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Can love overcome danger?

Remaining in her Virginia hometown won't mend Clara Brown's broken heart. Determined to set her life back in order—and go somewhere she won't have to see her former beau—she answers an advertisement for a mail-order bride. Before she knows it, she's arrived in Crest Stone, a rugged new railroad town nestled between the mountains in Colorado. And when she meets her intended, he's better than she ever could have dreamed—handsome and kind, even if he does seem preoccupied.

Roman Carlisle is a cowboy turned livery owner. More than anything, he wants what his brothers have—a family. When Clara answers his advertisement, he's overjoyed to find she's exactly who he wanted. But her arrival coincides with horses going missing from his stable. If he can't find out who's behind the thefts, he'll lose everything he's worked so hard for.

Clara is determined to help Roman when she finds out he's losing both horses and customers. But when the horse thieves grow more threatening, Roman is faced with a choice—send back the woman he's come to love, or put her life in danger.

The Crest Stone Mail-Order Brides is a spin-off from Cat's Gilbert Girls series. This is a sweet and clean romance set in the Old West. Like all of Cat's books, it will warm your heart and fill you with hope!

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2021

368 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

Cat Cahill

77 books66 followers

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5 stars
440 (55%)
4 stars
228 (28%)
3 stars
96 (12%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Kirsten Anderson.
352 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2025
a hopeful bride
2.5 ✨

overview: cute but I didn’t feel much emotion about anything.

characters: Clara was headstrong and independent, but boy could she make some dumb decisions. Roman was patient and kind, and had such a sweet way of thinking of Clara.

romance: cute… not much to say. Felt a biiit forced.

✨ mail order bride
✨ strangers to lovers
✨ forced proximity

writing: fast paced, easy to read.

atmosphere: small western town, rumors of horse thieves, a small fancy comb, hair the color of sunshine.

season: summer.

———

content: language (n/a). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, NO SPICE). other (some horse thieves and dangerous situations).

———

most ardently, kirsten <3
Profile Image for Madisyn Carlin.
Author 34 books371 followers
November 25, 2024
This is an enjoyable novella, perfect for reading on a cold evening as you cuddle beneath a cozy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
1,603 reviews12 followers
May 20, 2023
This was an OK mail-order bride romance, with likable characters, but it needed more character development. I needed more backstory on both Clara and Roman. It gets 3 stars from me.

Clara and Roman were both likable, but it bothered me that they both had such low self-esteem. Clara had decided there must be something wrong with her, since her first betrothed had dumped her to marry someone else, and Roman had always felt that his family considered him a failure. I got a little tired of them both having so little self-confidence, and wanted them to see their own worth. Their new love for each other helped them both with that, but their lack of self-esteem almost made them lose each other.

I think I would have enjoyed it more if more backstory had been included on both Clara and Roman. I wanted to know why Clara blamed herself for what her awful ex had done, and I wanted to know what Roman's family had done to him to make him think he was a failure.

This is a clean romance, with nothing but kisses. If you only want to read romances that do not include sex scenes, this one might work for you.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
March 17, 2021
🐎🐎ONE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE🐎🐎
Sizzling saddles scooby! Cat weaves this beautifully compelling, tantalizing, ground breaking, rock-my-world rollercoaster unleashing all the frills, spills and feels, tugging those heartstrings and bringing every emotion into play front and center, blasting this baby to new heights. Heinous atrocities and brutal tactics are sidestepped employing brilliant strategy, perceptive calculations and expert deductions as riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying threats, spiraling danger, electrifying suspense and intense situations ensue, futures are forged and battle lines are drawn, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Shattered perimeters and frayed fringes solidify as limitations are amplified and exploited, observing the perilous struggles and formidable triumphs, while attentive to the deadly twists and wicked turns unfolding, launching this gem to life flawlessly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Exceptional job Cat, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
1,001 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2021
The same setting as the Gilbert Girls series, this is the first book in the Mail-Order Brides series. I found it a bit disappointing.
"Remaining in her Virginia hometown won't mend Clara Brown's broken heart. Determined to set her life back in order--and go somewhere she won't have to see her former beau--she answers an advertisement for a mail-order bride. Before she knows it, she's arrived in Crest Stone, a rugged new railroad town nestled between the mountains in Colorado. And when she meets her intended, he's better than she ever could have dreamed--handsome and kind, even if he does seem preoccupied.
Roman Carlisle is a cowboy turned livery owner. More than anything, he wants what his brothers have--a family. When Clara answers his advertisement, he's overjoyed to find she's exactly who he wanted. But her arrival coincides with horses going missing from his stable. If he can't find out who's behind the thefts, he'll lose everything he's worked so hard for.
Clara is determined to help Roman when she finds out he's losing both horses and customers. But when the horse thieves grow more threatening, Roman is faced with a choice--send back the woman he's come to love, or put her life in danger." synopsis copied
490 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2021
When Clara and Roman meet through a mail-order bride advertisement, they both deal with insecurities from previous relationships. In Clara’s case it’s a broken engagement, for Roman it’s his family. As they get to know each other, Roman’s livery is getting robbed, which intensifies their respective deep-set insecurities. It looks like their relationship is doomed from the beginning…
With this story, we not only read how Roman and Clara try to overcome their issues, we also see the inner hurts and battles these insecurities brought with them. Though I often wished the characters would communicate more openly, I enjoyed the personal honesty. Neither Clara nor Roman tried to excuse their behaviors but were quite conscious that their decisions and actions were based on past experiences. It made me think about how I act and react to others, recognizing myself mostly in Clara. Enjoy this story and discover if Clara and Roman will finally find a way that brings them together instead of forcing them apart.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
759 reviews7 followers
March 16, 2021
What was a young woman to do when her fiance decides she is just not the one? Heartbroken and feeling a little bit like a daredevil, Clara Brown decides the thing to do is get as far away as she can and become a Mail Order Bride.
Roman Carlisle has established his business, a Livery Stable, and has started building a home. Now what more could he want than a wife to share that home. He places his ad and the wait begins.
Crest Stone, Colorado is as far away from Virginia as she can imagine. Arriving with Clara comes some mystery and adventure. The first meeting finds them both attracted to the other, will this attraction develop into a lasting love?
When horses start disappearing, Roman is worried for Clara's safety. Can she convince him to let her stay? Will this mystery ever be solved? I loved this story and the plot line. The characters pull you in right away and keep you reading!
Profile Image for Adwoa.
83 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2025
This was a short read (could be finished in under 2 hours) but I found the story to drag, and found it to be a weak foray into the western historical genre compared to Lorraine Heath's Texas Trilogy series. There was no actual chemistry in this book, the romance was stated but not meaningfully developed (also the prose felt more regency-suited than what I would feel is appropriate for a novel about the Wild West). I understand that this is supposed to be a clean book but holding off from any meaty sort of romantic moments until the end of the book is bizarre . Especially when the story is going to be so short...but I might give the next book a try, at least because the length of these stories lend to quick reading.
73 reviews
March 17, 2021
I enjoyed the way Clara and Roman got along right from the start. The way she became a integral part of his business and deals with both the horses and the customers makes her more attractive in Roman's eyes. Like many men, especially in those days, he felt he needed to protect her when trouble started and he began to lose horses. I love the strong, capable women Cat has in her stories shown here in Clara's desire to help solve the mystery of the missing horses. Roman's desire to protect her by sending her away is taken by her to mean he does not care for her as she has grown to care for him. You will have to read the story to find out what happens! This is a great story that will keep you reading to find out how the mystery is solved! I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest, voluntary review.
496 reviews10 followers
March 24, 2021
Rating:  4.5 stars

My thoughts about this book:

• I was immediately drawn into this story. I wanted to know if Roman and Clara would be a good marriage match.  Both of them had so much insecurity.  Would they be able to push through their self doubts?

• There were a lot of twists and turns to this plot that kept the plot unpredictable and enjoyable.

• This historical romance had some suspense and intrigue.  This added an extra dimension to this mail order bride romance.

• This was a clean read and I appreciate that fact.

I was given an advance copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
1,027 reviews11 followers
March 15, 2021
This is a beautifully crafted story with great character development. This story is full of action including: rejection; horse stealing, threats, danger, mystery, doubt and romance. Heartbroken Clara Brown decided the only way to heal her broken heart is to leave her Virginia home. She answers Roman Carlisle's MOB ad and heads to Colorado. After Roman's horses start disappearing he decides he needs to send Clara back to Virginia for her safety. Clara must convince him that she is just what he needs. Will the couple reach a HEA or will they let the "bad guys" win? Be sure to read this great story to find out. You are going to love this page turner.
944 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a mail order bride traveling cross-country to meet her possible future husband. As the story continues, the personalities of these 2 comes alive--Clara's feisty and loving personality is a match for Roman's stubbornness and shyness. And soon after Clara arrives, someone starts stealing horses from Roman's business. A heartwarming romance and story of second chances for these two with danger mixed in! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Profile Image for Marty Moore.
759 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2025
I enjoyed this story

Roman, had started a livery and had decided it was time to settle down and find a wife. Since the town was very new and there weren't any women he could court, he used a mail order bridal service. Also a new business.
Clara, had been rejected by her fiance and she was humiliated. Mostly because she saw him around town with his new wife. In order to avoid seeing them and to end her humiliation, she decided to become a mail order bride.
This story is about their first meeting and how they fared from that point on. It's entertaining and has some wild west moments that will definitely keep you reading.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,483 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2021
A Hopeful Bride is a sweet romance set in the town of Crest Stone. Although the book can be read as a stand-alone, it is particularly enjoyable when read with the Gilbert Girls series. This book focuses on the town's livery owner, Roman Carlisle, who has made arrangements for a mail-order bride. Clara Brown, who is escaping the sadness of a broken engagement, arrives and is quickly drawn to Roman. Unfortunately, thievery at the livery threatens to destroy his business and his future with Clara. Can all be resolved so they can marry and have their happily ever after?
Profile Image for HAL.
425 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2024
A Cosy Mystery Romance

Cahill delivers a sweet mail order bride story that has the reader engaged in Roman's plight with stolen horses and whether a new bride will want to deal with his losses. In fact, he's not even sure it's even safe to have a wife. The only trouble is it may be too late if his heart is lost to a woman who traveled so far to share a life with him as his wife? Should he send her back before it is really too late?
Every age will enjoy routing for a HEA and Cahill delivers with this entertaining story!
Profile Image for April.
638 reviews
May 4, 2024
I quite enjoyed this one. Both Roman and Clara have things they need to overcome which could bring them closer together or further distance them from one another. The way the author handled each situation was well done. I also love them as a couple! Their chemistry is believable and it was nice seeing them take time to get to know the other before saying their vows, unlike other mail order bride stories.

I found myself unable to put the book down before I knew how it all turned out. That is the sign of a really good read!
Profile Image for iread.
826 reviews11 followers
February 19, 2025
A Hopeful Bride is book one in the Crest Stone Mail Order Bride series. This was a lovely sweet western romance. I enjoyed the character of Clara Brown - the kind, mail order bride who comes to Crest Stone, Colorado to see if she is a good match for Roman Carlisle. There were a few twists to the plot that I didn’t expect, that kept the pace of the book running along. This is a fairly short book and perfect for an afternoon reading time. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
4,572 reviews31 followers
March 17, 2021
So good to visit Crest Stone again. Cat Cahill tells the story of livery owner, Roman, and his mail order bride, Clara. Unfortunately, Roman had the same failing of so many of the men of West, he underestimated Clara. When trouble hits, he makes the mistake of trying to protect her but keeping her away and at the boardinghouse. It is fun to watch the action when Clara takes matters in her own hands. Look forward to visiting again.
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,017 reviews9 followers
October 20, 2024
Roman runs the local livery in a town thats growing every day. Roman desires to make something of himself and wants to settle down and create a family, which requires a wife. Women in the wild west are scarce in the west so he puts a mail order bride advertisement in the paper and meets Clara. Clara wants to get away from her hometown and the heartache she experienced from the man she thought loved her. This was truly a sweet wild west romance and I enjoyed Roman and Clara's story.
Profile Image for Robin.
Author 3 books29 followers
March 24, 2025
Sweet, Clean Romance With a Steady Pace

This story moved right along. I didn’t want to stop reading. The action from one moment to the next seemed well-paced to me. If any part was slower, I would say it was the first couple of chapters, but it did set up the story nicely. Loved the MCs and the setting was super easy to picture. Overall, this was a win for me. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean, inspirational, historical romance.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,893 reviews29 followers
May 28, 2025
I really liked this story and the main characters.

Clara is insecure but wants to be helpful. Roman quickly falls in love with her, but he believes he has to push her away to keep her safe after he's targeted by thieves. Because he doesn't explain himself well, she thinks he's rejecting her. Oh boy.

There is a bit of action and, of course, the mystery to work out. So there is more than a sweet romance in this story.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books47 followers
March 18, 2021
Loved the characters. A sweet story of love and supporting those we love. The characters put others before themselves. I enjoyed how the author pulled in the Gilbert girls from her other series. A great story that pulls you in right away and just keeps you wanting more.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
159 reviews
May 24, 2021
Hopeful Bride

This book was really slow moving. I actually stop reading it to read another book, but I came back and finished it. Clara was really silly and immature. It was a struggle to finish this book. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book in the series, I'll have to give it some thought.
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
2,006 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2021
Great mail order bride story. Roman and Clara are both filled with self doubt. Read this one to find out if they can overcome, or will Roman send Clara away. Good, well developed characters.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Profile Image for Delbora.
1,459 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2021
Great Western Romance

This story was a great read. Couple felt attraction at first sight which neither expected to turn into anything. It was interesting to watch their feelings grow.
11 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2021
Loved it!

I loved this book. I really enjoyed reading it. This is my favorite genre of books to read. Such a great story. I just love historical fiction westerns and romance. This had it all!
1,296 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2021
Sweet Story

Roman has lived the last ten years making mistakes but now he is ready to settle down. Clara is tired of seeing her former fiancé with his new wife. She wants more in life than she has. Just when they both find happiness their world comes crashing down.
886 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2021
Clara Brown's story was so fun to read. Clara gets more than she bargains for in this great story with thieves to find and a groom she has to convince to marry her. Lots of sweet moments and a clean story with a mystery to solve.
558 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book! It is a mail-order bride book and deals with how the bride handles all the bad things that happen and still falls in love with the guy! I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading western romance books!
2,380 reviews13 followers
April 30, 2021
A Hopeful Bride

I liked this story. Clara had been jilted by Gideon. She decided to become a mail order bride. Roman had written to her and sent money to bring her to Wyoming. Roman had troubles with his livery. Two old crooks were trying to ruin him. You will enjoy this story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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