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The Proxy Brides #26
A Bride for Tobias
Eight years ago, Toby Keller had been a clumsy, shy adolescent when he left his hometown of Brownville, Nebraska to go live with his grandfather, the famous Marshal Hampton Gibson. Now confident, mature and handsome, twenty-five-year-old, Deputy Tobias Keller has come home to visit his family. Once there, he finds out about a young woman under the employ of mutual acquaintance, in a city six hundred miles away, who is in dire need of a hero. Although they’ve never met, he takes it upon himself to volunteer to give her the protection of his name.
When Pauline Christiansen, a beautiful twenty-year-old, living in Louisville, Kentucky, overhears her suitor discussing with another man a crime they were committing, she finds herself in need of protection when he threatens to extort her into an unwanted marriage. Her family and friends propose an outrageous plan—she’ll wed, by proxy, a man she has never laid eyes on, from a small town she’s never heard of, somewhere in Nebraska. Would this even be legal? Assured that annulment papers would be drawn up to safeguard the temporary marriage, she reasons that not much could go wrong.
But once Pauline travels to the faraway hamlet of Brownville and gets off the train—sparks fly! The attraction between the two is as immediate as a bolt of lightning. However—as time passes, each one invariably believes the other is simply biding their time until Pauline’s family gives her the all-clear to come back home.
Will they be able to overcome problems, dangers, outlaws, and over-protective brothers to stay together? Or will they let a marriage made in heaven slip through their fingers due to stubbornness and pride?
This is a clean, inspirational romance. The story contains themes of real life, but is suitable for all ages, as it contains no illicit sex or profanity.
When Pauline Christiansen, a beautiful twenty-year-old, living in Louisville, Kentucky, overhears her suitor discussing with another man a crime they were committing, she finds herself in need of protection when he threatens to extort her into an unwanted marriage. Her family and friends propose an outrageous plan—she’ll wed, by proxy, a man she has never laid eyes on, from a small town she’s never heard of, somewhere in Nebraska. Would this even be legal? Assured that annulment papers would be drawn up to safeguard the temporary marriage, she reasons that not much could go wrong.
But once Pauline travels to the faraway hamlet of Brownville and gets off the train—sparks fly! The attraction between the two is as immediate as a bolt of lightning. However—as time passes, each one invariably believes the other is simply biding their time until Pauline’s family gives her the all-clear to come back home.
Will they be able to overcome problems, dangers, outlaws, and over-protective brothers to stay together? Or will they let a marriage made in heaven slip through their fingers due to stubbornness and pride?
This is a clean, inspirational romance. The story contains themes of real life, but is suitable for all ages, as it contains no illicit sex or profanity.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2019
102 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ellen
12 books89 followersLinda Ellen is an historical romance writer who made her debut with Depression Era romance, rich with history, love, heartache, and real life.
Linda lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky,
She began her writing career penning articles for a small neighborhood newspaper, The Southwest Reporter. In 2009, as a labor of love, she began writing fan fiction, under the pen name Linda4him59, based on the Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman television show, stories that were well-received thanks to Linda's talent for upbeat narration, good-natured humor, and heart-thumping romance. Twenty-eight short stories and four novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a ‘real’ novel.
Her novel ONCE IN A WHILE is loosely based on the author's parents’ romance in the late ‘30’s. Wishing to give her readers the most accurate account of the time, place, and mood, she extensively researched details regarding the 1937 flood that incapacitated the entire Ohio Valley. The Flood plays a large part in the early chapters of the book.
The local newspaper did a story on her, her mom, and the book - click here: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/...
When she isn't busy writing stories to enchant her readers, Linda, a born-again Christian, and her family are faithful and active members of Evangel World Prayer Center in Louisville, KY. She is very involved in the prison ministry at her church, where she is the office manager and is in charge of facilitating a large correspondence course operation with a sizable number of volunteers, serving inmates in all 50 states.
Linda lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky,
She began her writing career penning articles for a small neighborhood newspaper, The Southwest Reporter. In 2009, as a labor of love, she began writing fan fiction, under the pen name Linda4him59, based on the Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman television show, stories that were well-received thanks to Linda's talent for upbeat narration, good-natured humor, and heart-thumping romance. Twenty-eight short stories and four novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a ‘real’ novel.
Her novel ONCE IN A WHILE is loosely based on the author's parents’ romance in the late ‘30’s. Wishing to give her readers the most accurate account of the time, place, and mood, she extensively researched details regarding the 1937 flood that incapacitated the entire Ohio Valley. The Flood plays a large part in the early chapters of the book.
The local newspaper did a story on her, her mom, and the book - click here: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/...
When she isn't busy writing stories to enchant her readers, Linda, a born-again Christian, and her family are faithful and active members of Evangel World Prayer Center in Louisville, KY. She is very involved in the prison ministry at her church, where she is the office manager and is in charge of facilitating a large correspondence course operation with a sizable number of volunteers, serving inmates in all 50 states.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 22, 2020
This was a wonderful story and with J Scott Bennett (one of my very favorite narrators!) at the helm, I loved every minute!
I have enjoyed the Proxy Brides series so much and this one has several twist and turns and a really different twist!
Pauline was desperate to get away because she had overhead something that might get her killed or forced married to a horrible man.
Solution? become a proxy bride and then get it annulled after the threat is gone. But she never expected her husband to be such a handsome deputy. The road to a happy ever after is filled with suspense, danger and a sweet romance that warmed my heart.
Don't miss this one with J Scott whose voice will make you feel you are there and he has such a gift to bring the characters alive. Looking forward to reading/hearing more by this author!
I have enjoyed the Proxy Brides series so much and this one has several twist and turns and a really different twist!
Pauline was desperate to get away because she had overhead something that might get her killed or forced married to a horrible man.
Solution? become a proxy bride and then get it annulled after the threat is gone. But she never expected her husband to be such a handsome deputy. The road to a happy ever after is filled with suspense, danger and a sweet romance that warmed my heart.
Don't miss this one with J Scott whose voice will make you feel you are there and he has such a gift to bring the characters alive. Looking forward to reading/hearing more by this author!
May 2, 2023
What a great book
This book is slightly longer than others in this series, most of which are novellas, but it revisits a number of our favourite characters from earlier in the series as well as introducing us to Pauline and Tobias and their loud, slightly crazy and very rambunctious families. This book has everything...plenty of danger, lots of humour, buckets of spark and sizzle, drama, stolen glances, misunderstandings and more, but most of all it has great characters who you bond easily with, keeping you invested. I really enjoyed this book and will look for more by this author, as well as continuing the Proxy Bride series. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
This book is slightly longer than others in this series, most of which are novellas, but it revisits a number of our favourite characters from earlier in the series as well as introducing us to Pauline and Tobias and their loud, slightly crazy and very rambunctious families. This book has everything...plenty of danger, lots of humour, buckets of spark and sizzle, drama, stolen glances, misunderstandings and more, but most of all it has great characters who you bond easily with, keeping you invested. I really enjoyed this book and will look for more by this author, as well as continuing the Proxy Bride series. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
March 12, 2020
Tobias was a clumsy teenager in Books #5 and 11 of this series. Now, he's all grown up. He went away to train with his U.S. Marshal Grandfather and is a Deputy himself. He's back in town to visit his family, thankful that his horrible stepfather is no longer there. When word comes of a woman needing help to avoid a creep, he offers to marry her by proxy and have her come to town. They can annul the marriage after the guy has been caught. Or so he thought until he meets her...
Pauline overheard her would be suitor admitting to being a crook and now she's in danger. She agrees to wed by Proxy and heads out West to safety. Once she locks eyes with Tobias, she's not sure she will ever want to leave again.
This is a clean, sweet romance. It was in the same town as #5 and 11 but those characters were hardly mentioned. The sole focus was Tobias and Pauline. They were enjoying getting to know each other but they had terrible communication skills which doesn't make a marriage work well.. I thought it was pretty good but I had trouble picturing him as a grown up and my mind kept thinking of little Toby. Once I tried to pretend it was a different person, then the story worked better for me.
Pauline overheard her would be suitor admitting to being a crook and now she's in danger. She agrees to wed by Proxy and heads out West to safety. Once she locks eyes with Tobias, she's not sure she will ever want to leave again.
This is a clean, sweet romance. It was in the same town as #5 and 11 but those characters were hardly mentioned. The sole focus was Tobias and Pauline. They were enjoying getting to know each other but they had terrible communication skills which doesn't make a marriage work well.. I thought it was pretty good but I had trouble picturing him as a grown up and my mind kept thinking of little Toby. Once I tried to pretend it was a different person, then the story worked better for me.
October 6, 2019
Good ReAding!
Loved this book! Can't wait for more by Linda Ellen. Great plot and characters! It's so fun to read more about past characters.
Loved this book! Can't wait for more by Linda Ellen. Great plot and characters! It's so fun to read more about past characters.
July 27, 2020
A Bride for Tobias
The Proxy Brides, Book 26
By: Linda Ellen
Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett
Linda Ellen is so talented at bringing a story to life. This proxy bride story was so much fun to listen, it seemed to fly by. Pauline finds herself in a terrible situation, and when offered to be a proxy bride, grabbed onto the opportunity. Tobias, deputy, has given his consent and when he sees Pauline come off the train, a smoldering ember begins between them. Will it ignite? Will she love Toby for himself or his title? Will they be able to take down the danger coming into town? These characters are easy to love and become invested in. Plus we get a little history in the story as well, just making the listen that much more enjoyable. It's an easy, entertaining listen.
J Scott Bennett is so perfect for these stories. His voice brings it all to life and creates that old west atmosphere. I know each time I hear him, it's going to be one I can't put down and this one is no exception!
The Proxy Brides, Book 26
By: Linda Ellen
Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett
Linda Ellen is so talented at bringing a story to life. This proxy bride story was so much fun to listen, it seemed to fly by. Pauline finds herself in a terrible situation, and when offered to be a proxy bride, grabbed onto the opportunity. Tobias, deputy, has given his consent and when he sees Pauline come off the train, a smoldering ember begins between them. Will it ignite? Will she love Toby for himself or his title? Will they be able to take down the danger coming into town? These characters are easy to love and become invested in. Plus we get a little history in the story as well, just making the listen that much more enjoyable. It's an easy, entertaining listen.
J Scott Bennett is so perfect for these stories. His voice brings it all to life and creates that old west atmosphere. I know each time I hear him, it's going to be one I can't put down and this one is no exception!
August 18, 2021
Pauline and Tobias
Pauline is escaping a man who is intent on having her as a wife. She can’t fathom that prospect, as he gives her the heebie jeebies. But it would solve a lot of her family’s financial issues… until she overhears a conversation he has.
Tobias, formally known as Toby…and many still call him that, much to his chagrin…is a deputy sheriff in Nebraska. Thorough a series of events, he becomes a proxy groom to Pauline. When they meet, it’s instant attraction.
**spoiler alert**
While there were many sweet moments with these two, neither one ever made a declaration of feelings to the other. So much so, that it almost destroyed what they had. I really got irritated with Tobias. I wish I could have given this five stars, but the conflict just got to be too much.
Pauline is escaping a man who is intent on having her as a wife. She can’t fathom that prospect, as he gives her the heebie jeebies. But it would solve a lot of her family’s financial issues… until she overhears a conversation he has.
Tobias, formally known as Toby…and many still call him that, much to his chagrin…is a deputy sheriff in Nebraska. Thorough a series of events, he becomes a proxy groom to Pauline. When they meet, it’s instant attraction.
**spoiler alert**
While there were many sweet moments with these two, neither one ever made a declaration of feelings to the other. So much so, that it almost destroyed what they had. I really got irritated with Tobias. I wish I could have given this five stars, but the conflict just got to be too much.
July 24, 2020
Linda Ellen does a wonderful job of giving us another great book in the Proxy Bride series. You would think being #26 in the series, there wouldn't be new ideas. Well, you would be wrong. The characters were fantastic. There was adventure and excitement in this book that made you think whoa!
I listened to this one on audio. J Scott Bennett is a wonderful narrator that always brings to life the characters and makes you feel like you are right there. You cannot go wrong with him.
I listened to this one on audio. J Scott Bennett is a wonderful narrator that always brings to life the characters and makes you feel like you are right there. You cannot go wrong with him.
March 26, 2022
A Bride for Tobias
I absolutely loved this book. I enjoyed reading the historical aspect of Louisville, Kentucky, since that's where I live and recognized the places that were referenced. The characters were well developed and likable. It was fun that people from previous books in this series were included. The plot was great, with plenty of action and drama. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Linda Ellen.
I absolutely loved this book. I enjoyed reading the historical aspect of Louisville, Kentucky, since that's where I live and recognized the places that were referenced. The characters were well developed and likable. It was fun that people from previous books in this series were included. The plot was great, with plenty of action and drama. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Linda Ellen.
October 1, 2022
A very Good Story
what can I say BUTTTT. I liked all the characters in the story… I liked Phoebe had more spunk than some western stories.. Liked Tobias for his smarts, caring and actions.. Liked all the families and as being after the 1870s The Peopleof the town mixed so much more. good story line..thanks was good to read.
what can I say BUTTTT. I liked all the characters in the story… I liked Phoebe had more spunk than some western stories.. Liked Tobias for his smarts, caring and actions.. Liked all the families and as being after the 1870s The Peopleof the town mixed so much more. good story line..thanks was good to read.
May 23, 2024
A fast-paced western with smitten at first sight lovers who have entered into a proxity marriage to ensure the heroine's safety. Toby is sweet and the ultimate cinnamon roll. Pauline is also very sweet and together they just work so beautifully. The supporting family member characters were all lively and entertaining, instilling a desire to read their stories as well.
April 26, 2020
Loved it!
I have been a fan of the Proxy Brides and really enjoyed A Bride for Tobias! This is one in the series and is a stand alone and doesn’t have a cliff hanger. This one has lots of action and twists to finally get them to their happily ever after.
I have been a fan of the Proxy Brides and really enjoyed A Bride for Tobias! This is one in the series and is a stand alone and doesn’t have a cliff hanger. This one has lots of action and twists to finally get them to their happily ever after.
March 26, 2022
Great story
Loved that characters and the plot.
Very happy with the way Toby grew up. :)
And loved seeing that the change in a used-to-be bad guy has stuck. (He's a totally in love softie now.)
Loved that characters and the plot.
Very happy with the way Toby grew up. :)
And loved seeing that the change in a used-to-be bad guy has stuck. (He's a totally in love softie now.)
May 23, 2020
Loved it!
I’m loving the people of Brownville! Tobias lends his name to help a damsel in distress and when they meet, well let’s just say they have a very interesting life!!
I’m loving the people of Brownville! Tobias lends his name to help a damsel in distress and when they meet, well let’s just say they have a very interesting life!!
April 13, 2023
Another great Brownsville proxy bride story
I enjoyed the plot, characters, setting, and details within. The H & h are well-matched.
A clean story with an HEA.
I enjoyed the plot, characters, setting, and details within. The H & h are well-matched.
A clean story with an HEA.
August 1, 2020
Sweet Historical Romance
A Bride for Tobias by Linda Ellen
Narrated by J. Scott Bennett
This was a fun book yet it was filled with danger and family!
I loved the narration!
A Bride for Tobias by Linda Ellen
Narrated by J. Scott Bennett
This was a fun book yet it was filled with danger and family!
I loved the narration!
September 28, 2019
Loved it!!
Tobias/Toby- trained by his grandpa he is now a deputy with a quick shot.
Pauline/Pebbles- from Louisville Ky needed safety so a proxy marriage plan was formed.
I enjoyed reading this exciting historical romance story that is fantastically written with charismatic characters and sub characters. Loved the little historical tidbits and the way her books all intertwine a bit makes it even more enjoyable. Their story has a magnificent HEA!
A more personal note; I thought it was cool and interesting that the author put Platte County and Platte City in the story. I recommend reading her notes at the end verifying the historical relevance of places or events she uses in this story it was Brownville Nebraska and the one ex saloon.
Tobias/Toby- trained by his grandpa he is now a deputy with a quick shot.
Pauline/Pebbles- from Louisville Ky needed safety so a proxy marriage plan was formed.
I enjoyed reading this exciting historical romance story that is fantastically written with charismatic characters and sub characters. Loved the little historical tidbits and the way her books all intertwine a bit makes it even more enjoyable. Their story has a magnificent HEA!
A more personal note; I thought it was cool and interesting that the author put Platte County and Platte City in the story. I recommend reading her notes at the end verifying the historical relevance of places or events she uses in this story it was Brownville Nebraska and the one ex saloon.
October 4, 2019
Deputy Bride from you
Fascinating story filled differentiate and yearning. She Tobias Keller returns to his home town to make amends with his family, this trained deputy is out to work. When the sheriff receive a telegram from a friend expressing a young girls danger and the need for a proxy marriage, Tony steps forward. The minute that Pauline steps off the train , she and Tony connect, but Tony wants her to love him for him and not because he's a hero. When her brother arrives to say she can come home, Tony lets her go. But when another deputy challenges him and says he'll take Pauline, things reverse. This is the best in this series so far!
Fascinating story filled differentiate and yearning. She Tobias Keller returns to his home town to make amends with his family, this trained deputy is out to work. When the sheriff receive a telegram from a friend expressing a young girls danger and the need for a proxy marriage, Tony steps forward. The minute that Pauline steps off the train , she and Tony connect, but Tony wants her to love him for him and not because he's a hero. When her brother arrives to say she can come home, Tony lets her go. But when another deputy challenges him and says he'll take Pauline, things reverse. This is the best in this series so far!
September 29, 2019
Tobias and Pauline
This story is well written and the plot and the characters were well thought out too. There is plenty adventure, excitement and humor a plenty. You will love reading this tale.
This story is well written and the plot and the characters were well thought out too. There is plenty adventure, excitement and humor a plenty. You will love reading this tale.
October 5, 2019
A Bride for Tobias (Proxy Brides Book 26)
Love it. Another great story of a heroine having to escape a from by being a proxy bride. The town of Brownville has its own troubles with a gang of outlaws, in which Pauline and Tobias are in the middle of.
Love it. Another great story of a heroine having to escape a from by being a proxy bride. The town of Brownville has its own troubles with a gang of outlaws, in which Pauline and Tobias are in the middle of.
February 16, 2022
Must read
It is a wonderful story and all the different characters blend so we'll together and keeping the story going you don't want to put the book down you have to see what happens next
It is a wonderful story and all the different characters blend so we'll together and keeping the story going you don't want to put the book down you have to see what happens next
January 12, 2020
Such a sweet story
A romance and love that started out as a convenient escape for a young lady. But, fate or Cupid made it more than a business deal. Pauline and Toby then have to express their emotions so the other one knows. A clean romance I'd recommend.
A romance and love that started out as a convenient escape for a young lady. But, fate or Cupid made it more than a business deal. Pauline and Toby then have to express their emotions so the other one knows. A clean romance I'd recommend.
September 27, 2019
Danger follows her!
Pauline enters a proxy marriage to escape a threat and promptly falls in love upon meeting Tobias. Confusion and danger follow. Well written!
Pauline enters a proxy marriage to escape a threat and promptly falls in love upon meeting Tobias. Confusion and danger follow. Well written!
January 13, 2020
Pauline and Toby
Wow! Fast paced story of swindlers and robber gangs in this western town where Pauline goes to find a proxy marriage to Deputy Tobias to keep her safe. - Babs
Wow! Fast paced story of swindlers and robber gangs in this western town where Pauline goes to find a proxy marriage to Deputy Tobias to keep her safe. - Babs
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews