Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Silverpines #4

Wanted: Shopkeeper

Rate this book
Silverpines, Oregon
1899

Millie Messer is exhausted and overwhelmed with raising her children and running the mercantile after the death of her husband in the earthquakes that devastated Silverpines. She does what many of the young widows and daughters are doing: Advertise for a Mail Order Husband. She thinks she’s found the perfect man to become her helpmate and new father for her four children.

Clay Cutler as a secret, two actually. One will be revealed when he steps off the train in Silverpines. He only hopes Millie doesn’t renege on marrying him when she finds out. The other he’ll keep to himself until it’s necessary to reveal it.

Millie is shocked when not only Clay steps off the train but five children with him. All she wanted was a shopkeeper. Now there are nine children in the family. All she knows is that there are lots of meals to cook and laundry to do. That and the outlaws, conmen, and swindlers who’ve come to town. Plus, she knows he’s keeping something from her.

Will a new husband and nine children be too much for Millie? Will Clay’s secret keep her from trusting him? Will it help protect the town from those who want to cause harm? What mischief can nine children get into? Is Clay the Wanted: Shopkeeper who will heal Millie’s broken heart?

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2018

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Sophie Dawson

40 books14 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
219 (69%)
4 stars
71 (22%)
3 stars
24 (7%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Jeffrey.
381 reviews25 followers
April 23, 2018
It’s 1899 in the small Oregon town of Silver pines and widow Millie Messer struggles to salvage and repair her damaged mercantile store while raising four children. An earthquake and subsequent mudslide has tragically killed most of the men in the community. What’s there to do but advertise, in desperation, for a mail-order husband? Clay Cutler answers Millie’s ad for that mail-order husband. He shows up at the train depot with five children in tow, much to Millie’s shock. That’s not all he’s hiding from her. He has a secret he is afraid to reveal to her until perhaps she can come to trust him. Now with nine children to care for, her trust-factor is razor thin already. Meanwhile, con-men and menacing types roam the town taking advantage of the widows who struggle with life. Can Clay’s secret ability help the town’s sheriff deal with the sleazy predators bent on taking what’s left? Will a marriage of convenience and necessity evolve into something much more significant? The children prove to be charming and, in spite of their parent’s differences, adapt quickly to each other. As is the author’s style, the story and plot builds with intensity while the two families attempt to become a cohesive and loving unit together. This review offered in lieu of an advanced reader’s copy.
Profile Image for Cindy Boylan.
11 reviews
April 23, 2018
Sweet story of the loss and healing journey in two families. Millie is so overburdened caring for her brood of four young children, run her late husband's store, and grieve all at the same time. Her future husband, Clay steps off the train with (surprise!) his five children. What comes next is a masterful story of mischief and love, and a nasty man threatening the very lives of their blended family.
This is one of my favorite books ever, and will reread it several times. I enjoyed the kids' antics as I'm a mom of six myself, and the descriptions of "the Calling".
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
February 3, 2019
Reviewed at Historically Romantic

“Wanted: Shopkeeper” is the fourth story in the ‘Silverpines’ multi-author series. As the dust is beginning to settle over the survivors of this small, devastated town so are the con men, crooks and those who prey on the weak beginning to show themselves. Millie’s desperate act of writing for a mail-order husband has her nervous yet hopeful that she’s made the right decision. From their letters, Clay seems the perfect man for the help she desperately needs not only in the mercantile but with her young family as well. She received a bit of a shock when not only Clay stepped off of the train but five children of varying ages as well. This was definitely not what Millie was expecting the answer to her prayers to look like, at all.

Clay knew he was taking a huge risk by leaving out certain facts from his correspondence with Millie. He never lied, he just didn’t tell her everything. He strongly believes that he has been lead to Millie and her family, to this small town… and he’s not about to back down on that belief. Hoping that Millie will still accept him as her husband Clay sets out to prove his worth to one weary, mentally and physically exhausted woman who is quickly winning his heart.

I enjoyed “Wanted: Shopkeeper” very much. Not only is it an entertaining story but gave me more than a few smiles at the mention and connections of characters I know from other series. I happen to love connections so these caught my attention very quickly. If you enjoy a good, clean Western Historical Romance that grabs your attention from the opening pages then you’ll love not only this story but this entire series. Clay and Millie work very well together, the meshing of their two families is not flawless but is believable. The villain is truly vile and it won’t take much effort to loathe him on sight. I had fun with this story, and that’s the whole point. I’d not hesitate to recommend “Wanted: Shopkeeper”.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
779 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2018
I love Sophie Dawson's books. Her writing style never disappoints me. Millie Messer and her 4 young children are working hard to keep it together after the devastating earthquakes that ravaged the town of Silverpines. Most of the men in town were lost in the initial earthquake and many more in it's aftermath. Millie takes care of her children and runs the towns general store. Women in town have decided they can't do this all on their own and began advertising for Mail Order Husbands. The town has become overrun with riffraff, swindlers trying to take advantage of what they consider easy targets. They are in for a surprise. These women don't give up easily!
Clay Cuttler writes Millie and they agree to terms. He is also a widower. The part he doesn't tell Millie is he has 5 children of his own! They talk and the children begin to form a kinship almost immediately. There is another secret Clay is harboring that will come to light as the story progresses.
Will going from 4 children to 9 devastate Millie and drive her away from Clay? Going from a family of 5 to one of 11 surely must have its ups and downs.. Are Millie and Clay up to the task? There is one sure way to find out. This book is loving, funny, has some adventure and a little bit of intrigue! Underneath it all are Millie and Clay's devotion to love and family. I love the ties the Authors have made to past series they have written. It gives a lot of depth to this exciting era of our history.
I received and ARC of this book for review and the opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Sheryl Robert.
230 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2018
Her husband died in the earthquake with most of the other men of the town. there are con-men in town,so she decided to look for a husband to help her run the mercantile. She has 4 children. The one that answered her ad is used to running a store where he came from and he seemed like the perfect answer. He told her he would sell his shares in the store and get the tickets to come out to her.
When he got off the train, he had Five children ranging in age of 2 years and up. Oh My!
read how they deal with it and the con-men who tried to get her business. I liked the story very much. Sophie Dawson is a wonderful writer, she kept me reading this in the wee hours of the morning.
23 reviews
June 12, 2018
Love for the shopkeepers

I enjoyed this book very much! Millie's husband died in the mine collapse and she needs help running the shop. Clay answers her letter for a mail order groom. What he didnt tell her was that he had 5 kids. She soon finds out when they all get off the train. She is shocked and confused, Clay also has a calling and he doesnt tell Millie. She soon realizes he knows when something is going to happen before it does. He saves them from a fire and other things that happen. They combine the 2 families together and are very happy together. They fight all the odds to manage to keep their shop going and their children happy. I highly recommend this book!
871 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2020
Recently widowed, poor Millie is struggling. There's never enough time in the day to run the Mercantile and care for her 4 children. She's desperate for help so she places an ad for a husband. Clay seems like the perfect match. Meeting his train is a shock, however, when he arrives with his FIVE children in tow. That he never told her about.
Can they possibly make a marriage with 9 children work? Will they be able to stop the threats against the family?
I thought this clean, sweet romance was cute. It did have a too much of "his calling" for me, similar to other books by this author. There's a tie in to Nugget Nate Ryder, hence the "calling".
Profile Image for ReadingWench.
2,108 reviews13 followers
June 14, 2018
How many times had this story line happened in the old west? I love that this author conquered this topic. The ups and downs of family life was tackled realistically. The struggles of a husband and wife not really knowing each other and the kids just add more stress on top of it. Each story in this series is fantastic. I love that it interacts with characters from other stories without losing their personalities. I also loved that there were "callings". I heard them called a few things. Some people shy from what they are. I am glad this author embraced them in her characters.
1,296 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2018
Loved it💕

Millie lives in Silverpines. A town devastated by the destruction from an earthquake and mudslide. She has lost her husband and is in desperate need of help. Clay comes to town with his 5 children unbeknownst to Millie. I love how the thoughts and actions of the children were included in the story. The way they came up with what the children should call them. Clay"s Calling was a special touch to the book.
697 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2018
Well-written sweet story

Sophie Dawson has done it again! Wanted: Shopkeeper is a wonderful story of Millie, a young mother of 4 children who is left widowed by the second earthquake. Desperate, she sends for a mail order groom to help her run the mercantile. Clay, a widower, arrives to be her groom. One problem however, he hasn't told Millie that he has 5 children of his own.
2,343 reviews82 followers
April 7, 2018
I loved this book.  It references several characters I've already read about, but it's not necessary to have read them, to enjoy this book or this series! Sophie does a marvelous job, especially with the children's antics, both in their desire to help and their need for independence and freedom to be kids!
Profile Image for Patti Brennan.
269 reviews
April 24, 2018
Excellent

I really enjoyed reading this two people both grieving with large families. One overwhelmed by the recent tragedy in Silverpines advertises for a shopkeeper and gets much more than she ever dreamed of getting. Strong faith in God and a great plot make this worthy of five stars . Looking forward to the next Silverpines book 5
Profile Image for John George.
2 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2018
Another great Silverpines love story.

When the owner of the town mercantile is killed in a mine disaster, his wife is left with four young children and a store to run! I'm desperation she advertises for a husband to save her! The man she chooses shows up with 5 more children and a mysterious "Calling"! Can she learn to love him and his children? Find out!
76 reviews
April 24, 2018
Beautiful story

This beautiful story is about how God's plan may not be what we expect. His plan, however, will be what we need and didn't know to ask for! Anyone who is looking for a story with love and an interesting plot will enjoy this one! Thanks, Sophie, for another little gem!!
Profile Image for Nethanja.
871 reviews11 followers
April 25, 2018
Millie, who has four children got a big surprise when Clay, her mail order groom shows up with five children?
Will they ever be a really happy family? They have to overcome some fun but also dangerous challenges before they can manage that.
I really loved this new story in this series. Fun characters, the parents and children. A story about love and faith, in each other and God.
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 5 books28 followers
September 23, 2018
Fun Romance Full of Children

What a fun Christian romance about a blended family with nine children. The work and fatigue involved was not sugarcoat, but there were some humorous scenes as well as challenges. I loved how the eight year old boys solved the problem of a shortage of chewing tobacco in the mercantile. Sweet ending.
Profile Image for Debra.
441 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2018
Sweet story about finding help when desperately needed and finding love after tragic loss of two people. Sophie Dawson does it again with a wonderful and heartfelt story set in Silverpines after a devastating earthquake in the 1800s.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
862 reviews
April 26, 2018
Delightful

A delightful story with a little bit of paranormal and lots of love for family and God. One thing that jumped out at me and made me laugh was the box of cornflakes on the breakfast table.
2,661 reviews17 followers
May 15, 2018
Wanted: Shopkeeper

I have already read books, #1-2 & 3 in the series and each is special, adventurous and just good fun. Book #4 is not a let down. It is also a very good read and you will enjoy it very much too.
457 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2018
What a way to start out!

She needs help with the shop. 4 kids and no time to rest after losing her husband in a devastating 2 day disaster. Time to let go of grieving and move on to find help in a husband. Wait till you see what she gets in a husband. Loved it.
32 reviews
June 26, 2018
Fantastic Storyline

I really enjoyed reading this book. The extra twist of the callings really added something to it. I felt super in tune with the characters - felt their heartbreak and their triumphs. Loved it <3
1,323 reviews23 followers
July 11, 2018
This was such a good book as I was so surprised at the beginning ! I love the way Sophie writes as her books as so good and the story is one that flows so good. I fell in love with the characters also which is always a plus. Sophie hit a home run with this book.
219 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2018
This is the 4th book in the Silverpines series and my favourite to date! Probably because I love children and this book is "swarming" with them. Also loved all the references to "Nugget Nate" and "The Preacher" some of my favourite characters from author George McVey. Loved it!!
Profile Image for Ginny Sterling.
Author 477 books755 followers
December 17, 2018
Awesome!

When I first read that there were nine children in the family, I expected bickering and was pleasantly surprised at how beautifully the blended family got along. Wonderful characters... and that epilogue- the best! Loved it!
28 reviews
July 4, 2019
I enjoyed your book.

I just admit that the thought of NINE children gives me the shivers! Gene Autry?? Really? Orvon😀 married INA May Spivey. Seriously, that was his real name. Since he is real, was Nugget Nate?
Profile Image for Babs Wenk.
1,091 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2019
Clay and Millie

Clay answers an ad for a storekeeper mail order bride. With a blended family there will be nine children between them! He decides to wait to tell Millie that until he gets there after moving! - Babs
1,956 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2020
Wanted Shopkeeper

This is another great book in this series, all the ones I have read have led me to keep reading each one as they come. The suspense and love seem to make each one that much better than the last. Great book. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Profile Image for Judy.
1,846 reviews13 followers
December 14, 2022
New to me author ☺️

I enjoyed Millie and Clay’s story. Nine kids! They made it work, even with the trials of the wicked Mr Ternbell. The Calling thing was a bit strange, but I did love how their focus was on the Lord and each other and not on their trials.
Profile Image for Catherine.
218 reviews
April 24, 2018
AWESOME

Oh my goodness what a wonderful story! I couldn't out it down. I hope we get stories if the children as they grow lol that right there is a 10 + book series!
2,834 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2018
Sweet romance

Ms. Dawson has written a beautiful story of a man and woman coming together after each facing their own personal tragedies. Beautifully done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews