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Montana Mail Order Brides #1
Mail Order Bride: Westward winds: A Clean Historical Mail Order Bride Romance (Montana Mail Order Brides)
A historical western cowboy romance novel about a mail order bride.
Tessa O’Connor lives in a world of privilege and excess. Her doting parents want her to make a good match with a worthy gentleman and live a respectable life. She is beautiful and intelligent and she comes with a hefty dowry. There is no reason that she shouldn’t be able to find an eligible man and settle down.
Tessa herself is the reason. The men who are attempting to court her are, in her opinion, boring and conceited. Not only that, Tessa craves excitement and adventure, of which there is little in her social circles. By chance, she comes across an advertisement for a bride brokerage company seeking eligible women of good breeding to go west and find husbands.
One man on the list catches her eye and she begins corresponding with him, eventually agreeing to go to Montana to meet him. She can’t resist the possibility of finding someone different and even if she doesn’t, the adventure itself would be worth her time. Tessa makes a successful escape and sets out to make a new life in Montana.
Dean Samuels is a Montana rancher who is in over his head. His ranch is struggling and his two children are unruly and in need of a caretaker. It’s clear to his younger brother, Marcus, that he needs help. He tells Dean about a mail order bride service and convinces him that he should utilize it to find a wife.
After his wife, Sarah, had passed away, Dean never intended to marry again. His ranch and his children became his life. However, it becomes apparent that Sadie, his daughter, and his son, Jack, need stability and love. The demands of raising his children and keeping his head above water financially have taken a toll and Dean grudgingly gives in to Marcus’ idea.
Sarah had been the love of his life and Dean doesn’t intend to let any other woman into his heart. He’s locked those kinds of emotions deep inside, not wanting to take the chance of getting hurt like that again. Because Dean has trouble expressing his feelings in writing, his younger brother Marcus agrees to help write the letters to Tessa. Dean is happy to leave that part up to him.
When Dean and Tessa meet, sparks fly between the two strong willed people. Tessa is disappointed that Dean isn’t the romantic, sophisticated man she was lead to believe he was in the letters she received. Dean is aggravated that she isn’t a meek woman who is easily managed. Never mind the fact that she has no idea of how to take care of children and keep a home.
Dean and Tessa struggle to find common ground and make their marriage work. Will they each take the risk and open their hearts to one another? Can their marriage survive and will they find love and contentment in each other? Their future happiness hangs in the balance under the Montana skies.
Tessa O’Connor lives in a world of privilege and excess. Her doting parents want her to make a good match with a worthy gentleman and live a respectable life. She is beautiful and intelligent and she comes with a hefty dowry. There is no reason that she shouldn’t be able to find an eligible man and settle down.
Tessa herself is the reason. The men who are attempting to court her are, in her opinion, boring and conceited. Not only that, Tessa craves excitement and adventure, of which there is little in her social circles. By chance, she comes across an advertisement for a bride brokerage company seeking eligible women of good breeding to go west and find husbands.
One man on the list catches her eye and she begins corresponding with him, eventually agreeing to go to Montana to meet him. She can’t resist the possibility of finding someone different and even if she doesn’t, the adventure itself would be worth her time. Tessa makes a successful escape and sets out to make a new life in Montana.
Dean Samuels is a Montana rancher who is in over his head. His ranch is struggling and his two children are unruly and in need of a caretaker. It’s clear to his younger brother, Marcus, that he needs help. He tells Dean about a mail order bride service and convinces him that he should utilize it to find a wife.
After his wife, Sarah, had passed away, Dean never intended to marry again. His ranch and his children became his life. However, it becomes apparent that Sadie, his daughter, and his son, Jack, need stability and love. The demands of raising his children and keeping his head above water financially have taken a toll and Dean grudgingly gives in to Marcus’ idea.
Sarah had been the love of his life and Dean doesn’t intend to let any other woman into his heart. He’s locked those kinds of emotions deep inside, not wanting to take the chance of getting hurt like that again. Because Dean has trouble expressing his feelings in writing, his younger brother Marcus agrees to help write the letters to Tessa. Dean is happy to leave that part up to him.
When Dean and Tessa meet, sparks fly between the two strong willed people. Tessa is disappointed that Dean isn’t the romantic, sophisticated man she was lead to believe he was in the letters she received. Dean is aggravated that she isn’t a meek woman who is easily managed. Never mind the fact that she has no idea of how to take care of children and keep a home.
Dean and Tessa struggle to find common ground and make their marriage work. Will they each take the risk and open their hearts to one another? Can their marriage survive and will they find love and contentment in each other? Their future happiness hangs in the balance under the Montana skies.
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First published June 24, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
January 5, 2015
I couldn't get into this book. While I liked both the hero and heroine I never felt connected to them because of the author's distant writing style. Too much of the book was telling rather than showing. As another reviewer pointed out, there were many non-historical phrases which pulled me out of the book. It took a long time for the book to build up steam and it wasn't worth the wait. I won't be continuing this series.
free-read
November 14, 2015DNF at 33% (9-01-15)
This is one of those "historicals" that, if you were to take away the references to the horse and buggy, etc., you would think was contemporary based on the way the characters interact with one another, language, etc.--not historical enough for me to stick with.
DNF at 70% (11-13-15)
I came across this and picked it up again...really tried to finish but DNF. Among the historical inaccuracies are
- The h cohabitates with her prospective groom for two months prior to the wedding with no chaperone other than the children.
- The bride wears lipstick at her wedding.
- The conversation sounds like it could be from present day.
Feel free to skip this one.
This is one of those "historicals" that, if you were to take away the references to the horse and buggy, etc., you would think was contemporary based on the way the characters interact with one another, language, etc.--not historical enough for me to stick with.
DNF at 70% (11-13-15)
I came across this and picked it up again...really tried to finish but DNF. Among the historical inaccuracies are
- The h cohabitates with her prospective groom for two months prior to the wedding with no chaperone other than the children.
- The bride wears lipstick at her wedding.
- The conversation sounds like it could be from present day.
Feel free to skip this one.
February 10, 2015
2.5 stars. This book was free on Amazon. The cover made me nervous but after reading the reviews, they all claimed it was clean.... so I gave it a try. Except for a few unnecessary comments by the main characters parents towards the first of the story ( which honestly were just weird and so unneeded.) it was clean, which was great!. Didn't have a ton of substance to the plot, but it was a sweet romance...and I liked the main characters.
June 15, 2018
The writing style was very juvenile. There were no descriptive or interesting narratives to pull me in. I felt like it was a bullet point list. This happened then this. Then this... and so on. The fight between the main characters was ridiculous. She kept saying that no one ever listened to her, but she never said anything. She should have screamed, “Why doesn’t anyone read my mind.”
Overall, it was incomplete and I felt no connection with any of the characters.
Overall, it was incomplete and I felt no connection with any of the characters.
June 15, 2015
Fine
The title is very long, but it is accurate. It is a clean historical romance.
The story was fine. It was a typical mail order bride story, but it did have a few twists, which set it apart from other books. However, it took me a long time to connect to the characters, and I felt their relationship was too simplistic until about 75% of the way through the book. I didn't ever really connect with Tessa as a character because I felt like she acclimated to her environment way too quickly. She learns to cook, live on a ranch, housekeep, and take care of two small children with no problems at all? That seemed a little far-fetched.
The book does clearly set up for future books in the series. I'm not sure if I will read them simply because I never felt like I connected to the characters. The story was fine; the characters were fine. Nothing really stood out as making this book special. However, I did like that it was a clean romance.
The title is very long, but it is accurate. It is a clean historical romance.
The story was fine. It was a typical mail order bride story, but it did have a few twists, which set it apart from other books. However, it took me a long time to connect to the characters, and I felt their relationship was too simplistic until about 75% of the way through the book. I didn't ever really connect with Tessa as a character because I felt like she acclimated to her environment way too quickly. She learns to cook, live on a ranch, housekeep, and take care of two small children with no problems at all? That seemed a little far-fetched.
The book does clearly set up for future books in the series. I'm not sure if I will read them simply because I never felt like I connected to the characters. The story was fine; the characters were fine. Nothing really stood out as making this book special. However, I did like that it was a clean romance.
January 5, 2015
I liked the book, but it was not something I couldn't put down. It did not have any sex or violence, so I guess if u want that, don't pick this one up. If u don't like those things, then u would like this book I'm sure. The heroine was strong but the issues both the H/h were dealing with at the end, which was causing them a lot of conflict, was kind of dragged out. I'm undecided about whether to read the next one of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2016
While the story itself was enjoyable, the writing style and numerous historic inaccuracies are what stood out for me. In fact, the entire story felt more like a contemporary novel than historical. Overall the novel was a disappointment. The strange part is that I liked all of the secondary characters and found myself wanting to know all of their stories! However, I don't want to actually read them. How bizarre!
June 27, 2015
I really liked the first half of the book. I was enjoying it and glad to be spending my Saturday afternoon reading. Cue the second half of the book. It fell flat for me and had me rolling my eyes a lot. Ended up not enjoying it as much as I was hoping I would. Even though I liked some of the secondary characters I just can't see myself continuing on with the series.
July 19, 2018
Not so great!
On my...... I just could not finish this book! This is possibly the worst historical romance that I have ever read.
I'm so sorry Linda Bridey. I have never reviewed a book and given it only one star. Some word's that were used don't quite fit in the historical era.
I would not recommend this book.
Thank you for the opportunity of reviewing your book.
On my...... I just could not finish this book! This is possibly the worst historical romance that I have ever read.
I'm so sorry Linda Bridey. I have never reviewed a book and given it only one star. Some word's that were used don't quite fit in the historical era.
I would not recommend this book.
Thank you for the opportunity of reviewing your book.
March 11, 2016
Well, I for one really enjoyed this book. Rich city girl heads West to become a mail order bride. I thought that the whole story was sweet and entertaining.
November 13, 2014
Wow it was awful. I don't know if I could express how awful it was.
January 4, 2016
So much head hopping. Everyone has a point of view - everyone. Don't get me started on the plot or the lack of conflict. I'm on page 74. I give up. But there were very few typos.
November 20, 2019
I can honestly say I'm typically hit or miss on historical romance so I always go in with low expectations. This first book of the Montana Mail Order Brides series was in a free boxed set and it was available on the audible escape package so I decided what the heck. All of that being said I fell in love with this family and this series. I literally listened to the first 3 books one right after the other.
Dean is a single dad raising 2 children and running a ranch after losing his beloved wife during childbirth. He's not looking for a new wife when his brother suggests that he needs to find one. Dean knows he could never love again, but his brother insists he needs the help and companionship. After some discussion his brother puts an ad in the paper for a wife.
Tessa was born of significant means and in society but she feels so stifled. Her father is actually quite progressive when it comes to women but not enough that she feels in control of her own life. What better way to have adventure and take control of her life than to answer a wife wanted ad and see if there is any connection with a man out west.
I loved Tessa and Dean. Their chemistry was real and they both were likable characters. They just seemed to ease into things and it was a really nice transition. Often times with this lack of overt drama the story can lose something and become monotonous, but I didn't get that feeling at all while reading this story. The sub characters helped a lot and their was just so much going on all the time.
Dean is a single dad raising 2 children and running a ranch after losing his beloved wife during childbirth. He's not looking for a new wife when his brother suggests that he needs to find one. Dean knows he could never love again, but his brother insists he needs the help and companionship. After some discussion his brother puts an ad in the paper for a wife.
Tessa was born of significant means and in society but she feels so stifled. Her father is actually quite progressive when it comes to women but not enough that she feels in control of her own life. What better way to have adventure and take control of her life than to answer a wife wanted ad and see if there is any connection with a man out west.
I loved Tessa and Dean. Their chemistry was real and they both were likable characters. They just seemed to ease into things and it was a really nice transition. Often times with this lack of overt drama the story can lose something and become monotonous, but I didn't get that feeling at all while reading this story. The sub characters helped a lot and their was just so much going on all the time.
December 27, 2019
Audible. Also currently available for free on Kindle.
This is my first book by Linda Bridey and my first experience with narrator Scott Bennett. Tessa O’Connor is bored with life as a socialite and decides to seek adventure as a mail order bride in the west. Dean Samuels is a widower with two children looking for someone to fill the title of woman of the house. This is a clean romance.
Overall it was barely an OK listen. Bridey’s style of continually changing POV, even mid-paragraph, made it difficult to keep up with who is talking and damaged cohesiveness. As other reviewers mentioned there didn’t seem to be a consistency with what era the book was in. (I’m not sure the text ever specifies). However I might have been endeared by Tessa and Dean’s relationship or Tessa’s relationship with the kids it was overshadowed by an inordinate amount of time spent with Tessa complaining about letters. It was belabored with every character she came in contact with. Almost half the book (more than 2 of the 5 hours) was devoted to her anger over the letters. She came off petulant instead of passionate, especially when what could have been a sweet epilogue was ruined by her again mentioning the letters in a mocking way about Dean. This didn't feel like an HEA, it felt like he was doomed to life with a harpy.
Scott Bennett has a nice voice for this genre and did a good job giving each character their own individual sound. I look forward to listening to him in the future.
The rest of the series receives much better reviews so I may continue.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first book by Linda Bridey and my first experience with narrator Scott Bennett. Tessa O’Connor is bored with life as a socialite and decides to seek adventure as a mail order bride in the west. Dean Samuels is a widower with two children looking for someone to fill the title of woman of the house. This is a clean romance.
Overall it was barely an OK listen. Bridey’s style of continually changing POV, even mid-paragraph, made it difficult to keep up with who is talking and damaged cohesiveness. As other reviewers mentioned there didn’t seem to be a consistency with what era the book was in. (I’m not sure the text ever specifies). However I might have been endeared by Tessa and Dean’s relationship or Tessa’s relationship with the kids it was overshadowed by an inordinate amount of time spent with Tessa complaining about letters. It was belabored with every character she came in contact with. Almost half the book (more than 2 of the 5 hours) was devoted to her anger over the letters. She came off petulant instead of passionate, especially when what could have been a sweet epilogue was ruined by her again mentioning the letters in a mocking way about Dean. This didn't feel like an HEA, it felt like he was doomed to life with a harpy.
Scott Bennett has a nice voice for this genre and did a good job giving each character their own individual sound. I look forward to listening to him in the future.
The rest of the series receives much better reviews so I may continue.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2025
I didn't finish this book. Tessa was so childish. They all were. I couldn't find any depth. It all seemed silly.
August 15, 2023
Clean read. Historical western romance set in Montana.
January 31, 2016
Tessa is indeed strong willed, strong minded and at times a bit hard too like even when she is right about sticking to her convictions.
Dean is a solid man whose life was turned inside out at too young an age not once but multiple times so when he finds himself not only responding to Tessa but actually enjoying life fully for the first time in more years than he can remember he does not know quite what to do with his emotions.
As far as the story goes it is smoothly paced with an easy to follow plot, actually a fast read that is over too soon with a satisfying ending that makes it a good stand alone but also makes one want to continue to see if the rest of the brothers and Tessa's younger sisters find themselves together and as well suited as she and Dean are.
Romance with mentions of sex without graphic details is not new to me but a refreshing throwback to how it used to be when read others in the genre growing up on western writers who only referenced the intimacies shared without going into greatly detailed descriptions.
Nice change of pace from my normal reads.
Dean is a solid man whose life was turned inside out at too young an age not once but multiple times so when he finds himself not only responding to Tessa but actually enjoying life fully for the first time in more years than he can remember he does not know quite what to do with his emotions.
As far as the story goes it is smoothly paced with an easy to follow plot, actually a fast read that is over too soon with a satisfying ending that makes it a good stand alone but also makes one want to continue to see if the rest of the brothers and Tessa's younger sisters find themselves together and as well suited as she and Dean are.
Romance with mentions of sex without graphic details is not new to me but a refreshing throwback to how it used to be when read others in the genre growing up on western writers who only referenced the intimacies shared without going into greatly detailed descriptions.
Nice change of pace from my normal reads.
May 16, 2017
This is a sweet, clean historical romance set in Montana. Tessa is strong willed and knows her own mind; she takes things into her own hands and leaves the constraints of her privileged life to become a male order bride in the wilds of Montana. Dean is an appealing character. He is strong, loyal and torn between falling in love with Tessa or continuing to cling to the memory of his deceased wife. The care and love he shows his children warms your heart and the interactions with his brothers are amusing and very sibling like. The development of Dean & Tessa’s romance is slow and steady and my only criticism was that the argument they had dragged on a bit too long. Though not always historically correct it is still a fun, sweet story and you can’t help but like these entertaining characters. The narrator of the audiobook does a great job with the different accents and shows tension, sorrow and amusement in all the right places. This is a light, entertaining audiobook, that gave me a relaxed afternoon of listening. I received the audiobook at no cost and under no obligation.
November 9, 2017
First, I believe the description of the book is wrong. Tessa is not spoiled. She knows what she wants and what she doesn't want, and she sticks to her guns until she gets it. Dean's children are NOT unruly, they're perfectly lovely children. Marcus did write the letters and I understand Tessa being upset about it, but not to the point where that's about the whole of the book. The fight between Tessa and Dean about the letters and him not hearing what she's saying. Dean is damaged from the death of his first wife and child. He has a hard time getting his feelings out. Ok, I get that, but FEELING and LISTENING are two different things. Also, Tessa did run away from home to have a grand adventure, situations that she could write about. Yes, Dean was deceitful about the letters, but so was she as to the real reason she came to him - to have an adventure. Dean was just a side note to her, at first.
I feel the writer relied too much on the disagreement between Tessa and Dean in this book. The story could have been more substantial if there were other things going on.
I feel the writer relied too much on the disagreement between Tessa and Dean in this book. The story could have been more substantial if there were other things going on.
January 9, 2019
I've given up on this novel. Overall, boring and unrealistic. So many holes in the story that make it unbelievable. My progress notes are a mess; so skip those and let me clean it up for you here:
At 31.0% - Ok, now the “romance” begins and so do the cliches. 🙄 she’s looking at a photo of the dead wife and narration is commenting on her brown hair and brown eyes. Given the year, she was looking at a black & white or sepia toned photo. NO WAY can she tell what color eyes ANYONE in the photo has. At 40.0% - STILL Not clear what her motivations are. So she doesn’t want the life she had but why does life in Montana appeal to her? Seems a HUGE jump from the life she had, and NO dialogue or narration to help us go from "I hate my life" to "I'm going to Montana." At 45.0% - This is becoming a snoozefest. when is the dad going to show up? why is Society so accepting of this apparent "living in sin"? Does she never go into town? Little House on the Prairie would disagree with this version of life on the frontier.
At 31.0% - Ok, now the “romance” begins and so do the cliches. 🙄 she’s looking at a photo of the dead wife and narration is commenting on her brown hair and brown eyes. Given the year, she was looking at a black & white or sepia toned photo. NO WAY can she tell what color eyes ANYONE in the photo has. At 40.0% - STILL Not clear what her motivations are. So she doesn’t want the life she had but why does life in Montana appeal to her? Seems a HUGE jump from the life she had, and NO dialogue or narration to help us go from "I hate my life" to "I'm going to Montana." At 45.0% - This is becoming a snoozefest. when is the dad going to show up? why is Society so accepting of this apparent "living in sin"? Does she never go into town? Little House on the Prairie would disagree with this version of life on the frontier.
October 12, 2015
Great story of leaving affluence behind to search for a simpler, more fulfilling life. Good, cozy read. Nice characters; good love story.
Follow Tessa as she meets and marries the eldest brother in the Samuels family. Dean is a bit uptight and not willing to love again, after losing his first wife in childbirth with their third child. Now, raising his daughter and his son with only the help of his two younger brothers, he finally gives in to needing a wife to help with the ranch and raising his children.
Little did he know what he was getting with his Irish American wife! Tessa O'Connor is one tough cookie and undaunted by what faces her away from her high society living in Philadelphia...
Follow Tessa as she meets and marries the eldest brother in the Samuels family. Dean is a bit uptight and not willing to love again, after losing his first wife in childbirth with their third child. Now, raising his daughter and his son with only the help of his two younger brothers, he finally gives in to needing a wife to help with the ranch and raising his children.
Little did he know what he was getting with his Irish American wife! Tessa O'Connor is one tough cookie and undaunted by what faces her away from her high society living in Philadelphia...
October 12, 2014
Very nice
The story could have been a tad longer. But it is a sweet Romance. I like Tessa striking out on her own. She was brave. The story didn't have any real danger in it. Suspense was lacking. Will keep it.
The story could have been a tad longer. But it is a sweet Romance. I like Tessa striking out on her own. She was brave. The story didn't have any real danger in it. Suspense was lacking. Will keep it.
December 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and clean. Tessa showed great courage setting off after a different life than what she grew up with. I look forward to reading the next two in the series.
July 24, 2017
Mail Order Bride: Westward Winds (Mail Order Brides #1) — Linda Bridey (18 chapters + Epilogue) July 22-23, 2017
This is a 99% clean romance (there was one little vanilla sex scene near the beginning of the book, but it wasn’t anything really squeamish.)
This follows the story of a young woman who has grown up in the wealthy class, only to be bored by her suitors and her requirements as a young lady in high society. In order to gather a broader experience, she decides to become a mail order bride in an effort to experience a different kind of life. What she ends up experiencing is the plot of the story. There is no sexual scenes. This is suitable reading for any age group.
For a very open-minded reader, this could be hard to stomach, but for me, who falls into that category, it was a nice change of pace from my normal reading pleasures. It was a very fast read, and when I got down to the end, I was sad to see it end. This series look like they are all the stories are very affordable and fast reads, so if you are into clean western romances, this might be a good series for you. (There are something like 21 books in this series.) So, really, to spend less than $20 on all the stories is not a bad price, all things considered.
I can actually see myself buying a few more in this series. I really like the family dynamics of the O’Conners and Samuels. If this series continues with these families and friends, I know I would enjoy reading them. Mostly because they are so different from the other stories I tend to read. I like a good Western romance, and the fact that there is no sex, except implied makes it quaint and sweet.
The only thing I did not like about this story was the epilogue. Generally I don’t like those anyway, but this one was a bit bizarre, in that it wasn’t something that happened a few weeks, months, or years later. This chapter followed the along the timeline of the other chapters. Maybe calling it chapter 19 would have been more appropriate? Otherwise, a nice quick HEA read.
Three stars.
This is a 99% clean romance (there was one little vanilla sex scene near the beginning of the book, but it wasn’t anything really squeamish.)
This follows the story of a young woman who has grown up in the wealthy class, only to be bored by her suitors and her requirements as a young lady in high society. In order to gather a broader experience, she decides to become a mail order bride in an effort to experience a different kind of life. What she ends up experiencing is the plot of the story. There is no sexual scenes. This is suitable reading for any age group.
For a very open-minded reader, this could be hard to stomach, but for me, who falls into that category, it was a nice change of pace from my normal reading pleasures. It was a very fast read, and when I got down to the end, I was sad to see it end. This series look like they are all the stories are very affordable and fast reads, so if you are into clean western romances, this might be a good series for you. (There are something like 21 books in this series.) So, really, to spend less than $20 on all the stories is not a bad price, all things considered.
I can actually see myself buying a few more in this series. I really like the family dynamics of the O’Conners and Samuels. If this series continues with these families and friends, I know I would enjoy reading them. Mostly because they are so different from the other stories I tend to read. I like a good Western romance, and the fact that there is no sex, except implied makes it quaint and sweet.
The only thing I did not like about this story was the epilogue. Generally I don’t like those anyway, but this one was a bit bizarre, in that it wasn’t something that happened a few weeks, months, or years later. This chapter followed the along the timeline of the other chapters. Maybe calling it chapter 19 would have been more appropriate? Otherwise, a nice quick HEA read.
Three stars.
June 12, 2023
I chose another book from my TBR pile. This time it is about a sweet historical romance between an unhappy Eastern high society mail-order bride and a lonely Western hardworking ranch owner.
Westward Winds is book 1 in the Montana Mail Order Brides series told from dual perspectives (Tessa and Dean). It follows a rebellious mail-order bride from Pennsylvania to Montana who wants adventure in her life and to fall in love with a man of strength and substance. What she finds is a widower with two adorable children and two matchmaking brothers who only want their brother's happiness.
Tessa is reckless and headstrong as she decides to leave everything she knows to marry a stranger. I admire her nerve and vigor to find her happiness in an unknown land, but I found it questionable that she was able to fit into the ranch lifestyle so quickly. Tessa's relationship with everyone is comfortable though Dean seems to keep his feelings to himself which becomes a problem. Dean is responsible and more serious than his brothers because he has two children to raise and a ranch to run. He also took charge after his parents died when Seth was away on a cattle drive and Marcus was too young at that time. In addition, Dean lost his wife and baby soon after which changed him. Therefore, communication problems abound between the stubborn Dean and the obstinate Tessa. After some advice from friends and family, the lovebirds work out their issues and live happily ever after.
I enjoyed Dean's brothers, Seth and Marcus with their quick wit and unconditional love of family and I'm sure their own stories will be fun.
I liked the story, but the writing was too simplistic for me. It wasn't descriptive enough and the characters' conversations seemed stilted and didn't draw me in until the last quarter of the book.
If you want a nice change of pace with a sweet, clean historical romance filled with laughter, angst, and love, give this book a try.
Westward Winds is book 1 in the Montana Mail Order Brides series told from dual perspectives (Tessa and Dean). It follows a rebellious mail-order bride from Pennsylvania to Montana who wants adventure in her life and to fall in love with a man of strength and substance. What she finds is a widower with two adorable children and two matchmaking brothers who only want their brother's happiness.
Tessa is reckless and headstrong as she decides to leave everything she knows to marry a stranger. I admire her nerve and vigor to find her happiness in an unknown land, but I found it questionable that she was able to fit into the ranch lifestyle so quickly. Tessa's relationship with everyone is comfortable though Dean seems to keep his feelings to himself which becomes a problem. Dean is responsible and more serious than his brothers because he has two children to raise and a ranch to run. He also took charge after his parents died when Seth was away on a cattle drive and Marcus was too young at that time. In addition, Dean lost his wife and baby soon after which changed him. Therefore, communication problems abound between the stubborn Dean and the obstinate Tessa. After some advice from friends and family, the lovebirds work out their issues and live happily ever after.
I enjoyed Dean's brothers, Seth and Marcus with their quick wit and unconditional love of family and I'm sure their own stories will be fun.
I liked the story, but the writing was too simplistic for me. It wasn't descriptive enough and the characters' conversations seemed stilted and didn't draw me in until the last quarter of the book.
If you want a nice change of pace with a sweet, clean historical romance filled with laughter, angst, and love, give this book a try.
April 4, 2018
I definetly got hooked on this series. The first set are about one sister who venture to Montana Tessa to marry Dean. from Pittsburgh to become a mail order bride. Then her sisters follow.
Maddie is the next sister and Seth the next middle brother.
ory begins when Maddie is brutally attacked and goes into deep depression. Seth is injured in cattle drive and his leg is crushed, although it heals but he really needs surgery. This is in the late 1870's.
Meanwhile Seth and Maddie begin writing, the doctor wants Seth to have surgery or he will lose his leg. So they make arrangements for him to go to Pittsburgh and stay with Maddie and her family, The surgery is a success and during his stay they fall in love he asks her to marry him, she says no because she doesn't want to leave home, although she visited her sister once.
But her father talks to her and they take her to Montana and they get married.
They endure trials and learn to trust. The third novel develops the theme for the rest of the series. One of the sons tells his family that he is part Lakota and wants his native american family to meet with his white family, although the oldest brother is hurt and angry beyond anything, he eventually forgives but until the next at the end because Marcus is has training to become a doctor in both worlds and Dean and Tessa have a baby and there are complications, but he was able to bring forth twins one boy and girl. Anyway Marcus finds out he has a daughter and from a Lakota women who got killed, so they brought her to him. He marries the third daughter Claire and this family begins.
On one note each woman has to learn to cook and sew because they were from a wealthy family, only Tessa mastered cooking well enough for her family and the ranch hands. But Dean's son Jack learns to cook so he eventually cooks for the family.
Maddie is the next sister and Seth the next middle brother.
ory begins when Maddie is brutally attacked and goes into deep depression. Seth is injured in cattle drive and his leg is crushed, although it heals but he really needs surgery. This is in the late 1870's.
Meanwhile Seth and Maddie begin writing, the doctor wants Seth to have surgery or he will lose his leg. So they make arrangements for him to go to Pittsburgh and stay with Maddie and her family, The surgery is a success and during his stay they fall in love he asks her to marry him, she says no because she doesn't want to leave home, although she visited her sister once.
But her father talks to her and they take her to Montana and they get married.
They endure trials and learn to trust. The third novel develops the theme for the rest of the series. One of the sons tells his family that he is part Lakota and wants his native american family to meet with his white family, although the oldest brother is hurt and angry beyond anything, he eventually forgives but until the next at the end because Marcus is has training to become a doctor in both worlds and Dean and Tessa have a baby and there are complications, but he was able to bring forth twins one boy and girl. Anyway Marcus finds out he has a daughter and from a Lakota women who got killed, so they brought her to him. He marries the third daughter Claire and this family begins.
On one note each woman has to learn to cook and sew because they were from a wealthy family, only Tessa mastered cooking well enough for her family and the ranch hands. But Dean's son Jack learns to cook so he eventually cooks for the family.
December 7, 2023
Tessa O'Connor is bored with her privileged life and wants some adventure. She declares that she wants to write about her travels -- but that soon disappears. She wants to be a creative writer for about fifteen minutes. After corresponding with a rancher for a few months, she leaves her family in Pittsburgh to "visit with Dean and his two kids." Without any word to her family, she sneaks away.
Tessa arrives in Montana, and everyone loves her, including the two children. I can accept that they would be tired of living without female interest and support. However, Dean had to keep his two brothers in line because they were interested in her, too.
After two months, Tessa and Dean marry. Almost immediately, the couple have problems. The issue Tessa makes a mountain out of is ridiculous. Then Dean is upset when Tessa has not written to her family about her marriage.
When one of the brothers used the phrase "defense mechanism," I knew we weren't in Kansas anymore. That is a very 20-21st century phrase. Who proofread this book? Of course, Tessa can do everything. But what got me was the wallowing in emotions. I've read enough American historical fiction to know that life in Montana (and almost all Western Territories and states) was a hard-scrabble existence.
Yet, they spent hours discussing emotions and feelings. Ridiculous. This author planted some Western characters on a plot of land to wallow in emotional difficulties. This smacks of 20th-century whining. They did not have time for such foolishness.
This author needs to read a few thousand more books and learn what life was really like. She missed it with this one.
Tessa arrives in Montana, and everyone loves her, including the two children. I can accept that they would be tired of living without female interest and support. However, Dean had to keep his two brothers in line because they were interested in her, too.
After two months, Tessa and Dean marry. Almost immediately, the couple have problems. The issue Tessa makes a mountain out of is ridiculous. Then Dean is upset when Tessa has not written to her family about her marriage.
When one of the brothers used the phrase "defense mechanism," I knew we weren't in Kansas anymore. That is a very 20-21st century phrase. Who proofread this book? Of course, Tessa can do everything. But what got me was the wallowing in emotions. I've read enough American historical fiction to know that life in Montana (and almost all Western Territories and states) was a hard-scrabble existence.
Yet, they spent hours discussing emotions and feelings. Ridiculous. This author planted some Western characters on a plot of land to wallow in emotional difficulties. This smacks of 20th-century whining. They did not have time for such foolishness.
This author needs to read a few thousand more books and learn what life was really like. She missed it with this one.
July 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. At times it had me laughing and other times crying (eyes wet, not tears.) Other times it had me laughing and crying. You know laughing and crying (the happy kind.) The characters were all very well fleshed out. And, every character in this book is important to the story. The main characters are Tessa O'Connor and Dean Samuels. Tessa O'Connor is born into a wealth high society type of life. However she doesn't really like that kind of life especially as a young woman. She doesn't like all the things that are expected of her or the suitors who are interested in her. She feels they are boring, arrogant, and phony and only really after her hefty dowry. Dean Samuels runs a ranch in Montana with the help of his two brothers. He has faced a lot of death and heart ache. He lost both of his parents and not long after his wife during the birth of their third child. His wife had been his childhood sweetheart. Tessa decides to become a Mail Order Bride to escape her life and Dean's brother Marcus talks him into corresponding with a potential mail order bride. She ends up coming out to Montana. Tessa's parents especially her Father, Geoff is important to the story as well as her 2 sisters. Dean's 2 brothers Marcus and Seth are important to the story. So are Dean's children, Jack and Sadie. The synopsis for the book says the children are unruly. I don't find them to be all that unruly. The book is a wholesome read and is free of profanity. I highly recommend the book.
May 10, 2018
To be perfectly honest, if I had seen the cover this book shows on this website, I never would have read it. I was looking for a clean romance and this seemed to fit the bill. It is a pretty good book, with a story that was well thought out and entertaining. The way the story was written, however, was just a little bit off-putting. It is very straightforward, with a lot of saying it right out instead of having you follow a person on a journey to find out their feelings. There were moments that showed real creativity and beauty in the writing but most of the book was just here is what he said and here is what she did and here is how they felt. You don’t really get a chance to feel a deep connection or attachment to the characters. They are obviously well thought out and you want to like them and you want them to be happy but it is difficult to feel like you are in the story because it is so much telling and no showing. It was almost more like a play. There were moments when Tessa is upset or sad, she goes into her room and cries. Instead of writing about the ache in her heart, the book just says Tessa cried. The author has talent, I just wish she had used a winding path in the woods to tell the story rather than taking the freeway.
January 7, 2022
Nice romance, quick read
I enjoyed this story, it was easy and light, not requiring a lot of deep thought. It's a clean romance set in the late 1800s, the era of mail order brides.
I was disappointed that the book was not historically accurate. I've found that many Western romance stories are not authentic that way, so I was not surprised. This story got a bit ridiculous in the language used by the characters. One man even told his brothers about that not wanting to talk shout his feelings was a "defense mechanism." I laughed my face off when I
read that!
I do realize that the way people spoke, and especially how they wrote back then would make for very difficult reading today. I'm willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of the story, but this book took things much farther than I am prepared to accept. I just couldn't take the story even a little bit seriously.
But I wanted to read something light and not taxing. This story was wonderful for that. It was also well written and professional in that it had no glaring typos or bad spelling or other bad writing issues.
I enjoyed this story, it was easy and light, not requiring a lot of deep thought. It's a clean romance set in the late 1800s, the era of mail order brides.
I was disappointed that the book was not historically accurate. I've found that many Western romance stories are not authentic that way, so I was not surprised. This story got a bit ridiculous in the language used by the characters. One man even told his brothers about that not wanting to talk shout his feelings was a "defense mechanism." I laughed my face off when I
read that!
I do realize that the way people spoke, and especially how they wrote back then would make for very difficult reading today. I'm willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of the story, but this book took things much farther than I am prepared to accept. I just couldn't take the story even a little bit seriously.
But I wanted to read something light and not taxing. This story was wonderful for that. It was also well written and professional in that it had no glaring typos or bad spelling or other bad writing issues.
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