What do you think?
Rate this book
Silverpines #2
Wanted: Horse Breeder
An earthquake shook more than the ground in Silverpines, Oregon!
April, 1899
A silver mine cave-in and lumber camp mud slide caused a shortage of young men in town. Women were saddled with running businesses and ranches alone. Laura Bennett, owner of White Oaks ranch, sends for a mail order husband.
Max Winters lost the love of his life, Catherine, to another man, so he decides to answer Laura's ad. Since his true love was gone, he'd settle for a good partnership and a new life. He travels to Silverpines and is met with a beautiful bride and her adorable daughter, but also, many trials and setbacks. Will they overcome the tribulations and truly fall in love even after Catherine shows up as a widow?
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2018
212 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Goss
106 books70 followersAKA Barbara A. Masci & Barbara Masci-Goss
From Kindle Author Page:
Barbara Masci Goss is now just Barbara Goss. I live in Western New York State and have three grown sons, two step daughters and 10 grandchildren. I wrote my books in the early '90's and now that I'm retired I have obtained the book rights and am converting them to Kindle. That's exciting for me because I don't read paper books at all anymore. I have designed new covers with a new author name: Barbara Goss. My first two books "Captured Heart" and "Forbidden Legacy" went to a second printing in the mid '90's and the publisher added my name as Barbara Masci-Goss, but I now prefer to keep it short and sweet.
From Author Website:
I'm from Western New York, and I live with my husband and two cats, Mandy and Molly.
I wrote these books in the early 1990's in paperback. My publishers were Fleming Revell and Baker Book House.
Now, I have the rights and have put them out on E-Books so people can still enjoy them.
My goal in writing these books is to provide clean but still romantic and adventurous novels for all ages. I've always felt that we needed more clean, wholesome books. When I wrote these books there were but a handful of Christian romance writers. Now, thankfully there are more. My biggest influence in writing was Grace Livingston Hill. Enjoy.
From Kindle Author Page:
Barbara Masci Goss is now just Barbara Goss. I live in Western New York State and have three grown sons, two step daughters and 10 grandchildren. I wrote my books in the early '90's and now that I'm retired I have obtained the book rights and am converting them to Kindle. That's exciting for me because I don't read paper books at all anymore. I have designed new covers with a new author name: Barbara Goss. My first two books "Captured Heart" and "Forbidden Legacy" went to a second printing in the mid '90's and the publisher added my name as Barbara Masci-Goss, but I now prefer to keep it short and sweet.
From Author Website:
I'm from Western New York, and I live with my husband and two cats, Mandy and Molly.
I wrote these books in the early 1990's in paperback. My publishers were Fleming Revell and Baker Book House.
Now, I have the rights and have put them out on E-Books so people can still enjoy them.
My goal in writing these books is to provide clean but still romantic and adventurous novels for all ages. I've always felt that we needed more clean, wholesome books. When I wrote these books there were but a handful of Christian romance writers. Now, thankfully there are more. My biggest influence in writing was Grace Livingston Hill. Enjoy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 26, 2018
Loved this! Wanted: Horse Breeder is a nice romantic story about a lady, Laura Bennett. After losing her husband, she sends for a mail-order husband and along comes Max Winters, a man who's lost his love to another man, answers the ad. It's a sweet romantic story about their trials and tribulations, and one I very much enjoyed. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a nice, wholesome romantic period story. Well done! Loved both writing/story and narration :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 17, 2018
This was a reversal of a mail-order bride story. It was short, sweet and very enjoyable to listen to. The characters were well developed, likable and believable. The combination of a good western romance and a wonderful narration kept me finding reasons to listen longer. Goss and Holly are a great combination and they turned out a wonderful audio book!
April 1, 2018
Reviewed at Historically Romantic
Max didn’t have the greatest qualifications for the groom wanted ad that he answered. He was heartbroken since the woman he’d courted flipped him over for another man. He knew cattle and not a darn thing about horse breeding, but he figured it couldn’t be all that different. He was looking for escape and this option seemed like the best one he had – he had no clue what awaited him at the end of the trail.
Laura’s horse breeding ranch had fared better than the town of Silverpines in the recent earthquake and mudslides that took so many lives and destroyed property. Her husband had been killed in that event, some slight property damage but for the most part they would survive. She might have been more saddened by a man’s death if he hadn’t turned into a stranger after the first bloom of their marriage wore off. She’d mourn him but life was for the living, and right now she had a daughter to raise, a sister to care for and a ranch to run. She needed help and once again Elizabeth Tandy came to the rescue with her groom gazette for those of a matrimonial mind. At this point, Laura could only hope for the best and deal with what came her way. She wasn’t expecting love, and she certainly wasn’t expecting Max.
Wanted: Horse Breeder is an interesting romance of two strangers trying to build a life in the midst of turmoil for them each. Max and Laura fit well together, even though Max was far from the man he lead Laura to believe he was on paper. Although, it really was little Caro who stole my heart in this story. This couple has a lot to work through to find a happy balance in their new lives. There’s danger from many sources, rebuilding a business almost from scratch, learning to trust each other and dealing with the mistakes we so often make.
The town of Silverpines is filling out as we meet new townsfolk and many strangers in town – not all up to good. It’s enjoyable to watch this town and the series slowly build up again. I enjoyed this story. Laura and Max were interesting characters each had their strong and weak points but they make it work and find love along the way. We’ll meet a few folks from the first story and be introduced to some who may have stories yet to come. If you enjoy seeing a town be rebuilt, quite differently than it once was with interesting people and events happening all around then you’d enjoy this story and series. I’d recommend Wanted: Horse Breeder to any Western Historical Romance reader. I’m looking forward to what comes next.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Max didn’t have the greatest qualifications for the groom wanted ad that he answered. He was heartbroken since the woman he’d courted flipped him over for another man. He knew cattle and not a darn thing about horse breeding, but he figured it couldn’t be all that different. He was looking for escape and this option seemed like the best one he had – he had no clue what awaited him at the end of the trail.
Laura’s horse breeding ranch had fared better than the town of Silverpines in the recent earthquake and mudslides that took so many lives and destroyed property. Her husband had been killed in that event, some slight property damage but for the most part they would survive. She might have been more saddened by a man’s death if he hadn’t turned into a stranger after the first bloom of their marriage wore off. She’d mourn him but life was for the living, and right now she had a daughter to raise, a sister to care for and a ranch to run. She needed help and once again Elizabeth Tandy came to the rescue with her groom gazette for those of a matrimonial mind. At this point, Laura could only hope for the best and deal with what came her way. She wasn’t expecting love, and she certainly wasn’t expecting Max.
Wanted: Horse Breeder is an interesting romance of two strangers trying to build a life in the midst of turmoil for them each. Max and Laura fit well together, even though Max was far from the man he lead Laura to believe he was on paper. Although, it really was little Caro who stole my heart in this story. This couple has a lot to work through to find a happy balance in their new lives. There’s danger from many sources, rebuilding a business almost from scratch, learning to trust each other and dealing with the mistakes we so often make.
The town of Silverpines is filling out as we meet new townsfolk and many strangers in town – not all up to good. It’s enjoyable to watch this town and the series slowly build up again. I enjoyed this story. Laura and Max were interesting characters each had their strong and weak points but they make it work and find love along the way. We’ll meet a few folks from the first story and be introduced to some who may have stories yet to come. If you enjoy seeing a town be rebuilt, quite differently than it once was with interesting people and events happening all around then you’d enjoy this story and series. I’d recommend Wanted: Horse Breeder to any Western Historical Romance reader. I’m looking forward to what comes next.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
January 27, 2020
After 2 devastating earthquakes (in one day) damage the town and kill most of the men, the women decide to advertise for mail order husbands to try to rebuild the town.
Laura's husband ran a successful horse breeding operation but she needs help to keep it going. Her daughter has been terrified since the disaster and she hopes a new man around the house will be able to help them all.
Max wants a new start after being jilted by the woman he was courting. Silverpines looks like a good place. Horse breeding can't be that different from cattle right?
I liked Laura and Max's story. The author did a good job of making you see how both of them would deal with a new marriage. It was a clean, sweet romance.
The series reminds me of the When Calls the Heart Hallmark TV series that also had a mine disaster.
I didn't read the first book in the series. It seemed to take place before the earthquakes so I started with this one instead. Looking forward to reading more in this series and seeing the town get built back up and hopefully a few hearts mended too.
Laura's husband ran a successful horse breeding operation but she needs help to keep it going. Her daughter has been terrified since the disaster and she hopes a new man around the house will be able to help them all.
Max wants a new start after being jilted by the woman he was courting. Silverpines looks like a good place. Horse breeding can't be that different from cattle right?
I liked Laura and Max's story. The author did a good job of making you see how both of them would deal with a new marriage. It was a clean, sweet romance.
The series reminds me of the When Calls the Heart Hallmark TV series that also had a mine disaster.
I didn't read the first book in the series. It seemed to take place before the earthquakes so I started with this one instead. Looking forward to reading more in this series and seeing the town get built back up and hopefully a few hearts mended too.
January 23, 2022
5 stars
I listened to this n audio and the lady that read it did a wonderful job. Changing her voice to the characters and mood. She has a pleasant voice but not one that puts you to sleep. Very good job.
The storyline is a wonderful one I would give it more than five stars if I could. A mixture of rebuilding lives from a natural disaster, running away cause the one you loved married someone else. Pretending to be someone your not. Robbers, fire, rodeo. Friendships and love. One learning to come to the Lord and be Baptized. Adoption. Learning to live like the Lord wanted you to… which ends in learning to love.
This does have references to the marriage bed, consummating the marriage etc. So I’m not sure it would be suitable to a preteen advanced reading child. If they understand what that is then this book would be great for them, but if they don’t understand I wouldn’t let them read this.
But for everyone else this is a wonderfully written story. Even though it’s book two you don’t have to read book one to understand this. As I hadn’t read book one and still loved this.
I listened to this n audio and the lady that read it did a wonderful job. Changing her voice to the characters and mood. She has a pleasant voice but not one that puts you to sleep. Very good job.
The storyline is a wonderful one I would give it more than five stars if I could. A mixture of rebuilding lives from a natural disaster, running away cause the one you loved married someone else. Pretending to be someone your not. Robbers, fire, rodeo. Friendships and love. One learning to come to the Lord and be Baptized. Adoption. Learning to live like the Lord wanted you to… which ends in learning to love.
This does have references to the marriage bed, consummating the marriage etc. So I’m not sure it would be suitable to a preteen advanced reading child. If they understand what that is then this book would be great for them, but if they don’t understand I wouldn’t let them read this.
But for everyone else this is a wonderfully written story. Even though it’s book two you don’t have to read book one to understand this. As I hadn’t read book one and still loved this.
June 6, 2018
Wolverines series
Loved reading this book a must read if you like sweet romance stories. I like this series of Silverpines after the disaster of the earthquake and the mine collapse people are trying to rebuild there life and their town. Laura has a young daughter to look after and needs help to run her ranch business and needs a horse breeder and so advertisers and Max shows up although not fully qualified for the job. He instantly finds Laura attractive and bonds quickly with Caro Laura's daughters together they build a new life together but unfortunately there are of course a few problems along the way I love the characters and Caro lis such a sweetie Max can't help but love her too. It also impressed me because it showed a man taking on somebody else's child and how he grew to love her as his own.
Loved reading this book a must read if you like sweet romance stories. I like this series of Silverpines after the disaster of the earthquake and the mine collapse people are trying to rebuild there life and their town. Laura has a young daughter to look after and needs help to run her ranch business and needs a horse breeder and so advertisers and Max shows up although not fully qualified for the job. He instantly finds Laura attractive and bonds quickly with Caro Laura's daughters together they build a new life together but unfortunately there are of course a few problems along the way I love the characters and Caro lis such a sweetie Max can't help but love her too. It also impressed me because it showed a man taking on somebody else's child and how he grew to love her as his own.
September 19, 2018
Welcome to Oregon!
In the wake of an earthquake which devastated the town and killed the majority of the town's men in a series of disasters, women are left widowed and on their own. The dulcet tones of narrator Courtney Holly bring our characters to life as Laura, not quite grieving her childhood friend/late husband who had become almost a stranger, copes with trying to run a horse ranch and breeding operation for which she has few skills and no training. One solution? A Mail Order Groom! The expected hindrances to true love manifest, although not always in the expected manner, as flim-flam artists and con men try to take advantage of the chaos in the recovering town. Author Barbara Goss manages complex plots while presenting plausible people behaving believably; her tales are consistently entertaining.
In the wake of an earthquake which devastated the town and killed the majority of the town's men in a series of disasters, women are left widowed and on their own. The dulcet tones of narrator Courtney Holly bring our characters to life as Laura, not quite grieving her childhood friend/late husband who had become almost a stranger, copes with trying to run a horse ranch and breeding operation for which she has few skills and no training. One solution? A Mail Order Groom! The expected hindrances to true love manifest, although not always in the expected manner, as flim-flam artists and con men try to take advantage of the chaos in the recovering town. Author Barbara Goss manages complex plots while presenting plausible people behaving believably; her tales are consistently entertaining.
July 8, 2018
Laura lost her husband in the Earthquake in Silvepines. Max was ready to move on from home. Laura with the help of Dawn wrote a letter for a mail order groom to help with her horse ranch, She needed a Christian Horse Breeder. Her 4 year old daughter was clingy and she did not want to let her mother out of her sight.
Max wrote to Laura who agreed to marry him. He was no horse breeder nor a Christian,but he would do in his mind. Laura when finding out still married him . They went through so much together while he was learning how to breed and sell horses for their future.
This was a wonderful addition to the Silverpines stories. I have not read them in order, but they are all fantastic alone and as the series
Max wrote to Laura who agreed to marry him. He was no horse breeder nor a Christian,but he would do in his mind. Laura when finding out still married him . They went through so much together while he was learning how to breed and sell horses for their future.
This was a wonderful addition to the Silverpines stories. I have not read them in order, but they are all fantastic alone and as the series
October 3, 2018
(Smile) loved this story and loved the narration!
What is clearly shown is that it is human to err and that we are not at all perfect, but, having messed up, if one takes responsibility for our deeds or lack of them, then life and love can adjust for the betterment of all concerned.
This is what both Laura and Max had to find out and they quickly learned from their mistakes. I loved their faith, honesty and beliefs.
Also, you can't help but love Laura's 4-year o,d daughter. She is just sooo very cute.
Altogether, a beautiful, clean western romance with a happily every after and tI am happy to recommend it.
I listened to the audiobook version and my review above is unbiased and given voluntarily.
What is clearly shown is that it is human to err and that we are not at all perfect, but, having messed up, if one takes responsibility for our deeds or lack of them, then life and love can adjust for the betterment of all concerned.
This is what both Laura and Max had to find out and they quickly learned from their mistakes. I loved their faith, honesty and beliefs.
Also, you can't help but love Laura's 4-year o,d daughter. She is just sooo very cute.
Altogether, a beautiful, clean western romance with a happily every after and tI am happy to recommend it.
I listened to the audiobook version and my review above is unbiased and given voluntarily.
March 26, 2018
Wanted Horsebreeder
As of most man also Laura lost her husband during the earthquake. Now she was alone and didn’t know what to do with the horse breeding farm.
Max was in love with a woman who jilted him and married someone else.
Laura put on an ad for a horse breeding churchgoing man but Max wasn’t either, he just wanted a new life.
They had to go through some trouble. With the help of a sister, little daughter and friends they got their HEA.
This book was a lot of fun to read, lovely characters, some suspension and a lot of love.
I got this book from the author for an honest review.
As of most man also Laura lost her husband during the earthquake. Now she was alone and didn’t know what to do with the horse breeding farm.
Max was in love with a woman who jilted him and married someone else.
Laura put on an ad for a horse breeding churchgoing man but Max wasn’t either, he just wanted a new life.
They had to go through some trouble. With the help of a sister, little daughter and friends they got their HEA.
This book was a lot of fun to read, lovely characters, some suspension and a lot of love.
I got this book from the author for an honest review.
December 13, 2022
Laura and Max
Laura had to remarry to save the ranch. She also has her young daughter to think of, Caroline who goes by Caro.
Max needs to get out his hometown as his lady love, Catherine, suddenly married another man. When Max sees Laura, he thinks to himself “Catherine who?”
**spoiler alert**
I did get irritated with Max now and then. He needed to communicate more with Laura. Especially regarding his interactions with the saloon woman. And when he found out Catherine was available…he actually considered her once again? After pledging his love to Laura and adopting Caro? Not good, Max…
Otherwise, a very good story with lots of twists and turns.
Laura had to remarry to save the ranch. She also has her young daughter to think of, Caroline who goes by Caro.
Max needs to get out his hometown as his lady love, Catherine, suddenly married another man. When Max sees Laura, he thinks to himself “Catherine who?”
**spoiler alert**
I did get irritated with Max now and then. He needed to communicate more with Laura. Especially regarding his interactions with the saloon woman. And when he found out Catherine was available…he actually considered her once again? After pledging his love to Laura and adopting Caro? Not good, Max…
Otherwise, a very good story with lots of twists and turns.
March 23, 2018
This book is another must read by the incredibly talented Barbara Goss. Laura Bennett lost her husband and is now on the verge of losing everything. When Max Winters answered her ad even though he's not exactly what she's looking for, will it be a recipe for disaster or the ray of hope she is seeking? This story is happy, sad, surprising, heartwarming and so much more! I loved reading a sweet love story with some additional surprises thrown in and I can't wait to read more in the Silverpines series now.
September 4, 2020
Wanted Horse Breeder
Laura had lost her husband when the mine collapsed in the earthquake and her four year daughter needed a father figure. Max was not content to stay on his father's ranch so he answered the ad Laura put in the paper. Jake arrives after the fire that destroyed the barn and some horses with Maxes inheritance and they can now rebuild the barn only better. This was a great read on love, perseverance and intrigue. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Laura had lost her husband when the mine collapsed in the earthquake and her four year daughter needed a father figure. Max was not content to stay on his father's ranch so he answered the ad Laura put in the paper. Jake arrives after the fire that destroyed the barn and some horses with Maxes inheritance and they can now rebuild the barn only better. This was a great read on love, perseverance and intrigue. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
December 16, 2021
actually listened to the second book in this series before this book. While they are both stand alone this book takes place chronologically before the other book with some of the same characters so I recommend reading this one first. I really liked the narrator for this book. She had a very pleasant voice. It made the book even more enjoyable. I liked that the main character was looking for someone to take care of herself and her child. She didn’t think she would find love so quickly. There are several challenges this unlikely couple must face all while trying to get to know one another.
May 30, 2018
Loved it.
Anything Barbara Goss writes is worth reading. I love her stories. Max is a really sweet guy. I loved getting to know him. Caro is the sweetest little girl. Dawn is very nice too. Laura was the exact type of woman for Max. All the twists and turns that keep happening make this an excellent story. You are going to love it!
Anything Barbara Goss writes is worth reading. I love her stories. Max is a really sweet guy. I loved getting to know him. Caro is the sweetest little girl. Dawn is very nice too. Laura was the exact type of woman for Max. All the twists and turns that keep happening make this an excellent story. You are going to love it!
July 23, 2018
Wanted: Horse Breeder (Silverpines #2) was a great read by Barbara Goss. Due to an earthquake in April 1899, there was a mine cave-in that caused many deaths and injuries. Laura is looking for a husband who can also breed horses. Max is looking to leave his hometown and finds the perfect solution with Laura. I cant wait to read more by Barbara Goss.
September 7, 2019
I loved this sweet, clean romance! This is the first book I have read/listened to by this author and I will be getting more of her work. She has such a nice way of putting the story together and making you feel what the characters felt. Not just romance but suspense too.
The narrator did an excellent job! I really enjoyed her timing and clear annunciation. One of the best I've heard!
The narrator did an excellent job! I really enjoyed her timing and clear annunciation. One of the best I've heard!
July 3, 2021
I received this audiobook for free from the author and in exchange leave my honest review.
This was a short story but had a lot of action. The characters were interesting and we learned a little about raising horses.
If you like clean historical fiction I believe you’d like this book.
The narrator was easy to listen to and did well with the different characters.
This was a short story but had a lot of action. The characters were interesting and we learned a little about raising horses.
If you like clean historical fiction I believe you’d like this book.
The narrator was easy to listen to and did well with the different characters.
March 27, 2018
Loved this book
I loved this book The author , Barbara Goss, brings her character to life and you feel like you know them personally. I am looking forward to her next book in the series and to the 3 rd book in the series Wanted Gunsmith by Lynn Donovan
I loved this book The author , Barbara Goss, brings her character to life and you feel like you know them personally. I am looking forward to her next book in the series and to the 3 rd book in the series Wanted Gunsmith by Lynn Donovan
March 28, 2018
Wonderful Cast of Characters
The characters who populate this book are very human and the reader can easily relate to them. I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read books with realistic chacters.
The characters who populate this book are very human and the reader can easily relate to them. I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read books with realistic chacters.
May 28, 2018
What a great read. I loved the story and characters in this book. The way the story unfolded was good. In the end I thought, hmmm odd, and then was shocked. I am looking forward to reading the next in this series!
June 10, 2018
Great read
I really enjoyed this book! You never knew what was going to happen next! Their horses were stolen and their money stolen their barn burnedd down but thru it all they loved one another! I highly recommend this book!
I really enjoyed this book! You never knew what was going to happen next! Their horses were stolen and their money stolen their barn burnedd down but thru it all they loved one another! I highly recommend this book!
March 31, 2019
Hearts bound
Can a lie be overcome? If Max tells Laura the truth will she want to stay married?
Follow along on this adventure with strong characters and good storyline with a ending you'll love.
Can a lie be overcome? If Max tells Laura the truth will she want to stay married?
Follow along on this adventure with strong characters and good storyline with a ending you'll love.
September 15, 2019
Nice Series
This is the 2nd story in the Silverpines series. We find out about Laura, a widow and her Mail Order husband, Max. There are ups and of without excessive drama. It's a nice western historical romance series written by different authors.
This is the 2nd story in the Silverpines series. We find out about Laura, a widow and her Mail Order husband, Max. There are ups and of without excessive drama. It's a nice western historical romance series written by different authors.
March 19, 2020
I loved this second story in the Silverpines series.
This is really a wonderful and inspiring story to read and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It has all that one wants in a good historical western and more.
Wonderful characters and wonderful scenario
I highly recommend this wonderful story.
This is really a wonderful and inspiring story to read and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It has all that one wants in a good historical western and more.
Wonderful characters and wonderful scenario
I highly recommend this wonderful story.
March 28, 2018
Good book
This is the second book in the series and I am enjoying reading about the people of Silverpines. I love Western reads and highly recommend this series.
This is the second book in the series and I am enjoying reading about the people of Silverpines. I love Western reads and highly recommend this series.
April 5, 2018
What a wonderful book. Max and Laura's story had action, adventure, misunderstandings and, of course, love. So far I have loved all of the Silverpines books and am anxiously awaiting the next book.
April 6, 2018
Good read!
Really liked this book. Silverpines is the new series to watch for. The story of Laura and Max was oh so good and throwing little Caro into made it even better!!
Really liked this book. Silverpines is the new series to watch for. The story of Laura and Max was oh so good and throwing little Caro into made it even better!!
April 10, 2018
Good story, though the writing is not that great.
April 22, 2018
Great read
This series is such a different take on the mail order bride. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest.
This series is such a different take on the mail order bride. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews