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Brides of Cedar Falls #1
Lawfully Witnessed
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07ZDMBD9J.)
To escape the bitter division of loyalties in her family following Georgia’s succession from the Union, Anna Kate Monroe accepts an invitation to serve as a companion to a spinster aunt in Texas. She is surprised to find herself traveling in the same direction as a handsome stranger she meets right before she begins the long train ride west; and she is even more thrilled to discover they share the same destination.
Captain Gregory Armstrong has been sent undercover from Massachusetts to investigate the claim that several prominent southern families are financing a major supply route responsible for bringing a steady supply of horses, ammunition, and fighting men to the Confederate states. When his investigation leads him straight to Anna Kate’s doorstep, he has no choice but to follow her and his suspicions all the way to San Antonio. To explain his presence, he pretends to be a gentleman of leisure, paying a visit to a western railroad spur as a potential investor.
As the evidence against his lovely target and her family mounts, he grapples with an unexpected attraction to her that will test his mettle as both a spy and a man of honor.
To escape the bitter division of loyalties in her family following Georgia’s succession from the Union, Anna Kate Monroe accepts an invitation to serve as a companion to a spinster aunt in Texas. She is surprised to find herself traveling in the same direction as a handsome stranger she meets right before she begins the long train ride west; and she is even more thrilled to discover they share the same destination.
Captain Gregory Armstrong has been sent undercover from Massachusetts to investigate the claim that several prominent southern families are financing a major supply route responsible for bringing a steady supply of horses, ammunition, and fighting men to the Confederate states. When his investigation leads him straight to Anna Kate’s doorstep, he has no choice but to follow her and his suspicions all the way to San Antonio. To explain his presence, he pretends to be a gentleman of leisure, paying a visit to a western railroad spur as a potential investor.
As the evidence against his lovely target and her family mounts, he grapples with an unexpected attraction to her that will test his mettle as both a spy and a man of honor.
- GenresHistoricalRomance
138 pages, ebook
Published October 20, 2019
187 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Jo Grafford
168 books664 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 15, 2025
Sweet romance set during the Civil War. Shipping magnate family, the Monroe’s, are split between Georgia and Texas. What follows is not just a war of men, but of hearts.
July 18, 2025
The Civil War. A Southern Belle. An officer in the Union Army. A secretive family member.
This story is a sweet romance with a little bit of mystery as Captain Gregory Armstrong travels along the rail lines to spy on Anna Kate Monroe who is riding her family's railway to go visit her aunt in Texas in order to escape the war. Gregory is trying to figure out if someone in the family is aiding the Confederacy. He didn't plan to fall for the independent Anna Kate while he investigates her family.
I enjoyed this book set during the war which contained family drama, historical details, and a sweet romance. It's a quick read but I thought the characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
5 stars
This story is a sweet romance with a little bit of mystery as Captain Gregory Armstrong travels along the rail lines to spy on Anna Kate Monroe who is riding her family's railway to go visit her aunt in Texas in order to escape the war. Gregory is trying to figure out if someone in the family is aiding the Confederacy. He didn't plan to fall for the independent Anna Kate while he investigates her family.
I enjoyed this book set during the war which contained family drama, historical details, and a sweet romance. It's a quick read but I thought the characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
5 stars
August 30, 2024
Love & War
I absolutely enjoyed reading this free read from Amazon Kindle Unlimited. I adore these shore sweet and eventful stories. I love all the characters in this book. Sometimes we never know who we will meet on our paths. I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you
I absolutely enjoyed reading this free read from Amazon Kindle Unlimited. I adore these shore sweet and eventful stories. I love all the characters in this book. Sometimes we never know who we will meet on our paths. I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you
December 11, 2019
A real tear jerker! Heart wrenching story. A love story made by war that will surely make your emotions a roller coaster ride.
August 17, 2025
I read this book after reading a different book by the author. I like the look of this book do decided to give it a try. I currently have a KU trial. This is another easy-to-read historical romance. Anna Kate is in Atlanta during the Civil war months before the fall of Atlanta. Because of the war her father keeps her at home where she feels trapped. She just wants to be able to go out but due to the circumstances that isn't possible. When a letter comes from her aunt in Cedar Falls Texas needing help she and her two younger brothers go to be out of danger from the war.
Gregory Armstrong is working undercover for the Union army to find proof of who is helping the confederate army move supplies via the railway. He is there to investigate Anna Kate and her family as there is suspicion, they are the ones he is looking for.
They meet on the train going to Texas where Gregory is undercover as a potential investor in the railway. I enjoyed how the story played out. The civil war has been an era that interests me as there are so many aspects. Anna Kate's family don't have slaves and don't agree with slavery but they also love their state and home. We don't see a lot of the war on the page, we see the consequences of it so it isn't glossed over. But the story is more about the characters. I found it easy to read and flows well. I could sense the drama and the personal conflicts. This book is a short novel and great for reading when you want a quick but good read. I am about to start book two in the series.
If you like Historical books set around the civil war (without the actual fighting) and a quick read give this book a try.
Gregory Armstrong is working undercover for the Union army to find proof of who is helping the confederate army move supplies via the railway. He is there to investigate Anna Kate and her family as there is suspicion, they are the ones he is looking for.
They meet on the train going to Texas where Gregory is undercover as a potential investor in the railway. I enjoyed how the story played out. The civil war has been an era that interests me as there are so many aspects. Anna Kate's family don't have slaves and don't agree with slavery but they also love their state and home. We don't see a lot of the war on the page, we see the consequences of it so it isn't glossed over. But the story is more about the characters. I found it easy to read and flows well. I could sense the drama and the personal conflicts. This book is a short novel and great for reading when you want a quick but good read. I am about to start book two in the series.
If you like Historical books set around the civil war (without the actual fighting) and a quick read give this book a try.
January 9, 2026
Something Old Something New
This book is the beginning of a new series which was reworked from an old one. A while ago, I read book 2 and 3 in this series. This first book is an interesting start that sets the stage for the rest.
The book is about a party girl who has difficulty navigating the love of family and home and the morality of supporting a government which demands slavery. It is, of course, set during the Civil War. The book is very light. It could have examined these concepts and psychology deeper, but that is not what this book was designed to do.
There is also little about the actual spying and smuggling alluded to in the book. That is only examined through the eyes of the couple and how they view its impact on family and relationships. Most all the action happens off page. I would have preferred more action, but I have read most all of this author’s other more exciting works. Haha. I guess I need a new hobby.
For the most part, the books are formulaic but have some fun characters. There is a little humor and intrigue but mostly the books are clean romance. I prefer Jo Grafford’s romantic suspense, but these short romance novels have a little intrigue and are just an easy diversion. I really appreciate that they are clean yet Jovie Grace lets readers know there is chemistry.
This book is the beginning of a new series which was reworked from an old one. A while ago, I read book 2 and 3 in this series. This first book is an interesting start that sets the stage for the rest.
The book is about a party girl who has difficulty navigating the love of family and home and the morality of supporting a government which demands slavery. It is, of course, set during the Civil War. The book is very light. It could have examined these concepts and psychology deeper, but that is not what this book was designed to do.
There is also little about the actual spying and smuggling alluded to in the book. That is only examined through the eyes of the couple and how they view its impact on family and relationships. Most all the action happens off page. I would have preferred more action, but I have read most all of this author’s other more exciting works. Haha. I guess I need a new hobby.
For the most part, the books are formulaic but have some fun characters. There is a little humor and intrigue but mostly the books are clean romance. I prefer Jo Grafford’s romantic suspense, but these short romance novels have a little intrigue and are just an easy diversion. I really appreciate that they are clean yet Jovie Grace lets readers know there is chemistry.
April 2, 2025
What a great story of faith, overcoming dangerous challenges and unexpected love !!!
Rachel and Boone shouldn't have fit but they did !!! At first glance, people shouldn't have liked them. And at first people weren't sure about Rachel. Was she a snooty rich woman trying to change their little town that is still recovering? Or does she have their best interests at heart ? And Boone. He's this BIG, scary bounty hunter that seems to loom menacingly over them, although times that really isn't his intention either. But he's also good at his job, and those on the wrong side of his mission should be afraid !!!
I loved both of them and all of the motley crew that gets added. They had great times of peace and growth. But Rachel and Boone soon bond together to fight their adversary. This a story of faith in ways that present a gentle way of daily living without shoving anything down your throat. I'm giving it 5 STARS !
My review Title is : Rachel and Boone shouldn't have fit but they did !!!
Rachel and Boone shouldn't have fit but they did !!! At first glance, people shouldn't have liked them. And at first people weren't sure about Rachel. Was she a snooty rich woman trying to change their little town that is still recovering? Or does she have their best interests at heart ? And Boone. He's this BIG, scary bounty hunter that seems to loom menacingly over them, although times that really isn't his intention either. But he's also good at his job, and those on the wrong side of his mission should be afraid !!!
I loved both of them and all of the motley crew that gets added. They had great times of peace and growth. But Rachel and Boone soon bond together to fight their adversary. This a story of faith in ways that present a gentle way of daily living without shoving anything down your throat. I'm giving it 5 STARS !
My review Title is : Rachel and Boone shouldn't have fit but they did !!!
December 9, 2024
LAWFULLY WITNESSED
Brides of Cedar Falls
JOVIE GRACE
Review by Author Roy Murry
This Christian Historical Romance is a fast-read story about the US Civil War, during which the North met the South. On a train from Atlanta to Texas, Anna Kate, a southern bell from Atlanta, meets Gregory, a Union officer on a secret mission.
She is a member of a famous railroad-hub family, and he has orders to investigate her family. On their long journey, Anna Kate and her two younger brothers become extremely friendly with the spy.
Coming to terms with Captain Gregory's mission, he falls in love with Anna Kate after learning about her family staying in Cedar Falls, and she is smitten. Gregory learns conflicting information and decides on Anna Kate's family's fate.
After all the information is unraveled and Gregory's mission is complete, their love story comes to a romantic end on Christmas day.
Jovie Grace's storytelling is enjoyable and an excellent book, one of a series.
Brides of Cedar Falls
JOVIE GRACE
Review by Author Roy Murry
This Christian Historical Romance is a fast-read story about the US Civil War, during which the North met the South. On a train from Atlanta to Texas, Anna Kate, a southern bell from Atlanta, meets Gregory, a Union officer on a secret mission.
She is a member of a famous railroad-hub family, and he has orders to investigate her family. On their long journey, Anna Kate and her two younger brothers become extremely friendly with the spy.
Coming to terms with Captain Gregory's mission, he falls in love with Anna Kate after learning about her family staying in Cedar Falls, and she is smitten. Gregory learns conflicting information and decides on Anna Kate's family's fate.
After all the information is unraveled and Gregory's mission is complete, their love story comes to a romantic end on Christmas day.
Jovie Grace's storytelling is enjoyable and an excellent book, one of a series.
April 15, 2020
Anna Kate's Father is sending her and her younger brothers to Texas, in the hopes they will be safe from the ravages of the Civil War. On the train, she meets Gregory.
Gregory is actually a spy for the Union Army and he's following information concerning her family. Is he falling for his suspect? Will he be able to keep his secrets from her? What's going on?
This is a clean romance.
But it was boring. I love reading about the Civil War and I still couldn't get into it. The author's end note mentioned that she was up writing the ending until early in the morning and to me that partly explained why it wasn't great writing. Unlike the author, I neither cried nor laughed at all, let alone often, while reading this story. It's sad to not enjoy a story set in my favourite time period but I just can't recommend it.
Gregory is actually a spy for the Union Army and he's following information concerning her family. Is he falling for his suspect? Will he be able to keep his secrets from her? What's going on?
This is a clean romance.
But it was boring. I love reading about the Civil War and I still couldn't get into it. The author's end note mentioned that she was up writing the ending until early in the morning and to me that partly explained why it wasn't great writing. Unlike the author, I neither cried nor laughed at all, let alone often, while reading this story. It's sad to not enjoy a story set in my favourite time period but I just can't recommend it.
February 16, 2024
I liked the idea of the book, and the storyline held a lot of promise. But I feel like I didn't feel as strong of a connection between the main characters as much as I wanted. I get it was a shorter book, but something was missing for me... I can't quite put my finger on it. He "acts" likes he's courting her, and he spends time with her to prove that. But we don't really learn a lot about the growing of feelings, the moments they notice they love the other one and why. Just that all of a sudden ... they do. It was still a great story and I found myself speed reading it to see if Gregory and Anne Kate could/would ever make it work. I would've loved to "feel" their love developing a little more. But all in all, good book. I bought the set, including the pre-order. So I'm looking forward to reading more about Cedar Falls.
October 25, 2019
I loved this book! The author did a great job with making you root for these characters who were on different sides of the Civil War! A Northern spy and a Southern belle! However, the belle, Anna Kate, didn't know Gregory was a spy! How fun is that? The war was so tough on everyone and this story showed how difficult it was on southerners who didn't believe in slavery! I didn't even know that existed so that was a new concept to me! I loved all the characters in this book and of course, the emotions were very real! The author did a great job of making the reader feel those emotions. I cheered for Anna Kate and Gregory through the whole book! I really enjoyed Anna Kate's brothers too! I definitely recommend this book!
March 25, 2024
When I saw this story was set in Georgia during the Civil War, I had to pick it up. I found it well done with generous details of the heroine’s life in an affluent Southern family.
The Monroes are Unionists but also true Southerners. To assure that his younger sons can elude the Confederate conscription, Mr. Monroe sends them to accompany his daughter, Anna Kate, to his sister in Texas.
Union Captain Gregory Armstrong has an assignment to follow and investigate the family, which he does, never expecting to befriend the young men and fall for their sister. Complications arise.
For a novella, the story’s start was a little slow and the pacing was almost too fast near the end. I think it could have been developed into an excellent full-length novel. A good read.
The Monroes are Unionists but also true Southerners. To assure that his younger sons can elude the Confederate conscription, Mr. Monroe sends them to accompany his daughter, Anna Kate, to his sister in Texas.
Union Captain Gregory Armstrong has an assignment to follow and investigate the family, which he does, never expecting to befriend the young men and fall for their sister. Complications arise.
For a novella, the story’s start was a little slow and the pacing was almost too fast near the end. I think it could have been developed into an excellent full-length novel. A good read.
April 26, 2024
Lawfully Witnessed
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Okay I’ll admit it. This brought a few tears to my eyes. I have always been intrigued with historical romances especially ones that revolve around the Civil War. This story like some many that I have read about the subject, just drew me in.
I adored the dual POV format that this is written in. Getting that glimpse into the main characters thoughts really help me to better understand them and connect with them. It brings them alive.
This is a clean romance with just a few kisses between the two. It you want to escape into the past for a little bit, I highly recommend this enchanting story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Okay I’ll admit it. This brought a few tears to my eyes. I have always been intrigued with historical romances especially ones that revolve around the Civil War. This story like some many that I have read about the subject, just drew me in.
I adored the dual POV format that this is written in. Getting that glimpse into the main characters thoughts really help me to better understand them and connect with them. It brings them alive.
This is a clean romance with just a few kisses between the two. It you want to escape into the past for a little bit, I highly recommend this enchanting story!
June 7, 2024
Another great book in this series, enjoyed it very much. It is a very sweet story with a H and h you can’t help but fall in love with as you follow their story of growing love, even if they don’t realize they are falling in love. H is a northern spy sent to check out the h, if she is helping the south in their fight against the north. What he finds out is that her aunt is the guilty one. Problem is that he falls in love with the aunt also because she is such a loving woman. In the end he truly helps the family he has been spying on. HEA results for the H and h. Recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet clean stories. Enjoy!
October 25, 2019
I loved this book!! Jo handled this really well, and differently than many other writers have! Great read of what could have happened during the Civil War, and feelings like those in my own family during that time, as I have found out from writings in my family history. Loved the spy story, which isn't touched on in too many books, so this one stands out for that reason, too. Great read, and well worth your time!!
I received a complimentary copy of the book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own!!
I received a complimentary copy of the book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own!!
June 28, 2023
What I read was more like a novella based off of this book. Same title, but by Jovie Grace i.e. Jo Grafford. Since this took place during the Civil War was afraid it would include a lot of gloom and doom. It did not! This was well written, as Jo always gives her readers, and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the intrigue and mystery that went along with the Monroes and their being spies. Was especially fond of the ending for Anna Kate and Gregory.
I received this revised, free version written by Jovie for only my voluntary and true review.
I received this revised, free version written by Jovie for only my voluntary and true review.
January 14, 2024
A new beginning
The start of this series is refreshing,sweet and an introduction to these wonderful characters. Cedar Falls was a family safe spot for her Atlanta younger brothers and herself. Visiting her Aunt, helping with the family rail and shipping business seems a simple use of time. Her unaware naive self is confronted with a man she falls for, the war and how it will effect everyone. Great book!
The start of this series is refreshing,sweet and an introduction to these wonderful characters. Cedar Falls was a family safe spot for her Atlanta younger brothers and herself. Visiting her Aunt, helping with the family rail and shipping business seems a simple use of time. Her unaware naive self is confronted with a man she falls for, the war and how it will effect everyone. Great book!
February 14, 2024
Lawfully Witnessed
What happens when a true Southern Belle falls in love with a Union spy during the Civil War? Anna Kate Monroe is the daughter of a shipping magnate from Atlanta. When she is sent to help her Aunt in Cedar Falls, she meets Captain Gregory Armstrong. Read their story to find out what happens when the Captain’s secret is discovered. Will their love be enough to overcome the lies?
What happens when a true Southern Belle falls in love with a Union spy during the Civil War? Anna Kate Monroe is the daughter of a shipping magnate from Atlanta. When she is sent to help her Aunt in Cedar Falls, she meets Captain Gregory Armstrong. Read their story to find out what happens when the Captain’s secret is discovered. Will their love be enough to overcome the lies?
February 16, 2025
This sweet and clean historical Christian romance was tough on the main couple. Anna Kate is from a wealthy family. She and her younger brothers are sent away from Atlanta to her aunt's house in a town outside of San Antonio, Texas.
Gregory Armstrong is investigating her family. What better way to keep an eye on them than to pretend interest in her... More quickly than he could guess, they are both really attracted to each other.
And then his job gets in the way.
Gregory Armstrong is investigating her family. What better way to keep an eye on them than to pretend interest in her... More quickly than he could guess, they are both really attracted to each other.
And then his job gets in the way.
October 23, 2019
This is one book you won’t want to put down! I loved the characters, so fun and loving. My emotions were all over the place with this love story. War, family, and love, such a trying time for Anna Kate. The author does a wonderful job of pulling the reader into this book. You will laugh, cry and cherish this fantastic read!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2019
This is a wonderful book, you don't want to miss this one. It is well written and once you start reading it, you can't put it down. It is full of emotions, and you can feel all of them. This book will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 23, 2019
Jo Grafford has done it again by giving us an action packed page turner with great character development in the Lawkeepers series. This is Anna Kate and Gregory's story and takes place at the beginning of the Civil War. There are lots of emotions to work through before reaching a HEA. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it...don't miss it...I know you will enjoy it.
October 31, 2019
War is always terrible, it divides countries and families. So it did Anna Kate’s. To avoid that she’s sent to her aunt to help her. On the way to Texas she meets Gregory. Will his obligations keep them apart?
Once you start this story you want to keep reading, so much happens. Family and loyalty, love and trust.
Once you start this story you want to keep reading, so much happens. Family and loyalty, love and trust.
August 10, 2021
Anna Kate Monroe and Gregory Armstrong was a well developed story. I enjoyed the story with all the laughing I did. But some of the story had sad parts too. Anna Kate Monroe go's to visit her aunt because of the war Between The States. She meets Gregory Armstrong on the train. Gregory Armstrong is from the North and she is from the South. I was given this book for an honest and voluntary review.
January 19, 2020
Anna Kate and Gregory
I love this book it made the civil war come alive from another angle not in the battle but from states not involved but through spies and supply lines. Mostly lighthearted scenes between Anna Kate and Gregory - Babs
I love this book it made the civil war come alive from another angle not in the battle but from states not involved but through spies and supply lines. Mostly lighthearted scenes between Anna Kate and Gregory - Babs
September 8, 2022
This is a good story beginning a new series. I like that it is set in the Civil War period. The characters are strong & realistic. There is romance & a little mystery. I think this series will be well worth reading. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary opinion.
January 18, 2024
I loved this story!
Wowza! I didn’t expect such an intense, yet beautifully romantic book! Gregory was the epitome of the perfect hero. This story would make an awesome movie!
**Anna Kate became Annabelle a couple of times.
Wowza! I didn’t expect such an intense, yet beautifully romantic book! Gregory was the epitome of the perfect hero. This story would make an awesome movie!
**Anna Kate became Annabelle a couple of times.
June 3, 2024
Historical
A story of how civil war can cause rifts in relationships, in so many ways. A nice easy read that sheds some light on these issues. Lovely characters that make the story interesting. A nice clean read.
A story of how civil war can cause rifts in relationships, in so many ways. A nice easy read that sheds some light on these issues. Lovely characters that make the story interesting. A nice clean read.
June 10, 2024
Loved it.
This is a interesting read that flowed well together. The storyline is intriguing and well put together read along with interesting characters. It is also a page turner book.
This is a interesting read that flowed well together. The storyline is intriguing and well put together read along with interesting characters. It is also a page turner book.
July 15, 2024
Fast read Civil war novella
A Yankee spying on a Southern family gets more than he thought he might. Story moves quickly from Atlanta to Texas.
One time Anna Grace is Annabelle. A minor character, Zack’s name is sometimes spelled Zach on the same
page.
A Yankee spying on a Southern family gets more than he thought he might. Story moves quickly from Atlanta to Texas.
One time Anna Grace is Annabelle. A minor character, Zack’s name is sometimes spelled Zach on the same
page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews