What do you think?
Rate this book
Spinster Mail-Order Brides #1
A Marshal for Christmas
A lonely and abused woman without a home. A Marshal who is given the sudden responsibility of two children. A mail-order bride situation that has fallen to ruin. Can Lottie find a home and a family by Christmas?
December 1880
When Lottie Reiner lost her father in the war, her mother fell to pieces. At the young age of eleven, Lottie began caring for her catatonic mother. But when both her mother and grandfather pass away months apart, Lottie becomes nothing but a burden to her family. Her grandmother pushes Lottie to get married before it’s too late. But Lottie is a twenty-seven-year-old spinster with no experience raising children. Isn’t it already too late?
Deputy US Marshal Archer King comes from a family of law keepers. His father was a US Marshal, and his mother worked as a Pinkerton Agent with Kate Warne. When his only sister passed on in childbirth, his brother-in-law swore he could care for the children on his own. And Archer was to check in on them, but in almost two years, he’s neglected that duty to his sister. When the father, Sam Hodge, goes missing, he finds out exactly what kind of dire situation the children have been subject to.
After being turned out of her home, Lottie heads to Durant, Oklahoma, where Sam Hodge and his two children live, in the hopes of becoming a new wife and mother. Only the mail-order situation does not turn out the way Lottie had hoped, and many of the things that Sam had told her in his letters turn out to be lies. The only thing true is the children, and Lottie is fast becoming attached to them. But what will happen when Sam is found? Will she have the opportunity to get a home and a family before Christmas?
December 1880
When Lottie Reiner lost her father in the war, her mother fell to pieces. At the young age of eleven, Lottie began caring for her catatonic mother. But when both her mother and grandfather pass away months apart, Lottie becomes nothing but a burden to her family. Her grandmother pushes Lottie to get married before it’s too late. But Lottie is a twenty-seven-year-old spinster with no experience raising children. Isn’t it already too late?
Deputy US Marshal Archer King comes from a family of law keepers. His father was a US Marshal, and his mother worked as a Pinkerton Agent with Kate Warne. When his only sister passed on in childbirth, his brother-in-law swore he could care for the children on his own. And Archer was to check in on them, but in almost two years, he’s neglected that duty to his sister. When the father, Sam Hodge, goes missing, he finds out exactly what kind of dire situation the children have been subject to.
After being turned out of her home, Lottie heads to Durant, Oklahoma, where Sam Hodge and his two children live, in the hopes of becoming a new wife and mother. Only the mail-order situation does not turn out the way Lottie had hoped, and many of the things that Sam had told her in his letters turn out to be lies. The only thing true is the children, and Lottie is fast becoming attached to them. But what will happen when Sam is found? Will she have the opportunity to get a home and a family before Christmas?
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2019
210 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
P. Creeden
93 books55 followersP. Creeden is the sweet romance and mystery pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author Pauline Creeden. Her stories feature down-to-earth characters who often feel like they are undeserving of love for one reason or another and are surprised when love finds them.
P. Creeden married her college sweetheart, who she also met at a horse farm. Together they raise a menagerie of animals and their one son, an avid reader, himself. Animals are the supporting characters of many of her stories, because they occupy her daily life on the farm, too. From dogs, cats, and goldfish to horses, chickens, and geckos—she believes life around pets is so much better, even if they are fictional.
P. Creeden married her college sweetheart, who she also met at a horse farm. Together they raise a menagerie of animals and their one son, an avid reader, himself. Animals are the supporting characters of many of her stories, because they occupy her daily life on the farm, too. From dogs, cats, and goldfish to horses, chickens, and geckos—she believes life around pets is so much better, even if they are fictional.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 17, 2020
Sweet Christmas read
Her grandfatner had died, her grandmother was moving in with another relative, and her home was sold. Was it coincidence that her grandmother has written on her behalf to a man in Oklahoma who has placed an ad for a mailorder bride to care for his children? Lottie didn't know, but here she was, arriving in the small town of Durant with almost no money and nothing but a man' s name to find her new life. When she arrived, her fjrst discovery was that her fiance was missing and his children were in the care of the sheriff and his wife.
Archer King was a U.S.Marshall who was returning to his home in Durant after a long session on the road. He ran into his brother-in-law Sam as he rode tnrough town. Sam was drunk, as were his two companions. Ar her was stunned to find that his 7 year old nephew was caring for his baby sister with no help from anyone. Archer took the children, along with their grimy dog, to his house until he could figure out how to deal with the situation. The children were clearly neglected, as well as appearing to be abandoned by their drunken father. Arher's first job was to get the children clean and fed before going off to find their father. His sister, who'd died in childbirth, would have expected no less from him. Before he can do that, he must find their father, who had disappeared the night before.
Ms Creeden has written a story to capture anyone's interest. The compassion of the sheriff and his wife in taking in the lady who was to have married Sam and thus raised his children was nothing short of a miracle. The children were immediately drawn to her. But where was Sam, her intended? And whywas the marshall so interested in tbe kids? What would Lottie do to support herself?
I got tnis book in a giveaway. I enjoyed reading it, and am offering my review as encouragement to both the author and other readers.
Her grandfatner had died, her grandmother was moving in with another relative, and her home was sold. Was it coincidence that her grandmother has written on her behalf to a man in Oklahoma who has placed an ad for a mailorder bride to care for his children? Lottie didn't know, but here she was, arriving in the small town of Durant with almost no money and nothing but a man' s name to find her new life. When she arrived, her fjrst discovery was that her fiance was missing and his children were in the care of the sheriff and his wife.
Archer King was a U.S.Marshall who was returning to his home in Durant after a long session on the road. He ran into his brother-in-law Sam as he rode tnrough town. Sam was drunk, as were his two companions. Ar her was stunned to find that his 7 year old nephew was caring for his baby sister with no help from anyone. Archer took the children, along with their grimy dog, to his house until he could figure out how to deal with the situation. The children were clearly neglected, as well as appearing to be abandoned by their drunken father. Arher's first job was to get the children clean and fed before going off to find their father. His sister, who'd died in childbirth, would have expected no less from him. Before he can do that, he must find their father, who had disappeared the night before.
Ms Creeden has written a story to capture anyone's interest. The compassion of the sheriff and his wife in taking in the lady who was to have married Sam and thus raised his children was nothing short of a miracle. The children were immediately drawn to her. But where was Sam, her intended? And whywas the marshall so interested in tbe kids? What would Lottie do to support herself?
I got tnis book in a giveaway. I enjoyed reading it, and am offering my review as encouragement to both the author and other readers.
June 15, 2022
A Marshall for Christmas is the first book in P. Creedon’s Spinster Mail-Order Brides series. She introduces her readers to Charlotte “Lottie” Reiner, a 27-year-old spinster from Atlanta, Georgia. She makes her way out west as a mail-order bride for Sam Hodges. Sam lied in his correspondence to Lottie. He is quite a despicable man, who is a widower with two young children. He drinks and spends time with his friends leaving his children unattended. His brother-in-law, Archer King, finds the children living in filth and takes them into his home. Archer wants a family. He only needs a wife? Lottie arrives to discover that her intended is missing. What will Lottie do? Returning home is not an option, so what choices does she have? Will Archer and Lottie ever find out what happened to Sam? You must read this book to find out.
Ms. Creedon writes a captivating historical western romance that captures the magnetism of love. Ms. Creedon possess a remarkable skill of creating diverse and appealing characters. The main characters have chemistry between them. This book is beautifully written with great dialog and descriptive scenes that lends credibility to this HEA romance.
Ms. Creedon writes a captivating historical western romance that captures the magnetism of love. Ms. Creedon possess a remarkable skill of creating diverse and appealing characters. The main characters have chemistry between them. This book is beautifully written with great dialog and descriptive scenes that lends credibility to this HEA romance.
July 24, 2022
Lottie doesn't know what to do, she can't even cook a meal at twenty seven. How will she find a husband. Well her brother and grandmother do it for her. They are leaving Lottie behind and arranged for her to be a mail order bride for a man named Sam. She only has days to pack up her belongings and get on a train. Marshall Archer is tired after a long day, when he runs into his drunk brother in law. Where are the children, his nephew and niece. When he finds them at their house, if you can call it that, he is ashamed of himself for not checking up on his deceased sisters children. That's not the only problem, when Lottie arrived to marry Sam and Sam is missing. What will happen next?
November 13, 2024
Short and sweet and easily read in one sitting. Creeden delivers a captivating story despite the shorter page count. I'm always intrigued by the mail-order bride trope and this one is done well. I love the way the author captures the wonder of simple Christmas traditions through a pair of sadly neglected children. And the welcoming community is such a contrast to what Lottie has left behind -- the marshal is an added bonus. The romance is rushed a bit because of the shortened timeframe, but then mail-order brides often had to make up their minds in a nano-second and the ending is filled with so much hope and promise that it can definitely be considered a happily ever after.
April 5, 2022
A Marshal for Christmas
This is a sweet, heartwarming story that I really enjoyed. Lottie has felt unloved and after the death of her grandfather and mother, she decides to become a mail-order bride. Upon arriving to meet her groom, she finds out he's gone missing. The marshal is brother-in-law to her groom and has rescued his neice, nephew and their dog from the unfit conditions they were living in, until their father is found.
I loved the characters and the storyline of this book and think you will too. A great book to start a new series.
This is a sweet, heartwarming story that I really enjoyed. Lottie has felt unloved and after the death of her grandfather and mother, she decides to become a mail-order bride. Upon arriving to meet her groom, she finds out he's gone missing. The marshal is brother-in-law to her groom and has rescued his neice, nephew and their dog from the unfit conditions they were living in, until their father is found.
I loved the characters and the storyline of this book and think you will too. A great book to start a new series.
July 26, 2020
Sweet Historical Romance
I enjoyed this story! A bit predictable because of the title, but enjoyable none the less! Although, I don't think young Sam's age was correctly described. There's no way a 5 yr old could take care of a newborn, and as a 7 year old, I doubt he'd be able to handle a 2 yr old completely on his own. And if Sam was such a horrible father, why would he read the letters from his mail order bride to the children?
I enjoyed this story! A bit predictable because of the title, but enjoyable none the less! Although, I don't think young Sam's age was correctly described. There's no way a 5 yr old could take care of a newborn, and as a 7 year old, I doubt he'd be able to handle a 2 yr old completely on his own. And if Sam was such a horrible father, why would he read the letters from his mail order bride to the children?
March 17, 2020
Touching
A story that touched the heart. A happily ever after for the rejected and abused that reminds us there is love to rescue us in the most helpless situations. Without being dismal we are given a glimpse of the harsh realities of the west, the resilience of children and the bond of family forged in communities that defy even blood relations.
A story that touched the heart. A happily ever after for the rejected and abused that reminds us there is love to rescue us in the most helpless situations. Without being dismal we are given a glimpse of the harsh realities of the west, the resilience of children and the bond of family forged in communities that defy even blood relations.
November 21, 2020
December 1880
A lonely and abused woman without a home. A Marshal who is given the sudden responsibility of two children. A mail-order bride situation that has fallen to ruin. Can Lottie find a home and a family by Christmas?
I enjoyed this book. The plot was tense at times. The characters were interesting.
A lonely and abused woman without a home. A Marshal who is given the sudden responsibility of two children. A mail-order bride situation that has fallen to ruin. Can Lottie find a home and a family by Christmas?
I enjoyed this book. The plot was tense at times. The characters were interesting.
October 25, 2023
The woman was orphaned and unwanted by her remaining family.
The man was so busy with work that he neglected his extended family.
The small children were neglected and abused.
All this sadness and tragedy is turned into a loving family over a short period of time, just by showing a bit of care and concern.
This was such a sweet story.
The man was so busy with work that he neglected his extended family.
The small children were neglected and abused.
All this sadness and tragedy is turned into a loving family over a short period of time, just by showing a bit of care and concern.
This was such a sweet story.
January 22, 2023
A Marshal for Christmas
This is a great mail order bride story that I couldn’t be put f do own until I was done reading the entire book.Lottie leaves her unhappy life in GA and travels west to be a wife and mother but things take an unexpected twist.
This is a great mail order bride story that I couldn’t be put f do own until I was done reading the entire book.Lottie leaves her unhappy life in GA and travels west to be a wife and mother but things take an unexpected twist.
January 6, 2025
Lovely novella
This was a sweet short romance involving a confused/concerned Uncle and an unloved/unwanted lovely lady.
I enjoyed reading this story and hope to find more in this sweet town.
5 happy little stars
-ncv
This was a sweet short romance involving a confused/concerned Uncle and an unloved/unwanted lovely lady.
I enjoyed reading this story and hope to find more in this sweet town.
5 happy little stars
-ncv
March 3, 2020
Loved this book! It was an interesting story all throughout the book.
November 29, 2020
Lottie and Archer's story
I enjoyed reading this sweet spinster mail order bride book. I look forward to reading more books in the series.
I enjoyed reading this sweet spinster mail order bride book. I look forward to reading more books in the series.
January 5, 2022
What if
Lottie is lonely, her family has all but abandon her, the man she was supposed to marry has disappeared. Can a new guy help her? This book is so sweet.
Lottie is lonely, her family has all but abandon her, the man she was supposed to marry has disappeared. Can a new guy help her? This book is so sweet.
February 9, 2022
God Always Has a Plan
I really enjoyed this book very much . MARSHALL FOR CHRISTMAS , SPPINSTER MAIL ORDER BRIDES BOOK 1 BY P. CREEDEN . I recommend teens and up .
I really enjoyed this book very much . MARSHALL FOR CHRISTMAS , SPPINSTER MAIL ORDER BRIDES BOOK 1 BY P. CREEDEN . I recommend teens and up .
October 15, 2024
Perfect Story
All the characters had good story lines.. A good book to read…Enjoy the special story.. Good length for an evening Read..
All the characters had good story lines.. A good book to read…Enjoy the special story.. Good length for an evening Read..
December 28, 2019
At a young age Lottie lost her father & her mother didn’t accept it well & Lottie had to look after her mother. She lost her mother & not too long after she lost the only person that cared anything about her. Her grandfather. After he died no one cared about her she was just in the way more or less. She had felt neglected, unloved & unwanted all of her life. Her grandmother answers a mail-order-bride letter for. She is not happy about it & she keeps putting off leaving because she scared of having to go so far away. Her brother makes that decision for her. Doesn’t give her a choice. He gives her two to be out and he putting the house up for sale. So she packs her bags with her meagger belonging & leaves on a train for Oklahoma. She gets to to Oklahoma train station & Sam is not there to meet her. She can’t understand why he wasn’t there. Things go from bad to worse. She very little money left after buying her ticket although she had spend none. What was she going to do. Sam was missing & no one knew where he was & she could not afford food let alone a room! This is a short read but it was an good clean interesting read. I was not ready it to end? I got this book in exchange for an honest review and I have given an honest opinion of what I think of the book. I enjoyed it & I think you will also.
July 9, 2019
Lottie is a shy and lonely spinster who is forced by her family to move out and become a mail order bride. She arrives to find her groom is missing and his two children are being cared for by their Uncle who's a US Marshal, Archer King. As time goes on and Sam, her groom, can't be found, Lottie realizes much of what Sam wrote her was lies. What will she do if and when the marshal and sheriff of the town find Sam? Lottie is falling in love with Sam's family and her own family doesn't want her back. I love this story and it's characters. I especially fell in love with Archer and his nephew, young Sam.
July 10, 2019
This was a sweet mail order bride romance. Lottie’s grandmother and brother were nasty, forcing her to find another place to live after the bedridden mother she cared for died. Her intended Sam was a selfish drunk who left his young children in squalor while he went of in search of ill gotten riches. The children's uncle Archer was a good man and much more deserving of them and Lottie than his brother-in-law. There was suspense as Sam and the man a bounty hunter is after is missing. But there’s also love as Lottie finds her self worth taking care of the children and spending time with Archer.
July 12, 2019
I loved all the characters in this book! This book is set in a great little community where everyone is so kind and welcoming. The Sheriff and his wife remind me of grandparents who want to feed you and offer hugs. Lottie was so sweet and I felt so bad how her own family was toward her. This is such a sweet and clean story about the love of belonging, family and of course the romantic kind. I was very much enamored with this book, from plot to characters, this story filled me with joy!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
July 15, 2019
Sweet Story
Lottie was left without a home when her brother moved their grandmother to his house. Her only option was to become a mail order bride and off she went to Oklahoma.
Archer stays busy with his job as a Marshall in Oklahoma. He realizes that he is lonely and needs to find a wife soon. He made a promise to his dying sister that he would watch out for her children and he has failed on it.
They will both find where they belong and fill the places that were missing in their lives. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it if you are looking for a good story.
Lottie was left without a home when her brother moved their grandmother to his house. Her only option was to become a mail order bride and off she went to Oklahoma.
Archer stays busy with his job as a Marshall in Oklahoma. He realizes that he is lonely and needs to find a wife soon. He made a promise to his dying sister that he would watch out for her children and he has failed on it.
They will both find where they belong and fill the places that were missing in their lives. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it if you are looking for a good story.
July 9, 2019
P. Creeden artfully writes a wonderful story of love born out of misfortune. I was captivated from beginning to end. Lottie, a lonely spinster, and Archer, a US Marshal, are thrown together when she answers an ad to be a Mail Order Bride. Lottie, Archer and two neglected children finally celebrate Christmas and become a family. I highly recommend reading A Marshal for Christmas.
July 15, 2019
A great read
Archer- deputy Marshall in Durant
Charlotte/Lottie- went to Durant as a m.o.b. only to find out her from is missing.
I enjoyed reading this captivating story that is fantastically written with lovable characters including Toby the dog. Their story has a wonderfully sweet HEA!
Archer- deputy Marshall in Durant
Charlotte/Lottie- went to Durant as a m.o.b. only to find out her from is missing.
I enjoyed reading this captivating story that is fantastically written with lovable characters including Toby the dog. Their story has a wonderfully sweet HEA!
July 10, 2019
This is Book #1 in this series and is Deputy U.S. Marshall Archer and Charlotte (Lottie's) story. The character development is wonderful and there is a lot of elements to the story: missing men, a mail order bride, two abandoned children, romance and a HEA. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Once you start reading you will not be able to put it down.
July 24, 2019
A great way to start a series
A lady lacking love and affection agrees to be a mail order bride. The groom has disappeared leaving two children to take care of each other. This adventure is heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. I highly recommend you read this book and the others in the series.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖💖
A lady lacking love and affection agrees to be a mail order bride. The groom has disappeared leaving two children to take care of each other. This adventure is heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. I highly recommend you read this book and the others in the series.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖💖
July 30, 2019
A Marshall for Christmas! Book 1
First time reading this Author and I'll be checking her others books out. Loved this sweet storyline and the wonderful characters in this book. My heart went out to Lottie and Archer. The two children and their dog melted my heart. No boring parts, just a well written story to follow to a well earned HEA. JudyE
First time reading this Author and I'll be checking her others books out. Loved this sweet storyline and the wonderful characters in this book. My heart went out to Lottie and Archer. The two children and their dog melted my heart. No boring parts, just a well written story to follow to a well earned HEA. JudyE
December 20, 2019
Not your same ol mail order bride book
I loved this book from the beginning to the end. Storyline is on like you would have seen on the Waltons or Little House on the Prairie. Very good from start to finish.
And I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to my advanced reading preteen friends.
I loved this book from the beginning to the end. Storyline is on like you would have seen on the Waltons or Little House on the Prairie. Very good from start to finish.
And I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to my advanced reading preteen friends.
November 20, 2019
Broken hearts
She had never been courted and was considered on the shelf at 27. Her family didn't want her.
He was a Marshal and never considered marriage.
A very good storyline with wonderful characters.
She had never been courted and was considered on the shelf at 27. Her family didn't want her.
He was a Marshal and never considered marriage.
A very good storyline with wonderful characters.
November 30, 2019
Ebook
She’s an older mailorder bride and when she arrives, no groom is waiting. She meets his two children and the marshal who is their uncle. Soon the groom is found dead and she needs to leave. But the marshal has fallen for her and she wants to be a family.
She’s an older mailorder bride and when she arrives, no groom is waiting. She meets his two children and the marshal who is their uncle. Soon the groom is found dead and she needs to leave. But the marshal has fallen for her and she wants to be a family.
December 15, 2019
Sweet Christmas story
This is a quick read and the beginning of a new series. As is often the case with novellas, events move quickly and you get an appetizer of a story instead of the main dish. Nonetheless, it is a sweet, fast-food tale perfect for a December afternoon read.
This is a quick read and the beginning of a new series. As is often the case with novellas, events move quickly and you get an appetizer of a story instead of the main dish. Nonetheless, it is a sweet, fast-food tale perfect for a December afternoon read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews