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Sweethearts of Jubilee Springs #8
A Good Man Comes Around
She has a list of qualifications for her groom.
He doesn't measure up.
But sometimes, a good man comes around.
Based on a true story ... Oliver Martin is a shiftless, mischievous no-account. But he wasn’t always. Jilted at the altar, he takes nothing seriously anymore and now spends his days looking for a drink or trouble, whichever comes first. John Fowler, Oliver’s friend and business partner, spends his time trying to keep Oliver out of trouble. Tired of rescuing the young man, Fowler decides a wife might bring back the old, steady Oliver. He applies for a mail order bride for the lad—but secretly.
Abigail Holt spent ten years married to a belligerent drunk. Now widowed, she’s worn out trying to make ends meet and raise her boys alone. She has decided to become a mail order bride—in her estimation, the perfect way to pick a husband—using pure logic and a rational mind. Marrying for love the first time resulted in a train wreck. She wants to find a good man who is qualified to raise her sons. Romantic entanglements will not be part of the bargain.
She arrives in Jubilee Springs ready to wed Oliver—who has never heard of her. Perhaps that’s a Godsend as he clearly doesn’t meet her standards. The mail order fiasco ends Abigail’s desire to ever be a bride again, and that’s just fine with Oliver. He has no intention of ever getting his heart broken again.
But love and life—and even tragedy—can’t be avoided. In fact, trying to run from them may do more harm than good …
He doesn't measure up.
But sometimes, a good man comes around.
Based on a true story ... Oliver Martin is a shiftless, mischievous no-account. But he wasn’t always. Jilted at the altar, he takes nothing seriously anymore and now spends his days looking for a drink or trouble, whichever comes first. John Fowler, Oliver’s friend and business partner, spends his time trying to keep Oliver out of trouble. Tired of rescuing the young man, Fowler decides a wife might bring back the old, steady Oliver. He applies for a mail order bride for the lad—but secretly.
Abigail Holt spent ten years married to a belligerent drunk. Now widowed, she’s worn out trying to make ends meet and raise her boys alone. She has decided to become a mail order bride—in her estimation, the perfect way to pick a husband—using pure logic and a rational mind. Marrying for love the first time resulted in a train wreck. She wants to find a good man who is qualified to raise her sons. Romantic entanglements will not be part of the bargain.
She arrives in Jubilee Springs ready to wed Oliver—who has never heard of her. Perhaps that’s a Godsend as he clearly doesn’t meet her standards. The mail order fiasco ends Abigail’s desire to ever be a bride again, and that’s just fine with Oliver. He has no intention of ever getting his heart broken again.
But love and life—and even tragedy—can’t be avoided. In fact, trying to run from them may do more harm than good …
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2020
135 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Heather Blanton
76 books300 followers“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER
I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.
A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.
I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.
I can be reached several different ways:
http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...
I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.
My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER
I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.
A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.
I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.
I can be reached several different ways:
http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...
I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.
My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 9, 2017
A good Man
A sweet sad story. Best laid plans and don't judge a book by its cover comes to mind in the mail order bride story. It is funny, it is sad and it is hopeful. The ride to the end is gold.
A sweet sad story. Best laid plans and don't judge a book by its cover comes to mind in the mail order bride story. It is funny, it is sad and it is hopeful. The ride to the end is gold.
August 20, 2017
"I have a list of qualifications. . . . Most importantly my groom must abhor alcohol. . . . . Next, he must be God-fearing, wise, slow to anger, thrifty with money but not miserly. Neat in appearance and living conditions. Gainfully employed. . . . . . he must not be given to foul language or card playing."
Oliver Martin did not fit even one of his surprise bride-to-be's qualifications, at least at the present moment. Completely shocked over how his mentor John Fowler had pulled the proverbial wool over his eyes, Oliver's eyes still took in every inch of the pretty Abigail Holt; a true southern lady with a quick tongue and an impossible list of necessaries. This idea was doomed from the start.
When Abigail Holt realizes that her to-be-groom has never heard of the arrangements made with the Colorado Bridal Agency, she insists on receiving monies owed to her from a breach of contract. After all, she just spent her every last dime putting her two sons in an expensive Atlanta boarding school while she traveled to Jubilee Springs, Colorado. She cannot believe John Fowler's words to be true when he insists that, "if it's any consolation, I believe you're the perfect woman for Oliver."
Enjoy this story of meandering hearts who finally find a place to call home.
I received a copy of this story from the author. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
Oliver Martin did not fit even one of his surprise bride-to-be's qualifications, at least at the present moment. Completely shocked over how his mentor John Fowler had pulled the proverbial wool over his eyes, Oliver's eyes still took in every inch of the pretty Abigail Holt; a true southern lady with a quick tongue and an impossible list of necessaries. This idea was doomed from the start.
When Abigail Holt realizes that her to-be-groom has never heard of the arrangements made with the Colorado Bridal Agency, she insists on receiving monies owed to her from a breach of contract. After all, she just spent her every last dime putting her two sons in an expensive Atlanta boarding school while she traveled to Jubilee Springs, Colorado. She cannot believe John Fowler's words to be true when he insists that, "if it's any consolation, I believe you're the perfect woman for Oliver."
Enjoy this story of meandering hearts who finally find a place to call home.
I received a copy of this story from the author. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
August 31, 2018
Nothing changes ... unless something changes ...
Another good book from this author. A complete story of love, loss, loss, and then love. I enjoyed the gentle nature of the hero, not a braggart, but a man that came around to find a complete and happy life. This looks like an amazing series.
I purchased this book myself. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Another good book from this author. A complete story of love, loss, loss, and then love. I enjoyed the gentle nature of the hero, not a braggart, but a man that came around to find a complete and happy life. This looks like an amazing series.
I purchased this book myself. All opinions expressed here are my own.
February 5, 2025
This is a mail order bride story and is based on a true story. Abigail Holt is the bride who has fallen on hard times after the death of her husband. She has a list of traits she wants in a spouse, one of them being that he can't be a drunk. She is shocked when she meets her "groom" Oliver, especially because he is a drunk while he is shocked because he didn't know about her as his friend sent for her on his behalf. I felt bad for Oliver as he had been deserted by a bride before the wedding before and it broke his heart. Abigail is a strong woman who decides to find a job so she can support herself and send for her children. When the man she works for leaves town, Abigail decides to keep working and only taking out her usual earnings while saving the rest in case the owner comes back. While this is going on, Oliver is working on changing his ways, even going back to his gold mining. He helps Abigail when the bad guy shows up again wanting money. It takes Abigail a little longer to realize how much Oliver has changed and that not all men are the same. I loved reading about how her boys came to the town and the ending was wonderful. It was interesting to read about the true story as well.
September 4, 2018
Abigail Holt is a widow of a man who drank himself to death. Leaving her sons in boarding school in Atlanta, she travels to Jubilee Springs in the Rockies as a mail order bride, in order to have a father for her sons. When she arrives, she finds that her intended, Oliver Martin, doesn't know anything about it. John Fowler, who has looked after him and been his friend since his father died when Oliver was young, made the request. Oliver has been going through a rough patch since being rejected by a woman he loved, so Abigail is certainly not impressed with his scruffy self. They make an agreement to pay off the contract and Abigail will release Oliver from the obligation. John believes that Oliver can again be the good man he was. When circumstances cause Oliver to want to do better, Abigail finds herself strangely drawn to him, though she doesn't want to. When she meets Mr. Perfect on Paper, why is she not happy with him? I enjoyed this romantic novella.
January 31, 2020
A Good Man Comes Around is another great historical romance from author Heather Blanton. Having read several of her books, I was looking forward to reading this and was not disappointed. I was captivated by the compelling characters and charming romance. Both Oliver and Abigail are astonished at their meeting...Oliver hasn't a clue that a mail order bride had been ordered for him and Abigail was expecting an upright and sober groom. It was a delight to watch their journey to a life together as the twists and turns in the plot kept the interest high. Would the Good Man come around or would the differences and the past keep this couple apart? I really liked the character of John, Oliver's good friend--his belief in the goodness of Oliver and the rightness of the marriage he'd arranged. Blanton writes a good story and I am looking forward to reading more of her work. I was given a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
October 25, 2022
I love Heather Blanton’s stories, and especially enjoyed this one because it is inspired by a true story. The characters are realistic, fallible, and relatable. Oliver can’t get out of his own way and has been nursing a grudge for years. As a result, he seems intent on self-destruction, but his best friend John won’t have it. He’s tough but sensitive, and the kind of friend everyone needs – loving yet providing accountability. I could totally relate to Abigail in her inability to flex. She has her mind set, and very little can change her decisions. But she too comes from a painful background, so her suspicions and cynicism are understandable. I found myself cheering on the characters as they tried to navigate their way through situations. The book isn’t overly long so I was able to finish it in a couple of sittings. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2017
John Fowler and Oliver Martin are the best of friends, with John being the older, wiser and better friend having gotten Oliver out of more scrapes than any one friend ought to have. Oliver was once a better man, but having been left at the altar has altered his outlook on life, his appearance in general and his overall disposition. John, thinking that what his friend needs is someone to settle him, promptly orders a bride. Enter Abigail Holt, widow, who has had a rough go of it with her first husband and who under no circumstances wants another who is a drunkard, etc.
Through a series of extremely unfortunate events, Oliver is forced to face his demons and become the man he once was. Abigail is able to admit her list of wants in a husband might not suit her needs.
Through a series of extremely unfortunate events, Oliver is forced to face his demons and become the man he once was. Abigail is able to admit her list of wants in a husband might not suit her needs.
January 2, 2020
A Good Man Comes Around ( Sweethearts Jubilee Springs #8 )
By; Heather Blanton
Another good read by this author. Love the story and the characters, both were well written. A bride to be has a long list of qualifications. The groom to be seems to not fill this list. He has had some heartaches and takes nothing seriously. Why would he have sent for her and agreed to her terms for a husband? What happens now that he does not fill her qualifications? Could these two ever be happy together with so much different between them ? I laughed and at times had tears in my eyes while reading a Good Man Comes Around.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review . All opinions are my own.
By; Heather Blanton
Another good read by this author. Love the story and the characters, both were well written. A bride to be has a long list of qualifications. The groom to be seems to not fill this list. He has had some heartaches and takes nothing seriously. Why would he have sent for her and agreed to her terms for a husband? What happens now that he does not fill her qualifications? Could these two ever be happy together with so much different between them ? I laughed and at times had tears in my eyes while reading a Good Man Comes Around.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review . All opinions are my own.
November 3, 2021
What a Sweet Ending to a Sweet Story!
A recent widow had to leave her two sons behind after her husband died. She had to go across the U. S. to get a job that would pay enough to allow her to provide financially for the boys. Unfortunately, her employer died soon after her arrival, but there were adequate funds in the money till in the office to allow her to continue running the business, which she did. She expanded the printing business knowing that his heirs would benefit. What she did not anticipate was that someone would send funds so the woman's sons could come to her. That is what she was saving her pay to do.
This was a sweet story and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
A recent widow had to leave her two sons behind after her husband died. She had to go across the U. S. to get a job that would pay enough to allow her to provide financially for the boys. Unfortunately, her employer died soon after her arrival, but there were adequate funds in the money till in the office to allow her to continue running the business, which she did. She expanded the printing business knowing that his heirs would benefit. What she did not anticipate was that someone would send funds so the woman's sons could come to her. That is what she was saving her pay to do.
This was a sweet story and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
August 13, 2017
Heather Blanton’s done it again! My goodness the lady is a Texan at heart! A seemingly hopeless another-man-gone-wrong song hums in the background of this captivating story of a man and woman caught in the lies, pain, and consequences of wrong choices.
Ms. Blanton is a master story teller, weaving an intricate web of personalities into a love story the reader wants to never end. As always, I enjoy Ms. Blanton’s grasp of the gutsy men and women of the West, but after finishing the story I was surprised to find…. Oh, I can’t tell you…you’ll have to read A Good Man Comes Around to find out for yourself! Great story! Great writing! Great read!
April 30, 2021
It's a great story-line that will make you smile and enjoy the read. The mail order bride, Abigail Holt, is a widow with 2 young boys and has fallen on harsh times. Oliver Martin is the unsuspecting man who refuses the gift of a bride; his best friend John, thought it was a good idea to find a bride and wrote the letters to confirm that she would be welcome. That didn't work out as he was considered a drunk, no good miner, and was left at the altar so was bitter.
I loved the fact this story was based on a real-life adventure and the author made it a fun read. There is an HEA as Oliver became the man she wanted; he brought her boys out west to be with her; and, her future was bright.
I loved the fact this story was based on a real-life adventure and the author made it a fun read. There is an HEA as Oliver became the man she wanted; he brought her boys out west to be with her; and, her future was bright.
September 13, 2021
Nice difference than the others
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone book. This one is written differently from the others both in how they story flies and the storyline. You can tell a different author write it but it’s still a very good story. The storyline itself gives God the praise he deserves in helping a woman and a man find who they we’re supposed to be. And at the end she puts in a few paragraphs talking about two real life men that she included in her story, and the events that took place with them. That was enjoyable to read.
No sexual references or language so I can recommend this book to anyone who wants a good book.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone book. This one is written differently from the others both in how they story flies and the storyline. You can tell a different author write it but it’s still a very good story. The storyline itself gives God the praise he deserves in helping a woman and a man find who they we’re supposed to be. And at the end she puts in a few paragraphs talking about two real life men that she included in her story, and the events that took place with them. That was enjoyable to read.
No sexual references or language so I can recommend this book to anyone who wants a good book.
January 11, 2020
I LOVED this book!!! Oliver needed to turn his life around after disappointment. Abigail needs a father for her two boys. Both don't know it, but they need each other. Oliver finally realizes he needs to change, and needs to become the man God intended him to be, which also means being the man Abigail needs. It takes Abigail longer to see that Oliver is exactly who she needs, and that she can't put all men in the same basket. I'm ready for more!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is totally my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is totally my own.
December 14, 2022
I always enjoy Heather's books and the evolvement of character within her individuals. Such is the case with Oliver and Abigail. Brought together by a friend without their knowledge of his well meaning, but dishonest manipulation, these two are like water and oil when they meet. It takes tragedy, and the loss of his friend and mentor for Oliver to finally determine to be the man he has the potential to be. This was a pleasant read which highlights the stability provided by faith and the benefits of generosity and righting our wrongs. An uplifting and hope filled read.
March 16, 2021
Heather is an exceptional western roman writer!! I read this one in about 3 hours. This is the second book of hers that I have read today.
I love the true story she shared after the novel.
Her characters are strong, intelligent, insightful, and human. Her details of the Old West are very descriptive and right on track. She always brings spiritual guidance to her books that share insight from God's love into my life. Thank you, Heather!
I love the true story she shared after the novel.
Her characters are strong, intelligent, insightful, and human. Her details of the Old West are very descriptive and right on track. She always brings spiritual guidance to her books that share insight from God's love into my life. Thank you, Heather!
September 5, 2017
Plenty of action
Facing a crisis brings the hero and heroine together. Wit recognizes Rilletta as someone he wants in his life as he seeks to help her get past her fears afterwards. Good characters, especially I enjoyed Wit as he schemed to get back a stolen prized possession. This story is as heartwarming as the cover.
Facing a crisis brings the hero and heroine together. Wit recognizes Rilletta as someone he wants in his life as he seeks to help her get past her fears afterwards. Good characters, especially I enjoyed Wit as he schemed to get back a stolen prized possession. This story is as heartwarming as the cover.
January 4, 2020
Very Interesting
This book was a perfect read. It had some romance, adventure and faith in it. I liked how the heroine was independent and had her mind made up to support herself. I also liked how the hero redeemed himself through actions. I also liked how the author told about the facts that inspired the story. I highly recommend this book.
This book was a perfect read. It had some romance, adventure and faith in it. I liked how the heroine was independent and had her mind made up to support herself. I also liked how the hero redeemed himself through actions. I also liked how the author told about the facts that inspired the story. I highly recommend this book.
January 20, 2020
This heartwarming sweet and clean mail-order bride novella maintained my attention throughout. Although somewhat over-fatigued by the mail-order genre, this one had a more original plot (supposedly true), remaining within the Christian fiction spectrum of expectations. Recommended for all those who enjoy this theme in a short, but entertaining read.
January 24, 2020
A Good Man
Even though I knew that Oliver and Abigail would get together in the end It was a delightful book with its ups and downs. I have it 5 stars because of the humor and likability of the story. I wasn't so sure if our heroine would come around, but she did. My first story in this series and it won't be my last.
Even though I knew that Oliver and Abigail would get together in the end It was a delightful book with its ups and downs. I have it 5 stars because of the humor and likability of the story. I wasn't so sure if our heroine would come around, but she did. My first story in this series and it won't be my last.
September 2, 2024
Like all of Heather’s books, this a tale of struggling and worthless men during the gold rush. Pan, drink to falling out and living a useless existence. A good friend attempts to help his buddy by getting Oliver a mail order wife. The lady is not approving of her husband to be. Things begin getting more interesting from here on. God has a plan to which he is leading the couple.
August 13, 2017
Good reading
A few surprises but mostly just a good old fashioned love story about a misunderstanding and then discovering that maybe what you set your mind on differs with what your heart wants.
A few surprises but mostly just a good old fashioned love story about a misunderstanding and then discovering that maybe what you set your mind on differs with what your heart wants.
January 22, 2020
Wonderful story with a nat ending that wa apparently true
I was so pleased it ended the way I wanted
That was a real bonus for me. It could easily ended horribly. It was a good story and always nice to have a happily ever after
I was so pleased it ended the way I wanted
That was a real bonus for me. It could easily ended horribly. It was a good story and always nice to have a happily ever after
April 17, 2020
A wonderful story
Abigail came to Jubilee Springs expecting to meet Oliver her groom to be
The story here is based on a gold find that happened due to a treacherous rain storm. The Author fashioned a good happy ever after.
Abigail came to Jubilee Springs expecting to meet Oliver her groom to be
The story here is based on a gold find that happened due to a treacherous rain storm. The Author fashioned a good happy ever after.
November 6, 2021
This is no9t your run of the mill mail order brides story. Abigale Holt travels across the county to meet and marry the ;man who on paper meets her qualifications. Initially she finds a bitter and down and out Oliver Martin. They reject each other but later after he loses his best friend in a flood, Oliver makes a big gold strike. He begins to help people including Abigale and she see's a far better man than she even realized. They begin to have feelings for each other and the story closes with Oliver asking he to marry but insisted he wanted to properly court her first. This is a must read book for sure.
January 9, 2022
My favorite!
I have enjoyed this series so much that I have read it a few times. I run the gammet of emotions every time. This is my favorite book of the series and since the entire series is wonderful, that is saying a lot!
I have enjoyed this series so much that I have read it a few times. I run the gammet of emotions every time. This is my favorite book of the series and since the entire series is wonderful, that is saying a lot!
February 24, 2022
Loved it
What a great story. Loved Abigail's mode of speech. John was a lovely, caring, amazing character. Not willing to give anything away, all I can say is, read it. It will amaze you, and it is based on true life. I loved it!
What a great story. Loved Abigail's mode of speech. John was a lovely, caring, amazing character. Not willing to give anything away, all I can say is, read it. It will amaze you, and it is based on true life. I loved it!
August 19, 2017
A Good Man
I enjoyed reading this. Oliver had a bit of bad luck with women. When. His best friend dies. His luck turns around.
I enjoyed reading this. Oliver had a bit of bad luck with women. When. His best friend dies. His luck turns around.
August 28, 2017
Great Book
I loved this book and couldn't put it down.There is a very good message in this book but it is very subtle.This entire series is wonderful.
I loved this book and couldn't put it down.There is a very good message in this book but it is very subtle.This entire series is wonderful.
September 1, 2017
A real page-turner!
Thank you, Heather, for another fantastic work of art! Though somewhat based on true events, this story brings originality, and suspense!
Thank you, Heather, for another fantastic work of art! Though somewhat based on true events, this story brings originality, and suspense!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews