The Carson City Bride

The Marshals Mail Order Brides #1

by Cynthia Woolf

U.S. Marshal Joshua Egan has a vengeance on his mind when he orders a mail order bride to care for his motherless children. A gang of outlaws murdered his dear wife during a stagecoach robbery gone wrong and Joshua's only need now is for justice. When Rachel Maitland arrives with her innocent eyes and kind smile, she breaks the shield around his heart to pieces, like water flowing through a canyon. He can't keep her out, no matter how hard he tries, and no matter the risk.

Rachel Maitland was only sixteen when she entered into an arranged marriage lacking in just about every way. Now that her elderly husband has passed, she finds the courage to hope for a new and better life as a mail order bride. Her needs are simple, she wants to be loved. She wants a family. She wants a man who will not just provide for her survival, but shelter her lonely heart. Joshua Egan might be that man. And he might not. There's not a lot of room for love in a heart burned by vengeance.

And this time, when the outlaws come looking for the money from the robbery...it's personal. There can be only one victor when the battle for a man's heart is fought between revenge......and love.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Mail Order Brides, Fiction

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Cynthia Woolf is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of eighty-five works of romance fiction. Comprising sixty-six historical western romances, ten contemporary romance novels, two contemporary romance novellas, one historical western romance novella, and six sci-fi space opera romances, which she calls westerns in space. Along with these books, she has also published twelve boxed sets of her books and two short stories.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance, Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia's father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy, not a bounty hunter, and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.



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TITLES AVAILABLE (English unless otherwise stated)

COLORADO BILLIONAIRES (sweet contemporary novels)
THE CEO
THE RANCHER
THE MAVERICK
THE TYCOON
THE ARTIST (coming soon)
THE QUARTERBACK (coming soon)


MONTANA BILLIONAIRES SERIES (contemporary sweet western novels)
Her Secret Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Mysterious Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Christmas Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire
Her Disguised Cowboy Billionaire


CHRISTMAS AT THE MISTLETOE INN (contemporary novella)
Cooking Up Christmas


THE BRIDES OF THE KLONDIKE
The Gold Rush Bride (Available in German)
The Gold Mountain Bride


THE PRESCOTT BRIDES (Available in German)
A Bride for Ross
A Bride for Frank
A Bride for Tucker
A Bride for Clay
A Bride for Brodie



THE HEART WISH MAIL-ORDER BRIDES SERIES
Heart of Stone
Heart of Shadow


MARSHALS MAIL ORDER BRIDES
The Carson City Bride (Available in German)
The Virginia City Bride (Available in German)
The Silver City Bride
The Eureka City Bride


ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES
Adele


BRIDES OF GOLDEN CITY
A Husband for Victoria
A Husband for Cordelia
A Husband for Adeline


BRIDES OF THE OREGON TRAIL (Available in German)
Hannah
Lydia
Bella
Eliza
Rebecca
Charlotte
Amanda
Emma Rose
Nora
Opal


BACHELORS & BABIES
Carter (Book 3)


BRIDES OF SEATTLE (Available in German)
Mail Order Mystery
Mail Order Mayhem
Mail Order Mix-Up
Mail Order Moonlight
Mail Order Melody


CENTRAL CITY BRIDES (Available in German)
The Dancing Bride
The Sapphire Bride
The Irish Bride
The Pretender Bride


HOMESTEAD CANYON SERIES
Thorpe’s Mail-Order Bride
Kissed by a Stranger
A Family for Christmas


HOPE’S CROSSING
The Hunter Bride
The Replacement Bride
The Stolen Bride
The Unexpected Bride


AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES
Genevieve, Bride of Nevada


THE SURPRISE BRIDES
Gideon


THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO
Nellie (Available in German)
Annie (Available in German)
Cora (Available in German)
Sophia (Available in German)
Amelia (Available in German)
Violet


THE BRIDES OF TOMBSTONE (Available in German)
Mail Order Outlaw
Mail Order Doctor
Mail Order Baron


DESTINY IN DEADWOOD (Available in German)
Jake
Liam
Zach


MATCHMAK

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Ms. Woolf’s western bride stories. It is so hard at times to think about how they lived back in the west in the 1800’s. It is hard to imagine a father selling his 16 year old daughter to a 40 year old man for marriage. Especially since the father never checked on her. Her awful husband died after nine years and she became a mail order bride and went to Carson City. Once she got there, things didn’t go exactly as planned. I think things went better than they could have. Joshua is the sheriff and has four children. I was glad to see Rachel marry him, especially since she wanted children so bad. I loved the children and Rachel did have to wait on at least the oldest to come to terms with their new mother. It was interesting hearing how they all learned to love each other. But there was an evil man that made their life awful for awhile. I loved the story and strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am filled with happiness every time I read a mail order bride story and there is not better writer than Cynthia Woolf! She always creates stories of the heart that show the hardships and trials but also the joys and love that can be found. Rachel Maitland had endured years of being married to an older abusive man because of being forced by her father. When he passes away, she answers a mail order bride add and goes to Carson City to meet her groom. Instead she finds her groom has gone and she ends up marrying the marshall Joshua, who just lost his wife when she is murdered. But he has several children and needs a mother and that is what she longed for. A wonderful tale of lost and found love, second chances and a happy ever after!!

[Jill James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance that brought tears to my eyes at the perfect ending.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

SECOND CHANCES AT HAPPINESS

As an avid reader, I have always enjoyed reading Ms. Cynthia Woolf’s stories, but I will have to state that I think this is by far one of the best, page-turning tales she has ever written to date. I loved the angst, the emotions, and the characters. It is a story of second chances, not just for our heroine, Rachel Maitland, but also for Marshall Joshua Egan. Both widowed, both needing more in their lives, and each willing to take a chance on one another.

The tale will have Rachel widowed after a nine-year, not pleasant marriage to an older man, Claude, who bought her when she was sixteen years old from her father. What appeared to others as a life of luxury came with an abusive man who blamed her for not giving him a son. With his death came the unexpected news of his enormous debts, resulting in the selling of practically everything they owned. With nothing left, she will apply to become a mail order bride and travel westward.

What a surprise to learn her intended had a case of cold feet and leaves her to fend for herself. Meeting her stagecoach, Marshall Egan will make a proposition, marry him and take care of his four children.

“Her dreams were about to come true. A husband and children. She’d never wanted money or riches of that kind. The riches she wanted were children, and she was becoming the richest woman in town as far as she was concerned.”

“You’re a good man Joshua Egan. I feel it in my bones.”

The story is a journey of new beginnings, adjustments, and acceptance. It won’t be easy for the eldest daughter, Maggie, who resents Rachel filling in for her deceased mother. The other three children need Rachel and accept her. But this tale also comes with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not everything is above board, and with it comes danger, life and death moments, kidnapping, murder, and redemption.

Will Rachel and Joshua be able to overcome the hurdles, pain from the past and move forward to a future? How will Rachel resolve to get Maggie to accept her as a friend, and know that she realizes she can never replace her mother?

The story is a roller-coaster ride of changes and working towards a new future. While there is chemistry between Joshua and Rachel, there is also the ghost of their deceased mates that sometimes gets in the way. Will these two find more than passion, will they learn to love one another and write a new chapter for their future?

“All of her dreams came true when she became the Carson City marshal’s bride.”

[Lani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally read books with a lot more depth, so I found this one to be very surface. It's a good story, but there are major life events just glossed over with no real feeling. I was very unattached to the characters since I didn't get a chance to really know them. It feels very much like something I would have read as a preteen. Honestly, there is more emotional depth to an episode of Little House on the Prairie than in this book.

It's a nice book for a very light and fast read to pass the time, but I don't think I'll be reading any more of this series. I think I'm the wrong audience for this.

Thanks so much to Firehouse Publishing for the opportunity to read this book on Kindle.

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, but I had to give this one star. The setup sounded interesting, but the book itself did not deliver. The dialog was juvenile. Rachel is constantly throwing out comments like "and then my husband would beat me." As though it wasn't any real trauma. Shortly after meeting Joshua's children, she is upset that Maggie will never like her. You just met her! I scanned most of this book just to see the resolution, but a major plot point is never concluded. Luckily, this was a freebie.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

SECOND CHANCES AT HAPPINESS

As an avid reader, I have always enjoyed reading Ms. Cynthia Woolf’s stories, but I will have to state that I think this is by far one of the best, page-turning tales she has ever written to date. I loved the angst, the emotions, and the characters. It is a story of second chances, not just for our heroine, Rachel Maitland, but also for Marshall Joshua Egan. Both widowed, both needing more in their lives, and each willing to take a chance on one another.

The tale will have Rachel widowed after a nine-year, not pleasant marriage to an older man, Claude, who bought her when she was sixteen years old from her father. What appeared to others as a life of luxury came with an abusive man who blamed her for not giving him a son. With his death came the unexpected news of his enormous debts, resulting in the selling of practically everything they owned. With nothing left, she will apply to become a mail order bride and travel westward.

What a surprise to learn her intended had a case of cold feet and leaves her to fend for herself. Meeting her stagecoach, Marshall Egan will make a proposition, marry him and take care of his four children.

“Her dreams were about to come true. A husband and children. She’d never wanted money or riches of that kind. The riches she wanted were children, and she was becoming the richest woman in town as far as she was concerned.”

“You’re a good man Joshua Egan. I feel it in my bones.”

The story is a journey of new beginnings, adjustments, and acceptance. It won’t be easy for the eldest daughter, Maggie, who resents Rachel filling in for her deceased mother. The other three children need Rachel and accept her. But this tale also comes with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not everything is above board, and with it comes danger, life and death moments, kidnapping, murder, and redemption.

Will Rachel and Joshua be able to overcome the hurdles, pain from the past and move forward to a future? How will Rachel resolve to get Maggie to accept her as a friend, and know that she realizes she can never replace her mother?

The story is a roller-coaster ride of changes and working towards a new future. While there is chemistry between Joshua and Rachel, there is also the ghost of their deceased mates that sometimes gets in the way. Will these two find more than passion, will they learn to love one another and write a new chapter for their future?

“All of her dreams came true when she became the Carson City marshal’s bride.”

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE SENSATIONAL ADVENTURE!!!
Leaping lizards! Cynthia hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration with tough as nails whirlwind, lowering the boom and breaching the waves, raising the stakes and keeping it real, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Balancing the scales and bearing the weight, revving up the exuberance and thrill with this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, page flipping dynamo, catapulting this gem to staggering heights. Chicanery runs rampant and mischief is rife, showcasing the drama, intrigue, vengeance, turmoil, danger, mounting suspense and unnerving situations, you have one block busting bombshell. Intertwined, banded and tightly curled, displaying the explosive ups and agonizing downs, inspiring in it's simplicity and breathtaking in it's depth, putting our characters through their paces. Vexing mishaps and stunning circumstances mix it up with the taxing trials and challenging tribulations, throwing in the deadly twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing thrilling emotions, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that transform into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Fantastic job Cynthia, thanks for sharing this lil' fella with us.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful start to The Marshal's Mail Order Brides series by gifted author Cynthia Woolf with endearing characters you want to know and an engaging story that kept me glued to the book from beginning to end. I loved sweet and kind Rachel Maitland and enjoyed her dynamic with US Marshal Joshua Egan. Ms. Woolf is the queen of Mail Order Brides stories that include action, a bit of suspense and lots of love and emotion. Don't miss "The Carson City Bride". I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carson City Bride by Cynthia Woolf is book 1 of The Marshals Mail Order Brides.t was not kind. He dies and leaves her with little. She becomes an mail order bride and the adventure starts. Her intended groom flees Carson City before she gets there. The sheriff , Joshua,is a widower and has children and suggests they get married. There is romance, family lies, outlaws, trust to be earned and children that need to adjust which makes the story move fast. Cynthia Woolf makes the West come alive along with the issues people faced at the time. Cynthia Woolf continues to be one of my favorite authors. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a freebie on Amazon. First in a series about mail order brides.

Heroine is met at the stagecoach by the town marshal who tells her her bridegroom got cold feet. Instead he offers to marry her himself. He's a widower with 4 kids. She accepts. There's some danger when the outlaw who killed the marshal's wife makes trouble.

So, this wasn't a bad story. The dialogue is kind of stiff, but I've read worse. All right for a free read. Probably not going on with the series.

[Jenika Ioffreda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped reading after a while, the characters weren't very well fleshed out, and I lost interest in their story pretty soon.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Woolf has another good book here. I enjoy the mail order bride stories as well as ones from history. This mail order bride story has a couple of twist that made me smile. I also felt for Rachel the bride as she has some hills to climb to get what she wants.

Rachel Mailand was married off at age 16. Her husband who was much older just died, and she found out he left her in major debt, so she had to sell everything to pay it off. Now she must decide what to do for her future as she is still young. She chooses to become a mail order bride. She packs up what she has left and heads west to Carson City. When she gets there the man, she was to marry has run off but there is another surprise for her if she wants it.

U.S. Marshal Joshua Egan just lost his wife and mother of his children to a stagecoach robbery. He wants justice for her murder and does not want to love again because of this.

Joshua meets Rachel and tells her about the man she was to marry, but he does not stop there he offers to marry her as he someone to take care of his young children. She agrees as she does not have many other options.

Now has they build a life together trouble comes calling. Can Joshua keep Rachel and his children safe? Can Rachel keep her new family safe? Will Joshua and Rachel love each other?

* I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the death of her elderly abusive husband, Rachel takes the opportunity presented to her to travel to Carson City as a mail-order bride. However, things don't work out as she supposed and she ends up marrying Marshal Joshua Egan. Whilst her new husband is everything she could have hoped for, his mind is set on apprehending the men who murdered his late wife. He has no intention of falling in love again, but he does need a mother for his children. Little by little, Rachel wins his heart, but when it would appear that she is complicit in a robbery, Joshua takes a step back from her. With her self-image in shreds, Rachel is no longer sure of her standing in the marriage. This is an enjoyable Western romance with various elements to it, but it is a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Hanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a poorly written book, so bad that I did not finish it. It is filled with details that have no relevance, it is heavy on telling the story instead of making it come alive through showing, the characters are flat, and the plot is one I have read or seen in old westerns time and time again. Making matters worse, the author did not have it edited for grammar and usage, and there are mistakes an 8th grader should not make.

[Donna Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs editing...badly

The premise is good, but if you're going to write a historical, please fact check. If the story was professionally edited, the author should demand a refund. The story takes place in 1861. Rachel's 17-year-old brother is riding for the Pony Express. That organization only operated for about 18 months, ending in October of 1861-- before Frank was murdered--if we go by the timing of Rachel's injury and discovery of her pregnancy. That little piece of historical information could have been woven into the story and used to explain Frank's actions. Also at that time, the phrase "living room" was not used, yet it is repeated over and over. The author should research the prices of stage coach tickets at that time as well as the other items and services she mentions throughout the story. These are the kind of glaring mistakes that jump out at readers like me, who want historically based novels to accurately represent the time period. As far as the general construction of the novel, there are glaring mistakes where information is given to a character, and then repeated that same character who responds again as if hearing it for the first time. The dialogue needs work to be believable. Rachel is very unemotional after hearing her favorite brother was murdered. And, there is never any resolution to why her brother had the $5,000 that the gang wanted or how he was involved with them. Based on this story, I won't be reading more in the series.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good, clean short romance set in Carson City. Rachel's abusive husband has recently died and left her with a lot of debt and not much else, so she decides to be a mail order bride. Right before she leaves to begin her journey to Carson City, her younger brother, Frank stops by to see her off. Little does Rachel know, but Frank sneaks an envelope into the lining of one of her trunks. It takes 28 days for Rachel to reach her destination and she is met by the marshal who informs her that her intended up and ran off, but that he has a proposition for her. Over lunch, the marshal tells Rachel that his wife was killed a few months back and left him with four children and he wants to know if Rachel would consider marrying him and becoming a mother. Rachel can think of nothing better as she has always wanted to be a mother, but she was told that she was barren. The three youngest kids love having Rachel around, but the oldest which is a girl has a harder time of accepting Rachel. Read the book to see if Rachel can become a true mother to all the children and to see what happens when the "owner" of the envelope shows up wanting their property, along with a couple of more surprises.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Trick Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my first "Cynthia Woolf" books and as far as she keeps writing,I will keep reading. There are all sorts of Mail Ordered Bride books,western stories,romance and love stories out there and there are certain authors books I read on this subject and Miss Woolf just happens to be one of my top"5" !! So,I guess you know I'm going to say, that this was a really great book to read,which for me is so true! If you have never read any of her certain style of writing, ,her story telling and her way of transporting you to the west with her fantastic way of description,then you really need to start now and " The Carson City Bride" is a excellent book to start with! I do reviews not book reports,if I tell you what's in the book,then you won't read,I have already told you the story of what the book is about,Miss Woolf has already done that! I can tell you this,once you start to read,you are taken to a different time and place and you will believe that the characters in the book are real people that by the time you finish the story is not made up,maybe the story is really real! You read,you decide and then you will understand what I'm talking about! Happy Reading! One more thing,I love the cover of the book,that fire red hair stands out!

[Peni]

U.S. Marshal Joshua Egan has a vengeance on his mind when he orders a mail order bride to care for his motherless children. A gang of outlaws murdered his dear wife during a stagecoach robbery gone wrong and Joshua's only need now is for justice. When Rachel Maitland arrives with her innocent eyes and kind smile, she breaks the shield around his heart to pieces, like water flowing through a canyon. He can't keep her out, no matter how hard he tries, and no matter the risk.

Rachel Maitland was only sixteen when she entered into an arranged marriage lacking in just about every way. Now that her elderly husband has passed, she finds the courage to hope for a new and better life as a mail order bride. Her needs are simple, she wants to be loved. She wants a family. She wants a man who will not just provide for her survival, but shelter her lonely heart. Joshua Egan might be that man. And he might not. There's not a lot of room for love in a heart burned by vengeance.

And this time, when the outlaws come looking for the money from the robbery...it's personal. There can be only one victor when the battle for a man's heart is fought between revenge...and love.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mail order bride story by Cynthia Woolf. As always, the author writes a very interesting story with unexpected twists and turns, and this book is no exception. I appreciate her ability to blend the elements of a beloved genre into a unique, fresh, and exciting story, and avoid the trap of becoming just another cookie-cutter mail order bride story.

The story of Rachel is one of a widowed mail-order bride who travels to the West to marry a man who has four children from his previous marriage. With the exception of the oldest, the children take to Rachel and accept her into their lives as their new mother-figure. As all new couples do, Rachel and Josh must work through there issues to become a unified couple, and Rachel must work to win over the affections of the oldest child. The story ends on a very sweet and satisfying note. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read page turner by Cynthia Woolf. Rachel was sold at 16 to a 56 year old man and knows nothing else but how to keep a household and her wifely duties. Luckily for her, her abusive husband dies 9 years later and leaves her in debt. After paying off his debt she decides to become a mail order bride as she knows nothing else. After traveling by stage coach for 28 days she arrives in Carson City only to find out her intended got cold feet and left. In swoops the Sherif to save the day. His wife was murdered by outlaws and left him a widower with 4 children. Since all Rachel wants to be is a wife and mother she agrees to marry him instead and raise his children. Can the Sherif and Rachel build a life together in the wild west or will their past hold them back. Read on to find out how they fare.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel became a widow after nine years of marriage to a man forty years older than her. Everything was sold off to pay his gambling debts. She had been writing a man in Carson City and is now leaving to become his mail-order bride. Her brother saw her off! Once she reached her destination, she discovered he had fled and the Marshal awaited her with a proposition…marry him instead and mother his children. His wife had been killed five months earlier. Rachel was ecstatic for she always wanted children. Things will be tough at first getting used to everything. Just when she thought everything would go well…one of the murderers showed up looking for something taken from them. He is willing to kill to regain it as well…now what? Can she tell her husband? Should she keep it a secret? Should she leave?

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I would have wanted to travel all that way in a stagecoach. Rachel is a widow and has no way to support herself, so she becomes a mail order bride. When she arrives in Carson City, her intended has left. He got cold feet. What will she do? Joshua is there to meet her and propose that she marry him instead. His wife has died and left him with 4 children. Rachel has always wanted children and was very happy to have a ready made family. The oldest daughter isn't very happy with a new mama and Rachel's brother is found murdered not far from town. Now she has a murderer threatening her and her new family. What can she do? Will Joshua keep her after they settle everything?

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carson City Bride brings the wild west to life with all the outlaws, violence, danger, and vengeance! It's a action-packed ride that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. The plot brims with tension-building twists, each and every character came to life and you find yourself drawn into their story. But, with every good story there must be a villain, and Cynthia Woolf created a dastardly villain who doesn't thick twice about pulling the trigger. As Joshua and Rachel are trying to leave their sorrowful pasts behind they may find themself running out of time in this romance, filled with drama, unnerving situations, uncertainties, hope, with remarkable emotions, and unforgettable characters.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carson City Bride by Cynthia Woolf is a heartwarming,touching filled with adventure,hurdles,love and second chances. a western romance story of Rachel and Joshua and his children.Rachel is a widow,married young with his abusive husband telling her that shes barren that she cannot have a baby of her own.Joshua is a Marshal, single dad when his wife got killed in a stage coach robbery,only joshua wanted is a mother for his children and justice for his deceased wife.when the outlaws come looking for the money from the robbery...it's personal. There can be only one victor when the battle for a man's heart is fought between revenge...and love. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this western mail order bride story of U.S. Marshal Joshua Egan and Rachel Maitland.

Rachel Maitland is a 26 year-old widow that has found the courage to become a mail order bride. Her first husband was an elderly man that bought her when she was sixteen from her father. He was also not so nice to her.  She is hoping that her next husband is nicer to her.

U.S. Marshal Joshua Egan is lawman that has four children to take care of and is in need of a wife. Because outlaws killed his wife when they robbed a stagecoach.

This story was fun to read with different things happen all the time. It had me laughing a little too.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I see Cynthia Woolf’s name on a book, I am assured that this will be a very well written, excellent read. This book validates that in spades. Joshua Egan, U.S. Marshal, feels the need for vengeance after his wife is murdered during a stagecoach robbery. His children are grieving their mother, he is grieving his wife. He needs someone to care for them so he can go get justice. Rachel Maitland had an arranged marriage, at the age of 16, to an elderly man. Now, he has passed away. Joshua has sent for a mail order bride; Rachel answers. She is sweetness personified. Joshua is very affected by her. Rachel wants, no, NEEDS to be loved and cared for. Now it gets dicey. I hope you love this story as much as I did!

[Sarah B White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise for the Mail Order Bride!

Rachel was only 16 years old when her father sold her to an elderly man as a bride. She was unhappy in the marriage but did her "duty" but never became pregnant. In time, the elderly man died. She wanted a good place to live and became a major order bride in Carson City. Her husband was the Sheriff and he had children, one an infant. She loved the children and soon won their love. Her husbands came infatuated with her and the result was pregnancy. She thought she was barren so that was a real surprise.

Read this book to see how she worked to gain the affection of the children and the love of her husband. I enjoyed this sweet major order bride story and I hope you will enjoy it also.

[Sandra Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is a short book with a simple plot, but I liked the mostly upbeat spirit of the book and the fact that the bride, Rachel, was a sweet, kind person, not a diva or drama queen like some heroines. She is beautiful inside and out. I liked the way the book progressed with most people in the book being kind, good people. This is a refreshing change from most books. There did, of course, have to be a conflict and even though it was a serious situation, it wasn't over-powering in the book. On the whole, this was a sweet book that I enjoyed very much. This author has a long list of "mail order bride" books she's written and I wonder if the other books are as good as this one.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author, Cynthia Woolf, via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary and honest review. I loved this heartwarming love story of Rachel and Joshua. Rachel becomes a mail order bride after her husband dies and she has to sell her home and most of her personal belongings to pay the debts her husband left behind. Joshua is a Marshall who is a widower with four children. Since Rachel never had children of her own with her first husband, she was thrilled to finally have children to raise. I highly recommend this wonderful book and look forward to reading more of this series.