What do you think?
Rate this book
Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides #6
Deena's Deception
Deena Lyon has stolen many things in order to survive, but stealing someone’s identity is a new low even for her. She needs to escape a notorious criminal. Overhearing a conversation between matchmaker Mildred Crenshaw and one of her mail-order brides provides the perfect solution. Deena hightails it to the Dakota Territory pretending to be a mail-order bride until she figures out a way to save her hide.
Asa Grantt needs a mother for his daughter and a wife to help around the farm. He’s already had his heart ripped out by his first wife, so he isn’t looking for love. When the woman claiming to be his mail-order bride barges into his home, full of life and makes his barbwire encased heart stir, he can’t help wondering what happened to the plain, safe woman he’d been corresponding with for the last six months?
Asa Grantt needs a mother for his daughter and a wife to help around the farm. He’s already had his heart ripped out by his first wife, so he isn’t looking for love. When the woman claiming to be his mail-order bride barges into his home, full of life and makes his barbwire encased heart stir, he can’t help wondering what happened to the plain, safe woman he’d been corresponding with for the last six months?
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2020
352 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Carr
11 books139 followersRaised in Charlotte NC, G.S. Carr has always enjoyed indulging in her imagination. At a very young age she had a thirst for reading and the many possibilities it helped come alive in her mind’s eye. She consumed books like they were the air she needed to survive. It seemed inevitable that her love of reading would transcend into a desire to create her own stories. She began writing poetry and stories at the age of 10. By the time she was thirteen she found her passion in the romance genre and has not looked back ever since.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 6, 2020
Deena's Deception is a nice change of pace for me. I have been reading a few headier books lately, and I needed something that takes a much simpler view of life. The book is an easy to read page-turner that takes place in the post Civil War/post-slavery era. There is no overly complicated plot, just a simple storyline that gets to the heart of what humans need and desire, someone to love. There is some drama, which is bound to happen when a mail order bride shows up, a little action, and of course, romance.
The characters are believable and very likable, well some of them. There are a couple of characters that are plain old bad men. Taking place initially in New York City and then the western plains of the Dakotas, you get a sense of American life during a time of significant change. Some may think the relationship between Deena Lyons and Asa Grantt is not plausible given the times. However, the people settling western plains during that era may have focused on more of the inner person than outer appearances. The old west is known for letting men and women be just who they are, and not tending to judge others without some self-reflection. We have to believe that people like those living in Ruby Creek exist; hard-working, kind-hearted God-fearing people whose morals are purely simple and to the point.
G.S. Carr writes books that tend to be from this period, and there is always an intelligent woman meeting and falling in love with a hard-working man in the mix somewhere. The complications she presents are those that anyone may find themselves in and can easily resolve if doing the right thing for the right reason(s) is part of your consciousness. Honesty with others and, more importantly, with oneself seems to be a theme of Carr's books. With many, therein lies the struggle.
If you want to read an entertaining, not too profound love story, set in a time long past, this is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are believable and very likable, well some of them. There are a couple of characters that are plain old bad men. Taking place initially in New York City and then the western plains of the Dakotas, you get a sense of American life during a time of significant change. Some may think the relationship between Deena Lyons and Asa Grantt is not plausible given the times. However, the people settling western plains during that era may have focused on more of the inner person than outer appearances. The old west is known for letting men and women be just who they are, and not tending to judge others without some self-reflection. We have to believe that people like those living in Ruby Creek exist; hard-working, kind-hearted God-fearing people whose morals are purely simple and to the point.
G.S. Carr writes books that tend to be from this period, and there is always an intelligent woman meeting and falling in love with a hard-working man in the mix somewhere. The complications she presents are those that anyone may find themselves in and can easily resolve if doing the right thing for the right reason(s) is part of your consciousness. Honesty with others and, more importantly, with oneself seems to be a theme of Carr's books. With many, therein lies the struggle.
If you want to read an entertaining, not too profound love story, set in a time long past, this is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2020
The tension in Deena’s Deception will keep you turning pages, and the characters will stay with you long after you finish reading. The premise to the story is very interesting, and I was intrigued to read about a woman of color in the Old West. Deena is a complex character who is one of those poor women in the 19th century who found herself alone. Rather than turn to prostitution to earn money, she becomes a thief…but a thief with a conscience. She hates that she has to steal to survive. Asa is a great guy who is his own worst enemy in that he sees all his shortcomings, but none of his gifts. The secondary characters are three dimensional, and I had fun trying to figure out who was the culprit behind the vandalism in town. The only disappointment for me is the unexpected use of one coarse word toward the end.
June 23, 2020
Not believable
I chose this rating because the story was not believable. It deals with a female slave who escaped from New York because she accidentally stole something from a street.criminal. She ends up going to NW Minnesota where no one is surprised to see a black woman. She is there to marry a white man who fought in civil war for the North. Again he and everyone in town thinks an interracial marriage is not a problem. This couldn't have happened in 1860's, maybe today but not then.
I chose this rating because the story was not believable. It deals with a female slave who escaped from New York because she accidentally stole something from a street.criminal. She ends up going to NW Minnesota where no one is surprised to see a black woman. She is there to marry a white man who fought in civil war for the North. Again he and everyone in town thinks an interracial marriage is not a problem. This couldn't have happened in 1860's, maybe today but not then.
May 6, 2020
The first thing I loved about this book is that the main character is an African American woman! So am I so that made me super happy to see this in a clean romance. I loved the story and plot. It was refreshing to see an interracial romance in a historical setting. I enjoyed the interaction of the characters and wanted Deena to get things right in the end. I read this in an hour so it was a quick, fun read. Great escape for me!
January 31, 2021
A wonderful surprise!
Set in 1875, this romance story is far from my usual type of stories. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the setting, complex characters, action, and suspense. The love that blossomed between Deena and Asa was pure and genuine. This is my first book from this author and I intend to read more.
Set in 1875, this romance story is far from my usual type of stories. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the setting, complex characters, action, and suspense. The love that blossomed between Deena and Asa was pure and genuine. This is my first book from this author and I intend to read more.
May 6, 2020
A great story with characters that will draw you in. A story of deception, lies and danger that takes the reader on a journey. So much to love about this story including forgiveness. A sweet clean romance that will keep you smiling and rooting for Deena. Couldn’t put this book down!
June 27, 2020
Book series
I didn't realize until I finished this book that the series is done with various authors. The writing styles and voices are much the same between this book and the previous book in the series, "Bethany's Baby".
I love reading clean Western romance when it is light reading and is, for the most part, historically correct. I read these books to relax and lighten my mind, letting go of the need to be serious. This story, by it's very nature, could not satisfy all those requirements which was likely not the author's intent anyway.
Bravo to the author for making the protagonist a woman of color! Courageous. But then...Well, it sounds as if the white population in Dakota territory in 1875 were enlightened beyond the perspectives and behaviors of our 21st century. I will refrain from going into detail, but--so much for courage and historical accuracy. Kudos for keeping it light.
Other mentions of social history were well researched and seemed accurate. The gangs in NYC, firearms mentioned in the story, and dishes cooked, land holding, to name a few, we're presented Accutane were interesting without detracting from the story. I need these details to feel a story is somewhat plausible. It's also a pleasant way to learn, if the facts are correct.
It's a nice, people-focused story. Many kinds of love are woven in to each page. It's a quick read once you get past the horrible editing. I kept having to slow down and dissect sentences to understand what the author was trying to say.
I noticed that an editing company was used. The author should demand a refund. Basic rules of writing that I learned in grade school were violated repeatedly! There was even a period used after "Miss" as would be used with "Mrs." or " Mr. ". I felt like I was reading an essay written by a 2nd grader when I came across these glaring errors.
I really wanted to deduct a star for that, as it is a major peeve with me. However, I realize it doesn't bother everyone, and writing a book is hard work. I liked the feel good tone of the story. If bad punctuation and grammar doesn't bother you, and you want a light read about days gone by, this is your book!
I didn't realize until I finished this book that the series is done with various authors. The writing styles and voices are much the same between this book and the previous book in the series, "Bethany's Baby".
I love reading clean Western romance when it is light reading and is, for the most part, historically correct. I read these books to relax and lighten my mind, letting go of the need to be serious. This story, by it's very nature, could not satisfy all those requirements which was likely not the author's intent anyway.
Bravo to the author for making the protagonist a woman of color! Courageous. But then...Well, it sounds as if the white population in Dakota territory in 1875 were enlightened beyond the perspectives and behaviors of our 21st century. I will refrain from going into detail, but--so much for courage and historical accuracy. Kudos for keeping it light.
Other mentions of social history were well researched and seemed accurate. The gangs in NYC, firearms mentioned in the story, and dishes cooked, land holding, to name a few, we're presented Accutane were interesting without detracting from the story. I need these details to feel a story is somewhat plausible. It's also a pleasant way to learn, if the facts are correct.
It's a nice, people-focused story. Many kinds of love are woven in to each page. It's a quick read once you get past the horrible editing. I kept having to slow down and dissect sentences to understand what the author was trying to say.
I noticed that an editing company was used. The author should demand a refund. Basic rules of writing that I learned in grade school were violated repeatedly! There was even a period used after "Miss" as would be used with "Mrs." or " Mr. ". I felt like I was reading an essay written by a 2nd grader when I came across these glaring errors.
I really wanted to deduct a star for that, as it is a major peeve with me. However, I realize it doesn't bother everyone, and writing a book is hard work. I liked the feel good tone of the story. If bad punctuation and grammar doesn't bother you, and you want a light read about days gone by, this is your book!
January 12, 2021
Not quite the scorcher I was looking for
This was an okay read. I haven’t read any previous books by GS Carr and there wasn’t an indication this was Christian romance so I expected a meatier storyline based on the description. My bad.
The pros: the book is a little longer than novella length and doesn’t belabor the point. The plot is easy to follow and is interesting to a point. I actually think with a little more fleshing out, this is an awesome idea but if the author is self published then the work as it stands make sense.
The is a little mystery happening out on the prairie and while it was easy enough to guess, it was fun. The secondary characters helped bolster the story and I enjoyed them.
The cons: again, this is NOT the fault of the author because I did not do my due diligence but I’m not a fan of “clean” romance so getting 80% into the book for one kids lacks pay off. What’s more, the characters don’t kiss until the book is almost over but the daughter in the story calls Deena mama within 40% of the book. That makes no sense. I understand it’s supposed to be wholesome but no kid is willingly calling someone else mama after knowing that for a week.
There are a ton of minor editing (spelling/grammatical) errors in the text that will hopefully be corrected in the future. I look forward to an update notice.
The villain is kind of cartoonish but he’s only in the story to drive Deena’s away from NY.
I really hope to see more work from the author with black heroines in the west because the market is there. My own expectations let me down and I can’t hold the author responsible for that. It’s a great premise and it was nice to read.
This was an okay read. I haven’t read any previous books by GS Carr and there wasn’t an indication this was Christian romance so I expected a meatier storyline based on the description. My bad.
The pros: the book is a little longer than novella length and doesn’t belabor the point. The plot is easy to follow and is interesting to a point. I actually think with a little more fleshing out, this is an awesome idea but if the author is self published then the work as it stands make sense.
The is a little mystery happening out on the prairie and while it was easy enough to guess, it was fun. The secondary characters helped bolster the story and I enjoyed them.
The cons: again, this is NOT the fault of the author because I did not do my due diligence but I’m not a fan of “clean” romance so getting 80% into the book for one kids lacks pay off. What’s more, the characters don’t kiss until the book is almost over but the daughter in the story calls Deena mama within 40% of the book. That makes no sense. I understand it’s supposed to be wholesome but no kid is willingly calling someone else mama after knowing that for a week.
There are a ton of minor editing (spelling/grammatical) errors in the text that will hopefully be corrected in the future. I look forward to an update notice.
The villain is kind of cartoonish but he’s only in the story to drive Deena’s away from NY.
I really hope to see more work from the author with black heroines in the west because the market is there. My own expectations let me down and I can’t hold the author responsible for that. It’s a great premise and it was nice to read.
July 29, 2020
Cute story
A young woman has run from a bad situation as a freed slave in the South, to New York City in hopes of a new start. But she f9nds no jobs, sje has nondesire to become a prostitute, which leaves straling enough for usurious rent on a crappy place to live her only option.
But she steals from the wrong person, a vicious & murderous crominal, & she has inadvertently stolen a valuable piece of paper along with other things. She is viciously attackedby his thugs, but a few men stop to help. She runs & slips into a restaurant to hide, & the only thing she can order is a cup of tea. While she is there, she accidentally overhears a discussion between the head of a mail order bride service and one of her customers. The woman has gotten serious about a man out West but she can't get to him for a couple months because she is takong care of an ailing grandmother.
Deena decides the best thing to do is take the bride's place temporarily, then leave before the real bride arrives, and she plans to go on to the west coast , get a job, save up, and repay the cost of the train ticket to the man. She plans to be gone before the real bride shows up.
Except she falls in love. And there are outlaws damagingncrops and killing farm animals. Andnthere is andaeling little girl she loves as well. Now, she isn't sure what to do, because the man shares his love with her as well.
Then the outlaw from whom she ranncomes to town. The sheriff is too scared to do his job; there is a crook claiming to ne a missionary jas oreceded them to soften up the to×n.
A young woman has run from a bad situation as a freed slave in the South, to New York City in hopes of a new start. But she f9nds no jobs, sje has nondesire to become a prostitute, which leaves straling enough for usurious rent on a crappy place to live her only option.
But she steals from the wrong person, a vicious & murderous crominal, & she has inadvertently stolen a valuable piece of paper along with other things. She is viciously attackedby his thugs, but a few men stop to help. She runs & slips into a restaurant to hide, & the only thing she can order is a cup of tea. While she is there, she accidentally overhears a discussion between the head of a mail order bride service and one of her customers. The woman has gotten serious about a man out West but she can't get to him for a couple months because she is takong care of an ailing grandmother.
Deena decides the best thing to do is take the bride's place temporarily, then leave before the real bride arrives, and she plans to go on to the west coast , get a job, save up, and repay the cost of the train ticket to the man. She plans to be gone before the real bride shows up.
Except she falls in love. And there are outlaws damagingncrops and killing farm animals. Andnthere is andaeling little girl she loves as well. Now, she isn't sure what to do, because the man shares his love with her as well.
Then the outlaw from whom she ranncomes to town. The sheriff is too scared to do his job; there is a crook claiming to ne a missionary jas oreceded them to soften up the to×n.
January 22, 2021
I wanted to read a fiction book not Fantasy
But one thing Deena would not been able to ride the trolley and sit next to a rich white man, nor could you just add to a restaurant and sit among the regular guests. Slavery was illegal in New York after 1829 but that didn’t stop most people from being racist especially in New York City. Then she wouldn’t have been able to go to North Dakota and marry Isa because interracial marriage was illegal in 21 states and that included New York and yes North Dakota. It makes me so angry that these people want to write historical romances and I get it they’re just fun no bells but to embellish that much with no back in history you may as well write fantasy books. I mean I have read many books about interracial dating and marriage and her blood them, but they were steeped in reality. This borders on the ridiculous and I can’t believe this is the kind of product this writer hope to write with aspiring to be a writer. Also is it Isa would say African-American get off the train in answer to pearl and it would be no big deal to him that’s just ridiculous. No matter what you wanna believe it was the 1800s and yes not everyone was hateful but most people were. Sad but true. I read a beauty and the beast retelling with an African-American man who was the beast Anna Caucasian woman and that was fine because it was a fantasy.
But one thing Deena would not been able to ride the trolley and sit next to a rich white man, nor could you just add to a restaurant and sit among the regular guests. Slavery was illegal in New York after 1829 but that didn’t stop most people from being racist especially in New York City. Then she wouldn’t have been able to go to North Dakota and marry Isa because interracial marriage was illegal in 21 states and that included New York and yes North Dakota. It makes me so angry that these people want to write historical romances and I get it they’re just fun no bells but to embellish that much with no back in history you may as well write fantasy books. I mean I have read many books about interracial dating and marriage and her blood them, but they were steeped in reality. This borders on the ridiculous and I can’t believe this is the kind of product this writer hope to write with aspiring to be a writer. Also is it Isa would say African-American get off the train in answer to pearl and it would be no big deal to him that’s just ridiculous. No matter what you wanna believe it was the 1800s and yes not everyone was hateful but most people were. Sad but true. I read a beauty and the beast retelling with an African-American man who was the beast Anna Caucasian woman and that was fine because it was a fantasy.
March 31, 2022
A quick read that needs a ton of suspension of disbelief in order to get through. This is a clean, Christian novel and if those two things aren't your jam, well you know what to do.
That being said, this was an okay read. I'm still trying to picture in my head how Deena was able to make her way out west without encountering any racism or mistreatment. I'm still trying to picture why Asa wouldn't question how he ended up with a black bride. He might have been a Union veteran, I'm sure his immediate and social circle was very monochromatic. How were Asa and Deena able to marry? But okay, all right. If you say so. I know it's fiction but as another reviewer pointed out, this isn't fantasy. Some realism needed to be added for more context and nuance. Oh, and I also found it hilarious (in a sarcastic way) that 3 men would come to Deena's defense when she had been captured by the man she stole from. Imagine - people coming to a black woman's defense, such a rare thing to happen. But if you're seeking a break from the realities of life, this will certainly fill that void. Happy reading!
That being said, this was an okay read. I'm still trying to picture in my head how Deena was able to make her way out west without encountering any racism or mistreatment. I'm still trying to picture why Asa wouldn't question how he ended up with a black bride. He might have been a Union veteran, I'm sure his immediate and social circle was very monochromatic. How were Asa and Deena able to marry? But okay, all right. If you say so. I know it's fiction but as another reviewer pointed out, this isn't fantasy. Some realism needed to be added for more context and nuance. Oh, and I also found it hilarious (in a sarcastic way) that 3 men would come to Deena's defense when she had been captured by the man she stole from. Imagine - people coming to a black woman's defense, such a rare thing to happen. But if you're seeking a break from the realities of life, this will certainly fill that void. Happy reading!
May 23, 2022
amazing! and a bit different than other stories
I loved this story! This story is a bit different than the “same ol same ol”. It involves the bustle of New York City and how hard it is to live there. Someone wanting to get away from a life she doesn’t like and promised God she would. But to save her life she has to steal once again and this time it’s someone else’s identity. She goes across the states to be a mail order bride. She is colored but throughout this story she is accepted and nothing rude us said to her. Her new husband to be is white but the mixed race doesn’t bother him. As they get to know one another and actually get feelings for one another she wants to admit to him how she lied and who she is. But the town is under seige. Will they find out who’s trying to kill the towns people? Will the couple be able to overcome the great lie that had been told? Both relies upon Faith and trying to live by what God told them to live.
( no sexual references or language so I can recommend this book to anyone who would love an awesome book!)
I loved this story! This story is a bit different than the “same ol same ol”. It involves the bustle of New York City and how hard it is to live there. Someone wanting to get away from a life she doesn’t like and promised God she would. But to save her life she has to steal once again and this time it’s someone else’s identity. She goes across the states to be a mail order bride. She is colored but throughout this story she is accepted and nothing rude us said to her. Her new husband to be is white but the mixed race doesn’t bother him. As they get to know one another and actually get feelings for one another she wants to admit to him how she lied and who she is. But the town is under seige. Will they find out who’s trying to kill the towns people? Will the couple be able to overcome the great lie that had been told? Both relies upon Faith and trying to live by what God told them to live.
( no sexual references or language so I can recommend this book to anyone who would love an awesome book!)
May 22, 2020
This book is written in the Civil War/ post-slavery era, which is typically what time period you'll find Ms. Carr's books written in. Her books are always so refreshing, because even though there is drama, there is a sense of reality in the stories. Deena is a strong-willed, intelligent woman, doing what she needs to survive. Asa is a hardworking man who just needs someone to be a mother to his daughter. He's not looking for love. This is a beautifully written storyline that focuses on what most everyone wants and needs, someone to love and be loved, no matter what you look like on the outside and what your situation. Ms. Carr does a wonderful job of bringing this interracial relationship to life in a most realistic and refreshing way. The characters are both amazingly written and so endearing, you can't help but become invested in their story. I absolutely recommend you pick this one up!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2020
The year is 1875. Since leaving the plantations of the south to come to New York Deena has had to steal to survive. One day she steals from the wrong man and assumes another woman’s identity to escape him. Shortly thereafter Deena arrives in Dakota as a mail order bride for a farmer named Asa. How long will her deception last? What happens when her past catches up with her? Will she have to run again and leave the family she has grown to love? Although some parts of this story are unrealistic I appreciate the author’s focus on the values of honesty and forgiveness. There are no love scenes but there are examples of what people are willing to do to protect and support the ones they love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2020
Deena Lyons could barely pay her rent and buy food in New York.
Deena heard of a mail order bride that was going out west. She decided she would change her identity and find this man first then all her problems would be solved. Plans don't always work out the we see them. This is the beginning, hopefully it will end happily for her. This is an amazing historical, romance with a little mystery in the west. I traveled along with her on the adventure to the Dakotas.
I liked this read with twist and turns throughout the story. The characters were well described and believable. The setting were beautifully described, the author pulled everything together at the end. A well written outstanding book, I enjoyed reading.
Deena heard of a mail order bride that was going out west. She decided she would change her identity and find this man first then all her problems would be solved. Plans don't always work out the we see them. This is the beginning, hopefully it will end happily for her. This is an amazing historical, romance with a little mystery in the west. I traveled along with her on the adventure to the Dakotas.
I liked this read with twist and turns throughout the story. The characters were well described and believable. The setting were beautifully described, the author pulled everything together at the end. A well written outstanding book, I enjoyed reading.
July 2, 2024
This is a sweet, clean romance that has strong characterization. There are a sprinkle of super-cute highlightable lines and moments too. It definitely needed 30-50 more pages to wrap things up properly, explore emotions more, and circle back and feel the impact of some important characters. Even 75 - 100 more would be welcome, but 30-50 would have made this 5 stars for sure.
It ended a bit too neatly, with some loose strings that didn't seem to be concerns anymore, but that's all I say without giving away too much.
Now, some people are upset the book isn't racist enough?! And that the town is accepting? Now, racism and acknowledgement of slavery not fully excluded from the book. There could be more addressing the dynamics of the time period and her being a Black Woman of Color, and what not, but I'm definitely willing to overlook not being boggled down with racism in a romance book. It's a nice change.
People only seem to call for historical accuracy if it means limiting the adventures of People of Color.
Overall, a good book with an exciting balance of tension and page-turning details. It just needed to expand on some unfolding events a bit more properly.
It ended a bit too neatly, with some loose strings that didn't seem to be concerns anymore, but that's all I say without giving away too much.
Now, some people are upset the book isn't racist enough?! And that the town is accepting? Now, racism and acknowledgement of slavery not fully excluded from the book. There could be more addressing the dynamics of the time period and her being a Black Woman of Color, and what not, but I'm definitely willing to overlook not being boggled down with racism in a romance book. It's a nice change.
People only seem to call for historical accuracy if it means limiting the adventures of People of Color.
Overall, a good book with an exciting balance of tension and page-turning details. It just needed to expand on some unfolding events a bit more properly.
August 14, 2020
This was such a fun historical romance. Set is the Wild West I loved the descriptions of the land, town and scenery. Deena was such a great character though she was flawed she recognized the things she did wrong and truly felt remorse and guilt over them. I loved how people in the town were so welcoming and there was not a focus on her race being an issue. Asa was such a great man and the way her cared about family was a joy to read about. I also liked the Christian element to this and the message of forgiveness. I do wish everything wasn’t wrapped so quickly as I wanted to read more about their life.
October 11, 2020
Asa and Deena
This is a sweet and loving mail order bride story with several twists and turns. Asa has serious received war wound that left him with scars and a bad leg. He also hand been abandoned by his wife, leaving him to raise a young daughter with out a mother. Deena was a former slave, turned pick pocket and petty thief. She stole the mail order information and traveled to pretend to be Asa’s bride as a means of escaping a deadly threat to her life. Her lies and deceit lead to lots of excitement and adventure. You will enjoy discovering how Asa and Deena find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet and loving mail order bride story with several twists and turns. Asa has serious received war wound that left him with scars and a bad leg. He also hand been abandoned by his wife, leaving him to raise a young daughter with out a mother. Deena was a former slave, turned pick pocket and petty thief. She stole the mail order information and traveled to pretend to be Asa’s bride as a means of escaping a deadly threat to her life. Her lies and deceit lead to lots of excitement and adventure. You will enjoy discovering how Asa and Deena find their happily ever after.
January 25, 2021
This was one of my favorites from 2020. I read it in the fall, I think. Wonderful characterization and POV. I was instantly pulled into the story and felt completely immersed into the character's feeling, sensations, perceptions and reactions. I quickly forgot that I was reading a book and it was like watching a movie. I read it in one afternoon, on the edge of my seat the entire time with the suspense of what would happen next. I loved Deena and was rooting for her to win her HEA and new life.
This is Sweet Romance with a Christian theme.
This is Sweet Romance with a Christian theme.
May 11, 2020
Book six in the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Deena Lyon comes to Ruby Creek in the Dakota Territory pretending to be someone else. Asa Grantt needs someone to look after his daughter SaraGrace. There is suspense,drama, danger, secrets, evil, villains, and romance. I had to laugh at the surprise at the end. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2020
The main character, Deena Lyon is a well-developed character with lots of personality. She’s multi-dimensional; clever, kind, determined and she’s conflicted when she does something she knows is wrong. This was a neat take on the mail-order bride trope. Deena steals letters from a mail order bride destined to be married to a man out west and assumes the identity but the fact that she’s a woman of colour adds a different layer to the story. A very sweet story with a strong Christian theme.
January 28, 2021
Seriously
In the year 1875 which black woman could get into a carriage with a group of whites to travel anywhere? In 1875 a white man orders a mail order bride and a black woman shows up and it is a okay? Really, on what planet? At the very least make your story line believable. Too bad I could not give this a half star. Not sure why all the great reviews. 15 minutes of my life wasted.
In the year 1875 which black woman could get into a carriage with a group of whites to travel anywhere? In 1875 a white man orders a mail order bride and a black woman shows up and it is a okay? Really, on what planet? At the very least make your story line believable. Too bad I could not give this a half star. Not sure why all the great reviews. 15 minutes of my life wasted.
October 9, 2020
Unfortunately this book did not keep my interest. I couldn't get over how accepting everyone was of a runaway slave. It didn't ring true to the time period. I felt like the heroine was really Caucasian, but was being potrayed as black. The story was slow and just not worth anymore of my time. Kind of sad because I was intrigued by the cover and book blurb.
November 8, 2021
Intriguing
The story has everything from deception, murder, scandal, mystery, to love, romance, adventure, faith, and family! Secrets and lies have a way of coming out, honesty is always the best policy. Inspiring story and loveable characters. Greatly thought out and executed storylines. Love this series!
The story has everything from deception, murder, scandal, mystery, to love, romance, adventure, faith, and family! Secrets and lies have a way of coming out, honesty is always the best policy. Inspiring story and loveable characters. Greatly thought out and executed storylines. Love this series!
October 13, 2023
Christian Historical Romance
I loved this story. From her pickpocket days in NYC to her homesteading new life in the Dakota Territory, Deena definitely lives a life of deception until her actions prove her love and faith!
This is a new author for me, but I hope to read more of the Wild West books if she continues writing them!
I loved this story. From her pickpocket days in NYC to her homesteading new life in the Dakota Territory, Deena definitely lives a life of deception until her actions prove her love and faith!
This is a new author for me, but I hope to read more of the Wild West books if she continues writing them!
May 15, 2020
I am not normally a big "mail-order-bride" fan, but this book was such a unique twist on that concept! I was hooked from the moment I started learning about Deena's backstory. Very fun read & not all what I was expecting.
June 5, 2020
Lots of Personality
This heroine had so much personality I found it Hart to not like her. It was a fun read with a likeable hero, a sweet little girl, and other interesting characters, both good and evil.
This heroine had so much personality I found it Hart to not like her. It was a fun read with a likeable hero, a sweet little girl, and other interesting characters, both good and evil.
June 19, 2020
Deena’s restoration
I thought this was a beautiful story of love’s purity, faith, forgiveness, understanding and family. I was engrossed in the story from the beginning and I love that everything would work out in the end. Thank you for a beautiful read.
I thought this was a beautiful story of love’s purity, faith, forgiveness, understanding and family. I was engrossed in the story from the beginning and I love that everything would work out in the end. Thank you for a beautiful read.
June 27, 2020
Good Stuff
This was a good ,fun and entertaining story from the beginning to the very end. The writer gives us a really sweet story filled with just enough to keep you interested and toes everything up in a nice little bow.
This was a good ,fun and entertaining story from the beginning to the very end. The writer gives us a really sweet story filled with just enough to keep you interested and toes everything up in a nice little bow.
June 28, 2020
Suspenseful Romance
I love the added drama of Deen's deception that led to her meeting Asa. A she fell in love with him I could feel her inner struggle of coming clean. The mystery of the attacks on his land also made the story more fun .
I love the added drama of Deen's deception that led to her meeting Asa. A she fell in love with him I could feel her inner struggle of coming clean. The mystery of the attacks on his land also made the story more fun .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews