Mail Order Soulmate

Veils and Vows #6

by Jean Oram

Something borrowed, something (baby) blue…

Zach, a former international agent, orders everything from socks to groceries online. Including—after a spontaneous click of his mouse—his new bride. But when Catherine arrives on his step with a baby in her arms and a scared look in her eyes he's not sure if it's the situation or her past causing the fear. All he knows is that he's the man who can protect this small family.

Catherine needs to hide and she figures she's found her safe haven with Zach, a rugged, handsome man in charge of his own private security business. But will it become more than just shelter as the two build a home and life together? Or will the past come knocking and spoil everything they've strived to create?

Find out in the sixth irresistible book in the Veils and Vows series by New York Times bestselling romance author Jean Oram. Mail Order Soulmate can be read out of series order and as a standalone so dive in today and get swept away by their unexpected love in this sweet, feel-good, tingle-a-licious romance!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Love Story, Amazon

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2018

About the author

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Jean Oram grew up in an old schoolhouse in a Canadian town, population 100 (cats and dogs not included). She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author of feel-good, heartwarming romances that make readers smile.

Jean lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, cat, dog, and the pesky neighbourhood rabbits that hop through her garden like it's an open salad bar. She can often be found outdoors or reading a book. (And of course at her laptop writing your next irresistible read!)

Subscribe to Jean's newsletter and get a taste of her small town comedies that will have you laughing while falling in love: www.JeanOram.com/signup

--> Shop direct from the author at shop.jeanoram.com!

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully sweet story. Zach and Catherine come from completely different backgrounds but they are meant to be together. From the moment Catherine enters Zach's life, carrying her baby boy, Zach's life starts to make sense. I love how tender and thoughtful Zach is to Catherine and Xavier and how quickly he bonds with the baby. This story has lots of emotions, there is suspense and a few fun twists along the way. It is always a delight to visit Blueberry Springs, this small town is full of interesting characters, and I enjoyed Zach finally meeting his mate without Ginger's help.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much talking about parties. Would have preferred more interaction between main couple.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of A Sweet Romance Christmas Collection.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Email order bride with a baby

Catherine is on the run from something and she finds a profile for Zach on an email order bride website recommended to her. He lives in a small town and she thinks she can disappear there with her baby Xavier.

This is a sweet book because even though these two have secrets from each other, it doesn’t prevent them from recognizing they are both good people. Zach immediately takes care of Xavier as his own and doesn’t push Catherine into anything. Catherine is full of gratitude both to Zach and the people of the small, welcoming town.

There’s buffing romance, a little subterfuge, a lot of people in other people’s business - in other words a good book to read.

[VIRGA A. CRAWFORD · Rating 1 out of 5]

NO ONE TO PROOFREAD HUH??

It started out ok, but somewhere along the way I lost interest. The people in town were too pushy and it didn’t make any sense as to how they knew about Catherine so quickly when she had just arrived! The Author didn’t bother to shed any light on that for us. It seems that Zach and Catherine just let them plan parties, receptions and weddings and didn’t let them know they weren’t interested. The book could’ve been written better without the grammatical errors...”Zach thought he saw seen someone approaching “...really?? Please be sure that your proofreaders knows how to use the proper words before publishing!!!

[ocandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to follow

At times this storyline was hard to follow, a few too many characters and a little far fetched at certain times and places along the journey.

[Kathy Tozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mail Order Soulmate
Veils and Vows Book 6
Jean Oram

Finally, the book I have been not so patiently waiting for. Zach Forrester, handsome former agent sort of a James Bond type of man and private security partner with the yummy Aussie Logan Stone from a previous book.
Zach is lonely and having a hard time settling into civilian life after so many years in the service. He spends many nights on line purchasing anything he can get that looks interesting. One night he purchases a bride! Although he can't exactly remember until a knock on his door reveals a beautiful woman and an adorable little baby. WOWSERS! What did he do?
Zach is looking for something to complete his life and maybe stop the loneliness.
Catherine is on the run and looking for a safe place to hide for her and her son, when she comes across a website for on line brides. A few clicks and some emails later she finds herself on Zach's doorstep.
Neither of them know each others past history or much about each other's lives but hey, time for new beginnings right?
Follow along and fall in love with this loving couple who are trying to make a life together.
I don't like to give any spoilers so I will stop right now but let me just say that each and every book by this Author will leave you more in love each time.
You know when you find that special Author that you just can't get enough of? Well that is Jean Oram for me!
All the books in this series along with others can be read as stand alone but they all have ties to each other. You will find all the characters pop into each book from others.
Her series include:
Veils and Vows
Indigo Bay
Blueberry Springs
Summer Sisters
I am (again) not so patiently awaiting more from her.
Give her a try, you won't be disappointed.
I give her 2 Thumbs up and 10 Stars!
Mail Order Soulmate

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an early copy of this book and I'm so very glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story of Zach and Catherine was very intriguing. The idea of there still being mail order brides in this day and time is fascinating (yes, some googling happened).

This story is located in the mountain town of Blueberry Springs. Zach is an ex international agent who is trying to settle into civilian life. He has a tendency to order everything online, this includes, to his surprise, a new wife and built in family that includes her 2 month old son. Catherine is on the run from her past. She discovers Zach online and marries him as a way to hide. Fast forward and she's now standing on his front porch meeting her new husband.

This story is filled with excitement and they grow to love each other while finding the balance of sharing their lives with a stranger and learning to trust each other. Throw in some danger and protection and you've got the perfect recipe for a great story. Trying to discover each other without being overwhelmed by the welcoming town brings some great laughs.

This is a great book to read while curled up next to the fire with some cocoa. (Yes, that's actually how I read this book). Get this book and settle in for an exciting time. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go have a second read through.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story by the amazingly talented Jean Oram. I've been rooting for Zach to find his HEA since he was first introduced. Being a unique guy, he had to go about it in a truly unique manner. After threatening to order a bride online, it seems he did just that. Or did he? Things aren't always what they seem and Catherine is hiding some pretty big secrets. I loved watching Zach fall for Xavier as much as he did for Catherine. They always say to watch out for the quiet ones and Zach is no exception. He has a big heart and falls hard. Catherine is determined to guard her heart but she can't help but fall in love with Zach. And Blueberry Springs.

I laughed at the scene where they tried putting in the car seat for the first time. It brought back memories of wrestling with one.

I do have one major complaint about this story: It is the last book in the series. I hate for the series to end. I hope we continue to see more of these characters as Jean Oram writes more stories set in Blueberry Springs.

I loved catching up with old friends and seeing what was new in Blueberry Springs. It is a wonderful town with wonderful people. Somewhere I would love to live.

I urge you to read the entire Veils and Vows series. It is awesome.

[Jane Drager · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual story about running and hiding, about fear and trust. I won't giveaway any of the plot so you'll have to read it for yourself. No sex or foul language. Happily ever after ending. Enjoyable read.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mail Order Soulmate" (Veils and Vows Book 6) by Jean Oram is a fantastic read. I loved Zach and Catherine's story! This is a wonderful addition to the Veils and Vows series as well as The Blueberry Springs series. This story is packed with entertaining and interesting characters, twists and turns, romance, humor, close friends, small-town life, and more. I can not wait to see what happens next with these series. Highly recommend to all fans of romance, small-town life, and series.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another awesome story by this author! Well written this story has it all from suspense and action to romance and humour as well as some twists and turns along the way! I was hooked by the first page and fell in love Catherine and Zach, keeping my fingers crossed that they would share their secrets and get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kara Snowball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite Romance books I’ve read for a while. It was so sweet to see how Catherine and Zach grew to trust each other. The writing was really well done and it is great to see updates of past characters of Jean’s that you know and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D Call · Rating 2 out of 5]

Find another book

MY RATING SYSTEM
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful

Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no

SUMMARY
Zach isn't adapting to civilian life, does too much online shopping. He's opening boxes from his latest binge, when he'd gotten a little drunk, when there's another knock. He wonders what else he ordered. A wife, apparently.

Catherine has been on the run since her sweetheart's fatal accident. Simon didn't get to know he was going to be a father. After Xavier was born, she felt watched, so finally got on the website, Email Brides and Grooms, to find the man her friend had recommended who would keep her safe.

EVALUATION
Too little dialog, too much thinking. I didn't get attached to either character. The suspense was poorly built, the reason the villain shows up was lousy, the fight was good, but then the solution was lousy, too.

RECOMMENDATION
Don't read this.

FAVORITE QUOTES
She was smiling pleasantly enough, but it was clear—this woman and her sister were the alpha females in town. Possibly even the alpha everything, bears included.

“Let’s vow to not care what others think, and keep this marriage about what really matters. Let’s keep it about what works for us, about what we want and need it to be. That’s the only way we’re going to be happy.”

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: kisses only
Language: 0 F words, 0 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: break ins in the area, fight with knife and gun

[Jo-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic suspense is my favourite genre. And Mail Order Soulmate has become one of the top books in this category for me.

Zach had a hard time settling into civilian life after leaving his job as an international agent. Opening a security business with a friend with the same training helped him adjust to "normal" life. Unfortunately, he had a habit of making a lot of purchases online. He bought so many things that there were times he couldn't remember what they were. One of those things was a bride! Even when she showed up at his door, he didn't remember getting married online or that she was coming all the way from the U.K. Catherine wanted to get away from her British crime family so marrying someone on the other side of the world was the perfect escape.

I loved Zach. He was a wonderful patient man. He never pushed Catherine into more than she was ready for. And he was so good with her baby - never hesitating to pick him up or change him. Catherine was terrified of being found but she knew getting away from her family was the best thing to do. For both her and her son. Everyone in town was so kind and helpful. They dropped off all sorts of baby stuff. While Catherine appreciated everything, she worried about repaying them. But, most of all, she was afraid someone might post a picture of her online where her family would see it, finding out where she was.

I loved this slow-burn romance. The suspense and a baby made it my kind of book.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book. I didn’t want to put it down! I felt so bad for Catherine having a British crime family and not wanting any part of it. I know it had to be hard to try and distance herself from her family, especially after they were caught. She had to be scared when she left with her baby and taking a long way to get to the US and Blueberry Springs. Zach was having trouble trying to be just an ordinary person after getting out of the spy business. It has to be hard with both of them starting off in a relationship with secrets on both sides. I loved how good Zach was with her baby. There was also some suspense and betrayal that made me sad. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

[Dana Redding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good story. Patty changed her name to Kathrine after she learned her family was involved in money laundering, a big organised crime syndicate. She was dating a man and after the arrest of her family he was killed in a car accident. She takes up Zachary’s offer to be his mail Order bride they wed online and she flees with her son Xavier to Blueberry springs. What I didn’t get was why wasn’t Zachary expecting her. I don’t understand that but.

She falls in love with her husband, and he falls in love with her. Only issue is her past comes back to find her. Xavier’s father isn’t dead. Her cousin find her, she feels she must run again leaving Zachary whom she believes is a criminal behind.

Good story. Happy ending.

[Izzybear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Zach and Catherine’s story. They’re two people that had very different lives growing up yet their experiences have made them so much alike. I loved how protective and sweet Zach is. I loved how quickly he bonded with Xavier. It just melted my heart. I also liked watching Zach and Catherine grow closer together. What started off like a marriage of convince quickly became something more. If you’re in the mood for a sweet and fun romance I would recommend giving their story a try. (4.5⭐️)

[Didi Ps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach & Catherine meet when she shows up at his door with her infant son, saying that she’s his mail order bride. He could easily use his connections to find out more about her, but he decides to try to get to know her instead. She’s got things in her past that she’s trying to hide from, & he does as well.

I really liked both of these characters... They both seemed real, as they each slowly worked together at being roommates, then something more.

The plan for Zack’s proposal was lovely (& his feelings about it quite funny, too). The twist here was one I didn’t expect...

Well worth reading!

[Nancy M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It caught my attention right away and the story was rich with ideas and characters. The Author is an artist of words. I hate to give away the story so I won't. Suffice to say it was well written, edited, and had good twists at the right spots. This was the first book I read of this series and it is #6 - so I got the cowboy book next and am wondering if, after reading the last book, I know how the first 5 ended. Advice is appreciated.
So far I am liking the cowboy book too.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zach is a retired agent trying to adapt to civilian life. Catherine is on the run with her two month old baby. They meet online and get married, sight unseen. Thing is, neither of them share their secrets with each other putting them in danger. Nicely written and has some intriguing twists and turns. They are living a a real small town where your neighbors know your business better than your family. Enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Zach!! Catherine grew on me. He is just the nicest guy with the biggest heart. Loved the modern day mail order aspect of the story - read lots of mail order bride books but they are set in a time period a long time ago. Immediate attraction but also hesitation - what have I got myself into. There is mystery, secrets and of course meddling friends. The revelation is pretty exciting and some unexpected secrets revealed. Loved the ending.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! The setup—waking up to find a mail-order bride on his doorstep he doesn't recall connecting with—almost made me put it down it was so embarrassing. But after that these two could not be more perfect for one another. I loved the little things that stood out to each of them as they got to know each other; the details were perfect. The twist came out of nowhere, and it was super effective! Good book—I recommend it if you're into strangers in close proximity falling in love stories.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Mail Order Soulmate"from the series. Veils and Vows by Jean Orman is a quick paced story that starts with a facinating premise. Zach is a retired international agent looking for a bride even if he doesn't remember. Zach is an online king for all his needs. Catherine & her baby boy Xaviar need a place to hide from her previous life and family.
Secrets abound between the main characters that could tear them apart or even be fatal. Think the Mob and Spies.

[Paige Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mail-order bride in current times; with a twist. Zach likes to order things online, but he certainly doesn't remember ordering and marrying someone! When Catherine shows up on his doorstep, he's surprised but goes along with it, sensing she needs him as much as he needs her. Lots of intrigue here, the towns in on a lot of surprises, and even though this is book 6 in the series, I didn't feel confused with the number of people involved. Standalone and HEA.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride, from full-on LOL moments to near anxiety-causing ones.
And, of course, the requisite HEA.
This was another of those stories where the main characters are surprised to realize they love the other, and it was very well done.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He orders everything online and on a whim he even orders a bride. She appears with a child looking very scared. Is it the situation or something in the past? They slowly build a new life but will her past come and spoil it all for them? See if they can make it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Romance and suspense! I don't think I've read an Oram book with the crime and suspense bent in it and I absolutely loved it! These amazing characters with colored and hidden pasts and everything that comes with that. Phenomenal!

I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zach hadn’t adjusted to being a civilian yet, doing online shopping to fill his time and the space he was living in. Somehow he clicked on a bride to be and her she was, with a baby in tow, and needed a husband and protection.
Logan his partner in the security business now, was doing fine.
Cute story, and how it maybe the one they both need

[Clara Camozzato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely not my last book from this author

Hello fellow Canadian. This book grabbed my attention right from the start. It is a clean romance but the air is full of electricitybetween the two main characters. Also, there are several secondary characters whose story I fully intend to catch up on. This is not the last book I will read from this author.