Lydia

Brides of the Oregon Trail #2

by Cynthia Woolf

Lydia Granger thought she left a life of struggle and poverty behind. As a mail-order bride on her way to Oregon City, a secure future is assured. But when the wagon train arrives in Oregon City, she discovers her fiancé is dead and her dream of a safe future is shattered. Moments after her dream is stolen from her, a gift arrives. Her wealthy fiancé left her everything he had. Life for Lydia should be easy, but the truth is much darker and more terrifying than she could imagine, for her fiancé's death was no accident, and the man who took his life wants everything, all the dead man's riches.

Detective Max Caldwell lost his wife to a brutal killer, a man who will stop at nothing to take what he wants from the world. He killed in Chicago. He killed in Oregon. It's only a matter of time before he strikes again. Max seeks not only justice, but vengeance for his wife's death and has no qualms about asking the innocent Lydia to help him hunt for her fiancé's murderer. Because Lydia, and her inheritance, are the bait Max will use to lure evil into the light. Too late he realizes Lydia, with her soft heart, beautiful smile, and collection of rescued animals is not only powerful enough to take down a killer, but she just might melt the ice around his heart.

Genres: Mail Order Brides, Historical Romance, Adventure, Historical Fiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2019

About the author

Cynthia Woolf is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of eighty-five works of romance fiction. Comprising sixty-six historical western romances, ten contemporary romance novels, two contemporary romance novellas, one historical western romance novella, and six sci-fi space opera romances, which she calls westerns in space. Along with these books, she has also published twelve boxed sets of her books and two short stories.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance, Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia's father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy, not a bounty hunter, and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.



WEBSITE – http://cynthiawoolf.com

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TITLES AVAILABLE (English unless otherwise stated)

COLORADO BILLIONAIRES (sweet contemporary novels)
THE CEO
THE RANCHER
THE MAVERICK
THE TYCOON
THE ARTIST (coming soon)
THE QUARTERBACK (coming soon)


MONTANA BILLIONAIRES SERIES (contemporary sweet western novels)
Her Secret Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Mysterious Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Christmas Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire
Her Disguised Cowboy Billionaire


CHRISTMAS AT THE MISTLETOE INN (contemporary novella)
Cooking Up Christmas


THE BRIDES OF THE KLONDIKE
The Gold Rush Bride (Available in German)
The Gold Mountain Bride


THE PRESCOTT BRIDES (Available in German)
A Bride for Ross
A Bride for Frank
A Bride for Tucker
A Bride for Clay
A Bride for Brodie



THE HEART WISH MAIL-ORDER BRIDES SERIES
Heart of Stone
Heart of Shadow


MARSHALS MAIL ORDER BRIDES
The Carson City Bride (Available in German)
The Virginia City Bride (Available in German)
The Silver City Bride
The Eureka City Bride


ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES
Adele


BRIDES OF GOLDEN CITY
A Husband for Victoria
A Husband for Cordelia
A Husband for Adeline


BRIDES OF THE OREGON TRAIL (Available in German)
Hannah
Lydia
Bella
Eliza
Rebecca
Charlotte
Amanda
Emma Rose
Nora
Opal


BACHELORS & BABIES
Carter (Book 3)


BRIDES OF SEATTLE (Available in German)
Mail Order Mystery
Mail Order Mayhem
Mail Order Mix-Up
Mail Order Moonlight
Mail Order Melody


CENTRAL CITY BRIDES (Available in German)
The Dancing Bride
The Sapphire Bride
The Irish Bride
The Pretender Bride


HOMESTEAD CANYON SERIES
Thorpe’s Mail-Order Bride
Kissed by a Stranger
A Family for Christmas


HOPE’S CROSSING
The Hunter Bride
The Replacement Bride
The Stolen Bride
The Unexpected Bride


AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES
Genevieve, Bride of Nevada


THE SURPRISE BRIDES
Gideon


THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO
Nellie (Available in German)
Annie (Available in German)
Cora (Available in German)
Sophia (Available in German)
Amelia (Available in German)
Violet


THE BRIDES OF TOMBSTONE (Available in German)
Mail Order Outlaw
Mail Order Doctor
Mail Order Baron


DESTINY IN DEADWOOD (Available in German)
Jake
Liam
Zach


MATCHMAK

Reviews

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series, Hannah, I wanted to know about her sister Lydia.
This book answered perfectly to it.
Lydia was the sister who took matter in hands and decided to test her luck by becoming a mail order bride, why they embarked in this six months long journey, during which Hannah found her husband. Now it is time for Lydia to meet hers, except he never showed up. As it was impossible as he was deceased.
But still even without a groom, luck was on Lydia’s side, her generous betrothed left her all his wealth, and what a fortune it is. Until she learns she might the next victim of the man who murdered her fiancé.
Why she agrees to help the detective sent to investigate the case.
Max Caldwell wants to put a stop to the run of the murderer of Lydia’s fiancé but also his late wife. Why he wants to use her as bait. He knows it is dangerous but can’t stop now he is so close to the end of his track.
Their story was lovely, with no angst, an other shotgun wedding for the second Granger’s sister and plenty of sweet unusual pets surrounding them. It was nice too to see again Hannah and Joe and to see their own love getting stronger with time.
I do wonder if there will be a third book and with whom?
I loved the doc in this series.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a great book! I Loved it! This is the 2nd book in the Brides of the Oregon Trail series but you can read this as a stand-alone book. If you do read the 1st book in the series, you are already in love with Lydia. If you have not you will fall in love with her very fast. She has the biggest heart and will do just about anything for others. When I first met Max, I didn’t think he would be good enough for Lydia, I am glad I was wrong.

Lydia Granger comes to Oregon City as a mail-order-bride. The man she is to marry does not meet her when she arrives. So, she goes to find the town sheriff. He informs her that her fiancé is dead. When she first hears the news, she worries that the life she has always had has followed her here. That though is not the case. Her late fiancé has left her everything he had. Now she is the wealthiest person in town (not that it matters). Soon after seeing her house and some of her new fortune she meets a man that wants her to help catch the man he believes killed her fiancé. By agreeing to help him it will put her life in danger. There is also more to the reason he wants this man caught.

Detective Max Caldwell has lost a lot, his wife and time with his daughter. Max is after a killer. Both he and the killer are from Chicago. Max has followed the killer to Oregon City as it is his job. He is to find the killer that stole uncut diamonds from his victim. The vengeance for his wife’s death is just a plus and he wants Lydia’s help to do it. He has no worry or qualms about seeking her help or putting her life in danger. That is until he starts to have feelings he has not ever had before. He learns that Lydia has the biggest heart and not just for the animals she rescues but for everyone. Now he is more than worried for Lydia and he is fully to blame.
Will it be too late for Lydia and Max? Will he lose her before he has her? Will Lydia win his heart and get the future she has always wanted?

* ARC provided by author for an honest review.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU FOR HELPING MAKE MY DREAMS COME TRUE

What an intriguing story with adventure, danger, and romantic suspense. The second story in the Brides of the Oregon Trail series will focus on the arrival of the wagon train in Oregon City and Lydia. What a shock to learn that her fiancé, Walter Mosley, is dead—but also that he has left all of his belongings to her, and now she is an extremely wealthy woman. The story is a sensual love story for two people, Lydia Granger, and Max Caldwell. There is an attraction between them that can’t be ignored, and the more time they spend together, the closer they become. But, when Max solves his case, what will happen between him and Lydia—will he return to Chicago?

The story will include Hannah and Joe, and a visit from a few other people from the wagon train. It will have Lydia meeting Detective Max Caldwell from Chicago as he is tracking down a killer. The plot will include mystery and suspense as Max needs Lydia to be a lure to help catch the killer—but what happens when Max is clubbed, and Lydia is shot? The story talks on life and death situation and once will keep Max and Lydia together, unchaperoned, leading to another forced marriage.

“Don’t you Granger girls know how to get married without a shotgun, so to speak?”

The story will have the good, the bad, and the ugly of people and how far they are willing to go in the name of greed. It will also include Lydia’s growing menagerie of animals that play a role in this story. While this is both a story of struggles and trials experienced with the loss of someone Lydia never met in person, it is also new beginnings. I love how Lydia never seems to forget the gift that Walter left her and wants to carry on his legacy of helping others. The story could be considered PG but does not emphasize the intimacy between a husband and wife; it is more implied with the emotions.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Lydia is the second book in Cynthia Woolf’s new series, Brides of the Oregon Trail. If you have read the first book, Hannah, then you have already met Lydia; Lydia is Hannah’s younger sister. In that book, the two sisters traveled across the country, together and alone, to meet Lydia’s future husband, Walter Mosley, in Oregon.

Although Lydia is younger than the sister, she is very aware that they could not afford to eat, and rent an apartment, on their salary. Therefore, she chose to become a mail order bride without informing her sister. Unfortunately, Lydia arrives in Oregon, only to find out that Walter had died. He has willed his house and his wealth to Lydia.

Both of those situations demonstrate how, unusually, independent Lydia is. Another interesting fact about Lydia is that she loves animals, especially those that are lonely and injured. Her “pets” include a wolf, a mountain lion and a three-legged cat.

The other main character is Max Caldwell. He is a detective with a Detective Agency in Chicago. He claims he is looking for a man who was hired as the bank president by Walter. However, he has been using his position as a cover for constantly stealing money from Walter. What Max doesn’t say is that this man had also killed Max’s wife.

Max plans to use Lydia to force Walter out in the open so that Max and other lawmen can capture him. Lydia and Max put themselves in many dangerous situations in order to capture this man. There are many exciting twist and turns as Lydia and Max try to arrest the villain as he attempts to kill Lydia so he can take all of her money.

I greatly enjoy this new series because so few authors have created stories that take place along the Oregon Trail and/or in Oregon. Plus, I admire Lydia for her determination to make it on her own in this new land and for her willingness to speak up for herself no matter who she is talking to. And, of course, I thoroughly enjoy watching Lydia and Max fall in love with each other.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book of the series, Lydia and her menagerie find their new home. Only, it isn't at all what she expected. Lydia thought that Walter was a moderately wealthy man - in other words, that he had enough and bit to spare. She had no idea that with his wealth he was able to undergird and support a whole town. However, her fiancé is dead and has unexpectedly made Lydia his sole beneficiary. One thing is certain, there is more than enough space in her new home for everyone she loves, including her fury babies. When Max comes looking for her help, Lydia has the right mix of common sense and adventure to grab the opportunity of assisting him. She just doesn't expect to come into the line of fire. I enjoyed this pioneer romance, the mix of characters and Lydia's quirky habit of collecting sick, wounded and abandoned animals. Visitors to her new home are taken aback at being greeted at the door by a wolf, not to mention a three-legged cat and a mountain lion. Whilst this romance has some suspense and a mystery to solve, it is also an enjoyable reflection of life in the newly settled Oregon City. Although this book is part of a series, and it is useful to have read Hannah and Joe's story first, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a happy and fulfilling close. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read the first book in the series, Hannah, then you met her sister Lydia. I was glad to see they finally made it to Oregon. I know Lydia was shocked to find out the man she came to marry was dead. But it was even more of a shock to find out he left her everything he had and she is now rich. I loved watching Lydia fall for Max who was a detective trying to catch the bank president of the bank in town who had killed someone in Chicago for diamonds, and also probably killed Lydia’s fiancé. Lydia is such a sweet and giving person. I loved that she wants to share her wealth with he sister and brother in law. Her love of all animals is so heartwarming. Max has a plan to catch the bank president with Lydia’s help. The book has some exciting parts, and Max’s daughter is a cutie. I loved this book and strongly encourage you to read it. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey to Oregon City ended with Lydia's sister married and now she is ready for her chance. But when she arrives, she finds out her soon to be husband Walter has died! What in the world happened? Even more suprising is he left her all he owned and now she can be independent! Can you imagine?
Of course nothing is ever that easy and in steps Max Caldwell, a detective from Chicago tracking down a killer that murdered his wife and is now in Oregon. He thinks this man also killed Walter and he enlist's Lydia's help.
A story or loss, greed and new beginnings that will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. Lydia is such a wonderful person with her sweet and generous nature. She seems to collect animals that need a home and creates a legacy of helping others as Walter did.
But will Lydia be in the killer's sights because of her money? Will Max be able to keep her safe and stay once the case is over?
Loved this story and cannot wait for the next!!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Brides of Oregon Trail and focused on Lydia Granger, sister to Hannah (book 1) the wagon train has arrived in Oregon City and Lydia is anxious to meet her fiancé Walter. After waiting two cities Lydia decides to seek him out only to find he re ently fused of a heart attack. Fortunately left her all his worldly possessions and while that provides Lydia with security and much more it may also place her in danger

Walter nay not have died of natural causes after all. Who would want to harm Walter and why? Does this place Lydia in danger? Fortunately a private detective, Max Caldwell arrives in time to warn her and offers protection in exchange for her help in catching the murderer will Lydia help Max? Will this place Lydia in even more danger? Will working together result in Lydia and Max becoming closer?

An enjoyable read

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lycia came on a wagon train to Oregon City as a bride to
Walter, she had waited two days for him to come to the wagon and get her, but he never came. Lydia decided to walk into town and see the Sheriff and find out where Walter lived, maybe he was ill. The sheriff was very sorry to inform her but Walter passed away. Discussion, discussion, discussion. Walter left everything to her.
The sheriff took Lydia to her new home and Lydia went back to the wagon train and informed her sister and brother in law what had happened they drove the wagon to her new home. This is the very BASIC beginning of a very enjoyable suspenseful romantic thriller mystery...I absolutely could not put it down. I loved the characters and the plot with all the twists. Very intriguing story. I loved it. I was given this arc and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Vicki or Dennis Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to see that Lydia finally had her HEA, after travelling all the miles over the Oregon Trail with her sister, Hannah. Lydia was the mail order bride for Walter from Oregon City, but Hannah had married while they were on their journey to Oregon. This was a very delightful story and I love the depth of Lydia's commitment to the "helpless and homeless" animals of all types of species. This will be a very pleasant, easy and fast read for those who enjoy mail order brides or just plain sweet romance. There is one spot that keeps this from being a totally clean read, but it was no biggie in my opinion. I would recommend this book, this author and this series.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
Vicki from Wyoming

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Woolf is a new author to this avid reader. While mail-order bride stories are not my favorite genre, I enjoyed Lydia for several reasons. First my mom's name is Lydia, who met my dad at the end of WW2 on a train in Germany and my parents had a mail courtship. Second, I enjoyed the unusual twist to the story. Yes, other mail-0rder brides have arrive where the fiancé or groom had died, but never have I read where the fiancé was wealthy beyond belief, unusual twists of unique pets, and small town business owners. Fun to see Lydia's interaction with her unique pets and helping others care for animals. A page turning romance with likable characters, twist and turn plot, part mystery, part romance, and a believable resolution.

[Lois Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

story. Not quite as good as the first in the series, but still great reading! The animals that Lydia had were always adding excitement to the book. I did not like that the original groom to be died before the wagon train got there, it made me feel sorry for him throughout the story. I would still recommend this book to readers who like christian romance.

Great story. Not quite as good as the first in the series, but still great reading! The animals that Lydia had were always adding excitement to the book. I did not like that the original groom to be died before the wagon train got there, it made me feel sorry for him throughout the story. I would still recommend this book to readers who like christian romance.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia is different. She is beautiful and has a great love of animals. All the way to Oregon, she collected animals. An owl, a mountain lion, a wolf and a three legged cat. Now that she is in Oregon, people are bringing animals to her. Max needs Lydia's help with catching a killer. It would put her in danger, but he needs to get this man. The man has stolen some uncut diamonds, killed two men (one of them was Lydia's fiancée) and has taken the identity of the bank president. The man will stop at nothing in order to get ahold of all the money that Lydia's fiancée left for her. Will Max be able to keep her safe? Will Lydia get to keep Max?

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Lydia traveled to Oregon City to marry Walter Mosley, but upon her arrival, she learns that he has passed. But he left her everything! She had no idea that he was so wealthy and was surprised and shocked. She meets a man who thinks that Walter was murdered and she agrees to a scheme to nab the killer, even if it puts her in danger. Meanwhile Lydia is taking care of the animals she collected on the trail, plus a baby raccoon she sound in her new home. This was very hard to put down and I really recommend it.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love series and I love books by Cynthia Woolf. Put those together and you find yourself reading Lydia. We were introduced to Lydia in the previous book, Hannah. I can only imagine what Lydia was feeling when she arrives with the wagon train after months of travelling and her groom not coming to meet her. Lydia was in for a few surprises, some good, some not so good and some bad. This is a well written story with interesting characters. I look forward to what I hope will be more Brides of the Oregon Trail.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Brides of the Oregon Trail series. A well written story that kept me turning pages, the story flows smoothly from page to page. Lydia Granger came to Oregon City only to find the man she has come to marry is dead. Walter left everything he owned to Lydia she is now wealthy, but Walter's dead was not natural he was murder by a very nasty man. Detective Max Caldwell is on the trail of the man that murdered his wife it is the same man that murdered Walter. I liked reading how these two come together. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia by Cynthia Woolf is book 2 of Brides of the Oregon Trail series. It is well written and makes your emotions go all over. Cynthia Woolf does not disappoint withe second book in the series. You do not have to read the first book but you will want to. The adventure of going west and the Oregon trail is described so you feel as if one of the characters that made it is telling this story. Cynthia Woolf has became a favorite author . She does not disappoint. Wonderful second addition to this series.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing her sister get married and be in love, Lydia wants to meet her fiancé only to discover that he had died, but he left all his belongings to her. Now a very wealthy woman she’s everything to take care of her animals. When Max asks her to help to catch a criminal she decides to help him. This is the start for adventure. But will she be heartbroken when Max goes back home again?
After reading Hannah I was really looking forward to read Lydia’s story and it didn’t disappoint. Romance, suspense and family and of course the animals are making this a great story.

[Linda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I absolutely loved loved loved this book it was just so heartwarming it was exciting all kinds of emotions just going back-and-forth but it was so good I read it in like three hours I couldn’t put it down. Cynthia Woolf is such an awesome writer she’s one of my favorites she never lets me down and she didn’t this time it’s a wonderful book good story good characters and a wonderful ending if you enjoy historical westerns you absolutely love this book.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome western mail order bride romance. The characters and the storyline were developed so readers could easily follow along. Max was chasing a murderer and Lydia was planning to be a mail order bride but both their destinies changed. Ms. Woolf draws you into the story so you can’t wait to finish. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by this author.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by this author, and I loved it as much as I loved the first one! I really enjoyed discovering Lydia's story. I was a little sad to read about Walter's fate but I did like how the story unfolded. There was a lot of excitement and action and of course some sweet romance...not much predictability, which is awesome! I prefer books with a bit of a twist. I hope the author continues this series. I'm interested in Hetty's story next!

[Mary Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia was the perfect follow-up to Hannah. The storyline continues from when the wagon train arrives to what life in a frontier town is like. I can’t imagine holding up all those skirts and petticoats for a 20 minute slog through the mud. Lydia comes into her own as the strong woman her older sister always knew she would be. There are twists and turns and dangerous mysteries to solve before love will find a way. And the menagerie continues. A good read.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia arrives in Oregon City via wagon train, to meet her fiance, Walter, only to find he's died. The sheriff takes her to Walter's house, which he's left to her in his will, along with a sizeable amount of money. There's a 'baddie ' who we know who it is, Lydia and Max cook up a scheme to catch him
A romantic humorous suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kind of book. One you can sit down and curl up with. She comes out as a mail order bride only to find her fiance murdered. He left her everthing however. But the sheriff needs her to help find the killer. What a mess to arrive in. Things get bumpy from there. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brides of the Oregon Trail Books 1 & 2

The first 2 books are well worth reading. Hannah and Lydia were true pioneers, the kind of women who helped build this country. I can’t imagine crossing this country on foot or in a wagon but these 2 sisters did. Take time to read these books you won’t be sorry. Jo

[SHARON G. DAVIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Extremely Exciting Romance

After reading book 1, I could not wait to read the 2nd. This book was not only romantic and comical, but exciting with some suspense. I loved every minute of it. There are many animals in the book, as well. A wolf, a three legged cat, kittens, a pig, and many more! Enjoy this book!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

I absolutely loved this book! Lydia was a great character and I really enjoyed all of her pets. Max was also a great character. I loved Lydia and Max. A great addition to this series. Also liked how Max accepted Lydia and her love for animals.

[D'anah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

I liked the whole story, except for the intimacy bit (which for me, was unnecessary)
Loved the animals and how they care for them like family. Always good when the "bad guys" get their just rewards.

[Shannon Keranen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dry, couldn't get into it

This book is quite cliche and very dry. Hard to keep reading. Couldn't get into it. Tried skimming and it was still slow going. Eventually head to put the book down. Probably won't read anything else by this author.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great series that shows what life was like on the Oregon Trail and what happened on arrival. My only disappointment is that these stories are not available in Kindle Unlimited and you have to pay for them.