings grow chapter after chapter.
Their journey is intriguing and engaging you cannot turn the pages quick enough.

First time I read a novel from these two authors but their amazing words made me a fan instantly.

I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Substitute Wife is my second Cici Cordelia read and it was completely different to my first book by the authors. In fact, when it comes to genre, The Substitute Wife and Realm of the Dragon are as different as chalk and cheese. Although they’re two very different books, I adored them both.

With The Substitute Wife, I found myself hooked to the story instantly. In no time at all, I was addicted, lost to the pages, and unwilling to put the book down. It quickly became a book I needed to complete in a single sitting, as I was desperate to see the outcome of all the different elements introduced.

On the surface level, this is a wonderful romance. I adored both of the characters – our male lead in particular, I loved – and together they were fabulous. I loved watching the way they both grew, I loved watching the way their romance developed, and found they went together wonderfully. The side characters were also great, and I cannot wait to see more of them in the future books.

Not only is this a great romance, but there is plenty of drama and a small degree of mystery and suspense. You know who the bad guy is throughout, you know he is up to no good, and it’s great to watch the way in which his terrible storyline ties in with the amazing storyline of the main characters. It adds an additional layer, taking what is an already wonderful story – a story of growth, of moving forward with the curveballs life throws at you, and of making the best of what you have – and making it even more enjoyable.

Honestly, I was lost to this one. The moment I was finished there was only one thing on my mind – I needed to get my hands on the second Brides of Little Creede book. I really am super excited to see how the second story plays out, eager to get more CiCi Cordelia words.

[Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrison has finally made a name for himself and a fortune with the silver mining. It has taken four years but he sends off for Jenny as they both waited for each other.

Jenny is not able to show up so she sends her sister Retta and her daughter, Adeline, to go in her place. Harrison is not happy when he sees her and her daughter get off the stage coach. Once Retta hands over a letter from Jenny explaining why, he takes them on to his house.

Can these two learn to love each other and make a great marriage or will they just be mere business partners?

As the pages turn we see this couple grow to friends and then love. Not only does Harrison take her daughter to love but Harrison’s brother does as well. That little girl has everyone wrapped around their fingers. This is a book you will want to read again and again on a nice day.

[Sharon :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t believe I really enjoyed this Western. Reading a Western for my book challenge made my eyes roll but WOW did I like this book! All jokes aside this is not the average romance storyline, loved it was included in my Audible Romance package. 5-⭐️’s

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Substitute Wife by Cici Cordelia - awesome read. Harrison Carter's dreams are on the brink of coming to fruition, he owns a flourishing mine and his long-time sweetheart, Jenny, is finally coming west to marry him. Harrison is beyond shocked when it isn't Jenny who gets off the train, it's her younger sister, Retta, with a small child in tow.
Retta has had it rough the past couple of years, she bore a child out of wedlock, her father is abusive and she is going to lose her sister. Jenny is ill and won't be able to marry Harrison - Jenny decides to send Retta in her stead to marry Harrison.
Needless to say, Harrison isn't happy but is willing to go along with the idea. He wants a wife, a woman to warm his bed and help him with the chores. Retta is very, very worried that Harrison will turn out to be a man like her father - will he hurt her? Will Harrison ever love Retta the way he loved Jenny and can he forgive Retta for being the wife he has instead of the wife he wants?
This is a very sweet love story between two people who should never have been together. Lots of good steam and tons of emotion in this book as well. I would have liked to know a bit more about Retta's back story - her father's actions and the father of her child - I felt that was missing from the story.
But I highly recommend this book - it was so, so good - didn't want to put it down.

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical romance with great characters. Set in the time of the silver mines and travels to the west, but not your typical mail order bride romance. This romance has a little bit of steam, The couple Retta Pierce and Harrison Carter weren't supposed to get married but when Harrison's intended finds out she's passing away she sends her sister Retta and niece Adeline in her place. Beautiful love story that will keep you reading cover to cover!

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story!!! It was so well written and I got caught up in the book from the first chapter!! Nothing at all like your typical mail order bride plot when the woman heads out west. I did wonder what happened Papa after he realized Retta and Addie were gone, and what became of Cal, and what did Harrison write at the bottom of the letter to Jenny and how did Jenny react....but that is probably overthinking and overanalyzing LOL Oh the things to look forward to in the upcoming books in this series!!! I can't wait!!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Substitute Wife” has an unique, enthralling storyline.

Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hated a book with villain in it. Other than that, it was a good read.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a good amount of suspense, but the author killed off several characters that were good guys. Happy reading/listening!

[Joan Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

From the very first page until the last, I couldn't put this book down. The title intrigued me, the synopsis drew me in and reading it kept me involved throughout. My heart just went out to Rhetta from the moment I read about her situation and that of her daughter Abby. The sacrifice her sister Jenny made to protect her to send her to the man she loved when she knew she was dying touched me, even Harrison's reaction after Rhetta and Abby arrived instead of Jenny was emotional. How Harrison and Rhetta worked through their problems and were finally able to find love together kept me interested. Rhetta's daughter Abby was absolutely adorable and I enjoyed reading how she wrapped Harrison and his gruff brother Frank around her little fingers. The villain was evil and added the right amount of tension and suspense to the story. Looking forward to reading Frank and Cat's story. Thumbs up to the author for a fantastic book!

[Ruth B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars.

Retta and her daughter will travel to live and begin a life with a man who was waiting for her sister. After four years, marrying her fiancee's sister is not what Harrison was expecting but he will follow her last wish. And so a story about learning to love and protecting your family begins.

The Substitute Wife is an enchanting, easy to read and sweet love story. The tension between the main characters is understandable, neither of them wanted to marry the other but life is not always what we want.

Retta's loves for her daughter is admirable and she is a strong and likable character. Harrison is the typical gentleman, with a sense of honor and respect that makes him totally attractive. Their relationship seems quite natural and given the circumstances it flows and grows into something special. And of course, the little Addie is extremely sweet.

The plot has all the elements of a historical romance, the setting is well portrayed and the bad guys have fun messing with other people's lives.

*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a nice ride with this book. I received a copy of the audiobook through Audioboom and am happy for it. The reader was pleasant, and the tone of the book was good.

There could have been more depth in the writing, but I really am not complaining. I am the type that prefers long and drawn out character development - that is definitely not for everyone.

I love the small things that help you feel you are in this book, like the dust and dirt that falls into step on the ladies skirts. I love that you get some of that here.

The characters are believable, and you find in some instances unpredictable. Overall, I enjoyed the family and where this book took me.

I would definitely like to read more of the series. 3.5 stars - Give it a try, see what you think.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

THE SUBSTITUTE WIFE by Cici Cordelia. I enjoyed this read and found it heartwarming and endearing. There is drama and suspense and, of course, a love story. After being sent to marry her sister's fiancee, Harrison, Retta and her daughter settle into life on his homestead. I would have liked to have seen a bit more angst between the two as they navigated their way, especially from Harrison as he dealt with not seeing his precious Jenny again. Otherwise, it was a good read and I will certainly look at others by this author.

[The TBR Pile *Book review site* · Rating 3 out of 5]

what makes it intriguing is that the story was inspired by a true-life family history. If that's so, then any preconceived ideas of the era's straight-laced, buttoned-up behavior in the bedroom in are out the window thanks to the author's skillful depiction of some wild west action between homespun sheets! Western romance fans can saddle up comfortably with this predictable but satisfying read!

FULL REVIEW http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...

[The Written · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read but…

This book could have been a 4 star book but the things that are wrong with it are really wrong. I struggled to give it a 3 because my gut says 2 stars. I decided on 3 because I didn’t skim and skip as much and there were moments that evoked genuine emotion and/or a reaction from me. I have to give a star for that.

First the romance itself is believable but it did move a little too fast for me and there wasn’t enough interaction or focus on that because the story became focused on the Slim Morgan storyline. I prefer a romance’s main focus be on the relationship. I thought the sex scenes were also genuine and real. I want that in the books I read because sex is a part of romantic relationships and should be shared with the reader.

Unfortunately the book can’t be save from some themes that the writers’ incorporate that are really sexist. These have nothing to do with the time period when this book is supposed to take place. The very large majority of the bad things that happen are a result of the poor decisions made by the female lead. She’s initially described as meek but comes out of her shell to present herself as a strong, smart woman and then they write her making these illogical and detrimental decisions most of which are to assert her female independence. It doesn’t make sense and it’s infuriating because what the writers do is make the man the hero, the calm, intelligent force that proves that female lead “needs” him. It says she’s not as strong as we said, that she’s not as smart as we said. It’s such glaring theme throughout the book that i almost stopped reading.

Lastly, the female leads sister who was supposed to marry Harrison is talked about, referred to throughout the book. She is brought up in a manner every time that I would never put up with even though she’s my sister. They name their first chid together after her. I could find nothing loving about bringing her up past the very beginning when they meet and she settles in. Again, it’s too much and for me takes away from the book.

These two things send a terrible message to women. Women should be taught to be strong, to have a voice and to not put up with being second. That means we need to be portrayed even in historical fiction as truly strong, independent, intelligent, decisive, resourceful and self assured. A female reader should always close a book and think to herself that is a heroine.
STEAM = 5
SEX SCENES = YES
RECOMMEND = Recommend with reservations

[Beverly McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Substitute Wife we witness the undeniable bond of sisters and their willingness to go to great lengths to protect each other. The opening scene we are at a train platform in Chicago, Illinois in 1878 witnessing a heart wrenching goodbye between two sisters. A dying Jenny Pierce sends her sister, Retta and her little daughter, off to Colorado to marry her fiancée. Jenny explains the situation in a letter to her beloved which Retta carries. This is Jenny’s final wish and her act of love to save her sister from unbearable misery by providing her with a chance of a new life.

On another train platform stands Harrison Carter waiting with anticipation for the arrival of his fiancé. After all of the passengers disembark; Harrison realizes his fiancée is not on the train. But, instead of his fiancée, he gets her sister and her daughter. His dreams and plans for his future are shattered. Does Harrison comply with Jenny’s dying wish? What does he do? To find out what happens, you have to read the book.

This is my first Cici Cordelia book and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are well-developed and have several layers to them that endure them to the reader. As the story unfolds we observe how these characters grow and face their inner demons. Added to their internal struggles, the authors create tension and suspense through the villain, Slim Morgan.

I appreciated the uses of descriptive and sensory language that the authors use. This is particularly evident in the scenes describing the mine collapse and the trapped miners. The sensory details makes the readers feel they are right there in the collapsed mine shaft.

There is one area of the story that puzzled me. I can’t help but wonder at the amount of text devoted to the sexual encounters between the two protagonists. Perhaps, this strategy was to illustrate the process of trust building and healing. I’m not sure it was needed. Another area of concern was the reference of the main character, Retta, as a soiled dove. I realize she was an unwed mother, but the label of a soiled dove seemed harsh. From my understanding of life in that time, a soiled dove was what they called prostitutes. Retta does not fall into that category. Despite these concerns, this is still a riveting story and one I highly recommend to fans of historical western romances.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is an amazing story based off of true events! This historical romance story is about Retta and Harrison. Retta is the substitute wife for her sisters intended as she has fallen sick and knows the end is near for her. So Retta takes her young daughter, Addie and travels to Harrison to become his bride. Harrison and his older brother have been mining for a couple of years and he is very angry and surprised over the fact that Jenny will not be a part of his future. Neither were ready to marry the other but do as in that time period that’s what’s expected. Retta has had a hard time having a child without a husband and is hoping things will work out for her. Retta is one protective mom and stronger than she thinks. Harrison is a true gentleman with honor and respect. He takes his time and shows Retta many wifely duties. This story will show you how they learn to love one another and watch it turn into something very special. There is an evil man who does the unthinkable looking to cause harm for he can not have what he wants, Retta. Will he get away with it or will Harrison and the others be able to keep everyone safe? I loved how sweet of a child Addie is and how her family wrapped around her finger. Can Harrison keep Retta and Addie be safe and become a real family? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Series Start!

By: CiCi Cordelia
Narrated by: Alan Taylor

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 01-15-23

Silver miner Harrison Pierce, finally financially stable, is ready to send for his fiancé and settle down! Unfortunately for him, when the stagecoach arrives, the woman who disembarks isn’t his fiancé, but her sister, complete with toddler in tow, and a letter explaining that she’s “The Substitute Wife”! Rutro, Harrison, things just got real! Beautifully written, featuring fully developed, interesting characters, and a storyline that is both romantic and thrilling, The Substitute Wife is truly a delightful listen! I loved the fully developed characters. I loved the time the story was set in and I loved the premise of marrying a near stranger! This story flows smoothly, builds beautifully, and is perfectly balanced covering the full range of human emotions! I loved the perfect heat level! There is never a dull moment in this one and my interest was held throughout! Dynamically narrated, this beautifully written romantic historical fiction story is the first of what promises to be a truly fantastic series! I loved it and can’t wait for more! Five stars!

[Julie Lence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Partnering with his brother, Harrison finally has his mine operational and his home built. He's ready for his fiancee, Jenny, to make the trek west and become his wife. Unbeknownst to him, Jenny is terminally ill and sends her sister in her place. Rhetta arrives in the Colorado town, with her young daughter, certain Harrison will send her home. To her surprise, and his, he honors Jenny's request and marries Rhetta. While it's not love at first sight, the two are somewhat attracted to each and learn to get along. With the hazards of Harrison's mine and the scheming of a vile saloon owner, Rhetta and Harrison forge a path toward trust and stability, toward a marriage of love.

There is a second romance to this story involving Harrison's brother, Frank and saloon singer, Cat, which I hope to read soon, as I found both characters as interesting. (Frank and Cat's story: The Dance Hall Wife)

There are some explicit sexual terms and lovemaking scenes, and a scene where the villain tries to attack the heroine that may not be suitable, or likable, to everyone. All in all, I found this an enjoyable story and Rhetta and Harrison very likable.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

After four years of hard work in the mines, Harrison Carter has secured his fortune and is finally able to send for his fiancee, Jenny. But Jenny won't be making the trip to Colorado because she has a terminal illness so she sends her sister, Retta, in her place. Retta Pierce was a young unwed mother to a sweet little girl named Addie, who was conceived in an act of pain that was handled very well. Harrison is waiting for his Jenny and to say he was surprised to see Retta and Addie is an understatement. He vowed to fulfill Jenny's dying request and welcome them both into his family. Theirs is a bittersweet beginning as they dance around each other, but it doesn't take much time until they settle into married life. One thing that stood out for me was Harrison's desire to make Retta comfortable before having sex, considering what her first experience was like. She is definitely independent, perhaps too much, but it adds angst to the story and moves the plot along. The narration by Alan Taylor is very well done. His well-modulated, dynamic voice gives each character a unique personality and attitude as they come alive. 

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing journey of two people to happiness. Retta and her little girl Addie traveled to Little Creede, Colorado. Her sister Jenny was suppose to be the one traveling to marry and make her life with her sweetheart Harrison. They had not seen each other in over four years, and had waited to marry once Harrison made the mine a success and was ready for a wife. But Jenny was dying of consumption, their Pa beat Retta, her younger sister and Jenny found the solution to send Jenny in her place.
Wowza! This is such an intense story and with the amazing narration of Alan Taylor (one of my favorites) you are pulled right into the story. Full of everything needed to enthrall the listener including suspense, a vile villain, a handsome tough man who has a wonderful heart and his brother plus the sweetest little girl who will win your heart. I cannot wait to listen to the next two in this series!!!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the book I thought I was buying!

After years of working hard in a silver mine, Harrison sends for his love Jenny. Instead, her sister Retta arrives with a little girl! Faced with the circumstances, can Harrison and Retta make a life together? To find out, you’ll have the read the book. I did, in several hours. I found it enticing and wanted to know what happened next, so I kept reading.

While I don’t consider this book to be erotica, it is sexually graphic in the scenes between the couple. The sex scenes as described sound like you are living today and made the story unbelievable. I scanned over them but if you prefer clean romances, I wouldn’t recommend this book or these authors.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The substitute wife

Harrison being a main owner finally sends for his fiancé, only to find she’s about to die with consumption so in her place she sends her sister and niece who their father usually abuses, saying this is her only escape. It’s a hard life and a hard story with them trying to find common ground but when a saloon owner wants to take his vengeance out on the family to demand a ransom to pay off his own debts shit hits the fan. The town pulls together as a family as friends And he sent to prison. Retta loses her sister the game is such a caring and loving husband and grows her own family as Harrison is about to have his own mother and sister join them. Can’t wait for Frank and cats story

[Sylvia Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unexpected Bride

I chose the rating as I felt the sexual orientation was a bit off the story line for myself, as I do understand the wish of the husband to make things comfortable for his bride that he was not expecting, yet he felt he had to fulfill the wishes of her sister who he loved and was expecting, not her sister and small child, Interesting story of a brothers love, mixing in with starting a broken down silver mine that they inherited from an uncle. an old west but yet some modern things, a young lady trying to get over a past bad experience and her sisters love for her to have a better life. Plots have twist and turns, will build your interest for short story.

[David Sprague · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is as good as it gets for a romantic, western. It was like watching a movie where you lose track of where you are. You are transported back through time and observe real life. This is as romantic as you can get. Everything you want in a love story is here. Almost all ignore the vital beauty of making love. It was made beautiful and completed realism.

The characters were many but developed so well. If I do not struggle with knowing who is who throughout a book the author has done well. This book was rich in content. She could have gone overboard but she seemed to have a great sense of what was enriching and what was too much. She gives you action but also can dwell on poignant moments.

[Jennifer Rupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this one on a Sunday afternoon and couldn’t stop. Finished sometime after 1am in the morning. So, I suggest you start earlier in the day when you pick this one up! Set in Colorado during the silver mining boom, Cici Cordelia has created a growing western town feeling its way toward a future in the face of lawlessness and dangerous terrain. Her twist on the mail order bride theme is bittersweet with a great big payoff. This author knows how to write swoon-worthy heroes that will sneak into your heart and steal it away. This hero has a brother, too. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retta is Jenny’s sister. Retta has a two year old daughter. She is traveling to Colorado as a substitute wife for her sisters fiancée. Jenny is dying of Consumption. Retta who was raped and left pregnant can not find a husband in Chicago. She is considered a fallen woman and their drunken father constantly beets her. She is afraid he will one day beer her daughter. They came up with this idea to protect her and her child.
Harrison Carter is in for the surprise of his life. Instead of the girl he loves arriving her sister and a baby comes in her place.
This is a fast moving endearing story and I enjoyed it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Substitute Wife

Retta was not the intended bride Harrison was waiting for. Jenny and he had been sweethearts separated for several years when Harrison went to Colorado for mining. When Harrison finally was set up well enough to send for Jenny she was too ill and sent her sister and niece in her place taking Harrison by surprise.
As Retta and Harrison get to know one another a very unwelcome saloon owner decided he wanted Retta and didn't really care that she was married. Will Harrison be able to protect his new wife and daughter against the despicable reprobate, save his mine and bond the marriage or will he lose it all?