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Regional Romance #3
Grass Valley Brides
What’s a matchmaker to do when the husband-to-be rejects the bride?
Again...
Widowed as a young wife, Cara Cargill turned her head for business and love of romance into a successful mail-order bride enterprise. She’s never had a problem matching couples until one mule-headed man continues to refuse to wed the women she sends to meet him in Grass Valley, Oregon. In an effort to make a match he’ll keep and uphold her sterling reputation, Cara is desperate to find the perfect bride.
Daisy – When her fiancé leaves her at the altar, Daisy Bancroft knows it is far past time for a change. Her dearest friend, Cara, offers to send her to a newly established town in Oregon, where possibilities abound and the grass is rumored to be as tall as a man’s head. Daisy arrives with plans to wed Tagg Thompson, only to find the obstinate rancher has foisted her off on his best friend.
Birdie – Tired of waiting for her Mister Right to magically appear and whisk her away to a happily-ever-after, Bridget “Birdie” Byrne convinces her sister, a renowned matchmaker, to send her as the bride to Tagg Thompson. The man who greets her upon her arrival isn’t Tagg, but Birdie is certain she’s finally discovered the man she is meant to marry.
Cara – Fed up with Tagg Thompson and his refusals of every bride she’s sent to Grass Valley for him to wed, Cara decides to meet the exasperating man in person. Her feet are barely on the ground in the rustic town before she’s nearly bowled over by a herd of stampeding cattle and swept into the brawny arms of a cowboy with the bluest eyes she’s ever seen.
Will true love find its home in the hearts of these Grass Valley Brides?
Get all four books in the Regional Romance Series featuring scenic historic locations, exciting drama, and sweet (yet swoony) romance!
Again...
Widowed as a young wife, Cara Cargill turned her head for business and love of romance into a successful mail-order bride enterprise. She’s never had a problem matching couples until one mule-headed man continues to refuse to wed the women she sends to meet him in Grass Valley, Oregon. In an effort to make a match he’ll keep and uphold her sterling reputation, Cara is desperate to find the perfect bride.
Daisy – When her fiancé leaves her at the altar, Daisy Bancroft knows it is far past time for a change. Her dearest friend, Cara, offers to send her to a newly established town in Oregon, where possibilities abound and the grass is rumored to be as tall as a man’s head. Daisy arrives with plans to wed Tagg Thompson, only to find the obstinate rancher has foisted her off on his best friend.
Birdie – Tired of waiting for her Mister Right to magically appear and whisk her away to a happily-ever-after, Bridget “Birdie” Byrne convinces her sister, a renowned matchmaker, to send her as the bride to Tagg Thompson. The man who greets her upon her arrival isn’t Tagg, but Birdie is certain she’s finally discovered the man she is meant to marry.
Cara – Fed up with Tagg Thompson and his refusals of every bride she’s sent to Grass Valley for him to wed, Cara decides to meet the exasperating man in person. Her feet are barely on the ground in the rustic town before she’s nearly bowled over by a herd of stampeding cattle and swept into the brawny arms of a cowboy with the bluest eyes she’s ever seen.
Will true love find its home in the hearts of these Grass Valley Brides?
Get all four books in the Regional Romance Series featuring scenic historic locations, exciting drama, and sweet (yet swoony) romance!
- GenresHistorical Romance
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2020
374 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Hatfield
163 books1,318 followersA hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 14, 2020
Rating: 3.5/5.0
This book is pretty ingenious; there are actually three stories combined in one!
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This book is pretty ingenious; there are actually three stories combined in one!
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 12, 2020
Shanna Hatfield is a master at creating such sweet romantic plots, in every genre she embraces.
How does she continually do it?
Tagg Thompson stays in constant correspondence with Cara Cargill for the perfect Mail-Order Bride for him, however, each young lady Cara sends, just isn’t who Tagg is looking to wed. With each corresponding letter she receives from Tagg, Cara’s temper just boils.
DAISY:
Daisy and Dane were a fun, fun couple.
Stubborn, set in their ways, and the perfect “opposites attract” blossoming love!
I loved how they both tried so hard to hide their feelings, yet yearning to explore each other’s personalities and desires.
The precious animals incorporated in this story, will melt your heart and was such a special addition.
BIRDIE:
Birdie, with her a child-like, carefree euphoric nature, capture my heart and kept me smiling.
Rance, with his surly, quick witted demeanor, guards his heart from everyone, especially the newly arrived Birdie.
These two were perfect opposites who were destined for one another.
“She gave Rance Wings, and he gave her a solid place to land.”
When Dane and Daisy’s wedding day arrived, no one, especially Birdie and Rance, were prepared for the surprise Tagg Thompson had arraigned.
CARA:
My Heavens, Shanna saved the best for last. I can’t go into any detail about Cara’s story, because I’d give too much away.
I will tell you that, Cara’s story is phenomenal and is the perfect ending to this amazing trilogy.
I can’t emphasis enough, Grass Valley Brides is fantastically written for the hopeless romantic.
How does she continually do it?
Tagg Thompson stays in constant correspondence with Cara Cargill for the perfect Mail-Order Bride for him, however, each young lady Cara sends, just isn’t who Tagg is looking to wed. With each corresponding letter she receives from Tagg, Cara’s temper just boils.
DAISY:
Daisy and Dane were a fun, fun couple.
Stubborn, set in their ways, and the perfect “opposites attract” blossoming love!
I loved how they both tried so hard to hide their feelings, yet yearning to explore each other’s personalities and desires.
The precious animals incorporated in this story, will melt your heart and was such a special addition.
BIRDIE:
Birdie, with her a child-like, carefree euphoric nature, capture my heart and kept me smiling.
Rance, with his surly, quick witted demeanor, guards his heart from everyone, especially the newly arrived Birdie.
These two were perfect opposites who were destined for one another.
“She gave Rance Wings, and he gave her a solid place to land.”
When Dane and Daisy’s wedding day arrived, no one, especially Birdie and Rance, were prepared for the surprise Tagg Thompson had arraigned.
CARA:
My Heavens, Shanna saved the best for last. I can’t go into any detail about Cara’s story, because I’d give too much away.
I will tell you that, Cara’s story is phenomenal and is the perfect ending to this amazing trilogy.
I can’t emphasis enough, Grass Valley Brides is fantastically written for the hopeless romantic.
December 31, 2020
The matchmaker meets her match!
My rating is 4.5 stars
It's always a good sign when I am giggling before I've finished the prologue of a book. And, sure enough, I wasn't even more than a few pages into Grass Valley Brides before the laughter started.
The absurdity of the man seeking a mail-order bride then matching them off with other men when they arrived made this quite an amusing tale - and the mystery of why he would do such a thing added some intrigue. When the entire story was revealed, I was a little surprised, though by that time enough hints had been dropped that I did expect it.
Other than letting you know how delightful this story is, I will simply say if you enjoy historical romance with a Western flavor that will make you smile, be sure to grab a copy of Grass Valley Brides.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
My rating is 4.5 stars
It's always a good sign when I am giggling before I've finished the prologue of a book. And, sure enough, I wasn't even more than a few pages into Grass Valley Brides before the laughter started.
The absurdity of the man seeking a mail-order bride then matching them off with other men when they arrived made this quite an amusing tale - and the mystery of why he would do such a thing added some intrigue. When the entire story was revealed, I was a little surprised, though by that time enough hints had been dropped that I did expect it.
Other than letting you know how delightful this story is, I will simply say if you enjoy historical romance with a Western flavor that will make you smile, be sure to grab a copy of Grass Valley Brides.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2020
This book has three Mail Order Bride Stories. It's set in Grass Valley, Oregon. The stories are tied together because the Brides are friends and one is the sister to the Matchmaker. Ms. Hatfield is a gifted writer. Her characters are smart, funny, loving and believable. I love this book.
Read
September 24, 2020"One of the most fun loving, humorous books I’ve read in a long time."
Find out why readers are falling in love with this book!
My dear Mrs. Cargill,
Happy spring greetings to you. Are the flowers blooming there now? We don’t have a lot of flowers here, beyond the ones that grow wild, but they are starting to bloom. In fact, there’s quite a field of them behind the church and another a few miles north of town.
I’ve got a hundred and three new calves and a few left to arrive, but it’s a good healthy crop of them this year. We’ve also got little baby chicks, and several colts. There are piglets, and, because I had a hankering for lamb stew, there are now a dozen sheep on the place, too. I’ve recently acquired the piece of land that borders mine to the east, giving me another section of ground. I’m not going to do a thing with it this year because the grass is perfect for my cattle to graze.
I’ve been talking to a fellow up north of us who wants to move to a warmer winter climate. He’s got thirty good head of cattle I’m thinking about buying, but we’ll see if he really does decide to move. Poor man lost his wife and daughter two years ago, and just hasn’t had his heart in the place since then.
Speaking of hearts, I still find myself in need of a bride. Maybe you should just send half a dozen at a time and I can start weeding them out faster. I’m not getting any younger, you know. I still plan on having youngsters someday, but I’d sure prefer to do it before I’m too old to pick them up or to chase after them on arthritic-plagued knees.
If you still haven’t sent a proper bride by the time the snow flies, I think I’ll come to Philadelphia and help you out. What would you think of that?
Until next time, your devoted and yet-to-be-satisfied client,
T. Thompson
https://shannahatfield.com/book/grass...
Find out why readers are falling in love with this book!
My dear Mrs. Cargill,
Happy spring greetings to you. Are the flowers blooming there now? We don’t have a lot of flowers here, beyond the ones that grow wild, but they are starting to bloom. In fact, there’s quite a field of them behind the church and another a few miles north of town.
I’ve got a hundred and three new calves and a few left to arrive, but it’s a good healthy crop of them this year. We’ve also got little baby chicks, and several colts. There are piglets, and, because I had a hankering for lamb stew, there are now a dozen sheep on the place, too. I’ve recently acquired the piece of land that borders mine to the east, giving me another section of ground. I’m not going to do a thing with it this year because the grass is perfect for my cattle to graze.
I’ve been talking to a fellow up north of us who wants to move to a warmer winter climate. He’s got thirty good head of cattle I’m thinking about buying, but we’ll see if he really does decide to move. Poor man lost his wife and daughter two years ago, and just hasn’t had his heart in the place since then.
Speaking of hearts, I still find myself in need of a bride. Maybe you should just send half a dozen at a time and I can start weeding them out faster. I’m not getting any younger, you know. I still plan on having youngsters someday, but I’d sure prefer to do it before I’m too old to pick them up or to chase after them on arthritic-plagued knees.
If you still haven’t sent a proper bride by the time the snow flies, I think I’ll come to Philadelphia and help you out. What would you think of that?
Until next time, your devoted and yet-to-be-satisfied client,
T. Thompson
https://shannahatfield.com/book/grass...
September 14, 2020
Renowned match maker Cara Cargill has a reputation for being one of the most successful of her profession but who is this picky guy Taggert Thompson in Grass Valley? He rejects one mail-order bride after another. She sends her best friend Daisy Bancroft to meet Tag. Sophisticated and lovely, Daisy doesn’t meet him but meets handsome farmer Dane instead. Another failure for Cara! Cara’s sweet, young and very lively sister, Bridgette “Birdie” Byrnes, travels without sister Cara’s permission to give Tag a try. Instead Birdie meets Rance, the intimidating and scowling “incredible hulk” and the rest is romantic history. Cara, by now, is furious with indignation and finally goes herself to set Tag straight and teach him a lesson or two. On their way from The Dalles to Grass Valley each prospective mail-order bride meets a handsome blind stranger riding the stage. Who on earth is this mystery man? Cara finally encounters Tag Thompson and unbeknownst to her, she is in for the absolute surprise of her life and readers will also be turned upside-down by the shocking and unexpected happily-ever-after! Author Shanna Hatfield strikes again with a most unusual and entertaining format for Western-historical-heart-zinging romances with her offering, which is book 3 in the 4 book series entitled Regional Romances. (By the way, the other three are written by some of the finest fellow authors plying this genre)
September 20, 2020
Oh my goodness, I am so happy that I read this book! These are three incredibly written love stories that just kept getting better from the first to the last. I just love the story line and all the characters. I can't imagine the gumption it took for a woman to become a mail-order-bride back in the days after the civil war. I'm sure most felt that they had no other choice. I'm sure some were not near as lucky as the brides in this book. I don't think I would have had the nerve to do become a mail-order-bride. I can't wait to see what is ahead for these characters and their futures and as far as I'm concerned this series could go on and on. Cara and Tagg could have quite the mail-order-bride business stationed right there in Grass Valley instead of Cara having it in Philadelphia. These three stories just made my heart so happy just at the right time! My family is going through something so devastating right now and these stories were a very needed distraction from the cruelties life can dish us. Excellent read.
September 13, 2020
Ms. Hatfield knows her way with words and writing very fun and unique characters that you just end up loving her stories. This book has three mail order bride stories and they are so much fun and hilarious especially the last one. But the stories are all related as the matchmaker is friends to most of the brides and sister to one. The matchmaker for sure has a lot of sass and gumption, but so does her sister.
I had a blast reading these and you will too. This book is the historical story of one family in her familiar Grass Valley contemporary stories.
I hope she does more if they are related to the rest of the contemporary stories to give a lot of background to the characters.
This is a must read especially if you already read the Grass Valley contemporary stories but also a great set up for those who haven’t read them yet either.
I received a copy to read and I loved it so much I wanted to also give a review. This is my own opinion and I wasn’t asked to write it nor am I getting any compensation to do so.
I had a blast reading these and you will too. This book is the historical story of one family in her familiar Grass Valley contemporary stories.
I hope she does more if they are related to the rest of the contemporary stories to give a lot of background to the characters.
This is a must read especially if you already read the Grass Valley contemporary stories but also a great set up for those who haven’t read them yet either.
I received a copy to read and I loved it so much I wanted to also give a review. This is my own opinion and I wasn’t asked to write it nor am I getting any compensation to do so.
September 13, 2020
After the dead of her husband Cara started a very successful matchmaking service. But one specific man makes her furious, Tagg Thompson refused all the brides she had sent. Instead of marrying one of the ladies Cara send him he finds husbands under his friends. What is the matter with that man? She sends her best friend and after that fails her sister finds her way to Grass Valley. What will Tagg do when a very furious Cara decides to confront him personally?
Great trilogy with some surprises that will keep you entertained till the last page. Shanna Hatfield is an amazing storyteller.
Great trilogy with some surprises that will keep you entertained till the last page. Shanna Hatfield is an amazing storyteller.
September 14, 2020
Great romance in Grass Valley Oregon! I loved these three stories in one set in Grass Valley! Taggart Thompson receives a string of mail order brides and marries them off to friends and neighbors. Finally the matchmaker herself shows up in Grass Valley to see what’s going on just to find out he has been waiting for her all along. Shanna Hatfield is a great story teller and weaves these historical sweet love stories with humor and love. Don’t miss it!
September 14, 2020
So much to love
Each story is unique and fun. You get the swoon worthy romance that is signature Shanna Hatfield along with adventure and fun.
I won’t give you a synopsis of each book, but I will say I loved it all! And in my opinion, she saved the best for last!!
I highly recommend this book set to anyone who likes historical romance.
Each story is unique and fun. You get the swoon worthy romance that is signature Shanna Hatfield along with adventure and fun.
I won’t give you a synopsis of each book, but I will say I loved it all! And in my opinion, she saved the best for last!!
I highly recommend this book set to anyone who likes historical romance.
September 19, 2020
Wonderful Story.
I really enjoyed Taggard Thompson, Tagg was wonderful, adorable and everything a Sexy Man could be. Such a a sweet group of Stories. Loved each story, Thank you so much, Shanna Hatfield.
I really enjoyed Taggard Thompson, Tagg was wonderful, adorable and everything a Sexy Man could be. Such a a sweet group of Stories. Loved each story, Thank you so much, Shanna Hatfield.
September 15, 2020
I loved this book. It was so satisfying to have not just one but three stories that were all intertwined together.
Shanna Hatfield writes engaging stories with real characters complete with real flaws - Cara has a bit of a temper and might be known to throw things in frustration (especially when caused by Tagg Thompson), Birdie disappears across town without letting anyone know where she was going and Daisy turns her life upside down with an on the spot decision. With the ability of a real storyteller, Shanna draws these characters out and weaves a beautiful story that I really didn't want to put down. I'm really looking forward to reading more about those that live at Grass Valley.
Shanna Hatfield writes engaging stories with real characters complete with real flaws - Cara has a bit of a temper and might be known to throw things in frustration (especially when caused by Tagg Thompson), Birdie disappears across town without letting anyone know where she was going and Daisy turns her life upside down with an on the spot decision. With the ability of a real storyteller, Shanna draws these characters out and weaves a beautiful story that I really didn't want to put down. I'm really looking forward to reading more about those that live at Grass Valley.
September 14, 2020
Grass Valley in Oregon seems like a place that everyone falls in love with. In reading these three historical romances I myself fell in love with Grass Valley. Such sweet , touching stories for three incredibly independent, strong willed ladies who meet their matches in men.
Story one was Daisy Bancroft and Dane Dalton. Story two is Birdie(Bridget) Byrne and Rance Barlow. The last story belongs to Cara Cargill and Taggart(Tagg) Thompson. All of these stories will tug at your heart strings but my favorite is Cara and Taggs story.
Story one was Daisy Bancroft and Dane Dalton. Story two is Birdie(Bridget) Byrne and Rance Barlow. The last story belongs to Cara Cargill and Taggart(Tagg) Thompson. All of these stories will tug at your heart strings but my favorite is Cara and Taggs story.
September 15, 2020
Cara has a successful mail order matchmaking business until Taggart becomes the one groom that can not be satisfied. She has sent Daisy and Birdie but he has rejected each one but they did find their HEA. Cara decides to go to Grass Valley to meet with the stubborn Taggart to find out why he has turned down both mail order brides only to find the handsome man speaking to her heart. Loved this sweet clean romance that turns out to actually the three.
September 18, 2020
I loved this book with three clean romances. My favorite character by far is Tagg Thompson. The characters are beautifully developed, and the stories are wonderful. I highly recommend this book.
September 7, 2020
I absolutely loved this collection
of stories. All 3 were wonderful!
It takes place in 1884, in Grass Valley, OR.
Cara, is a matchmaker. Birdie, is her sister
& Daisy is her best friend.
And Tagg Thompson, is the annoying scoundrel that Cara, is trying to find a bride for. At this point, she's completely exasperated with him.
They're a charming, witty & moving romances with characters you cannot
get enough of.
The stories flowed seamlessly that
I couldn’t put them down.
I loved every page!!
of stories. All 3 were wonderful!
It takes place in 1884, in Grass Valley, OR.
Cara, is a matchmaker. Birdie, is her sister
& Daisy is her best friend.
And Tagg Thompson, is the annoying scoundrel that Cara, is trying to find a bride for. At this point, she's completely exasperated with him.
They're a charming, witty & moving romances with characters you cannot
get enough of.
The stories flowed seamlessly that
I couldn’t put them down.
I loved every page!!
September 7, 2020
I loved all the characters, I could see myself friends with them. Each story was fun and had a great clean romance. All three stories go together but each main character has their own story. Loved how each story was tied together and kept me excited to read the next one. All the stories are fun and has some interesting secrets that will make the reader giddy! I loved this book and hated for it to end.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
September 8, 2020
this is a wonderful , enjoyable story . Cara is a widow and a matchmaker and Tagg wants a wife and keeps sending for one and then one of his friends ends up with her, if you like cowboys and animals and city women who fall for the cowboys you will want to read this book could not stop reading it,i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest reveiw looking forward to more
September 14, 2020
This is a fantastic set of books to read about Cara and her matchmaking business!! I simply could not put them down until I finished them!! You will feel like you are right there with them on the stage coach ride and with everything that happens along the way to the final HEA!! I read a bookfunnel copy and freely leave my review!!
September 15, 2020
Great read
I really loved reading about the grass valley brides. All the characters in the book seem to come alive as you are reading as do all the books written by the the talented author Shanna Hatfield. Looking forward to reading more of her books
I really loved reading about the grass valley brides. All the characters in the book seem to come alive as you are reading as do all the books written by the the talented author Shanna Hatfield. Looking forward to reading more of her books
September 8, 2020
These stories were so much fun.
Bits were predictable, but still enjoyable.
The characters were not thoroughly fleshed out––normal in short stories––but you still get a feel for them.
Oh, but the storylines! They were fantastic!
Bits were predictable, but still enjoyable.
The characters were not thoroughly fleshed out––normal in short stories––but you still get a feel for them.
Oh, but the storylines! They were fantastic!
September 14, 2020
3 love stories in one. The stories flow together to make one great story. Once I started reading I had a hard time putting the book down to get done what I needed to. It was always calling to me to read it and find out what would happened.
September 11, 2024
Cara Cargill had run a successful matchmaking business until Taggert Thompson started rejecting every bride-to-be she sent him. Grass Valley Brides is the story of three of the women who meet Tagg.
Daisy - Cara's best friend knows all about her troubles with Mr. Thompson. When Daisy finds out the day before her wedding that her fiancé has run off with another woman, she is humiliated. Desiring to leave town, Daisy tells Cara she wants to be the next bride sent to Tagg. However, when Daisy arrives in Grass Valley, she discovers Tagg has sent his best friend, Dane, to pick her up.
Birdie - Cara's sister has been dreaming of love and romance since her teens. When Cara goes on a trip and Tagg requests another bride, Birdie decides to go to Grass Valley and meet Tagg. Instead of Tagg waiting on her, Birdie finds he has asked a friend of his, Rance, a merchant in town, to escort her to the hotel.
Cara - When Cara returns from a trip and finds a telegram from Birdie stating she is married and a letter from Taggert Thompson asking for yet another bride, Cara is furious and immediately heads to Grass Valley to confront the man herself.
Grass Valley Brides, a historical prequel to Shanna Hatfield's contemporary series, Grass Valley Cowboys, is fantastic from beginning to end. The author note gives a very thorough history of the town as well. It is a very easy and descriptive read, making you love the story and wanting to live there. I found each couple fun and entertaining and have asked the author for a follow-up.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review. I purchased a Kindle and paperback edition as well.
Daisy - Cara's best friend knows all about her troubles with Mr. Thompson. When Daisy finds out the day before her wedding that her fiancé has run off with another woman, she is humiliated. Desiring to leave town, Daisy tells Cara she wants to be the next bride sent to Tagg. However, when Daisy arrives in Grass Valley, she discovers Tagg has sent his best friend, Dane, to pick her up.
Birdie - Cara's sister has been dreaming of love and romance since her teens. When Cara goes on a trip and Tagg requests another bride, Birdie decides to go to Grass Valley and meet Tagg. Instead of Tagg waiting on her, Birdie finds he has asked a friend of his, Rance, a merchant in town, to escort her to the hotel.
Cara - When Cara returns from a trip and finds a telegram from Birdie stating she is married and a letter from Taggert Thompson asking for yet another bride, Cara is furious and immediately heads to Grass Valley to confront the man herself.
Grass Valley Brides, a historical prequel to Shanna Hatfield's contemporary series, Grass Valley Cowboys, is fantastic from beginning to end. The author note gives a very thorough history of the town as well. It is a very easy and descriptive read, making you love the story and wanting to live there. I found each couple fun and entertaining and have asked the author for a follow-up.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review. I purchased a Kindle and paperback edition as well.
April 24, 2022
Ever got a book based on its tagline? That was the case for me with Grass Valley Brides. But since, from the blurb, I knew Cara and Tagg's story was going to be the last, I settled in to enjoy the ride with the other two brides first.
I loved Daisy and Dane's story! I loved how they clearly are opposites based on their backgrounds (her coming from money and even a minor royalty, and him as a farmer) yet being attracted to each other from the get-go (even though they did a good job of fighting it). Based on Dane's personality, I knew once he fell for her he'd fall hard, and it was definitely fun following his journey through reluctant respect, admiration, and finally love. I loved their moments at the barn, and the animals made it all the more funny and cute (Gussie had my heart). As for Daisy, it was fun getting to see her learning new skills and what farm life entails. Loved the proposal/ending and all the nudges a certain someone needed to get there. :)
I was so excited to realize that Birdie was going to be paired up with Rance! I'd definitely been intrigued by him during Daisy's story, but oh boy, I underestimated the number of layers or how much depth his story included. Still, I loved every second of it (though there was a moment there where things felt off since it seem everything was going too fast and backward, but it was only the usual slight interference from Tagg), and how Birdie truly was what Rance needed. She was kind, sweet, happy, yet strong, hard-working, and an excellent cook, and even though it took Rance some time to see all the goodness that she brought into his and Tim's life, the picnic scene more than made up for it! *Happy sigh*
And finally the story I had been waiting for!! Cara and Tagg!!! Ahhh, it was so perfect!!! Surprisingly, it's the shortest of the three (measuring them by the number of chapters) yet it packs So much! I loved finally being able to "be" inside Tagg's head or "see" things from his POV. The ongoing mystery is confirmed and his method as to how he got to know the brides enough to marry them off to someone else in Grass Valley was explained. We get to learn of his past, his love for Cara, and the question I had been asking myself from early on finally got answered: when had he "met" and/or decided that Cara the matchmaker was the woman for him? As for Cara, boy, the events of the previous story (Birdie's) are understandably what brings her to the West, and sets her on the path to meet with Tagg. Their chemistry was off the charts, yet their heated conversations were also more like sparring matches. There's plenty of attraction mixed with sass, wits, and strong-headedness between these two. Cara's Irish temper finds its match in Tagg's charming ways, and all of it definitely had me flipping the pages as fast as I could. I definitely loved these two: Tagg's hard-working, caring, charming, frustrating, and even rascal ways (since thanks to the latter we get more kisses than the other stories have combined), and Cara's strong, loving, fiercely loyal, protective, and even stubborn personality that deep inside longs for the onethat got away that can hold and protect her through life's trials and joys. I definitely enjoyed every minute of this thrilling ride till the exquisitely beautiful and completely satisfying ending. ~ 5+ stars!!
I loved Daisy and Dane's story! I loved how they clearly are opposites based on their backgrounds (her coming from money and even a minor royalty, and him as a farmer) yet being attracted to each other from the get-go (even though they did a good job of fighting it). Based on Dane's personality, I knew once he fell for her he'd fall hard, and it was definitely fun following his journey through reluctant respect, admiration, and finally love. I loved their moments at the barn, and the animals made it all the more funny and cute (Gussie had my heart). As for Daisy, it was fun getting to see her learning new skills and what farm life entails. Loved the proposal/ending and all the nudges a certain someone needed to get there. :)
I was so excited to realize that Birdie was going to be paired up with Rance! I'd definitely been intrigued by him during Daisy's story, but oh boy, I underestimated the number of layers or how much depth his story included. Still, I loved every second of it (though there was a moment there where things felt off since it seem everything was going too fast and backward, but it was only the usual slight interference from Tagg), and how Birdie truly was what Rance needed. She was kind, sweet, happy, yet strong, hard-working, and an excellent cook, and even though it took Rance some time to see all the goodness that she brought into his and Tim's life, the picnic scene more than made up for it! *Happy sigh*
And finally the story I had been waiting for!! Cara and Tagg!!! Ahhh, it was so perfect!!! Surprisingly, it's the shortest of the three (measuring them by the number of chapters) yet it packs So much! I loved finally being able to "be" inside Tagg's head or "see" things from his POV. The ongoing mystery is confirmed and his method as to how he got to know the brides enough to marry them off to someone else in Grass Valley was explained. We get to learn of his past, his love for Cara, and the question I had been asking myself from early on finally got answered: when had he "met" and/or decided that Cara the matchmaker was the woman for him? As for Cara, boy, the events of the previous story (Birdie's) are understandably what brings her to the West, and sets her on the path to meet with Tagg. Their chemistry was off the charts, yet their heated conversations were also more like sparring matches. There's plenty of attraction mixed with sass, wits, and strong-headedness between these two. Cara's Irish temper finds its match in Tagg's charming ways, and all of it definitely had me flipping the pages as fast as I could. I definitely loved these two: Tagg's hard-working, caring, charming, frustrating, and even rascal ways (since thanks to the latter we get more kisses than the other stories have combined), and Cara's strong, loving, fiercely loyal, protective, and even stubborn personality that deep inside longs for the one
September 14, 2020
Cara Cargill, Philadelphia’s leading mail-order matchmaker, has successfully matched men with prospective brides throughout the west…except for ornery Taggart Thompson of Grass Valley, Oregon. He’s refused every one of the brides Cara sent him. Imagine! The nerve of that man! If it was the last thing Cara Cargill did, she’d find a suitable bride for Taggart Thompson…he wasn’t going to spoil her business or her sterling reputation.
Daisy - Daisy Bancroft, Cara’s best friend, arrives in Grass Valley intent on marrying Tagg Thompson and settling down. Though she is gently spurned by Tagg, she is relieved for her heart has been captured by one stubborn, set-in-his-ways Dane Dalton.
Birdie - Spirited, vivacious Bridget ‘Birdie” Byrne is tired of waiting for her happily-ever-after to show up on her doorstep. Determined to chart her own course, she waits until her sister, Cara, goes out of town then hops a train for Grass Valley. Thinking she is the perfect match for Taggart, her heart surprises her when she falls head over heels for the surly, gruff, short-tempered, but oh, so handsome, Rance Barlow.
Cara – Furious that Taggart Thompson continues to reject every bride, including her own sister, Birdie, Cara leaves for Grass Valley, intent on setting the obnoxious man on his ear. But when an admission comes to light, Cara can’t deny the love she’s waited a lifetime to call her own.
Oh my goodness! Just when you thought Ms. Hatfield’s writing couldn’t get better, this trilogy comes along and shoots that theory out of the water! In the space of eight to ten chapters, she’s developed fully rounded characters with strengths as well as flaws, back stories, and a simple plot which at times twists and turns…a trait which is a trademark in her books and done to perfection. The description of Grass Valley with its lush fields, blue skies, friendly people, and room to grow is as much a character as Tagg, Rance and Dane. Secondary characters Ruth Dalton and young Tim add another layer of interest while moving the story along. Ruth Dalton is the ideal mother-in-law we all yearn for-patient, loving, a friend as well as a parent wanting only the best for her son while Tim sees Rance as someone to look up to and emulate. Yet, he is strong enough in his convictions to tell Rance just what he’s thinking.
Admittedly and openly, I am a huge fan of the contemporary Grass Valley series with the Thompson brothers, their wives, family and friends. It’s such a joy to learn how the family came to settle in Oregon. Grass Valley Brides is a wonderful trilogy filled with hope, heart and humor and another jewel in Ms. Hatfield’s crown of western historical romance.
This book is part of a Regional Romance Series with authors Kit Morgan, Kari Trumbo and Peggy Henderson.
Daisy - Daisy Bancroft, Cara’s best friend, arrives in Grass Valley intent on marrying Tagg Thompson and settling down. Though she is gently spurned by Tagg, she is relieved for her heart has been captured by one stubborn, set-in-his-ways Dane Dalton.
Birdie - Spirited, vivacious Bridget ‘Birdie” Byrne is tired of waiting for her happily-ever-after to show up on her doorstep. Determined to chart her own course, she waits until her sister, Cara, goes out of town then hops a train for Grass Valley. Thinking she is the perfect match for Taggart, her heart surprises her when she falls head over heels for the surly, gruff, short-tempered, but oh, so handsome, Rance Barlow.
Cara – Furious that Taggart Thompson continues to reject every bride, including her own sister, Birdie, Cara leaves for Grass Valley, intent on setting the obnoxious man on his ear. But when an admission comes to light, Cara can’t deny the love she’s waited a lifetime to call her own.
Oh my goodness! Just when you thought Ms. Hatfield’s writing couldn’t get better, this trilogy comes along and shoots that theory out of the water! In the space of eight to ten chapters, she’s developed fully rounded characters with strengths as well as flaws, back stories, and a simple plot which at times twists and turns…a trait which is a trademark in her books and done to perfection. The description of Grass Valley with its lush fields, blue skies, friendly people, and room to grow is as much a character as Tagg, Rance and Dane. Secondary characters Ruth Dalton and young Tim add another layer of interest while moving the story along. Ruth Dalton is the ideal mother-in-law we all yearn for-patient, loving, a friend as well as a parent wanting only the best for her son while Tim sees Rance as someone to look up to and emulate. Yet, he is strong enough in his convictions to tell Rance just what he’s thinking.
Admittedly and openly, I am a huge fan of the contemporary Grass Valley series with the Thompson brothers, their wives, family and friends. It’s such a joy to learn how the family came to settle in Oregon. Grass Valley Brides is a wonderful trilogy filled with hope, heart and humor and another jewel in Ms. Hatfield’s crown of western historical romance.
This book is part of a Regional Romance Series with authors Kit Morgan, Kari Trumbo and Peggy Henderson.
October 4, 2020
This review is long but that is because there are three stories and they were a lot of fun to read. They had humor, a little bit of mystery, fate and faith that life can be better. You have to admit Pioneer Women were very strong both in body and mind, they never bothered to play that damsel in distress part.
Tagg Thompson is the thorn in Cara Cargill, the matchmaker’s side, and he is really a complicated character. You have to wonder why he keeps asking for brides from Cara but rejects them and finds them other men to wed. There are a lot of little hints through the three stories about his motives, but none of them take away from the stories, even if you think you have figured some of them out.
Cara is the last of the stories but she is intertwined with Daisy and Birdie’s story. Daisy is Cara’s best friend and her story was a lot of fun to read. She decided that she could not take being jilted at the altar and convinced Cara to send her to Oregon because Tagg has requested another bride. I really enjoyed Daisy’s adventures and how she learned how different life was from the city where she had butlers, maids, cooks, etc. Daisy ends up with Tagg’s best friend instead of him, but she is happy with her choice.
So Tagg now needs another bride but Cara is getting ready to leave for her annual trip to New England and decides that she cannot be bothered with him until she returns. But Cara’s sister, Birdie, is so fed up with life in the city, she decided that she is going out to Oregon to meet this man. She leaves right after Cara, who is totally unaware of what her sister has done. Birdie is one of those women who approaches life with happiness. She is the perfect match for Rance who has a good heart but due to childhood trauma keeps it under lock and key. They are perfect for each other.
Now you have Cara’s story. When she comes home and finds her sister has run off to Oregon, she goes out there to get her back. This part of the story is where you find out if what you thought you figured out is correct. You have to admire her because she really doesn’t do anything for herself but for other people that she loves. She is full of fight and will not allow anyone, including Tagg and her new brother-in-law to take advantage of her family. Will she find the happiness that her best friend and sister did or not? That is the question and I am not going to give you the answer. It would take away from the fun of reading their stories.
Tagg Thompson is the thorn in Cara Cargill, the matchmaker’s side, and he is really a complicated character. You have to wonder why he keeps asking for brides from Cara but rejects them and finds them other men to wed. There are a lot of little hints through the three stories about his motives, but none of them take away from the stories, even if you think you have figured some of them out.
Cara is the last of the stories but she is intertwined with Daisy and Birdie’s story. Daisy is Cara’s best friend and her story was a lot of fun to read. She decided that she could not take being jilted at the altar and convinced Cara to send her to Oregon because Tagg has requested another bride. I really enjoyed Daisy’s adventures and how she learned how different life was from the city where she had butlers, maids, cooks, etc. Daisy ends up with Tagg’s best friend instead of him, but she is happy with her choice.
So Tagg now needs another bride but Cara is getting ready to leave for her annual trip to New England and decides that she cannot be bothered with him until she returns. But Cara’s sister, Birdie, is so fed up with life in the city, she decided that she is going out to Oregon to meet this man. She leaves right after Cara, who is totally unaware of what her sister has done. Birdie is one of those women who approaches life with happiness. She is the perfect match for Rance who has a good heart but due to childhood trauma keeps it under lock and key. They are perfect for each other.
Now you have Cara’s story. When she comes home and finds her sister has run off to Oregon, she goes out there to get her back. This part of the story is where you find out if what you thought you figured out is correct. You have to admire her because she really doesn’t do anything for herself but for other people that she loves. She is full of fight and will not allow anyone, including Tagg and her new brother-in-law to take advantage of her family. Will she find the happiness that her best friend and sister did or not? That is the question and I am not going to give you the answer. It would take away from the fun of reading their stories.
September 27, 2020
This book was separated into three stories about Cara Cargill, her sister Birdie, and her friend Daisy. Matchmaker Cara is angry with her client Tagg Thompson, who keep rejecting the brides she sends to Grass Valley and pairing them up with other men to marry. I laughed over his letters and criticism about her ability to match him up with the right woman, even going so far as to say he was the better matchmaker. Daisy decides to give him a shot after she's left almost at the alter by her fiance. Birdie is next going behind Cara's back when she's away. And Cara rounds out the book going to Grass Valley to confront Birdie. The men Tagg has in mind don't agree at first that these are the right women for them and there are plenty of ups and downs in their relationships. I wasn't sure how society women who were used to servants and conveniences would deal with a more primitive lifestyle. I loved Dane's pet chicken, that big burly Rance took in orphan Tim and made him his apprentice, blind kind Drew the brides met on the stagecoach, and Tagg himself who knew what he wanted for the past twelve years and even though he was manipulative with the brides did so to achieve happiness with the woman he's always loved. This was a sweet funny historical western mail order brides collection.
May 1, 2023
Grass Valley Brides
I laughed and sighed a few times.
This story is about a matchmaker. Her client sends a request for a wife.
She sends brides out but he matches them with other men who need brides.
Her friend, is left at the altar so to speak after he runs off with the maid from his mother’s home. So she begs to be sent in place of the next bride.
When she arrives she is set up with another man. They fall in love and wed..
The client sends another letter.. saying alas she has failed again, this enraged her. She goes on a holiday to calm her self. Her sister decided she’s going in her absence.
Again he set up the woman with another man! But it’s a bit different this time.. as the first couple are getting married, the second couple are kind of roped into marriage. They are saying I do before the preacher. But don’t worry they are madly in love with each other. The sister sends a telegram to the older sister who still hasn’t matched the client! When she returned home to find the telegram and letter from the client, she is again enraged! She sends word that she is coming and she let’s everyone know she is angry!
Wonderful story I truly enjoyed reading it. I went from the first book to the third in one day and couldn’t stop!
I laughed and sighed a few times.
This story is about a matchmaker. Her client sends a request for a wife.
She sends brides out but he matches them with other men who need brides.
Her friend, is left at the altar so to speak after he runs off with the maid from his mother’s home. So she begs to be sent in place of the next bride.
When she arrives she is set up with another man. They fall in love and wed..
The client sends another letter.. saying alas she has failed again, this enraged her. She goes on a holiday to calm her self. Her sister decided she’s going in her absence.
Again he set up the woman with another man! But it’s a bit different this time.. as the first couple are getting married, the second couple are kind of roped into marriage. They are saying I do before the preacher. But don’t worry they are madly in love with each other. The sister sends a telegram to the older sister who still hasn’t matched the client! When she returned home to find the telegram and letter from the client, she is again enraged! She sends word that she is coming and she let’s everyone know she is angry!
Wonderful story I truly enjoyed reading it. I went from the first book to the third in one day and couldn’t stop!
December 2, 2020
Stories (4.5 stars)
This purchase includes 3 novellas, so you really get your money's-worth.
That said, each book is delightful in its own way. Definitely part of a series and these are the last three books. They can be stand-alone's without a problem. The last book in the series was my favorite!
Shanna Hatfield includes some elements that tie the three stories together and it's fun to figure those out, as one listens along! The romance is clean and the characters are given the time each needs to get to know one another. A bit formulaic, but that's hard to get away from in romance novels.
Narrator: (4.5 stars)
Excellent narration! I've heard this narrator many times and never tire of his voice. He truly sounds like a cowboy! Male voices don't sound the same between books: for example, the blacksmith has a lower timbre voice than the other male characters, even though he has a book to himself. Some fun women's voices, too! Mr. Dyess has expression, range and reads at just the right speed! I highly recommend him!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
This purchase includes 3 novellas, so you really get your money's-worth.
That said, each book is delightful in its own way. Definitely part of a series and these are the last three books. They can be stand-alone's without a problem. The last book in the series was my favorite!
Shanna Hatfield includes some elements that tie the three stories together and it's fun to figure those out, as one listens along! The romance is clean and the characters are given the time each needs to get to know one another. A bit formulaic, but that's hard to get away from in romance novels.
Narrator: (4.5 stars)
Excellent narration! I've heard this narrator many times and never tire of his voice. He truly sounds like a cowboy! Male voices don't sound the same between books: for example, the blacksmith has a lower timbre voice than the other male characters, even though he has a book to himself. Some fun women's voices, too! Mr. Dyess has expression, range and reads at just the right speed! I highly recommend him!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
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