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A sweet historical western love story with heart-pounding danger.

Ethan Wilkes plans to go west to start a horse ranch, but he sure isn’t ready for a wife, especially a grieving widow, great with child. But his Aunt Milly, proprietress of the Western Home and Hearts Matrimonial Agency, disagrees. She believes Lacy Avant is perfect for him, and after she explains Lacy's plight, he heads to Montana Territory.
When he arrives in Buffalo Run to claim his mail-order bride, he finds Lacy fighting a ruthless rancher who’s taken over the town, run off half the farmers, and murdered her husband. Can he win Lacy’s heart while hunting down the killer before he strikes again?
Can Lacy trust Ethan with her life and her heart? And is the land really worth the risk of losing another husband?
The bullets will fly and faith and love will be tested in this fast-paced Christian romance set in untamed Montana Territory, the first in a new multi-author series taken from case files of the eccentric matchmaker who runs the Westward Home and Hearts Matrimonial Agency.


209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2019

620 people are currently reading
307 people want to read

About the author

Elaine Manders

45 books335 followers

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5 stars
588 (64%)
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215 (23%)
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83 (9%)
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15 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews18 followers
October 1, 2019
Oh my goodness.......This is a very well written love story. The story of Lacy and Ethan gives a picture of life in the rugged Montana territory. How they meet is nicely done. Neither is really sure if things will work out or not but.....I so very much enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,270 reviews
November 4, 2019
Lacy’s Legacy is one compelling story that immersed me until I read the last word. This masterful story set in historical Montana had all the qualities that I enjoy in a historical Christian fiction. There were complex characters with sincere and flaw characteristics, plot that created action among shady members of Buffalo Run, an intriguing mystery, a beautiful budding romance and interwoven faith message.

Ethan desire to solve the unexpected death of Lacy’s husband Mark brought tense moments as he was confronted by the shading community members. Lacy was one strong, determined and hardworking rancher’s wife even while grieving. The challenges they faced together as well as being threaten to be taken down by others brought moments of intensity and reading faster. Their faith had a tremendous impact when danger abounded and even in the good times. This is one truly poignant historical Christian fiction book to read. I look forward to reading more in this new series, Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as a winner on a blog post. I was under no obligation to write a review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,670 reviews1,225 followers
August 10, 2021
Lacy was left a widow six months before her husband's land claim was “proved up”. She needed help... or a husband.

The owner of a well-known mail-order bride business spoke with her nephew about an opportunity she was pretty sure he wouldn't pass up. A chance to either own part of a ranch, or marry a widow and co-own all of it. Which he would choose was dependent on a number of things.

This was slightly longer than a novella, but seemed it was over just as it got started. It kept my interest though, greatly because the characters were so likeable, especially Ethan. A widow of only two months falling in love with another man so quickly? Seems impossible unless the man is Ethan. The kind of man who makes her feel safe and protected, and is so good, is someone her heart could reach out for.

As it turned out, protection was needed as a villain wanted her land.

Good book.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,979 reviews175 followers
August 23, 2024
A CONTRACT—EITHER MARRIAGE OR LAND

The Westward Home and Heart Mail-Order Bridge series will be individual stories, that each read well as stand-alone by various authors. The stories are clean, mail-order bride stories.

Lacy Avant is a recent widow after her husband, Mark, was murdered. The town of Buffalo Run, Montana Territory is under the thumb of a ranching neighbor, Malcolm Dye. Dye is using unscrupulous tactics to have neighboring landowners leave—some are being burned out, fences being cut, and then accused of stealing Dye’s cattle. No one will convince Lacy that Mark wasn’t murdered by henchmen working for Dye.

Lacy’s friend, Dottie, has recently married using the services of Westward Home and Hearts Agency under the direction of Mrs. Mildred Crenshaw. Dottie will suggest that maybe Lacy consider seeking out Mrs. Crenshaw to protect the interest that Lacy and Mark have in their Homestead Act land.
Dottie: You’ll have to remarry, Lacy, and soon, even though it’s an indecent time since Mark passed.
Lacy: Was murdered.
Dottie: The Lord will exact vengeance on his murderer, have no fear of that. In the meantime, Mark would want you to keep this land he worked so hard for, and honey, you can’t do that without a husband. You’re about the strongest woman I know, but it’s not just you.
Lacy: Don’t suggest a mail-order agency. It took you over a year to find Henry. I don’t have a year before this child comes and only six months to prove up this land.
Dottie: I got me an idea. You know that lady who runs the mail-order bride agency I went to—Mrs. Crenshaw? She’s in Buffalo Run for a few days. I’ll be she might have some young man who’s just waiting for a wife.
Lacy: How could I marry another man and give him everything Mark worked so hard for?
Dottie: Would you rather Malcolm Dye take it?

The story is part mystery and suspense and has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Mrs. Crenshaw and Lacy met and discussed her situation and conditions. Lacy is willing to accept a man who is willing to work the land and give them a chance to decide on either marriage or part of the land in exchange. While Mrs. Crenshaw does not have an immediate answer, she comes up with a possible gentleman, Ethan Wilkes, her nephew.

Millie: The young woman I have in mind already has a farm in Montana, a lovely spread with only six months until it’s proved.
Ethan: You found an unmarried woman with a farm? Of her own?
Millie: Yes, dear, Lacy Avant. Her husband died recently, leaving her the farm and his elderly grandparents to care for. Her situation is quite desperate, really.
Ethan: That sounds desperate all right, but why did you think of me?
Millie: Because I know you would treat her well, and as I was traveling to Marshallville, I felt the Lord bring your situation to my attention.
Millie: Ethan, I forgot one detail. She’s with child.
Ethan: Aunt Milly, go ahead and send Lacy a telegram. Tell her I’ll come within a week, and is she wants me, I’ll marry her.

The characters and scenarios made this a very enjoyable read. I love the strong Christian but not preachy elements within the story. Millie is a clever lady, but doesn’t push—she gives Ethan enough details, even to the point of saying that if marriage is not agreeable, Lacy is willing to deed a portion of the property to him in exchange for him being there and helping them out. Ethan’s dream is to raise and train horses, and that makes this deal even sweeter, and working a farm or ranch is part of what he does now. But when it involves the protection of Lacy and her grandparents-in-law, he is chivalrous. Ethan has served in the military and that will aid in his quest for uncovering the dirty truth of Mark Avant’s death, giving Lacy either peace or justice. I love how Ethan has connections from his military days, and a telegram asking for help is answered. Will Lacy and Ethan discover that marriage and a future is what they both want?
Profile Image for Helen.
810 reviews11 followers
November 29, 2020
Action-packed clean inspirational romance with both a strong hero and heroine. I had a difficult time putting this story down because the author did a wonderful job of ramping up the tension. I was a bit surprised with the level of violence in the story, and pacifists might have a problem with the way the hero dealt with some issues. Ethan did, however, attempt to settle by peaceful means first.

His mother used to say when you’re worried you should look for all the promises in the Bible. God had covered every situation. He didn’t have a Bible, but he went through all the verses he’d remembered. And like piling on blankets on a cold winter night, they brought him comfort.

The plan was for Quint to go around to the other side of the cave, taking the rifle with him.
Ethan knew he’d have to get off short range shots and his forty-fives would work for that. He’d hopefully be able to pick off any watchmen in the way and get a drop on Lacy’s captors.
That was the hope and the prayer.

Profile Image for Susan Sloan.
Author 12 books68 followers
February 18, 2023
You know about mail-order bride stories, but this one does the reverse. Getting a husband through a matchmaker might be just what Lacy Advent needs. The problem is, when Ethan Wilkes arrives, he’s walking into a dangerous situation.

Lacy Avent is a pregnant widow with a problem. Besides caring for her late husband’s grandparents and working to prove up her homestead, she has to deal with a greedy neighbor who wants her land and will go to extremes to get it. She’s desperate enough to engage the services of a matchmaker to find a husband to help with her situation.

Ethan Wilkes has been saving for years to start his own horse-breeding farm, so the offer he gets from Lacy seems a godsend. Even the idea of an instant family appeals to him, so he accepts her proposal. What neither of them counted on was falling in love and facing the possibility of losing all they ever wanted.

I liked the different spin on mail-order brides.
Profile Image for Lynn.
Author 4 books8 followers
June 25, 2025
I've read later books in this series, and it was nice to read the book that started it all!
This book is heartfelt and the struggles of the characters feel real. Ethan Wilkes comes west with a plan to get himself land to start a horse ranch but finds out that more is going on than just a widow in need of help keeping the land her and her late husband are trying to claim. Though Lacy is fiercely independent and capable, I like that she has vulnerabilities and can see that she needs a man's help to keep what she and her husband, Mark, had started to build. Neither is looking for love but life struggles can bring about things you don't expect.
I loved the danger and the move from distrust to love that the characters go through. Gramps and Granny feel like true older family members, both wanting to be useful but age putting limits on that.
A wonderful heartfelt read!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,501 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2021
Lacy Avant has suffered the murder of her husband and a neighboring rancher who is terrorizing the nearby town. On top of this, she is pregnant and experiencing money issues. When a friend suggests that she considers becoming a mail order bride, although she is still grieving, she agrees to make a business agreement to support the farm while deciding over time if it should turn into an actual marriage. Ethan Wilkes plans someday to purchase land for his dream of starting a horse ranch. When his matchmaking aunt suggests that he consider Lacy, he is intrigued and decides to give it a tray. Can love emerge amidst so much danger?

Profile Image for Ruth Ann.
246 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2020
Murder?

This is a very well written book by Elaine Manders and I really enjoyed reading it. A accidental death?, a young cowboy, a mail order bride, a pregnant widow, a mystery, gunmen, running people off land, a kidnapping, finding love and marriage, a child is born and a happy ever after? If any of this has your interest, buy the book and enjoy. I would recommend this book to everyone because it was a really good book and it was very hard to stop reading it. Enjoy reading it.
Profile Image for Sharlet L Morris.
68 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2020
Loved Lacy's Legacy Book

I downloaded Lacy's Legacy on my Kindle fire and started to read about Lacy's life and the journey to keep her homestead after her husband passed away. This author writing was enjoyable to read or even listen to words and I felt a connection and love to see what the next charter ..would do and I could stop turning the pages with kindle. I recommend you get this book and you will see a awesome read. I will be looking for more story from Elaine Manders.
5 reviews
May 14, 2020
This was a wonderful book. In think that it is the first one I have read by this author. Romance, suspence, fast pace, easy to read,excellent character descriptions and dependence upon God' through prayer helped make this the perfect Christian Romance book.

There is some tense, hair raising portions with bloody shootouts, as the hero protects the heroine.
This is a heavily pregnant beautiful woman who has lost her husband and seeks a mail order groom to protect her land for her unborn child.
I definitely advise the purchase of this book.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
6,153 reviews114 followers
March 27, 2021
Lacy’s Legacy – Elaine Manders – Ethan’s aunt is a matchmaker, and when she comes through town asking him to be a mail order groom for a pregnant widow who’s land is in jeopardy he feels called to respond. Lacy’s husband was murdered by their greedy neighbor. Between her pregnancy, caring for her husband’s elderly grandparents, and trying to bring crops in so she doesn’t lose her farm, she is overwhelmed. This little town needs a defender, and the Great Defender is sending in some warriors to restore justice. Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Rosa Cline.
991 reviews28 followers
May 16, 2022
“Where there is love. He is with us.” This quote is in the story and is a theme throughout. A scared pregnant widow about to be bullied off her land not sure what to do. Asks for a mail order hired man for protection. A soft hearted God loving man is her answer. But can she fall in love with him so soon after her husbands death? Will he end up being murdered too? With God nothing is impossible and these two know it. .
This story has matchmaking, bad townspeople, kidnapping, gunfight, neighbors helping neighbors, a new baby, and a new family.
Profile Image for kathi Driskell.
361 reviews10 followers
July 3, 2024
A Very Different MOB

I just loved this wonderful, God given story by Ms Manders. Her writing always includes the goodness of God inspired stories
Lacy Avant was a Farmer in Montana and had a friend or several in town that had become MOB Mark Avant, her husband had lost his life only recently and left her alone, Pregnant and scared of losing both her life and her child’s.
In this story the matchmaker sends her nephew as the intended to marry Lacy and share their life and lands.
It’s such a heartwarming story that includes life built in the west!
Profile Image for Dorothy Roller.
480 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2020
I really loved this first book in a new series. Intrigue, knowing there is a menace out there, dead husband and a take over of her land.
She needs someone to take care of her and her farm. She gets a mail order husband and he has is hands loaded to figure out a murder of her husband, and who is trying to take over the farm and why.
Plus both guarding their hearts.

This is a wonderfully written story and a page turner. This is a must read.
Profile Image for Eliza Gravedoni.
Author 9 books15 followers
May 9, 2020
Unusual love story

I really enjoyed this story. I am a new reader to this type of books, and as a Christian, I liked the natural way the author shows the characters faith, without feeling that they are preaching at you. I would have loved to see a bit more development of the love story between the main characters but their circumstances were a bit in the way. I also learned something new about the US history. I surely recommend the book!
2,390 reviews13 followers
July 16, 2020
Lacy’s Legacy

This was such a wonderful story. Lacy’s husband had died and she felt he was murdered by Malcom Dye. Her friend Dottie had gotten married and was insisting that Lacy get her a husband to help with the farm and a father for her soon to be baby. This story has many complications for Lacy and her new partner, possible husband, Evan Wilkes. You will really enjoy this one. I know I did.
7 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2021
The story was well written and I could put myself in her place. Because I was head strong also, doing things my own way. I have since learned to trust others. The only problem is I am in a retirement home and the only books I can read on my Kindle Fire are the ones that are free. I never know how long it will take before the sequel will be out for $0.00. I just hope that I will be able to remember this one, because I want to read the next book
718 reviews11 followers
September 13, 2021
A inspiring story!

This amazing inspirational western romance filled with drama and suspense surrounding the characters was a charming and intriguing story. The author created a truly memorable experience for the readers with her skillful presentation of the western life and the characters in this story.This is a wonderful story about discovering love and trust between two young people who find that they can make a life together.
Profile Image for Barbara.
128 reviews10 followers
December 22, 2019
Strong Character Driven Story

I love this book. It is the story of a strong woman, widowed and expecting a baby. She is trying to carry on and hang on to her land. God sends her a strong godly man. But can they stand against an evil land hungry rancher? This book is so well written and held my attention from start to finish. I look forward to more of Elaine Manders books...
178 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2020
Peaceful

With everything that is going on in the world at this time, I was so glad to have my escape to peace by reading this book. I realize how comfortable my life is and what a kind and loving Heavenly Father I have and how grateful I am to be living in this country at this time.
95 reviews
June 28, 2020
From sadness and pain comes healing and love

It's been a while since I've stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, because I couldn't stop reading, but this wonderfully written book was worth the lack of sleep.
I knew from the beginning that love would bloom, but the suspense and twists and turns surprised me. Have your tissues ready for the end. You'll need them!
39 reviews
November 15, 2020
Great read

This book was full of mystery and intrigue. The couples relationship may have started off on a sad situation. But after working together through different scenarios they came to love each other in the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who love clean and heartwarming western romances.
435 reviews6 followers
January 13, 2021
Mail-order husband

A pregnant widow needs a farm hand or husband if she is going to keep the homestead. A matchmaker sends her accomplished relative to fill either position.

One problem, a nearby rancher wants to expand and isn't above using murder to accomplish his goal. Perhaps he's killed the window's husband?
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books48 followers
December 31, 2019
What a wonderful story! I loved the characters Lacy and Ethan who were so engaging. I couldn’t put this book down from the sweet clean romance to the action with the bad guys. This story was everything I hoped it would be and more!
1,296 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2020
Aunt Milly Meddles

After losing her husband from murder, Lacy is stuck with a farm, her husband's elderly grandparents and a baby on the way. Could things get worse? Yes they can. Meet Lacy and her mail-order husband and watch their love and faith grow.
Profile Image for Deborah.
21 reviews
March 21, 2020
If you love a great read, then this is it!

I love a story that keeps you reading, and am sorry when the end comes. I hope we will see more of these characters as the series continues.
15 reviews
April 8, 2020
One of the best I've read

Lacy and Ethan are brought together by Ethans ain't who owns a mail order bride business. This a christan book and Ethan and Lacy pray and depend on the Lord to protect them from the villan. Very much enjoyed reading this book.
196 reviews
April 19, 2020
Very, very good

An excellent, clean, can't put it down book that is so easy to recommend to anyone who likes reading books that have everything it needs to be five stars! Can't wait for more!
689 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2020
Lacy's Legacy

I don't usually read mail order brides or husbands, in this case. But the idea intrigued me so I read it. A very good book, reminded me of the Janette Oke series. Those I have seen and loved on the hallmark channels.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews

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