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When four sisters show up in town to fill the position of sheriff, Mark isn't sure what to do. This town is no place for women, especially a green-eyed beauty like Sam. When the town learns that these four woman can outshoot any man around Mark is forced to accept the girls as sheriff, but when one of them is kidnapped and being forced into marriage, will the other girls be able to save her and prove once and for all that they can do the job? Can Mark and Sam break down the wall of stubbornness, and realize that love has found them?
This book previously sold as Sheriff Bride Sam and in the Green eyed Brides collection
This book previously sold as Sheriff Bride Sam and in the Green eyed Brides collection
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2009
30 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Ives Lilly
114 books48 followers Follow Teresa at www.teresalilly.wordpress.com
Teresa Ives Lilly has authored a variety of Christian and Clean Novels and Novellas romance and mystery, historical and contemporary. She has written several chapter books and one picture book. She has also authored over two hundred unit studies for public and private schools.
Teresa Ives Lilly has authored a variety of Christian and Clean Novels and Novellas romance and mystery, historical and contemporary. She has written several chapter books and one picture book. She has also authored over two hundred unit studies for public and private schools.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 6, 2025
This short (107 pages) novel is the series opener for the Sheriff Bride series. (The latter has more recently been marketed as the Brides of Waterhole, Texas series, which includes additional books; but my interest is just in the original tetralogy.) Each of the four books (all written by different authors) focus on a different one of the four Hardin sisters, whose unique situation is delineated in the first book, set in the later 1870s. (No date is actually given, but there's a passing reference to a wanted poster for the notorious outlaw Sam Bass, who was criminally active in 1876-78.) Raised in eastern Texas, the sisters were reared in the Christian faith by their devout mother, who's been dead for years. But their father was a physically abusive drunk, who resented the fact that they were born female. However, he was a tough customer well versed with firearms, and in his sober moments taught them gun skills, hunting and tracking techniques (he lived off the furs from their hunting, though he drank and gambled away most of the proceeds) and wilderness survival. By the time our story opens, his reputation for prowess at shooting has spread to western Texas.
The book opens with the text of a short letter from one Mark Carlin, banker and leading citizen of Waterhole (population 35 in the town proper, all male), accepting John Hardin's application for their advertised position of first-ever town sheriff. (That's actually an authorial error, since in most U.S. states sheriffs are elected to serve entire counties; a peace officer hired to serve just one community would be a town marshal, as opposed to a Federal one.) Having celebrated his good fortune with a drinking binge, however, the inebriated Hardin died in a fall from his horse on the way home. But Carlin had sent him a generous amount of cash for traveling expenses. At the suggestion of eldest sister Sam (Samantha), not having any money or other employment prospects, Jo, Dan and Rob, a.k.a. Josephina, Daniella, and Roberta, agree to join her in traveling across Texas to present themselves as willing to share the position. As readers will be well aware, the wild West of that day wasn't a hotbed of equal employment opportunity ideals, so the prospects for the success of the ladies' quest in the face of ingrained male sexism are daunting.
While this is an excellent and very original premise for a novella series, though, the execution of it here has to be called somewhat lackluster. Lilly's prose style tends to be repetitive, both in language (and in using character's names over again where a pronoun would serve her better) and in ideas, with points often being restated or reemphasized in the same paragraph when it's not needed; she also has a tendency to tell when there would be more effective ways of showing. Some attempt was made at editing, but the proofreading was poor (there are only a few typos as such, but I finally deduced that the three or four bracketed repetitions of a sentence in different words were vestiges of textual corrections that weren't edited out in the final draft!). There are continuity issues that better editing would have corrected; for instance, in one chapter characters continue talking while waiting after knocking at a door, only to arrive at the door and knock after finishing the conversation; and while the sisters arrived in Waterhole by stagecoach, in a late chapter their arrival was said to be by train. (The town has no train station.) These tended to take me out of the story. In one scene, a doctor extracts a bullet from a gunshot wound in a man's hand; but the average revolver in that setting fired a .44 bullet, which at the short distance involved there would never have been stopped by the relatively flimsy carpal bones of a human hand. (On reflection, though, this actually is plausible given the position of the combatants, since the bullet would have had to first pass through the target's clenched fingers and then through the handle of the gun he was holding. But in my opinion, this still should have been explained, since it isn't initially obvious.)
On the positive side, the story held my interest, and my wife's (we're reading the series together --and yes, we do plan to follow it.) The theme of women proving themselves in a demanding and male-dominated profession that requires some combat skill comes through despite the mediocre execution, and appeals to readers (like myself) who admire action-oriented heroines and appreciate an equalitarian feminist message. (In the latter respect, the ending is also particularly good.) Given that the small-press publisher here is Lovely Christian Romance, it won't be a surprise that Lilly (and the other series writers) is an evangelical author and that Christian faith plays a role in the tale. (One character is a preacher; Christian ethics underlies the discussions about lethal force, and there's a serious appreciation of the redemptive power of the gospel.) It also won't be a surprise that one aspect of the story (which doesn't swallow up the other aspects!) is a clean romance, but for me that was a plus. (Given that the main storyline takes up a bit over two weeks, it could be faulted as a case of insta-love, but I felt it was plausible under these circumstances and in this era.)
A final point that could be made is that while we're told that Rob, the youngest sister, is only 14, we aren't told the older ones' exact ages, and I'd like to have been. (Their mother was married for 25 years, and died when Rob was fairly young; but we're not told exactly how young, nor how long it was into the marriage before she bore Sam. Sam could be anywhere from her mid-30s to her very late 20s; I picture her as about 29, and the other two ladies in their mid-to-late 20s.)
The book opens with the text of a short letter from one Mark Carlin, banker and leading citizen of Waterhole (population 35 in the town proper, all male), accepting John Hardin's application for their advertised position of first-ever town sheriff. (That's actually an authorial error, since in most U.S. states sheriffs are elected to serve entire counties; a peace officer hired to serve just one community would be a town marshal, as opposed to a Federal one.) Having celebrated his good fortune with a drinking binge, however, the inebriated Hardin died in a fall from his horse on the way home. But Carlin had sent him a generous amount of cash for traveling expenses. At the suggestion of eldest sister Sam (Samantha), not having any money or other employment prospects, Jo, Dan and Rob, a.k.a. Josephina, Daniella, and Roberta, agree to join her in traveling across Texas to present themselves as willing to share the position. As readers will be well aware, the wild West of that day wasn't a hotbed of equal employment opportunity ideals, so the prospects for the success of the ladies' quest in the face of ingrained male sexism are daunting.
While this is an excellent and very original premise for a novella series, though, the execution of it here has to be called somewhat lackluster. Lilly's prose style tends to be repetitive, both in language (and in using character's names over again where a pronoun would serve her better) and in ideas, with points often being restated or reemphasized in the same paragraph when it's not needed; she also has a tendency to tell when there would be more effective ways of showing. Some attempt was made at editing, but the proofreading was poor (there are only a few typos as such, but I finally deduced that the three or four bracketed repetitions of a sentence in different words were vestiges of textual corrections that weren't edited out in the final draft!). There are continuity issues that better editing would have corrected; for instance, in one chapter characters continue talking while waiting after knocking at a door, only to arrive at the door and knock after finishing the conversation; and while the sisters arrived in Waterhole by stagecoach, in a late chapter their arrival was said to be by train. (The town has no train station.) These tended to take me out of the story. In one scene, a doctor extracts a bullet from a gunshot wound in a man's hand; but the average revolver in that setting fired a .44 bullet, which at the short distance involved there would never have been stopped by the relatively flimsy carpal bones of a human hand. (On reflection, though, this actually is plausible given the position of the combatants, since the bullet would have had to first pass through the target's clenched fingers and then through the handle of the gun he was holding. But in my opinion, this still should have been explained, since it isn't initially obvious.)
On the positive side, the story held my interest, and my wife's (we're reading the series together --and yes, we do plan to follow it.) The theme of women proving themselves in a demanding and male-dominated profession that requires some combat skill comes through despite the mediocre execution, and appeals to readers (like myself) who admire action-oriented heroines and appreciate an equalitarian feminist message. (In the latter respect, the ending is also particularly good.) Given that the small-press publisher here is Lovely Christian Romance, it won't be a surprise that Lilly (and the other series writers) is an evangelical author and that Christian faith plays a role in the tale. (One character is a preacher; Christian ethics underlies the discussions about lethal force, and there's a serious appreciation of the redemptive power of the gospel.) It also won't be a surprise that one aspect of the story (which doesn't swallow up the other aspects!) is a clean romance, but for me that was a plus. (Given that the main storyline takes up a bit over two weeks, it could be faulted as a case of insta-love, but I felt it was plausible under these circumstances and in this era.)
A final point that could be made is that while we're told that Rob, the youngest sister, is only 14, we aren't told the older ones' exact ages, and I'd like to have been. (Their mother was married for 25 years, and died when Rob was fairly young; but we're not told exactly how young, nor how long it was into the marriage before she bore Sam. Sam could be anywhere from her mid-30s to her very late 20s; I picture her as about 29, and the other two ladies in their mid-to-late 20s.)
July 4, 2010
Samantha “Sam”, Roberta “Rob”, Daniella “Dan”, and Josephina “Jo” Hardin lost their father two days ago. The four sisters are relieved as their father was a mean, evil man. Unfortunately, this puts the sisters in a bind. Their father left them penniless. There might be one thing in the girls favor. Mark Carlin from Jackson Hole, Wyoming sent their father a letter offering him a job as sheriff. Sam comes up with the plan that why don’t the four of them become the new sheriff. Isn’t four better then one?
When the girls arrive, Mark is anything but pleased. In fact he can’t get the girls out of town fast enough. The men in town haven’t seen a woman in a long time. The Hardin sisters are not that easy to get rid of. Can they convince Mark that they are the right women for the job?
Sheriff Bride is a rough and tumble read. I really liked this book. Sam, Rob, Jo and Dan were great. I couldn’t choose a favorite as I liked them all. Each one had a different personality that stood out. Though, there was one thing that they all had in common and that is that they are deadly with a gun. The Hardin sisters dominated in this book. I like that they earned respect from all the men. This book kind of reminded me of Little Women but the Western version. If you like Westerns then you should check this book out.
When the girls arrive, Mark is anything but pleased. In fact he can’t get the girls out of town fast enough. The men in town haven’t seen a woman in a long time. The Hardin sisters are not that easy to get rid of. Can they convince Mark that they are the right women for the job?
Sheriff Bride is a rough and tumble read. I really liked this book. Sam, Rob, Jo and Dan were great. I couldn’t choose a favorite as I liked them all. Each one had a different personality that stood out. Though, there was one thing that they all had in common and that is that they are deadly with a gun. The Hardin sisters dominated in this book. I like that they earned respect from all the men. This book kind of reminded me of Little Women but the Western version. If you like Westerns then you should check this book out.
January 18, 2015
GOD DOESN'T MAKE MISTAKES, WE DO
What a delightful story of four brave woman, sisters, who have never been treated well by their father during their entire life. How dare they be girls, so even though their late mother was allowed to give them feminine names, they were called Sam, Jo, Dan and Rob. What a shock to the town of Waterhole, who had hired John Hardin to be their new sheriff, and in his place, four young women show up with the news that John was dead and they were there to fill the job of Sheriffs. Mark Carlin, the banker and man who hired Hardin, sure is not happy. But don't stand in the way of a determined woman, much less four of them. The storyline and dialogue is entertaining and these feisty and definitely talented ladies, prove in several cases, they are definitely the persons for the job of Sheriff. Not only can they out gun, but their love of God shines through and harden men find Christ as their Savior. I love the quote, "If God has forgiven you, you have to forgive yourself too." Waterhole, Texas will never be the same with the Hardin Sisters as the newest Sheriffs and town residents. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own. (Very minor editing issues, but not enough to ruin the story)
What a delightful story of four brave woman, sisters, who have never been treated well by their father during their entire life. How dare they be girls, so even though their late mother was allowed to give them feminine names, they were called Sam, Jo, Dan and Rob. What a shock to the town of Waterhole, who had hired John Hardin to be their new sheriff, and in his place, four young women show up with the news that John was dead and they were there to fill the job of Sheriffs. Mark Carlin, the banker and man who hired Hardin, sure is not happy. But don't stand in the way of a determined woman, much less four of them. The storyline and dialogue is entertaining and these feisty and definitely talented ladies, prove in several cases, they are definitely the persons for the job of Sheriff. Not only can they out gun, but their love of God shines through and harden men find Christ as their Savior. I love the quote, "If God has forgiven you, you have to forgive yourself too." Waterhole, Texas will never be the same with the Hardin Sisters as the newest Sheriffs and town residents. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own. (Very minor editing issues, but not enough to ruin the story)
February 24, 2015
SHERIFF BRIDE by Teresa Ives Lily
Although their dad had agreed to take the job in Waterhole, he dies before leaving. Sam, Jo, Dan, and rob decide to go to Waterhole and take the job of sheriff in place of their father. Their father has left them penniless and they use the money that the town had provided him for tickets.
Along with some harrowing moments, the fun begins. Read the story to discover why Sam shoots the town bully in his hand instead of killing him. Sam later studies the Bible with Gerard and converts him to become a Christian. Learn how these four use the Bible lessons taught by their mother to help others. Although their dad was a mean, abusive husband and father, these four have been taught from the Bible by a kind, suffering mother.
The four have sworn off marriage, but it just takes the right person to change their minds. This is a wonderful Christian romance. The reader will receive a surprise early on, and I do not want to spoil it. But the book is a wonderful read. I was provided a copy to read and write a review. I cannot wait to the read the other four in the series (these are all written by different authors).
Although their dad had agreed to take the job in Waterhole, he dies before leaving. Sam, Jo, Dan, and rob decide to go to Waterhole and take the job of sheriff in place of their father. Their father has left them penniless and they use the money that the town had provided him for tickets.
Along with some harrowing moments, the fun begins. Read the story to discover why Sam shoots the town bully in his hand instead of killing him. Sam later studies the Bible with Gerard and converts him to become a Christian. Learn how these four use the Bible lessons taught by their mother to help others. Although their dad was a mean, abusive husband and father, these four have been taught from the Bible by a kind, suffering mother.
The four have sworn off marriage, but it just takes the right person to change their minds. This is a wonderful Christian romance. The reader will receive a surprise early on, and I do not want to spoil it. But the book is a wonderful read. I was provided a copy to read and write a review. I cannot wait to the read the other four in the series (these are all written by different authors).
August 5, 2020
Mark and Samantha
This is a sweet love story written byTeresa Ives Lilly. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters too. Four sister abusive, overbearing, down right mean father. He was drunk again and fell off his horse and broke is neck. His four daughters had no money, no home and decided to travel to Waterhole and take the job their father would not be able to take. You will enjoy discovering how Sam and the town banker, Mark find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet love story written byTeresa Ives Lilly. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters too. Four sister abusive, overbearing, down right mean father. He was drunk again and fell off his horse and broke is neck. His four daughters had no money, no home and decided to travel to Waterhole and take the job their father would not be able to take. You will enjoy discovering how Sam and the town banker, Mark find their happily ever after.
July 5, 2020
Loved this book
I enjoyed reading this story of four sisters who becomes sheriff of Waterhole, Texas! It's my first book by Teresa Ives Lilly and I look forward to reading more of her books. I am also looking forward to reading more stories about Waterhole, Texas!
I enjoyed reading this story of four sisters who becomes sheriff of Waterhole, Texas! It's my first book by Teresa Ives Lilly and I look forward to reading more of her books. I am also looking forward to reading more stories about Waterhole, Texas!
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February 5, 2011This story was really sweet. It is short but fun to read. I love the idea of these gutsy women coming to town to take the job of the sheriff. I look forward to books about Sam's sisters.
July 6, 2020
A fun heart warming series
A must read series.
Four sisters take on being sheriff in a small town. Enjoy all their adventures as they find love.
A must read series.
Four sisters take on being sheriff in a small town. Enjoy all their adventures as they find love.
July 22, 2020
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December 12, 2020
Four young ladies decide that they want to leave their home after the death of their father and take the job that he had been hired to do in Waterhole, Texas. They hoped to fill the position of sheriff.
Totally shocked by the fact that the man they had hired for the job was no longer going to be filled by the man they thought, Mark decided the girls could have the job – after proving themselves – until another person could be hired for the position.
Stubbornness and determination are what Mark has to contend with. The girls, Sam, Jo, Dan, and Rob, have their own skills which prove to be better than anyone in town.
Come along for a ride with the sheriffs of Waterhole, Texas. You might learn a thing or two.
Totally shocked by the fact that the man they had hired for the job was no longer going to be filled by the man they thought, Mark decided the girls could have the job – after proving themselves – until another person could be hired for the position.
Stubbornness and determination are what Mark has to contend with. The girls, Sam, Jo, Dan, and Rob, have their own skills which prove to be better than anyone in town.
Come along for a ride with the sheriffs of Waterhole, Texas. You might learn a thing or two.
November 5, 2020
Samantha and Mark 💞
This is a new author for me, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Sweet, clean and a lot of fun...as well as carrying a beautiful Christian theme throughout. I loved Sam's spunk 😊
I only saw one typo, which was in the epilogue where Gerard became Garrett.
Looking forward to Jo's story next!
This is a new author for me, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Sweet, clean and a lot of fun...as well as carrying a beautiful Christian theme throughout. I loved Sam's spunk 😊
I only saw one typo, which was in the epilogue where Gerard became Garrett.
Looking forward to Jo's story next!
September 6, 2020
Women wanting to be the Sheriff! Four sisters all with men's nicknames turn the town upside down! Loved it!
October 24, 2020
Fun Christian story about 4 gunslinging sisters who are sharing the job of sheriff in the town of Waterhole, Texas.
August 5, 2025
great book
This was a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
This was a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
March 7, 2015
This is the first in the Sheriff Bride series, what a great place to start.
Sam is the oldest of four sisters, when their father dies and they decide to take the job as Sheriff, they think their problems may all be over. When they arrive in Waterhole they have no idea what to expect. Even though they know they could do the job well, will they be able to convince the town and the town banker, Mark? Will he ever see them for more than just a women?
Mark thought he finally found a way to turn Waterhole into a town that will draw families. When he arrives to pick up the new town Sheriff he is not expecting the four beautiful young ladies. He feels they must be out of their minds, how is he going to protect them and find a new Sheriff?
This short novel is full of strong women who have overcome much in their past, yet have trusted in God to always get them through. I enjoyed the plot, and characters and look forward to reading more about this family and town. I would recommend you read these in order so you understand the history of each lady. I was given a copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion.
Sam is the oldest of four sisters, when their father dies and they decide to take the job as Sheriff, they think their problems may all be over. When they arrive in Waterhole they have no idea what to expect. Even though they know they could do the job well, will they be able to convince the town and the town banker, Mark? Will he ever see them for more than just a women?
Mark thought he finally found a way to turn Waterhole into a town that will draw families. When he arrives to pick up the new town Sheriff he is not expecting the four beautiful young ladies. He feels they must be out of their minds, how is he going to protect them and find a new Sheriff?
This short novel is full of strong women who have overcome much in their past, yet have trusted in God to always get them through. I enjoyed the plot, and characters and look forward to reading more about this family and town. I would recommend you read these in order so you understand the history of each lady. I was given a copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion.
September 15, 2014
I have now completed a number of novellas by Teresa Lilly and have yet to be disappointed. Her stories are clean for those who like stories like these. With "Sheriff Bride" Teresa provides a cute little twist that I won't spoil. Teresa also does not write "sappy" stories. Her books may be short (can easily be completed in an afternoon) but they are filled with richly drawn characters. I would definitely recommend her to all you. denise bailey
July 13, 2020
Strong Christian Theme
A romance with a fun premise and a strong Christian theme. I enjoyed the characters of the sisters and the banker who discovered who showed up for the job he advertised differed greatly from what he had in mind.
A romance with a fun premise and a strong Christian theme. I enjoyed the characters of the sisters and the banker who discovered who showed up for the job he advertised differed greatly from what he had in mind.
January 17, 2015
Loved it! Another great short story with a lot packed into it. Hooked from the first page so read it all today! Four gun toting sisters! Becoming sheriff in a small town, proving just because they were woman they could handle the job, and got the town to admire their courage and shooting!!! Can't wait to read more stories written by this author.
January 17, 2015
Sheriff Bride by Teresa Ivy is a engaging story about four sisters that take a job as a sheriff in a small frontier town in Texas. The four sisters are an unlikely sheriff but their good shooting , fairness and God's love wins the heart of all in the town.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2015
I enjoyed this book and the twist it took in the four sheriff's. This was a sweet and well written book and I applaud the quick thinking.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. It has a very different storyline which I found refreshing! I look forward to reading more books by this author. I was given a copy of the book to provide an honest review.
January 2, 2016
A sweet Christian romance book. A cute way to start the series. Looking forward to reading the rest. Not too mushy, good story line and yet a good testimony ran throughout the book.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 6, 2011
This book had some cute ideas, but they needed quite a bit more development and a good editor.
October 14, 2013
Oh, since I wrote this I loved it.
July 8, 2020
Loved Sam!
Loved this story! Pretty unbelievable that 4 ladies could be the sheriff but I sure enjoyed reading about it! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Loved this story! Pretty unbelievable that 4 ladies could be the sheriff but I sure enjoyed reading about it! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews