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The only family Grace Sinclair has known includes three other orphans and the bawdy saloon owner who took them in eight years earlier. Grace has appointed herself big sister, friend and protector to the three younger girls, seeing to their welfare as best she can with no money, no family and no hope for much of a future. When one of her sisters kills an over-ardent saloon patron in self-defense, Grace knows her only chance of keeping her little family together is to hightail it out of town so the law will think she’s the murderess.
John Malone didn’t send for a mail-order bride, but somehow he finds himself wed to a feisty city woman hellbent on forcing him to confront the misery and loss he’s been hiding from since the devastating loss of his wife and infant son. His plan to convince the young woman he’s not a fit husband and the unsettled Colorado wilderness is not a fit place for a lady quickly goes awry, plunging him deeper into trouble when he finds himself falling for his sweet bride.
Grace’s hopes for a family of her own and a reunion with her sisters shatter when John discovers she is wanted for murder. It will take all of Grace’s courage and all of John’s faith to overcome the secrets, lies and betrayals standing between them and happy ever after.
John Malone didn’t send for a mail-order bride, but somehow he finds himself wed to a feisty city woman hellbent on forcing him to confront the misery and loss he’s been hiding from since the devastating loss of his wife and infant son. His plan to convince the young woman he’s not a fit husband and the unsettled Colorado wilderness is not a fit place for a lady quickly goes awry, plunging him deeper into trouble when he finds himself falling for his sweet bride.
Grace’s hopes for a family of her own and a reunion with her sisters shatter when John discovers she is wanted for murder. It will take all of Grace’s courage and all of John’s faith to overcome the secrets, lies and betrayals standing between them and happy ever after.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
236 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Peggy McKenzie
39 books56 followersWhere Love Becomes Legendary...
Renowned as a best-selling author of Western historical and contemporary romance, Peggy McKenzie, also writes sexy, steamy Western contemporary romance as Nikki Malone, is a storyteller who has elevated love to legendary heights. Her passion for narratives steeped in the rich tapestry of the old West, brimming with adventure, second chances, and, above all, romance, has defined her literary journey.
The spark was ignited when she found herself captivated by the timeless love story of Miss Kitty and Marshal Dillon. Inspired, Peggy embarked on a mission to craft tales that resonated with her own unique voice and perspective. In 2016, she unveiled her debut novel, marking the beginning of a prolific career that has seen the publication of twenty-five captivating works...and counting.
Formerly a cowgirl hailing from the heart of Oklahoma, she thrived in the adrenaline-fueled worlds of barrel racing and team roping, Peggy now calls East Texas home. Nestled right in the heart of cowboy country, this locale serves as the perfect backdrop for her literary explorations. It is here that she immerses herself in the essence of rugged, flawed heroes and the resilient, courageous women who dare to love them.
Peggy McKenzie doesn't just write stories; she crafts experiences. Open one of her books, and you won't simply read a tale; you'll live it. For Peggy, the pages of her books are where love becomes legendary.
Open one of her books and discover...
"where love becomes legendary!”
"Heartwarming sweet romance at its best."
Sylvia McDaniel-USA Today Best-Selling Author
"You will not just read a story by Peggy McKenzie, you will live it."
Hildie McQueen-USA Today Best-Selling Author
To learn more about Peggy and her books,
visit her website @ https://www.peggymckenzie.com.
And, follow Peggy on her adventures through Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, BookBub, Goodreads, and Tiktok.
Gain access to bonus content @ https://www.peggymckenzie.com/newslet... and receive up-to-the-minute news about contests, new book releases, new audiobook releases, and live events!
Renowned as a best-selling author of Western historical and contemporary romance, Peggy McKenzie, also writes sexy, steamy Western contemporary romance as Nikki Malone, is a storyteller who has elevated love to legendary heights. Her passion for narratives steeped in the rich tapestry of the old West, brimming with adventure, second chances, and, above all, romance, has defined her literary journey.
The spark was ignited when she found herself captivated by the timeless love story of Miss Kitty and Marshal Dillon. Inspired, Peggy embarked on a mission to craft tales that resonated with her own unique voice and perspective. In 2016, she unveiled her debut novel, marking the beginning of a prolific career that has seen the publication of twenty-five captivating works...and counting.
Formerly a cowgirl hailing from the heart of Oklahoma, she thrived in the adrenaline-fueled worlds of barrel racing and team roping, Peggy now calls East Texas home. Nestled right in the heart of cowboy country, this locale serves as the perfect backdrop for her literary explorations. It is here that she immerses herself in the essence of rugged, flawed heroes and the resilient, courageous women who dare to love them.
Peggy McKenzie doesn't just write stories; she crafts experiences. Open one of her books, and you won't simply read a tale; you'll live it. For Peggy, the pages of her books are where love becomes legendary.
Open one of her books and discover...
"where love becomes legendary!”
"Heartwarming sweet romance at its best."
Sylvia McDaniel-USA Today Best-Selling Author
"You will not just read a story by Peggy McKenzie, you will live it."
Hildie McQueen-USA Today Best-Selling Author
To learn more about Peggy and her books,
visit her website @ https://www.peggymckenzie.com.
And, follow Peggy on her adventures through Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, BookBub, Goodreads, and Tiktok.
Gain access to bonus content @ https://www.peggymckenzie.com/newslet... and receive up-to-the-minute news about contests, new book releases, new audiobook releases, and live events!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 5, 2022
Grace by Peggy McKenzie
Brides of the Rio Grande, book 1. Historical romance.
John Malone ends up married to Mail-order-bride Grace even though he doesn’t want a new wife. He’s still grieving the death of his wife and baby. But he finds himself impressed by Grace over and over again as they stay in the old family hunting cabin.
Grace is impressive in her work habits and her caring and worrying for John. I did not care for his belief that he could return her after he’d taken her to bed. Fortunately there is more to the story and a twist as they make it to their hea.
I found amusing once or twice the reference to “down south” for an intimate feeling.
🎧 I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Rick Barr. It was easy to determine a change in POV by the dramatic swoop of music tones.
Brides of the Rio Grande, book 1. Historical romance.
John Malone ends up married to Mail-order-bride Grace even though he doesn’t want a new wife. He’s still grieving the death of his wife and baby. But he finds himself impressed by Grace over and over again as they stay in the old family hunting cabin.
Grace is impressive in her work habits and her caring and worrying for John. I did not care for his belief that he could return her after he’d taken her to bed. Fortunately there is more to the story and a twist as they make it to their hea.
I found amusing once or twice the reference to “down south” for an intimate feeling.
🎧 I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Rick Barr. It was easy to determine a change in POV by the dramatic swoop of music tones.
September 9, 2019
Sadly, even from the first page, I knew I’d be wincing through this book. This so-called Christian Fiction book is riddled with language and sexual content I can’t abide.
Not for me.
Not for me.
March 21, 2019
Reviewed at Historically Romantic
I discovered the Brides of the Rio Grande series through a connection in the multi-author series, The Alphabet Mail Order Brides series and decided that I needed to know more about the secondary characters I met. I’m so glad I did for GRACE is an intriguing, delightful romance with some suspense tossed in for good measure. Not to mention that it’s set in my favorite western town of Creede, Colorado – I didn’t find any obvious angels but I certainly found a lot of cowboys.
Grace and her sisters of the heart are facing a very serious situation when Faith is attacked, almost raped and then killed her attacker. It would be bad enough for any of the ladies who did work in the saloon, although not above stairs, to have killed a man. Faith was half Native American… no one would stop for a trial for Faith. A plan was set in motion to begin getting Grace and her sisters out of town, but would it be soon enough or would it even make things worse.
Since the death of his wife and newborn son during a time when John was away from home he has lived a life of regret and is placed firmly in his past. One interfering individual will change John’s life forever with his scheme… but would it eventually lead to happiness or to seeing his wife hang at the gallows.
I enjoyed GRACE very much. It’s a story rich in details with well-defined characters, a touch of humor, a bit of sassiness and a story that kept me glued to the pages. It’s a great introduction to the series and I will definitely be following along. If you love Western Historical Romance then this is a story, a series that I’d recommend you try. I believe you’ll enjoy yourself.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I discovered the Brides of the Rio Grande series through a connection in the multi-author series, The Alphabet Mail Order Brides series and decided that I needed to know more about the secondary characters I met. I’m so glad I did for GRACE is an intriguing, delightful romance with some suspense tossed in for good measure. Not to mention that it’s set in my favorite western town of Creede, Colorado – I didn’t find any obvious angels but I certainly found a lot of cowboys.
Grace and her sisters of the heart are facing a very serious situation when Faith is attacked, almost raped and then killed her attacker. It would be bad enough for any of the ladies who did work in the saloon, although not above stairs, to have killed a man. Faith was half Native American… no one would stop for a trial for Faith. A plan was set in motion to begin getting Grace and her sisters out of town, but would it be soon enough or would it even make things worse.
Since the death of his wife and newborn son during a time when John was away from home he has lived a life of regret and is placed firmly in his past. One interfering individual will change John’s life forever with his scheme… but would it eventually lead to happiness or to seeing his wife hang at the gallows.
I enjoyed GRACE very much. It’s a story rich in details with well-defined characters, a touch of humor, a bit of sassiness and a story that kept me glued to the pages. It’s a great introduction to the series and I will definitely be following along. If you love Western Historical Romance then this is a story, a series that I’d recommend you try. I believe you’ll enjoy yourself.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
February 14, 2025
An easy and fun read. I always take books for what they are and I enjoyed this historical romance with such likeable characters. Yes the story line was a bit thin at times in relation to time scale but it didn’t stop the flow of the book or my enjoyment in fact I found it uplifting and not drawn out which could have easily been the result of more detail and depth. The characters were so likeable and how the individuals dealt with their inner emotions and hang ups was well told. I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters and will look at reading more by this author.
February 17, 2025
Grace is a fun western romcom. Peggy McKenzie has great instincts with character, conflict, setting, and pace. The book has wonderful situational humor, and the text is often witty. It could benefit from a good polish edit. The text is too dense in places and there is too much redundancy. McKenzie could learn to not only trust herself, but her readers as well. A good editor could show her where she is reaching her readers and where she is overreaching. A gentle polish could easily turn this from simply a pleasant read to a delightful charmer. Great potential.
July 28, 2022
A good read, but....
This book was labeled Christian Fiction. While there are mentions of God and saying a little prayer, this really was not what I would classify as CF. In fact, there were some parts that were definitely not what you will find in CF. This really should be for adults only, and then only if you don't mind the occasional swear word and sexual scenes. That said, it was very well written and caused me to laugh - out loud - more than once.
This book was labeled Christian Fiction. While there are mentions of God and saying a little prayer, this really was not what I would classify as CF. In fact, there were some parts that were definitely not what you will find in CF. This really should be for adults only, and then only if you don't mind the occasional swear word and sexual scenes. That said, it was very well written and caused me to laugh - out loud - more than once.
August 8, 2022
This story will have you rolling with laughter…
This book has a very interesting story line that makes it hard to put it down. The characters seem like people you would enjoy being around. The only parts I didn’t care for were the swear words and the parts that delved a little too deeply into the intimate life of John and Grace. I prefer stories that leave a little bit to the imagination and don’t use curse words.
This book has a very interesting story line that makes it hard to put it down. The characters seem like people you would enjoy being around. The only parts I didn’t care for were the swear words and the parts that delved a little too deeply into the intimate life of John and Grace. I prefer stories that leave a little bit to the imagination and don’t use curse words.
March 21, 2023
Grace along with her sisters had been living together in an orphanage She is suspected of killing a man so she had to leave town in a hurry to protect one of her sisters who actually killed the man who was abusing her. She is convinced to accept the letter of a man asking for a bride. When she arrives in Rio Grande she discovers that the man never wrote her that letter and he had no intention of marrying her.
Fate, however, has plans for both of them. A nice little story.
Fate, however, has plans for both of them. A nice little story.
February 8, 2025
Grace
The premise of the book is not bad but could have been executed better regarding some details and time usage. For example after traveling four hours and arriving at a hunting cabin that had been unused in a year and was filthy. Grace is able to clean it, get the floors gleaming, change the bedding and get dinner prepared with biscuits before bedtime. After being mauled and bitten by a bear, some stitches, a fever over night and then all seems okay.
The premise of the book is not bad but could have been executed better regarding some details and time usage. For example after traveling four hours and arriving at a hunting cabin that had been unused in a year and was filthy. Grace is able to clean it, get the floors gleaming, change the bedding and get dinner prepared with biscuits before bedtime. After being mauled and bitten by a bear, some stitches, a fever over night and then all seems okay.
May 18, 2019
Grace
Grace is an orphan living with her three like sisters. One killed a man to protect her self, Grace takes blame and leaves to get married.
John delivers large shipmentd all over he lost his wife four years ago and vowels he wont wed again. Imagine his shock when he meets Grace and has to marry her
Great story i enjoyed it
Grace is an orphan living with her three like sisters. One killed a man to protect her self, Grace takes blame and leaves to get married.
John delivers large shipmentd all over he lost his wife four years ago and vowels he wont wed again. Imagine his shock when he meets Grace and has to marry her
Great story i enjoyed it
January 19, 2020
John and grace
Well written great characters John and grace had their problems grace running away from a past and John blaming himself for the loss of his first wife and child but between the lines everything worked out between John and grace ending with love and a HEA would highly recommend
Well written great characters John and grace had their problems grace running away from a past and John blaming himself for the loss of his first wife and child but between the lines everything worked out between John and grace ending with love and a HEA would highly recommend
May 22, 2025
Cliched inconsistencies ruin good plot
I almost gave up two or three times before I finally did - when the main characters became inconsistent.
Not only that, I began to not like them!
and wonder how this man became a successful business man!
A shame, as it could and indeed might actually develop into an engaging story.
I almost gave up two or three times before I finally did - when the main characters became inconsistent.
Not only that, I began to not like them!
and wonder how this man became a successful business man!
A shame, as it could and indeed might actually develop into an engaging story.
June 12, 2025
Grace brides of the Rio Grande book
Grace has had a lot of trades in her life. John is surprised when grace arrives to be his mail order bride as he is sure he never requested a mail order bride. Now they get married. John is not happy with the situation. Continue reading this book to see what occurs next.
Grace has had a lot of trades in her life. John is surprised when grace arrives to be his mail order bride as he is sure he never requested a mail order bride. Now they get married. John is not happy with the situation. Continue reading this book to see what occurs next.
May 13, 2018
Enjoyable Romance
I enjoyed the characters, and the author's writing style laced with humor. She set up quite the scenario for John and Grace, and demonstrated sometimes it almost doesn't pay to have friends, although in this case it worked out well.
I enjoyed the characters, and the author's writing style laced with humor. She set up quite the scenario for John and Grace, and demonstrated sometimes it almost doesn't pay to have friends, although in this case it worked out well.
October 7, 2019
This is an absolutely fantastic book, I could not put it down, I was up till 4am just to finish the book, I loved it, excellent read, everyone everywhere should read this book, I am starting on book 2 Faith today, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT book.
April 13, 2022
Tumultuous
So worthy of five stars. Got me right from the start and just kept building. Somethings I never expected or would dream of. If this story is an indicator of the rest of then series, I'm in for a treat.
So worthy of five stars. Got me right from the start and just kept building. Somethings I never expected or would dream of. If this story is an indicator of the rest of then series, I'm in for a treat.
July 10, 2022
This was a very sweet story of a native American young lady and all the racism that went on in her life causing her super shyness, until she meets her love. She was saved from hanging by being employed by her boss who becomes her lover in time. A definite Good Read.
February 28, 2025
Trouble follows
Mail order bride books are amongst my favorites, and this one did not disappoint. It started out at a fast pase and kept moving at a good speed throughout the whole book. I look forward to reading the others from this series.
Mail order bride books are amongst my favorites, and this one did not disappoint. It started out at a fast pase and kept moving at a good speed throughout the whole book. I look forward to reading the others from this series.
March 6, 2025
Melodrama
This book is too melodramatic for me. Actions and feelings are extended to unrealistic extremes. Grace goes from too perfect to too foolish, as does John. If you prefer highly emotional stories you will probably enjoy this more than I did.
This book is too melodramatic for me. Actions and feelings are extended to unrealistic extremes. Grace goes from too perfect to too foolish, as does John. If you prefer highly emotional stories you will probably enjoy this more than I did.
September 13, 2019
Enjoyed this mail order bride western romance.
December 15, 2019
Good reading
I have yet to be disappointed with Ms. McKenzie and her really good story's. I am looking forward to the second in this series and am sure it is going to be good too.
I have yet to be disappointed with Ms. McKenzie and her really good story's. I am looking forward to the second in this series and am sure it is going to be good too.
March 20, 2020
If you're into historical romance this book is for you. The book flows nicely, and has enough twists to keep you interested in the story and what is going to happen next.
April 3, 2022
Love always wins
I am glad Grace finally found happiness. John had gone thru so much grief. Grace was so strong for herself and her sisters.Great book.
I am glad Grace finally found happiness. John had gone thru so much grief. Grace was so strong for herself and her sisters.Great book.
July 11, 2022
Great book
July 16, 2022
Well written, interesting fun-loving and poignant!
This is a good story, with some twists and turns that make you want to stay up and finish it into the night. An enjoyable read!
This is a good story, with some twists and turns that make you want to stay up and finish it into the night. An enjoyable read!
September 10, 2023
Somehow I ended up listening to book 2 in the series first. After finding out it was #2 in the series, I knew I wanted to read the first one in the series. Great book. Loved the characters.
Read
February 17, 2025The story plot is good but the language is R rated.
September 2, 2016
Murder
What a start to see new series. MURDER! Grace answered an ad for a mail order bride because of a murder she didn't commit. John was drunk and never wanted to get married. They were married anyway. Now you will go on such a ride your head will spin. Enjoy!
What a start to see new series. MURDER! Grace answered an ad for a mail order bride because of a murder she didn't commit. John was drunk and never wanted to get married. They were married anyway. Now you will go on such a ride your head will spin. Enjoy!
September 6, 2016
This was a well-written book. I can't wait until the next book in this series is published. Loved the characters.
September 8, 2016
Loved this book
I really loved book. From the very first page to the last it kept my attention I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series
I really loved book. From the very first page to the last it kept my attention I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews