Drew Talbot made the long journey back East to bring eligible brides to Seattle, not to find one for himself. But despite his best intentions, he is captivated by the shy and somewhat clumsy Lucy Davison. He didn't mean to fall in love, and he certainly had no intention of allowing a dangerous killer to tear her from his arms. But when Lucy is the only witness to a brutal murder, the killer knows that eliminating Drew's bride is his one chance at freedom.Lucy Davison left Massachusetts to find a better life and a chance at love. The Civil War took too many men, leaving women like her pining for a husband and home of her own. A trip to Washington Territory as a mail-order bride seems the only answer. The friends she makes along the way a balm to her soul, and their escort, the handsome Drew Talbot, intensely more interesting than any man she's ever met. Becoming his fiancée is a dream come true, until evil finds them. Witnessing a murder is the least of Lucy's problems. Escaping a crazed killer feels like a miracle. But the true miracle in her life is one man, Drew Talbot, and the depths of love it will take to heal them both.
Cynthia Woolf is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of eighty-five works of romance fiction. Comprising sixty-six historical western romances, ten contemporary romance novels, two contemporary romance novellas, one historical western romance novella, and six sci-fi space opera romances, which she calls westerns in space. Along with these books, she has also published twelve boxed sets of her books and two short stories.
Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance, Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia's father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy, not a bounty hunter, and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.
Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.
If you enjoyed my book you can find out about the newest ones through the Bookbub New Release Alert. All you have to do is follow me on Bookbub. You can do that here: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cynth...
TITLES AVAILABLE (English unless otherwise stated)
COLORADO BILLIONAIRES (sweet contemporary novels) THE CEO THE RANCHER THE MAVERICK THE TYCOON THE ARTIST (coming soon) THE QUARTERBACK (coming soon)
MONTANA BILLIONAIRES SERIES (contemporary sweet western novels) Her Secret Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German) Her Mysterious Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German) Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German) Her Christmas Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German) Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German) Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German) Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire Her Disguised Cowboy Billionaire
CHRISTMAS AT THE MISTLETOE INN (contemporary novella) Cooking Up Christmas
THE BRIDES OF THE KLONDIKE The Gold Rush Bride (Available in German) The Gold Mountain Bride
THE PRESCOTT BRIDES (Available in German) A Bride for Ross A Bride for Frank A Bride for Tucker A Bride for Clay A Bride for Brodie
THE HEART WISH MAIL-ORDER BRIDES SERIES Heart of Stone Heart of Shadow
MARSHALS MAIL ORDER BRIDES The Carson City Bride (Available in German) The Virginia City Bride (Available in German) The Silver City Bride The Eureka City Bride
ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES Adele
BRIDES OF GOLDEN CITY A Husband for Victoria A Husband for Cordelia A Husband for Adeline
BRIDES OF THE OREGON TRAIL (Available in German) Hannah Lydia Bella Eliza Rebecca Charlotte Amanda Emma Rose Nora Opal
BACHELORS & BABIES Carter (Book 3)
BRIDES OF SEATTLE (Available in German) Mail Order Mystery Mail Order Mayhem Mail Order Mix-Up Mail Order Moonlight Mail Order Melody
CENTRAL CITY BRIDES (Available in German) The Dancing Bride The Sapphire Bride The Irish Bride The Pretender Bride
HOMESTEAD CANYON SERIES Thorpe’s Mail-Order Bride Kissed by a Stranger A Family for Christmas
HOPE’S CROSSING The Hunter Bride The Replacement Bride The Stolen Bride The Unexpected Bride
AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES Genevieve, Bride of Nevada
THE SURPRISE BRIDES Gideon
THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO Nellie (Available in German) Annie (Available in German) Cora (Available in German) Sophia (Available in German) Amelia (Available in German) Violet
THE BRIDES OF TOMBSTONE (Available in German) Mail Order Outlaw Mail Order Doctor Mail Order Baron
DESTINY IN DEADWOOD (Available in German) Jake Liam Zach
Just like the first book in the Brides of Seattle series, Mail Order Mayhem delivers a great story of love, forgiveness, murder, and revenge. I was excited to read the story of Drew and Lucy. I love Lucy for her strength. She endures so much yet still tries to remain strong. My heart broke for all her trials. I wanted nothing more than to see her tormentor dead! Drew is the sweetest most patient man. What a heart throb. His love for Lucy is so amazing. I wanted to shake Lucy when she continued to turn him away.
This was a great book that you become totally enthralled in. There are adult scenes in the book but they are done tastefully. I highly recommend this story and look forward to more in this series!
*Please note I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
"Mail Order Bride Mayhem - Brides of Seattle Book 2" is the latest exciting addition in the heartwarming series by Cynthia Woolf. From the very start this book captivates with the romance and promise of a Happy Ever After. With a plot full of unexpected twists that bring mayhem and suspense, this is not your "everyday run-of-the-mill" Mail Order Bride book, which makes this series all the more enticing.
This book stands out with a 5-star rating for many reasons, predominately: * The passion that Cynthia Woolf writes with is again easily found in this latest series. Her attention to detail of all the historical customs and settings of the time periods makes it feel like stepping back in time. Descriptive details are given from everything from methods of travelling, trade at the time, how brides where sought in rural towns, etiquette at the time to be practiced, courtship, marriage, what was fashionably worn, and so much more, made the historical setting a huge success in "Brides of Seattle" series. * Characters are depicted realistically true, putting their heart on their sleeves in the hope to find love, showing their warts and all. It made the characters of Lucy and Drew easier to relate to, and invoke a hope in their shared outcome for happiness. One of the most endearing characteristics was shown by Lucy, who from the very first sight of meeting Drew, she became a mess, falling over things. Such a characteristic showed she was like any other woman who does strange things when around someone of interest. It was also romantic that their love developed from the love at first site, and they both knew in their hearts what they wanted. * The basic premise of the plot of Mail Order Brides seeking partners was unexpectedly expanded in this series, where rather than a single woman applying for a bride in the mail, this was a larger scale plot, where one hundred women were sought to become wives for the men in a rural timber logging town in Seattle. This uniqueness made the story more entertaining and diverse, something that definitely wasn't anticipated. In addition, the element of terror and suspense was added to the plot, where Lucy's life was under threat (no spoilers!). This brought more depth to Lucy and Drew's story and added to the strength of their marriage vows.
I recommend "Mail Order Mayhem - Brides of Seattle" series, book 2, to all readers who enjoy historical romance, with the added spice of suspense. I look forward to reading the next in the "Brides Of Seattle" series, eager to see how the brides go up against the many suitors, and who captures the attention of the next Talbot brother.
I reviewed this book voluntarily from an advanced copy.
What a wonderful series by Cynthia Woolf. When an ad came out that mail order brides were needed to go west to Washington, Lucy Davidson decided to take a chance. With her best friend she began a journey with other women who had seen the same ad put in the paper by the Talbot Brothers. Drew Talbot along with his brothers own a logging company and to keep the men happy need the new brides to come to their neck of the woods in Washington. Drew, wanting to find a bride for himself, becomes attracted to Lucy and she to him on the journey. But as fate would have it, there are several incidences that get in the way. Lucy witnesses a murder and is stalked by the unhinged killer so Drew tries to keep her safe. This story is full of suspense, new beginnings and a romance that will keep you captivated until the very end. This can be read as a standalone but I intend to read all books in this series because I know they will be a continuation of this wonderful journey for the bride's to be.
What a great new series by Ms. Cynthia Woolf. In order to keep the men in Seattle, Washington area happy, it is decided that they need to bring in brides from back East or risk losing their help. The five Talbot brothers own their own logging company and have a married younger sister that lives in Bedford, Massachusetts. They will send a letter and advertisement to recruit one hundred mail-order brides. Three of the five brothers will bring a ship, interview the women, and sail back to Washington territory. Jason Talbot will lead up the trip to find brides to bring back to the men of Seattle. While the men pay, it will be the women who have the right to chose whether or not a marriage is suitable.
Drew Talbot, along with his brother, Jason, will travel to Bedford, Massachusetts where they have advertised for one hundred women to become wives to lumberjacks in the Seattle, Washington area. The Talbott’s own the logging company and their men are unhappy with the lack of women for wives, so this is a way to keep them happy and help the town prosper.
Lucy Davidson has nothing to keep her in Bedford and with the encouragement of her best friend and co-worker, Rachel Sawyer, they will sign up for this journey. Lucy is normally a very graceful, agile lady, but whenever she sees Drew, she becomes a klutz. There is an instant attraction between them and yet, every time they speak or are near each other, she trips, and he catches her, always an accident.
The plot will pick up on some of the parts from the first story, Mail Order Mystery, with the problem of the stolen jewelry and attempt to catch the thief in the act and whatever man she is conspiring with. In the process, Glynnis will be murdered, and Harvey Long will kidnap Lucy.
The story will take on the sinister deeds of Harvey Long, and he is determined to kill Lucy to keep her from being able to testify against him. There will be multiple attempts at Long kidnapping and harming her. Just as Lucy and Drew had become serious in their relationship, now her reputation has been harmed, and she refuses to allow it to harm him. While Long didn’t rape her, people will look at the possibility that it could have happened.
How will Drew prove to Lucy that he believes she is still innocent and that he wants her to be his wife? Will her past with her parents failed marriage come between her and Drew? Will the actions of others bring back painful memories for Drew and he doubts Lucy’s word when she was the victim?
The story has past memories, regrets, bitterness, mystery, suspense, danger, kidnapping, murder, theft, heartache, and new beginnings. There is a large cast of characters, plenty of angst and action and a steamy romance. I look forward to seeing where the next book will take the reader. While this story does have a repeat of some situations that take place in the first book, it will allow it to also read well as a stand-alone. The reader does get closure on several things that happen, and it does end with an HEA ending.
I received a free complimentary book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Author, Cynthia Woolf, is well known for her mail order bride books. I have always found this concept very interesting. At a time when women were, supposedly, helpless, many women left their homes and travelled alone across the wild, unpopulated United States to marry men they have never met.
However, in this new series, “Brides of Seattle,” brothers Jason and Drew Talbot travel to New Bedford, Massachusetts. They intend to find100 women to take back to marry the lonely men of Seattle, Washington The women live in dormitories where the men can, properly, court the women.
The first book is about Jason and Rachel, and the second book is about Drew and Lucy. However, all four of them appear in both books. In fact, when I started the first chapter of this book, I thought I was reading the wrong book. The beginning is almost exactly like the beginning of the first book, Mail Order Mystery. The author reprints some of the information about how Lucy and Rachel become part of the group of brides.
As it turns out, this book occurs at the same time as the first book. The first chapter in Mail Order Mystery is dated August 1, 1864; the first chapter in Mail Order Mayhem is dated November 4, 1864. The two happen at the same time except take place from different points of view. I liked this because I was able to see the reactions of everyone.
In fact, there is a major incident involving Lucy that is mentioned in both books. However, Book 1 tells it only from Rachel’s point of view. In Book 2, I was excited to find out that the author tells it from Rachel’s point of view because we find out all of the exciting details of the entire event.
This is the second book in this series. Normally, Ms. Woolf’s books can be read independently of each other. However, with these two books, I definitely feel that the reader will enjoy it much better if they have read Mail Order Mystery first. They both take place at the same time, and, even the “bad guy” is the same man.
Mail Order Mayhem is book two in the Brides of Seattle Book and focuses on Lucy Davison. She, along with her best friend Rachel, has agreed to move to Seattle to be a mail order bride. Drew and Jason Talbot run a logging company and they have recruited one hundred brides for their loggers. But when Drew and Lucy meet, there is an instant connection. Lucy is clumsy around Drew and he always seems to be catching her. When she settles in Seattle, Lucy and Drew begin a courtship. Lucy has loved Drew from day one but has a hard time believing he loves her back.
Just as she is preparing for her wedding day, Lucy witnesses a murder. The murdered kidnaps Lucy and physically assaults her. Before he can rape her, she is rescued. After the kidnapping Lucy is convinced Drew cannot love her, but he stays steady and determined to win her affections once again. But Lucy has to overcome the trauma she suffered along with the damage to her reputation. When the kidnapper comes to get revenge on Lucy, Drew and his brothers work hard to protect Lucy from him.
I was glad I had read book one of the series but this book retells the plot nicely just from a different perspective so it can easily be a standalone novel but it is nice to know how the characters relate to one another. I also like how Lucy is not perfect, yet Drew still loves her. She needs a lot of protection, yet Drew sees beyond the damage that others sees and loves her still. Cute romance that I would easily recommend. I received a copy and gave my honest review.
This is the second Seattle Brides book where the Talbots went east to bring back 100 brides for the men of their town to court and marry. Drew Talbot met Lucy Davidson when they went east to bring the brides back to Seattle. She literally fell in his arms. Lucy was nervous around Drew and always seemed to trip and Drew always caught her. Drew courts her after they get back to Seattle and he asks her to marry him. Before they were married, Lucy witnessed a man, Harvey Long, kill one of the women. Harvey grabbed her and took her in the middle of the night to another town where he was going to sell some stolen jewelry. As he was about to have his way with her, Drew and his brother came through the door and Harvey jumped out the window. You will have to read the book to see what happens.
This was a good book with a little suspense as Harvey was trying to catch Lucy to kill her. I felt bad for Drew at times as he truly loved Lucy. But Lucy had a hard time believing him as things from her past as well as Harvey haunted her. Lucy loved him, but was afraid to tell him. I felt bad for all Lucy went through, but she had such a kind heart and always tries to make others feel good and welcome. If you love stories about the west and the troubles they went through especially finding love, you are going to love this book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Having read the first book in this series, I was interested to see how Mail Order Mayhem would pan out. Rachel was the leader and Lucy her follower, so when Rachel decides that she is not going to sit around waiting for a husband to happen, she persuades Lucy to join her in answering an advertisement to apply to be part of the group of 100 brides going to Seattle. Lucy is normally a light-footed, graceful person, but for some reason in the presence of Drew Talbot she becomes clumsy and accident prone, much to his amusement. However, when Lucy witnesses a murder and becomes a victim, nothing will prevent Drew from going after her and doing everything in his power to protect her. In this sweet, clean romance the author aptly portrays the trauma experienced by a victim and Lucy's reaction to her abduction is very realistic, as is Drew's protectiveness towards her. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, and although the two overlapped to some extent, it was nevertheless a standalone with a happy ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Cynthia Woolf is an accomplished writer with many books to her credit, but I believe her latest novel is the best she has written. “Mail Order Mayhem” is the second book in her new series, Brides of Seattle. The Talbot brothers are timber barons in Seattle in the late 1800’s, and although they are considered wealthy there is a shortage of eligible women in the area, so they journey back east to offer 100 women love and security if they want it. Lucy Davison sees the Talbot brothers offer as a way to have a life and leave her tyrannical father behind. Along the journey, she meets Drew Talbot who she finds attractive and a delightful companion. Everything is going well for Lucy, but every time she becomes clumsy and literally finds herself falling at Drew’s feet. Drew Talbot is drawn to Lucy in a way that makes him want to forget the issues in his past, and he is aware that Lucy is bothered by her clumsiness, but to him, it is an endearing quality. Lucy witnesses a crime and the man who committed the crime wants Lucy dead, but Drew will do everything in his power to protect the woman he loves.
Another great book Mail Order Mayham Book two in what is going to be a great series. Cynthia Woolf has written a heartwarming book with a bit of suspense some drama and definitely love. The characters are sweet, fun and entertaining. Lucy has always been know as a graceful young woman, that is until her nerves get the better of her. When she meets the handsome Drew her gracefulness seems go out the window. Lucy is on her way to Seattle with her dear friend Rachel to because mail order brides. Drew Talbot is the youngest of the Talbots brothers, he along with his eldest brothers are on a trip to get women to voluntarily leave their homes, families and friends to head to Seattle to become mail order brides. When Drew first sets eyes on Lucy he thinks she quite pretty if not a bit clumsy. When they reach their destination there is an attraction and things move in a forward direction with Drew and Lucy but They are in for a wild ride, with some ups and downs with a few twists and turns. This is one great book a must read that will keep you hooked till the very end. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I loved Drew Talbot and Lucy Davidson, they had chemistry from the get go, but every time he was envy where near Lucy she became clumsy and fell over herself. Their courtship is brought to a shattering stop when Lucy is kidnaped because she witnessed a murder. Drew does all in his power to find her.
Luck is with them and they get to her on time before the kidnapper violates her, this leaves scars on Lucy and has no desire to marry Drew. Drew being the persuasive man he finally gets Lucy to marry him. But the threat to Lucy is real and her kidnapper stricts again and this time he aims to eliminate her.
This was an adventure in every page, with emotions high this was an entertaining read. I highly recommend this and I can’t wait for the next book from Cynthia Woolf.
I voluntarily read and reviewed, all opinion ate my own. I was gifted this book from the author.
**Mail-Order Mayhem** by Cynthia Woolf Book 2 of 5
Enter the gripping tale of Lucy and Drew, where danger lurks at every corner. Amidst gunshots, kidnappings, and the relentless pursuit of a mad murderer, Lucy grapples with a profound internal struggle—how could someone like Drew truly love her? Her life as a dancer has left her feeling poised and graceful, yet around Drew, she becomes a bundle of nerves, nearly collapsing into his arms with every glance. The mere thought of their love frustrates her, as she battles the emotional scars from a past abduction that led her to believe she was tainted and unworthy. Fearful of tarnishing Drew’s reputation by being associated with someone like her, Lucy's heart aches at the impossible situation. This riveting page-turner is packed with thrilling action and suspense that will leave you breathless at every twist and turn.
I highly recommend this book for a true adventure.
This is another good mail order bride book by Ms. Woolf. We learned Rachel's story in the first book in the series, now we get to know more about Lucy. The good news is that if you haven't read the first book, you will easily catch up as this book has just enough overlap to understand the plot and characters. Drew and Lucy are adorable. It's always fun to read about love at first sight and see if it will last. Drew is determined, especially as Lucy catches the eye of a very bad man. Her safety is compromised in several situations. While she has self doubts, love is always stronger. As 100 brides traveled west to find their happiness and Drew and Jason have several more brothers, I look forward to many more books in this series. I received an ARC of this book. The choice to read and review it was all mine.
Mail Order Mayhem by Cynthia Woolf is book 2 of her Brides of Seattle. This book is the story of Drew and Lucy told thru Lucy's view . The books take place at the same time. It does well as a stand alone as Cynthia Woolf goes over how Lucy along with her friend Rachael became a mail-order bride and met the Talbot brothers especially Drew. The Talbot brothers are taking 100 mail-order brides back to Seattle . Lucy witness a murder which is related to the jewelry that has gone missing from the brides. Enjoy the mystery as well the details about the trip west by ship and what live was like.This story covers the courting of Lucy as well. The Characters are well developed. There are many brides so I am looking forward to the next book in the series as well as who will be the next groom,
I received a free copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the Brides of Seattle series by Cynthia Woolf. It rounds out and completes the story of Lucy and Drew that was begun in the first book, Mail Order Mystery.
I was a little disappointed with the editing as the plot seemed a bit dry and choppy at times. It interwove with the first book well, but just seemed a little contrived at times. Still, it remains a good afternoon read and an integral addition to the series. There are brides in the horizon for the other brothers.
I received an Advanced Copy of this book for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I was happy to get Drew and Lucy's story. We had the hint of their story in the previous book, so now we get the whole story. For Drew and Lucy, it was love at first sight. Neither realized it. Once Lucy said she would marry Drew, Lucy is kidnapped and doesn't believe she is worth of Drew now. Drew is persistent and so she finally agrees to marry him. Right after their wedding, Lucy is kidnapped again. The man who terrorized her the first time escaped from jail and is after her. They need to catch this guy before he kills another person. Drew will not let him take Lucy away from him. I received a free copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a wonderful addition to the series. I fell in love with the Talbots and several of the women in the first book. I am so glad to have the opportunity to read Drew's and Lucy's story. It was such a joy to get to their story especially since there were several scenes in the first book with them. This was such a joy to read and before I knew it, the story was over. I was so sad to see it end.
I truly hope there is more to this series for the remain brothers. I highly recommend this story to anyone. You don't have to read the first story but I would highly suggest it as it was wonderful as well.
Disappointing. Character development is almost non-existent; the big misunderstanding continues far too long; the threat to the heroine pops up sporadically, when nothing else is driving the plot, but is not very believable.
This book has the same grammatical and punctuation problems as the first book in the series, but about twice as many. As in the first book in the series, editing and copy editing, if they were done at all, were not done by someone who knew what they were doing.
I will not be reading any other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, I also purchased the book.
This new series puts a different, but refreshing twist on mail order brides going west. The brides really have no clue as to what they will find.
The characters are very believable. The plot is not simple, it will deceive you. Cynthia Woolf is just a surprise in every book she writes. I am very appreciative that she shares her talent with all of us.
So initially I was a little confused because it was like they story was starting back over again. But it was a very sweet read did not take me long to finish this much like the first book. The story was enjoyable because it gave you more insight on things not in the first book. But as always the two main characters found love. The story includes a little bit of a thrill as the race to save Lucy. I would recommend this read.
I love mail order bride's books and this is one of the best I have read with complex characters and a beautifully written story that kept me entertained and intrigued from the first page to the last with action, adventure, danger and heartwarming romance between Lucy Davison and Drew Talbot. Ms. Woolf has given us another winner and I look forward to book three in the Brides of Seattle Series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Let me start by saying that this book can be read without reading the first book in the series. The first part of the book is from another point of view than the first book. With this book I had a little trouble at the start, but when Lucy and Drew started their own story I really enjoyed it. The book goes very will with this first book.
* Free copy of book provided by author for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am so glad to see another book in this series! It was fun to get to see characters that were introduced in the first volume, especially as the book showed their experiences during the events of the first book. I have to say- I loved the heroine and how she wasn’t a pushover and that she expressed herself and her needs and spoke out against injustice and double standards. I am looking forward to what comes next in this series!
Wonderful example of Cynthia Woolf's storytelling talent. Her mail order novels are filled with laughter, tears, adventure, and suspense and Mail Order Mayhem has all this and more! I look forward to the next book in the series, Mail Order Mixup, and advise all fans of enthralling historical western romance, not to miss out on this one. I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are voluntary and entirely my own.
DNF. Only read the first 20 percent. This was just really poorly written. One minute the MCs are in a meeting about becoming mail order brides and in next paragraph they have been on a boat for about a month. WTH. No build up to anything. The vocabulary of the female characters was right out of 21 century. I don’t understand all the 5 star reviews, must be the author’s family writing them.
Really enjoyed this book. Some things in the beginning didn't seem to match up with the first book, but after trying to tie the two stories together it was fine. Quick read and loved the epilogue at the end. Cant wait for the rest of this series
This has been a very good book to read, it is the second book in this series and I already want the next one. I will be rereading this book as once I started I could not put it down. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
A nice follow-up to MAIL ORDER MYSTERY, as the second Brides of Seattle book. A stand-alone story but an excellent tie up of events as seen from Rachel’s best friend and Jason’s little brother’s (from the first book) perspective. A lovely tea and biscuit read.
This book is so good. Lucy and Drew finally get married. A crazy killer is after Lucy and looks like he is going to succeed. He gets awfully close but will he succeed? What is he hiding? Read and see. Jo