Vanessa's Replacement Valentine

Brides of Pelican Rapids #13

by Linda Shenton Matchett

She's running toward the future. He can't let go of the past. Will these two hurting souls experience love in the present?

Engaged to be married as part of a plan to regain the wealth her family lost during the War Between the States, Vanessa Randolph finds her fiancé in the arms of another woman weeks before the wedding. Money holds no allure for her, so rather than allow her parents to set her up with another rich bachelor she decides to become a mail-order bride. Life in Green Bay, Wisconsin seems to hold all the pieces of a fresh start until she discovers her prospective groom was a Union spy and targeted her parents during one of his investigations. Is her heart safe with any man?

Eight years have elapsed since the Civil War ended, and Miles Andersen has almost managed to put the memories of those difficult years behind him. He's finally ready to settle down, but the women in town are only interested in his money. A mail-order bride seems to be the answer until the woman who arrives brings the past crashing into the present.

Can two wounded hearts find healing in the face of doubt, disappointment, and distrust?

Vanessa's Replacement Valentine A Christian Mail-Order Bride Romance is a heartwarming addition to the Brides of Pelican Rapids and easily read as a standalone.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2021

About the author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A self-professed history geek, she is a volunteer archivist and docent at the Wright Museum of World War II. Linda has published more than twenty-five books. When not writing, she enjoys exploring historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

Reviews

[Phyllis Rundell]

This is a sweet and heartwarming story with some fun added in. This is Vanessa Randolph and Miles Andersen's story and the character development is outstanding. This is a story of deception, disappointment, and dishonesty. Vanessa was from an old moneyed family from the south but upon finding her finance in the arms of another woman decided that becoming a MOB was her best option. Miles had served in the Civil War but it had ended eight years ago and he now wanted to put all the memories behind him. He had become a very successful rancher in Wisconsin but any single woman in his community was only interested in his money. He decided that getting a MOB was his best option. Where and how the couple meet will surprise you. How did they react to each other? How do they resolve the "fireworks" that explode between them over what Vanessa views as betrayal? Will they ever be able to work out their differences and reach a HEA. Be sure and read this great story to find out. It is a real page turner and I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Michelle]

Vanessa's Replacement Valentine is a really great read

Such a rewarding read. Vanessa moves from the South to the far North to find a husband because the War left few men alive. She finds so many things she must overcome with her ideas and with her future husband. Can she use her faith and love of God to overcome them? She decides to do a good thing to help the fallen doves in the town, but is this the straw that breaks up her relagionship? Linda Shenton Matchet has written a great book entwined with mystery and love. A very great read..

[Judy]

Vanessa and Miles 💞

Sweet and clean story of a young lady from the south, becoming a mail order bride to a man who lived in Wisconsin. These two are about as different from night and day in their outlook on life. Can they work out their differences?

New to me author ☺️

[vickie millspaugh]

Replacement valentine?

This mail borders bride is a different one. Like all the mail borders bride she has a History. Unlike many she has a Mason to help other women. Will it cost her her life?
ENJOY

[Cindi Klemm]

True love

Interesting story line. Appreciated the Wisconsin setting, the southern gal being transplanted to the north and dealing with those who forget the war was over years ago.

[Lea & Sandra]

Good story!

Times after the Civil War were filled with tragedy and loss. Seeking security is not limited to mail order brides as this story exemplified.