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(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B08BPKMX8J.)
A long-lost soldier, a sister of the woman he was once engaged to, and the merry mischief of a Christmas matchmaker…
Grace Byrd has been in love with Lieutenant Charley Arrington for as long as she can remember, but he barely notices her existence when her oldest sister, Elizabeth, is around. Grace’s heart is shattered when he goes missing in action and is presumed dead. She silently vows to live out her days as a spinster, because she cannot imagine ever giving her heart to another man.
Now he’s back in their lives — returned from a southern hospital where he suffered of amnesia for months. Ready to claim her oldest sister’s hand in marriage at long last, he quickly learns Elizabeth has become a mail-order bride in his absence to help out with her family’s failing finances. What’s more, she’s fallen in love with her new husband.
Is this Grace’s second chance to win the heart of the man she loves? Can Charley move beyond his old dreams and replace them with new ones? One-click this sweet, small town romance to find out… and be whisked away by the hope and healing of the holidays!
A long-lost soldier, a sister of the woman he was once engaged to, and the merry mischief of a Christmas matchmaker…
Grace Byrd has been in love with Lieutenant Charley Arrington for as long as she can remember, but he barely notices her existence when her oldest sister, Elizabeth, is around. Grace’s heart is shattered when he goes missing in action and is presumed dead. She silently vows to live out her days as a spinster, because she cannot imagine ever giving her heart to another man.
Now he’s back in their lives — returned from a southern hospital where he suffered of amnesia for months. Ready to claim her oldest sister’s hand in marriage at long last, he quickly learns Elizabeth has become a mail-order bride in his absence to help out with her family’s failing finances. What’s more, she’s fallen in love with her new husband.
Is this Grace’s second chance to win the heart of the man she loves? Can Charley move beyond his old dreams and replace them with new ones? One-click this sweet, small town romance to find out… and be whisked away by the hope and healing of the holidays!
152 pages, ebook
Published October 30, 2020
241 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Jo Grafford
167 books667 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 7, 2026
A SECRET LOVE TO WEDDING
The second story in the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek will take place in 1867. Grace Byrd has returned to Atlanta to her cousin’s house for the birth of their child. Her family wants her back with them and devises a plan, convincing Grace that she needs to be there for her family, which will include getting married as a mail-order bride. It is decided that Charles ‘Charley’ Arrington will return to Atlanta and escort his parents, along with Grace, to Cowboy Creek, Texas.
Grace Byrd watched quietly for years as her older sister, Elizabeth, and Charley courted. Then, before he left for war, they became engaged. But Charley didn’t return home; his family had been told her had perished, and Elizabeth agreed to become another man’s mail-order bride. Lilly watched and knew that Grace was in love with Charley, but kept it a secret—that is, until Charley returned home, having been in a hospital with a head injury and loss of memory. While he wasn’t able to win Elizabeth back, he was clueless about how Grace felt about him—that is, until Lilly tells him, and they use that as a means to help bring her back.
A mystery, along with a mail-order contract, a promise to help the Byrd family, and secrets, will all play their role in this tale. Until Grace is walking to the altar, she doesn’t know who she is marrying, and is her family playing tricks on her? What about Charley?
“Be assured, this agency has an impeccable reputation and a very high success rate for their placements. So you see, the marriage even comes with a trial period. If the two of you decide you are not suited before the consummation, either party can have the union annulled.”
“I can do this. With your help, Lord, I can do this.”
The majority of the story takes place in Cowboy Creek, Texas. There will be the part where Charley returns to Atlanta to pick up his parents, and Grace—the train trip—and then the surprise wedding. While Grace has loved Charley for years, it will take him some time to fall in love with her, but he is honest and even accommodating. He has purchased her a home, and given her the power to decorate it—and to allow their marriage to progress as she is comfortable. They will have moments of trials before they realize that together is where they belong.
The second story in the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek will take place in 1867. Grace Byrd has returned to Atlanta to her cousin’s house for the birth of their child. Her family wants her back with them and devises a plan, convincing Grace that she needs to be there for her family, which will include getting married as a mail-order bride. It is decided that Charles ‘Charley’ Arrington will return to Atlanta and escort his parents, along with Grace, to Cowboy Creek, Texas.
Grace Byrd watched quietly for years as her older sister, Elizabeth, and Charley courted. Then, before he left for war, they became engaged. But Charley didn’t return home; his family had been told her had perished, and Elizabeth agreed to become another man’s mail-order bride. Lilly watched and knew that Grace was in love with Charley, but kept it a secret—that is, until Charley returned home, having been in a hospital with a head injury and loss of memory. While he wasn’t able to win Elizabeth back, he was clueless about how Grace felt about him—that is, until Lilly tells him, and they use that as a means to help bring her back.
A mystery, along with a mail-order contract, a promise to help the Byrd family, and secrets, will all play their role in this tale. Until Grace is walking to the altar, she doesn’t know who she is marrying, and is her family playing tricks on her? What about Charley?
“Be assured, this agency has an impeccable reputation and a very high success rate for their placements. So you see, the marriage even comes with a trial period. If the two of you decide you are not suited before the consummation, either party can have the union annulled.”
“I can do this. With your help, Lord, I can do this.”
The majority of the story takes place in Cowboy Creek, Texas. There will be the part where Charley returns to Atlanta to pick up his parents, and Grace—the train trip—and then the surprise wedding. While Grace has loved Charley for years, it will take him some time to fall in love with her, but he is honest and even accommodating. He has purchased her a home, and given her the power to decorate it—and to allow their marriage to progress as she is comfortable. They will have moments of trials before they realize that together is where they belong.
April 6, 2021
Grace is a story of how people deserve a second chance in life. Grace's family grew up in Charleston with Charley's family. They had almost been like family to each other. Charley and Elizabeth had became engaged. But then the war between the States happened. Gracy's family lost their two brothers and their father died in Charley's arms not before making Charley promise to watch over his wife and girls with him gone. When the war was over only Charley's father returned. They assumed that Charley was dead as was his brother. However, months later Charley returned with a cane to help him walk. He finds out that during the time that he was in the hospital, Elizabeth had signed up with the mail order bride agency in Angel Creek, MT to marry someone that could help take care of her family. She was married to David a soldier of the war that had family wealth in the railroad and she was so in love with him. Charley went to stay with Grace's family to care for them. Grace wanted to go back to Charleston for a few weeks to help a cousin with having her baby. Charley thought it would be good for her and paid her way.
Now three months later she still has not returned. Elizabeth decides to bring Grace home. She gets Charley to sign up with the Angel Creek mail order agency to be married to Grace. They decided to let Charley bring Grace home when he goes to Charleston to bring his parent's to Angel Creek for the holidays. Elizabeth writes Grace that David's family may be in money trouble and it is her time to help the family out. Charley was excited but wasn't sure what Grace would think. It had to be kept a secret from even his parent's. So while Grace had always been in love with Charley, they knew this would work, or would it?
Now three months later she still has not returned. Elizabeth decides to bring Grace home. She gets Charley to sign up with the Angel Creek mail order agency to be married to Grace. They decided to let Charley bring Grace home when he goes to Charleston to bring his parent's to Angel Creek for the holidays. Elizabeth writes Grace that David's family may be in money trouble and it is her time to help the family out. Charley was excited but wasn't sure what Grace would think. It had to be kept a secret from even his parent's. So while Grace had always been in love with Charley, they knew this would work, or would it?
October 28, 2020
I read Grace and Charley's book in one night! I couldn't put it down! How hard it was for Grace to love her sister's fiance! However, when her sister eventually marries another man because she believes that Charley has died in the war, Grace takes courage because she still believes Charley hasn't died. Time goes by and halleluiah, Charley is alive after suffering injuries and but finally comes home! He is sad to learn that Grace's sister is now married but moves on, only to hear that it is Grace who has always loved him! A plan is devised to get the two of them married without Grace knowing but when she discovers who her groom is, she is none too happy! She thinks it's a pity marriage! I loved Grace and Charley together. Charley tries so hard to prove his love for Grace but she doesn't make it easy on him! I was a little frustrated with Grace!!! She got what she wanted, after all, but wasn't grateful! I loved the other characters and visiting Angel Creek once again! Charley is a wonderful example of a southern gentleman!
November 1, 2020
Grace by Jo Grafford is book 13 of Angel Creek Christmas Brides which is a multi author series. This is the story of Charley and Grace. This is a different story because the family and Charley work to get grace to marry him as his mail order bride. they have known enjoy other forever. Grace has loved him for a long time. Before the American Civil war , he was going to marry her sister. The war and events changes things. No pity marriage for Grace. Jo Grafford does a wonderful job of detailing the story and characters so you have an understanding of the past and all of the relationships. The courting was different than most mail order bride stories that I have read which made the story more interesting. Grace has drama, family, relationships and a past that affects the present. this is the first book of Angle Creek Christmas Brides but Jo Grafford has made want to visit Angle Creek so I will be reading more of this series.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 8, 2020
The author has penned a sweet and heartwarming story of recovering from the after effects of the war and recognizing love that was there all the time. This is Grace and Charley's story and the character development is wonderful. You will also meet some familiar folks from other stories in the Angel Creek Christmas Brides stories. Grace has loved Charley forever but he loves her sister so Grace vows to become and remain a spinster. When Charley recovers from the war and regains his memory, he heads home to take care of Grace's family just as he promised her father upon his death on the battlefield. The is a fun story filled with humor, family, and romance. Will Charley be able to convince Grace he really does love her. Be sure to read this book to find out. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
December 14, 2025
October, 1867
Charley’s and Grace's story picks up where Elizabeth's left off, so it felt more well-rounded to me. I enjoyed reading how the man she'd loved for years finally saw past Elizabeth to SEE, appreciate and value her. Very sweet.
Poor Grace just had the hardest time believing it was true.
Quotable: 👉🏻"Widow Gable slung an arm around her shaking shoulders and tugged her toward the kitchen. “I brewed a special tea for your special day, a recipe guaranteed to calm bridal nerves.”"
👉🏻"She knew as well as anyone how to put on a good face and make small talk while the world burned."
Highly recommend reading 'Elizabeth' first.
I purchased this eBook. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Read 12/14/25
📚GoodReads Reading Challenge #227
Charley’s and Grace's story picks up where Elizabeth's left off, so it felt more well-rounded to me. I enjoyed reading how the man she'd loved for years finally saw past Elizabeth to SEE, appreciate and value her. Very sweet.
Poor Grace just had the hardest time believing it was true.
Quotable: 👉🏻"Widow Gable slung an arm around her shaking shoulders and tugged her toward the kitchen. “I brewed a special tea for your special day, a recipe guaranteed to calm bridal nerves.”"
👉🏻"She knew as well as anyone how to put on a good face and make small talk while the world burned."
Highly recommend reading 'Elizabeth' first.
I purchased this eBook. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Read 12/14/25
📚GoodReads Reading Challenge #227
November 7, 2020
I enjoyed this quick read. Grace had loved Charley, forever. She knew that he loved her sister so she never told him. When he returned from the war, after he was presumed dead, to find that Elizabeth was married and in love with her husband. After a year, Elizabeth and Lilly told him that Grace loved him. After a misleading letter, Grace found herself agreeing to marry in order to help the family. She was surprised to find out that Charley was her mysterious groom. Convinced that he was still in love with her sister, Grace thought that she was just the "second choice". How was Charley going to prove her wrong?
October 28, 2020
So enjoyed Charley and Gracie's story. Charley had always thought he would marry Elizabeth, but when he got home from the war, he discovered she had married another. Grace had always loved Charley, but he was his sister's fiance. I laughed and fussed and almost cried while reading this book. I stayed up all night reading this book. It was that good. If you like clean, heart warming stories, you can't go wrong with 'Grace'. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
November 4, 2020
What a wonderful read! Charley was to marry Grace’s sister to help the family. Instead he is presumed dead in the war and Elizabeth becomes a mail order bride and falls in love with her husband. Charley is alive and Grace has always loved him but he has never realized it. That is until the family let Charley in on a little secret about Grace. Will Charley fall in love and let go of all the thoughts of being with Elizabeth? Great characters and loved the story.
Received this book for a voluntary review.
Received this book for a voluntary review.
December 19, 2020
In love. With me. With me?
Charley is amazed...how did he not know that Grace loved him? The more he thinks about it the more he realises that she is not just Grace, she is everything, perfect....his Gracie. But his Gracie is stubborn and proud, she won't just accept his word, he must prove it. Charley has a new mission and wow is he good. He will sweep you off your feet as he woo's a very confused Grace.
I really liked this book, 4.5 stars and one of my favourites of this Kindle Unlimited series.
Charley is amazed...how did he not know that Grace loved him? The more he thinks about it the more he realises that she is not just Grace, she is everything, perfect....his Gracie. But his Gracie is stubborn and proud, she won't just accept his word, he must prove it. Charley has a new mission and wow is he good. He will sweep you off your feet as he woo's a very confused Grace.
I really liked this book, 4.5 stars and one of my favourites of this Kindle Unlimited series.
July 23, 2021
Charley has returned, injured from the Civil War and promised the care for the Byrd family when their husband/father is killed. His prior fiance, Elizabeth married through a mail order contract and fell truly in love with her husband. Elizabeth's younger sister, Grace, has been in love with Charley for a long time, but she never acted on it while he was engaged to Elizabeth. Grace has returned to their prior home in SC and extended her stay for many weeks. Charley is surprised to find out that it is because of him. Elizabeth has a scheme to get them together. Will it work?
October 30, 2020
Loved all the characters! This is a great read that kept me engrossed in the pages. The plot is enjoyable, different than most mail order bride books. I loved the courting and how sweet and romantic it was. The romance is fun and clean with a love that encompasses family. This is one of my favorites in this series, such a feel good read in so many aspects.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2020
Big city con learns small town love
Sometimes troubles come with a good result. The blizzard that took her uncaring husband left her among many other widows looking once again for love or at least help to continue life.
It wasnt what he expected, a farm, but his escape from the city and others led him to her. An excellent way to show love growing. This story has drama,smiles,and romance.
Sometimes troubles come with a good result. The blizzard that took her uncaring husband left her among many other widows looking once again for love or at least help to continue life.
It wasnt what he expected, a farm, but his escape from the city and others led him to her. An excellent way to show love growing. This story has drama,smiles,and romance.
November 9, 2020
Jo Grafford brings the best stories. In the aftermath of the Civil War and the high death toll paid by too many families she manages to find poignancy and humor in the love of a second child, Grace,) for her older sister’s former fiancé, Charley. The insecurity of feeling second best keeps her from realizing her dreams. I love the humor and tenacity portrayed by Charley, his father, Elizabeth and Widow Gable. This is a thoroughly enjoyable story.
December 11, 2020
Sweet Historical Christmas Romance
The only thing I didn't like about the story was another wealthy husband. For the first sister Elizabeth (also in this series) it an issue too, but two out of four sister marrying extremely wealthy men right after the Civil War is a bit fanciful and too much like the contemporary billionaire craze. I just prefer more focus on character and growth in a person.
The only thing I didn't like about the story was another wealthy husband. For the first sister Elizabeth (also in this series) it an issue too, but two out of four sister marrying extremely wealthy men right after the Civil War is a bit fanciful and too much like the contemporary billionaire craze. I just prefer more focus on character and growth in a person.
December 8, 2025
Grace Byrd and Charley Arrington are a match not meant to happen. She has deep feelings for him, but knows that Charley still carries a torch for her older sister.
But once the Byrd ladies enlighten Charley, he slowly realizes he has deep, non-sisterly feelings for Grace as well and no longer carries a torch for his dear friend, now married, Elizabeth.
This is another installment in the mail order brides, and it’s heartwarming
But once the Byrd ladies enlighten Charley, he slowly realizes he has deep, non-sisterly feelings for Grace as well and no longer carries a torch for his dear friend, now married, Elizabeth.
This is another installment in the mail order brides, and it’s heartwarming
February 14, 2026
Lovely
Oh, how insecurities can hound and hinder things! Love the characters in this book, they are feisty, outspoken, determined, strong-willed, have great gumption and integrity, as well as a passion to make a difference. Heady stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing, from start to finish. A bit envious at their great blessings. Can't wait to read the whole series. Always engaging.
Oh, how insecurities can hound and hinder things! Love the characters in this book, they are feisty, outspoken, determined, strong-willed, have great gumption and integrity, as well as a passion to make a difference. Heady stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing, from start to finish. A bit envious at their great blessings. Can't wait to read the whole series. Always engaging.
December 2, 2021
Grace has loved Charley for a long time & will not believe he can return her love when he can't have her older sister Elizabeth. So Elizabeth cooks up a plan to get them together which is somewhat comical. It makes for a great story, however, & there is an HEA. I received a free copy. This is my voluntary review.
January 10, 2024
Confirming love!
Grace has run back to Atlanta with the excuse of helping her cousin to escape constantly seeing Charley. Although she has loved him since childhood, she believes he is only capable of loving her sister. A scheme to make her Charley's mail order bride is put in place but Grace fights with herself as to whether he will ever love her.
Grace has run back to Atlanta with the excuse of helping her cousin to escape constantly seeing Charley. Although she has loved him since childhood, she believes he is only capable of loving her sister. A scheme to make her Charley's mail order bride is put in place but Grace fights with herself as to whether he will ever love her.
February 7, 2026
Really Enjoying This Series
I'm so enjoying this series and the Byrd sisters, strong women and the men who capture their hearts. I loved Grace and Charley's story. He was previously engaged to her sister but she's always loved him. I enjoyed watching things unfold for these two and was very happy to see them get their HEA.
I'm so enjoying this series and the Byrd sisters, strong women and the men who capture their hearts. I loved Grace and Charley's story. He was previously engaged to her sister but she's always loved him. I enjoyed watching things unfold for these two and was very happy to see them get their HEA.
February 13, 2026
Such a sweet read
Wow what a beautiful story. Great characters a delightful storyline. Its a clean story good for all ages.
I enjoyed this story so much. Just did not want to put it down.
Charley and Grace at times made me want to just have a stern talk with them and make them realize things.
I
Wow what a beautiful story. Great characters a delightful storyline. Its a clean story good for all ages.
I enjoyed this story so much. Just did not want to put it down.
Charley and Grace at times made me want to just have a stern talk with them and make them realize things.
I
November 1, 2020
Another great book by Jo Grafford. Couldn't put it down. Always a twist when I think I'm am at the end. Hold your breath and read fast twist. Great family relationships. Reminds me of little women. HEA
November 7, 2020
Love returned
Grace loved Charlie Arrington all her life but was sure he still
Love her older sister. Tricked into sign ing a mail order bride contract with Charlie.,
Can she accept the marriage?
Grace loved Charlie Arrington all her life but was sure he still
Love her older sister. Tricked into sign ing a mail order bride contract with Charlie.,
Can she accept the marriage?
November 18, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book! This is a really good story about a young lady who is in love with a family friend, and he did love her sister before going to war but now is over that and is really attracted to her. I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance stories!
January 3, 2021
Sweet Story
An unrequited love. Grace has lived her life in the background watching the man she has loved become engaged to her sister then go off to war. Can she be a mail-order bride and move on?
An unrequited love. Grace has lived her life in the background watching the man she has loved become engaged to her sister then go off to war. Can she be a mail-order bride and move on?
January 14, 2024
Grace: Sweet Christmas Romance
This was an interesting look into the time after the Civil War. Men were desperate for wives and used newspapers to advertise for them. Grace was in love with her elder sister's fiance and decided to answering ad. Things were not how they seemed.
This was an interesting look into the time after the Civil War. Men were desperate for wives and used newspapers to advertise for them. Grace was in love with her elder sister's fiance and decided to answering ad. Things were not how they seemed.
February 16, 2026
A sweet love story
The second book in the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek series was awesome. This is a stand-alone book if you haven't read the first book. An easy read and very engaging. Jovie Grace delivers another great read.
The second book in the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek series was awesome. This is a stand-alone book if you haven't read the first book. An easy read and very engaging. Jovie Grace delivers another great read.
November 1, 2020
Good story
Sometimes the one thing we have been looking for is right in front of us the whole time I enjoyed the characters in this story.
Sometimes the one thing we have been looking for is right in front of us the whole time I enjoyed the characters in this story.
November 11, 2020
Wonderful book!
December 15, 2020
Good
A reading every book in this series.so glad I found this series..these books are ones you can't put down..this one was great
A reading every book in this series.so glad I found this series..these books are ones you can't put down..this one was great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews