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The Widows of Wildcat Ridge #15
Hazelanne
Hazelanne Pitts dreams of more in life than the responsibilities of raising her five younger siblings to assist a sickly mother. Secretly, she corresponds with a rancher in Wildcat Ridge, Utah Territory, who wants a mail-order bride. When the money for the stagecoach ticket arrives, she sets off to be married. But a week later, a mine explosion claims the life of her new groom. Struggling to tend the ranch chores on her own, she becomes injured and doesn’t know if she can ride to town for help.
A pretty sweet-natured passenger, Hazelanne, caught stagecoach shotgun rider Brice MacAndrew’s eye when she traveled to Wildcat Ridge. Hearing she was the mail-order bride of Clay Oliphant, a known drunkard, didn’t sit well. After the mine disaster, Brice goes out to the Oliphant ranch and finds an injured Hazelanne who is on the edge of collapse. The only way he can help is to offer a marriage of convenience. Can the ranch become the haven both are looking for?
A pretty sweet-natured passenger, Hazelanne, caught stagecoach shotgun rider Brice MacAndrew’s eye when she traveled to Wildcat Ridge. Hearing she was the mail-order bride of Clay Oliphant, a known drunkard, didn’t sit well. After the mine disaster, Brice goes out to the Oliphant ranch and finds an injured Hazelanne who is on the edge of collapse. The only way he can help is to offer a marriage of convenience. Can the ranch become the haven both are looking for?
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2019
85 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Linda Carroll-Bradd
137 books304 followersAs a child, Linda was often found lying on her bed reading about characters having exciting adventures in places far away. Upon reaching a landmark birthday, she decided to write one of those romances she loved so much. Easier said than done. Perseverance paid out and twelve years later, she received her first call from a publisher and a confession story was published. Now Linda writes heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor, and many have a tie to her previous home of Texas.
Linda enjoys writing from her cabin in the mountains among the cedar and pines with her husband of 34 years and their two much-loved dogs.
Linda enjoys writing from her cabin in the mountains among the cedar and pines with her husband of 34 years and their two much-loved dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 22, 2025
A FUNERAL, A REUNION MEETING, AND A WEDDING
The series revolves around Wildcat Ridge, Utah, where the Gold King Mine was located. This is a historical western, multi-author series about the women left behind and what they must do to keep their homes, their late husband’s businesses, and survive. In March 1884, there was an explosion that altered the lives of those who did not perish in the disaster. One hundred and forty-three men, plus nineteen women and thirteen children, died that fateful day. Now, Mortimer Crane is making threats against those left behind because he owns the town.
“Mortimer Crane owns this town, whether we like it or not. If he chooses to tear down our buildings or move them to his new mine at Clear Creek, there is little we can do to stop him. Mortimer has given us three months to pay the rent and mortgage payments we owe him before he tears down the town. And he will not renew rental leases for any woman running a business in her dead husband’s absence unless she has a new husband managing the business.”
“We can’t avoid the obvious, ladies. We must remarry.”
Evanston, Wyoming, early March 1884, Hazelanne Pitts received a letter from Clay Oliphant of Wildcat Ridge. She has applied to be a mail-order bride, and this is her answer.
“Hazelann, I like your age and your stated abilities. I need a cook and a housekeeper to set my cabin straight. Here’s a stagecoach ticket for next week. Don’t disappoint men. Clay Oliphant.”
She will leave home and travel on a Wells Fargo Stagecoach, arriving in Wildcat Ridge, Utah. The man who is there is angry and hateful, because the stagecoach is late arriving—takes her before the judge, marries, and then goes to his ten-acre ranch. What a shock at the condition of his home, dirty dishes, piles of laundry, and filth—as if Clay’s hateful attitude wasn’t enough. He refuses to call her by her name and instead refers to her as ‘wife.’
“I eat supper at half past five every night. I leave for the mine at half past six, Monday through Friday mornings, and will want my lunch pail packed and a hot meal before I go. On work days before coming home to do chores, I eat dinner at the café.”
What a shock on day six of being married to Clay, there is a major explosion and collapse at the mine—leaving her and most of the women in town as widows. He next shock will be at the mass funeral, the shotgun rider for Wells Fargo is present—Brice MacAndrew. He learns of her situation and offers her marriage in name only to give her protection. In less than a month, she marries again to a man who will only be in town on Saturdays for roughly thirty minutes and then be gone again. So on April 12, 1884, she marries another stranger.
The story was very different than the rest of them. Hazelanne wanted a better life than caring for her mother, siblings, and never having a life for herself. After a friend found a good marriage as a mail-order bride, she will do the same—but the results aren’t good. Then, of course, there is Mortimer Crane, who says that Clay Oliphant made a loan using his property as collateral, and he is due payment in full by May 15th. How will Hazelanne make the payment?
I liked Hazelanne—and her life goes from the frying pan into the fire with her marriage to Clay. And while the intentions of Brice to offer her his name as protection—it won’t keep danger away. Is it time for Brice to stop his wandering ways and settle down? It seems her first husband wants a maid, housekeeper, and bedwarmer--but no feelings for her, and the second one can't seem to settle down. So what does the future hold for Hazelanne?
The series revolves around Wildcat Ridge, Utah, where the Gold King Mine was located. This is a historical western, multi-author series about the women left behind and what they must do to keep their homes, their late husband’s businesses, and survive. In March 1884, there was an explosion that altered the lives of those who did not perish in the disaster. One hundred and forty-three men, plus nineteen women and thirteen children, died that fateful day. Now, Mortimer Crane is making threats against those left behind because he owns the town.
“Mortimer Crane owns this town, whether we like it or not. If he chooses to tear down our buildings or move them to his new mine at Clear Creek, there is little we can do to stop him. Mortimer has given us three months to pay the rent and mortgage payments we owe him before he tears down the town. And he will not renew rental leases for any woman running a business in her dead husband’s absence unless she has a new husband managing the business.”
“We can’t avoid the obvious, ladies. We must remarry.”
Evanston, Wyoming, early March 1884, Hazelanne Pitts received a letter from Clay Oliphant of Wildcat Ridge. She has applied to be a mail-order bride, and this is her answer.
“Hazelann, I like your age and your stated abilities. I need a cook and a housekeeper to set my cabin straight. Here’s a stagecoach ticket for next week. Don’t disappoint men. Clay Oliphant.”
She will leave home and travel on a Wells Fargo Stagecoach, arriving in Wildcat Ridge, Utah. The man who is there is angry and hateful, because the stagecoach is late arriving—takes her before the judge, marries, and then goes to his ten-acre ranch. What a shock at the condition of his home, dirty dishes, piles of laundry, and filth—as if Clay’s hateful attitude wasn’t enough. He refuses to call her by her name and instead refers to her as ‘wife.’
“I eat supper at half past five every night. I leave for the mine at half past six, Monday through Friday mornings, and will want my lunch pail packed and a hot meal before I go. On work days before coming home to do chores, I eat dinner at the café.”
What a shock on day six of being married to Clay, there is a major explosion and collapse at the mine—leaving her and most of the women in town as widows. He next shock will be at the mass funeral, the shotgun rider for Wells Fargo is present—Brice MacAndrew. He learns of her situation and offers her marriage in name only to give her protection. In less than a month, she marries again to a man who will only be in town on Saturdays for roughly thirty minutes and then be gone again. So on April 12, 1884, she marries another stranger.
The story was very different than the rest of them. Hazelanne wanted a better life than caring for her mother, siblings, and never having a life for herself. After a friend found a good marriage as a mail-order bride, she will do the same—but the results aren’t good. Then, of course, there is Mortimer Crane, who says that Clay Oliphant made a loan using his property as collateral, and he is due payment in full by May 15th. How will Hazelanne make the payment?
I liked Hazelanne—and her life goes from the frying pan into the fire with her marriage to Clay. And while the intentions of Brice to offer her his name as protection—it won’t keep danger away. Is it time for Brice to stop his wandering ways and settle down? It seems her first husband wants a maid, housekeeper, and bedwarmer--but no feelings for her, and the second one can't seem to settle down. So what does the future hold for Hazelanne?
June 19, 2019
Widows of Wildcat Ridge book 15
1884 Utah Territory
"in order to survive, on occasion they [women] had to be more practical than romantic."
The name of the series gives a lot away. The story of Hazelanne is very interesting. She grew up taking care of her large family, but left to take some of the financial burden off by becoming a mail order bride. Not expecting what she got herself into. Her new husband had a farm, but wasn't pleasant at all. She was very adaptable - she was raised in a city, but learned quickly how to care for the animals and try to please her demanding, unloving husband. She'd only been married a short time when the Gold King mine blew up and most of the town's men were killed.
Brice was the "shotgun messenger" on the Wells Fargo stagecoach she had ridden to her new home in. He had been quite taken with her, so he went to the mass funeral, then impulsively married her afterwards just to give her his name. He returned to his job, only getting back to town long enough for dinner every Saturday. Engaging story of a woman who set out alone for a better life and did what she had to do, learning as she went.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#Hazelanne #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
1884 Utah Territory
"in order to survive, on occasion they [women] had to be more practical than romantic."
The name of the series gives a lot away. The story of Hazelanne is very interesting. She grew up taking care of her large family, but left to take some of the financial burden off by becoming a mail order bride. Not expecting what she got herself into. Her new husband had a farm, but wasn't pleasant at all. She was very adaptable - she was raised in a city, but learned quickly how to care for the animals and try to please her demanding, unloving husband. She'd only been married a short time when the Gold King mine blew up and most of the town's men were killed.
Brice was the "shotgun messenger" on the Wells Fargo stagecoach she had ridden to her new home in. He had been quite taken with her, so he went to the mass funeral, then impulsively married her afterwards just to give her his name. He returned to his job, only getting back to town long enough for dinner every Saturday. Engaging story of a woman who set out alone for a better life and did what she had to do, learning as she went.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#Hazelanne #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
June 24, 2019
Hazelanne is a young woman who has shouldered the responsibility of her large family after her mother takes ill. But finances are meager. To help alleviate them somewhat, she agrees to be a mail-order bride to a rancher in Utah. When she gets there, the man she is to marry comes off as rough, somewhat cruel, and impatient. He hauls her off the stagecoach straight to the judge. When she arrives at the rustic cabin, she sees her life ahead as one of drudgery, similar to what she left. And a husband who refuses to call her anything more than “wife”. Fortunately, her life does change, but not in the way she imagined and thanks to the Wells Fargo guard, Brice, whom she met on her ride.
The plot was good and true to the times and the characters well-developed and believable. I really enjoyed getting into the story. And the ending was perfect. It left me smiling and satisfied. As far as the story went, I would recommend this.
So what didn’t I like? Why didn’t it get a 5 rating? I will be honest, it’s something that is probably only a problem for me. But there were quite a few editorial issues. Oh, they’re minor things. I will grant that. But there were enough of them that it bothered me a little. And again, it may only be because I have twenty years as an editor. So it appears obvious only to me. I will grant that.
So… if you can overlook the minor editorial issues, I definitely recommend this story. It’s a good story with believable characters.
The plot was good and true to the times and the characters well-developed and believable. I really enjoyed getting into the story. And the ending was perfect. It left me smiling and satisfied. As far as the story went, I would recommend this.
So what didn’t I like? Why didn’t it get a 5 rating? I will be honest, it’s something that is probably only a problem for me. But there were quite a few editorial issues. Oh, they’re minor things. I will grant that. But there were enough of them that it bothered me a little. And again, it may only be because I have twenty years as an editor. So it appears obvious only to me. I will grant that.
So… if you can overlook the minor editorial issues, I definitely recommend this story. It’s a good story with believable characters.
April 16, 2019
Traveling to become a Mail Order Bride had to be a nerve racking experience alone. Not knowing what type of Man you will end up with. When Hazelanne Pitts answered Clay Oliphant's ad she didn't know what she had gotten herself into. Clay was in a rush to marry and get back to his farm. He needed someone to keep house, help with shores, cook etc. Hazleanne was rushed into the judges office and married almost the minute she stepped off the stage.
Days later came the mine explosion, becoming a Widow in a new town, and attending a mass funeral. All in her first few days in Wild Cat Ridge.
Brice MacAndrews, a shotgun rider on the stage she arrived on attends the funeral and ushers her into her second marriage in short order. His idea is to give her his name as protection.....A marriage of convenience. Along comes Mortimer Crane and chaos erupts in her life. Will she and Brice be able to fend off the dastardly Mortimer and work towards a more real relationship? This novella is a beautiful story of two people who don't really grasp what love is in the beginning! A must read!
I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review.
Days later came the mine explosion, becoming a Widow in a new town, and attending a mass funeral. All in her first few days in Wild Cat Ridge.
Brice MacAndrews, a shotgun rider on the stage she arrived on attends the funeral and ushers her into her second marriage in short order. His idea is to give her his name as protection.....A marriage of convenience. Along comes Mortimer Crane and chaos erupts in her life. Will she and Brice be able to fend off the dastardly Mortimer and work towards a more real relationship? This novella is a beautiful story of two people who don't really grasp what love is in the beginning! A must read!
I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review.
June 30, 2019
One of my favorite aunts was named Hazel, so a historical fiction book named Hazelanne was a must-read. Hazelanne is the oldest child of a sickly mother. She feels she is destined to spend her life caring for here family. When a friend suggested she answer an ad for a bride, Hazelanne decides it is the only way to escape his dreary life. On the way to Wildcat Ridge, Utah, she catches the eye of the stage's shotgun rider, Brice MacAnsrews. When he learns she is engaged to a drunk, he is not happy. A week after her wedding an explosion at the mine kills her abusive husband. When Brice going to Hazelanne's ranch after the explosion, he finds here injured. He offers a marriage of convenience. Twice in the matter of a few days, Hazelanne gets married.
As they get to know one another over time, trust and affection grow. Can the ranch give them a common ground to build a life together? This was a sweet book about a courageous young woman.
As they get to know one another over time, trust and affection grow. Can the ranch give them a common ground to build a life together? This was a sweet book about a courageous young woman.
March 29, 2021
The Perils of Pauline
I think authors need to consider when drafting a book if they’re laying on a hero’s or heroine’s difficulties a bit too thick. That certainly happened in this case. As the book opens, not only does the heroine have to mind her younger children and take care of an ailing mother who has a chronic stomach complaint, she also has to deal with her mother's absolute lack of appreciation for all that she does. Hoping that becoming a mail-order bride will improve her life, she winds up married to a cruel drunk who is soon killed in a mining disaster. Then she works herself to the bone and near-death trying to keep the ranch going. Seriously, I feel like I was just shaking my head the whole time, wondering what calamity would befall her next. This heroine had enough troubles for several books… and too many for one!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I think authors need to consider when drafting a book if they’re laying on a hero’s or heroine’s difficulties a bit too thick. That certainly happened in this case. As the book opens, not only does the heroine have to mind her younger children and take care of an ailing mother who has a chronic stomach complaint, she also has to deal with her mother's absolute lack of appreciation for all that she does. Hoping that becoming a mail-order bride will improve her life, she winds up married to a cruel drunk who is soon killed in a mining disaster. Then she works herself to the bone and near-death trying to keep the ranch going. Seriously, I feel like I was just shaking my head the whole time, wondering what calamity would befall her next. This heroine had enough troubles for several books… and too many for one!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
April 22, 2019
Bruce and Hazelanne
Hazelanne was the eldest girl in a large family with little money. She decided to answer a mail order bride advertisement. Upon arriving in Wildcat Springs she meets her husband to be and he is a small ranch/farm owner with a drinking problem. The shotgun rider on the wells Fargo stage is Brice. He knows what kind of man her husband d to be is and warns her to be cautior. Shortly after mArriage the no e he works for caves in leak g her a widow along with most of the other women in town. After did I wrong Hazelanne is not safe Brice married her in a marriage of con convenience. What will become of them? Will they come together as a real marriage and find their happily ever after? You will enjoy reading this story.
Hazelanne was the eldest girl in a large family with little money. She decided to answer a mail order bride advertisement. Upon arriving in Wildcat Springs she meets her husband to be and he is a small ranch/farm owner with a drinking problem. The shotgun rider on the wells Fargo stage is Brice. He knows what kind of man her husband d to be is and warns her to be cautior. Shortly after mArriage the no e he works for caves in leak g her a widow along with most of the other women in town. After did I wrong Hazelanne is not safe Brice married her in a marriage of con convenience. What will become of them? Will they come together as a real marriage and find their happily ever after? You will enjoy reading this story.
June 17, 2019
Hazelanne was the first book I've read in the Wildcat Ridge series as well as the 1st novel by Linda Carroll-Bradd. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. Hazelanne is a young woman who leaves her family as a mail order bride; hoping to find a loving husband and a family of her own. Only to find that her husband is a cruel man. Conveniently for her he dies within days of their marriage and she quickly marries the handsome man she met on the stage coach ride to meet her husband. The story line had great promise, but the convenience of each event in Hazelanne's life caused the book to lose its appeal for me.
February 16, 2020
Continuity missing...
The story was touching but from the first chapter it was evident that this author didn’t bother to follow the 14 previous books...Judge Vaile was not in Wildcat Ridge when the mine collapsed and the explosions happened. Not did he have an office in town until much later. He conducted business out of the Mayor’s office. The second point being that she hooked Biscuit up ti the wagon to go into Wildcat Ridge to see what the smoke was but when she arrived at the mine site she tied Blackie to a tree to secure him...
It ought to be mandatory for series authors to read and follow content and timeframe continuity if writing in a multi author series....
The story was touching but from the first chapter it was evident that this author didn’t bother to follow the 14 previous books...Judge Vaile was not in Wildcat Ridge when the mine collapsed and the explosions happened. Not did he have an office in town until much later. He conducted business out of the Mayor’s office. The second point being that she hooked Biscuit up ti the wagon to go into Wildcat Ridge to see what the smoke was but when she arrived at the mine site she tied Blackie to a tree to secure him...
It ought to be mandatory for series authors to read and follow content and timeframe continuity if writing in a multi author series....
April 20, 2019
Great Story
I loved the plot of this story. Great characters, very believable, as the heroine takes a chance to better her situation, only to discover she walked into a different situation than she thought. The hero is a drifter at heart. He's willing to help Hazelanne,but only as long as it does not mean he has to change his lifestyle. I liked how the author brought the story to its conclusion.
I loved the plot of this story. Great characters, very believable, as the heroine takes a chance to better her situation, only to discover she walked into a different situation than she thought. The hero is a drifter at heart. He's willing to help Hazelanne,but only as long as it does not mean he has to change his lifestyle. I liked how the author brought the story to its conclusion.
December 3, 2019
Wonderful story
This is a multiple author series and this allows us the readers to find new authors to follow. This is a creative way to provide a series from different perspectives. Poor Hazelanne has had a large burden on her from a young age. She leaves her family to make a terrible marriage to a drunk. Her adventure begins and is a heartbreaking and loving story. I highly recommend you start at book one and continue to follow all the residents of Wildcat Ridge.
This is a multiple author series and this allows us the readers to find new authors to follow. This is a creative way to provide a series from different perspectives. Poor Hazelanne has had a large burden on her from a young age. She leaves her family to make a terrible marriage to a drunk. Her adventure begins and is a heartbreaking and loving story. I highly recommend you start at book one and continue to follow all the residents of Wildcat Ridge.
February 15, 2024
Sweet Historical Romance
I believe this is the only book in the series that starts before the explosion. I loved that this story was about a bride coming to town to marry. I hated her husband though. Brice wasn't much better, while he was fighting himself, yet he was also easy to love. Kind of reminded me of boyfriends from many years past. Lol! I loved the ending but missed his declaration of love
I believe this is the only book in the series that starts before the explosion. I loved that this story was about a bride coming to town to marry. I hated her husband though. Brice wasn't much better, while he was fighting himself, yet he was also easy to love. Kind of reminded me of boyfriends from many years past. Lol! I loved the ending but missed his declaration of love
February 14, 2020
Story was good, but not worth $2.99 and needs editing
I can't believe I paid $2.99 for this book. During the wedding ceremony, when the hero wed her first husband, his name changed from 'Clay Kevin Oliphant' to 'Clay Brian Oliphant'. I am so disappointed that I had to pay to read a book so full of errors that could have been avoided. The story was good, but not worth the money.
I can't believe I paid $2.99 for this book. During the wedding ceremony, when the hero wed her first husband, his name changed from 'Clay Kevin Oliphant' to 'Clay Brian Oliphant'. I am so disappointed that I had to pay to read a book so full of errors that could have been avoided. The story was good, but not worth the money.
September 27, 2019
Wonderful book.
Thank you Linda Carroll-Brand, Poor Hazelanne, Two husbands, First one was a drunk, second one Brice, was better, but he didn't want to settle down, He wanted to roam, until he realized what he was missing.
Thank you Linda Carroll-Brand, Poor Hazelanne, Two husbands, First one was a drunk, second one Brice, was better, but he didn't want to settle down, He wanted to roam, until he realized what he was missing.
November 13, 2021
Short and Sweet
I enjoyed reading this book. The woman was a sweet hard working young lady. She has a strength for beyond her years. The young man looked but could not settle .
A nice short reD.
I enjoyed reading this book. The woman was a sweet hard working young lady. She has a strength for beyond her years. The young man looked but could not settle .
A nice short reD.
April 16, 2019
Very good read
I enjoyed this book very much, but i kind of hoped her first husband would have work out from gruff man to a better man. But still this was a good book
I enjoyed this book very much, but i kind of hoped her first husband would have work out from gruff man to a better man. But still this was a good book
April 16, 2019
A great strength
Hazelanne is a young woman with inner strength that carries her through ordeals most would crumble under. This story is beautifully written.
Hazelanne is a young woman with inner strength that carries her through ordeals most would crumble under. This story is beautifully written.
April 23, 2019
Loved it. Hazelanne has been through so much and to end up married to a sorry excuse of a human being. But Brice noticed Hazelanne right away. Can they have a happy ever after.
April 29, 2019
A sweet read
This was a fun book to read. It leaves you with a pleasant feeling. I enjoyed the heroine as she was not just a shrinking violet. She had spunk.
This was a fun book to read. It leaves you with a pleasant feeling. I enjoyed the heroine as she was not just a shrinking violet. She had spunk.
June 28, 2019
Loved this book
Hazelanne is a spirited character and her journey of a mail order bride has several turns and twisted. I love a strong women and this is a wonderful journey.
Hazelanne is a spirited character and her journey of a mail order bride has several turns and twisted. I love a strong women and this is a wonderful journey.
July 17, 2019
2 husbands.
Some people have all the luck and some don.’t . You will need to read about Hazelanne and Brice the well Fargo driver .
Some people have all the luck and some don.’t . You will need to read about Hazelanne and Brice the well Fargo driver .
August 9, 2019
Sweet short romance
A strong woman; a good but confused man; an evil man; some horses, pigs, sheep and chickens; only missing children to be perfect.
A strong woman; a good but confused man; an evil man; some horses, pigs, sheep and chickens; only missing children to be perfect.
January 24, 2020
Great Series
I read the whole series. I enjoyed each story. They are each great on there own. I recommend them alone but you will love the whole series.
I read the whole series. I enjoyed each story. They are each great on there own. I recommend them alone but you will love the whole series.
February 1, 2023
Great read!!!!
August 3, 2023
great book
This was a great book. I love this author. I highly recommend this book and author. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author.
This was a great book. I love this author. I highly recommend this book and author. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews