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The Blizzard Brides #8
A Groom for Ruby
What happens when an abused woman, a broken little boy and an ex-convict come together?
Ruby Fulton has had a tough life, and it isn’t getting any easier after her husband dies. Suffering under his abuse for years, all Ruby wants is independence, peace and a new chance at life. She is barely scraping by herself, and now she’s responsible for one of Last Chance’s orphaned children. The last thing she wants to do is sign herself up for another husband who will make her life miserable. But when the preacher insists that she marry again, what is a woman to do?
Cullen Parker is determined to leave his past behind him and live an honest life. When he hears about Last Chance, Nebraska, he’s sure it is the perfect place to find work. He agrees to work on Ruby’s farm in exchange for room and board, but he definitely isn’t looking for a wife.
It seems like the perfect arrangement, but the town pastor sees a scandal. He insists they get married if Cullen is going to stay. What happens when Cullen offers a marriage of convenience? When Cullen’s criminal past comes calling, the precarious balance of trust and convenience is threatened. Will they—or their marriage—survive?
Ruby Fulton has had a tough life, and it isn’t getting any easier after her husband dies. Suffering under his abuse for years, all Ruby wants is independence, peace and a new chance at life. She is barely scraping by herself, and now she’s responsible for one of Last Chance’s orphaned children. The last thing she wants to do is sign herself up for another husband who will make her life miserable. But when the preacher insists that she marry again, what is a woman to do?
Cullen Parker is determined to leave his past behind him and live an honest life. When he hears about Last Chance, Nebraska, he’s sure it is the perfect place to find work. He agrees to work on Ruby’s farm in exchange for room and board, but he definitely isn’t looking for a wife.
It seems like the perfect arrangement, but the town pastor sees a scandal. He insists they get married if Cullen is going to stay. What happens when Cullen offers a marriage of convenience? When Cullen’s criminal past comes calling, the precarious balance of trust and convenience is threatened. Will they—or their marriage—survive?
Could Last Chance hold the answers for both of them?
A Groom for Ruby is a sweet and clean romance. It's part of the multi-author Blizzard Brides series, which can be read in order or as standalone books.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2021
275 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Laura Ashwood
17 books201 followersLaura Ashwood writes sweet romance happily ever after's and compelling women's fiction. She lives in northern Minnesota with her amazing husband and two very spoiled Chihuahuas. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with their four adult children and their families, cooking, fishing, watching Food Network, and reading. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women's Fiction Writers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 21, 2022
Part of a multi-author series, this novella stands alone and was a quick read that kept me engaged. A hunting party gets trapped in a freak blizzard and all the men perish - including the heroine's abusive husband. She's barely hanging on at their dilapidated homestead when she takes in a neighbor orphaned boy (his father died in the blizzard and his mother succumbed to a long illness). While the other widows in town have advertised for mail-order grooms, she's happy to be single but knows she desperately needs help. Enter the hero, a man with a past who is just passing through and decides to answer the heroine's ad for a hired hand. Naturally when the town's preacher gets wind of the arrangement everything changes.
This is sort of inspirational, but I didn't find it overly so and it was interesting that nearly everyone in town finds the preacher high-handed and a PITA, but hey - he's the town preacher, whatcha gonna do? It's the kind of story I'll have trouble recalling a week from now, but it was a pleasant diversion while I was reading it.
This is sort of inspirational, but I didn't find it overly so and it was interesting that nearly everyone in town finds the preacher high-handed and a PITA, but hey - he's the town preacher, whatcha gonna do? It's the kind of story I'll have trouble recalling a week from now, but it was a pleasant diversion while I was reading it.
December 2, 2024
I met the author, Laura Ashwood, at a craft sale and found her delightful! So, I purchased one of her books. This book is part of a series.
While the story moved along quick (read the book in about two hours), and had interesting themes, I found it incomplete. Meaning, I encourage Ms. Ashwood to add more color to her story-lines and for character development. So much potential!
I found myself wondering who her intended audience was. It almost read like a young-adult theme. That said, it was a faith-filled, clean story which was nice.
I hope our paths cross again, Ms Ashwood. I am impressed with your craft. Keep up the good work!
While the story moved along quick (read the book in about two hours), and had interesting themes, I found it incomplete. Meaning, I encourage Ms. Ashwood to add more color to her story-lines and for character development. So much potential!
I found myself wondering who her intended audience was. It almost read like a young-adult theme. That said, it was a faith-filled, clean story which was nice.
I hope our paths cross again, Ms Ashwood. I am impressed with your craft. Keep up the good work!
November 27, 2024
I especially liked this book, one of my favorites in the series so far.
March 5, 2022
It's not often that I read inspirational romances, but the premise sounded intriguing so I decided to give it a try. In short, I loved everything about A Groom for Ruby and I highly recommend it.
January 25, 2021
Ruby Fulton lost her husband in the Blizzards that hit Last Chance, Nebraska. She didn't just lose him, she became responsible for Everett, one of the towns children who was orphaned by the blizzards. Everett was a sweet young boy who's parents barely acknowledged his existence.
Cullen Parker is searching for a life that will give him a chance to leave a troubled past behind him and give him a life he can be proud of.
Last Chance sounds like just that place. He searches out the person that tacked up an ad for help and comes face to face with a woman bent on protecting her home. She meets him with a gun pointed directly at him. How will he convince her to put it down, once she pulls the trigger and puts a large hole in the side of the barn?
Will these two realize what they have? Can Ruby open up and share the past of being subdued by a husband that only thought of himself?
Will Cullen ever truly escape his past and become a family man? This book is tenderly written and the characters just meld together to create a beautiful story! One of Love and Hope. You won't want to miss it!
Cullen Parker is searching for a life that will give him a chance to leave a troubled past behind him and give him a life he can be proud of.
Last Chance sounds like just that place. He searches out the person that tacked up an ad for help and comes face to face with a woman bent on protecting her home. She meets him with a gun pointed directly at him. How will he convince her to put it down, once she pulls the trigger and puts a large hole in the side of the barn?
Will these two realize what they have? Can Ruby open up and share the past of being subdued by a husband that only thought of himself?
Will Cullen ever truly escape his past and become a family man? This book is tenderly written and the characters just meld together to create a beautiful story! One of Love and Hope. You won't want to miss it!
January 26, 2021
Cullen and Ruby
This is a sweet almost mail order groom story written by Laura Ashwood. She has done a great job with the plot and the characters as well as fill each page with adventure and excitement. Cullen is a pardoned ex convict and Ruby the widow of a cruel man who died in the blizzard. She had little to no money, her tiny house was in pitiful shape, as well as every thing else on the property. With winter dawning Cullen was headed to a mining town to work, heard of Last Chance and the horrible blizzard. He decides to try to find work and lodging until spring. He reads Ruby’s tiny sign posted at the post office asking for help for work and lodging. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet almost mail order groom story written by Laura Ashwood. She has done a great job with the plot and the characters as well as fill each page with adventure and excitement. Cullen is a pardoned ex convict and Ruby the widow of a cruel man who died in the blizzard. She had little to no money, her tiny house was in pitiful shape, as well as every thing else on the property. With winter dawning Cullen was headed to a mining town to work, heard of Last Chance and the horrible blizzard. He decides to try to find work and lodging until spring. He reads Ruby’s tiny sign posted at the post office asking for help for work and lodging. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
January 31, 2021
I loved this book! You've got to try it!
Ruby is relieved that her violent husband didn't survive the blizzards. But she definitely needs help around the property. She's also taken in one of the orphans, a sweet little boy very much like her. The Preacher is insisting that all the widows remarry or leave town. She doesn't want another husband so what can she do?
Cullen wants a fresh start but never expected to stop in the town with all the widows. He agrees to help one of them in exchange for room and board, for now. Will he be happy to leave town? What will the Preacher say about the situation?
This was such a great tale. Laura Ashwood wove the story in a such a sweet way that still tugs on your heart. I think this will remain my favourite book in the Blizzard Brides series.
Ruby is relieved that her violent husband didn't survive the blizzards. But she definitely needs help around the property. She's also taken in one of the orphans, a sweet little boy very much like her. The Preacher is insisting that all the widows remarry or leave town. She doesn't want another husband so what can she do?
Cullen wants a fresh start but never expected to stop in the town with all the widows. He agrees to help one of them in exchange for room and board, for now. Will he be happy to leave town? What will the Preacher say about the situation?
This was such a great tale. Laura Ashwood wove the story in a such a sweet way that still tugs on your heart. I think this will remain my favourite book in the Blizzard Brides series.
February 8, 2021
A Groom for Ruby - Cullen and Ruby
Wonderful book! I love the characters and plot. Cullen had been in prison and was pardon for his crimes. He went to see his brothers but when they started making plans with others to rob a train, Cullen slip off during the night... Ruby had taken in a young boy after his mother died and both his dad and her husband died in a blizzard. She needed help around the small home and barn, so she put an ad for help on a bulletin board in town... I recommend you read how it all came about for Cullen to work for Ruby and what happened after that. There is some secrets and some surprise and a whole lot of love in this book. Very enjoyable read! Great job Laura Ashwood!
Wonderful book! I love the characters and plot. Cullen had been in prison and was pardon for his crimes. He went to see his brothers but when they started making plans with others to rob a train, Cullen slip off during the night... Ruby had taken in a young boy after his mother died and both his dad and her husband died in a blizzard. She needed help around the small home and barn, so she put an ad for help on a bulletin board in town... I recommend you read how it all came about for Cullen to work for Ruby and what happened after that. There is some secrets and some surprise and a whole lot of love in this book. Very enjoyable read! Great job Laura Ashwood!
April 7, 2021
💞 Ruby and Cullen 💞
Oh, how I loved this story! Read it in one sitting as I could not put it down.
Ruby was such a tortured soul, having barely survived living with a horrible, abusive husband for five long years. She felt terrible for praying that Cyrus would not come home after the blizzards. But she needs help on the farm, so she posted a job offer. She also acquired a young son who lost both of his parents. Sweet Everett was such a dear heart ❤️
Cullen is an ex-convict, but is a changed man. He’s on his way to the Dakotas, but something tells him to stop in Last Chance. Then he sees the job posting. When he meets Ruby and sees her living conditions, he knows he is there for a reason.
I loved their romance and the sweet epilogue 💝
Oh, how I loved this story! Read it in one sitting as I could not put it down.
Ruby was such a tortured soul, having barely survived living with a horrible, abusive husband for five long years. She felt terrible for praying that Cyrus would not come home after the blizzards. But she needs help on the farm, so she posted a job offer. She also acquired a young son who lost both of his parents. Sweet Everett was such a dear heart ❤️
Cullen is an ex-convict, but is a changed man. He’s on his way to the Dakotas, but something tells him to stop in Last Chance. Then he sees the job posting. When he meets Ruby and sees her living conditions, he knows he is there for a reason.
I loved their romance and the sweet epilogue 💝
January 28, 2021
A heart warming story
I loved how this book was a little different from the others in the series while still staying true to the overarching themes and cast of characters we are coming to know and love (and love to hate) in the little town of Last Chance. Ruby didn't take a letter like most of the other widows in town. She had been down that path before as a mail order bride herself and did not wish to travel it again. Despite many obstacles though true love still triumphs in the end. This was another great addition to the Blizzard Brides series. I can't wait to see what comes next both in the series and from author Laura Ashwood!
I loved how this book was a little different from the others in the series while still staying true to the overarching themes and cast of characters we are coming to know and love (and love to hate) in the little town of Last Chance. Ruby didn't take a letter like most of the other widows in town. She had been down that path before as a mail order bride herself and did not wish to travel it again. Despite many obstacles though true love still triumphs in the end. This was another great addition to the Blizzard Brides series. I can't wait to see what comes next both in the series and from author Laura Ashwood!
January 29, 2021
This is a sweet and heartwarming story yet somewhat different than some of the other stories in the Blizzard Brides. This is Ruby Fulton and Cullen Parker's story, as well as Everett, a little boy who Ruby became responsible for after the blizzard left him an orphan. Ruby had been abused in her marriage; Cullen was a pardoned convict; and Everett was an orphan. All three of them were hurting, alone and adrift. Will they be able to form a sweet and loving family and find a HEA. Be sure and read this wonderful, yet heart wrenching story to find out. There are times you may need a tissue. I know you will love this story as much as I did.
April 11, 2021
Displacement of souls.
I enjoyed reading this book of Ruby Fulton. Ruby lost her husband during the storm I’m not sure if it was the first blizzard or the second one but Cyrus died in the storm. Cyrus wasn't a good man to Ruby. He abused Ruby mentally and she thought because her background and the awful things her ex-husband has said made her feel unwanted. Ruby took in little Everett, he has also had had little life he lost his parents and siblings in the blizzard. Cullen was passing through and found a job on the board and everyone's life changed. These three people had a crisis and Cullen will make things better for them all. I will share this 📖. Very good story.
I enjoyed reading this book of Ruby Fulton. Ruby lost her husband during the storm I’m not sure if it was the first blizzard or the second one but Cyrus died in the storm. Cyrus wasn't a good man to Ruby. He abused Ruby mentally and she thought because her background and the awful things her ex-husband has said made her feel unwanted. Ruby took in little Everett, he has also had had little life he lost his parents and siblings in the blizzard. Cullen was passing through and found a job on the board and everyone's life changed. These three people had a crisis and Cullen will make things better for them all. I will share this 📖. Very good story.
January 29, 2021
This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed her style of writing. This story is about Ruby, who like most of the other women in her town, lost her husband in one of two Blizzards that hit their area last fall and posts an add to have someone come to fix her farm which is in need of desperate repairs. Ruby is grateful finally comes who is willing to make repairs but then worried the patir will hear about it and get involved. This is a charming story that is well written and definitely hard to put down.
April 29, 2021
A Groom For Ruby
I enjoyed this story. Ruby had been a mail order bride,, but the man she married was very cruel to Ruby. The neighbors died, their son came to get her to check if her mother was still living. Cyrus had gone with the other men and had died in the blizzard. Ruby didn’t have enough wood, since Curtis wasl lazy and had not cut very much. She posted a note in their little town, needing help. Cullen was coming into town and he saw her sign. For unknown reason to him, he felt the need to go and help this lady. Very interesting story, enjoy.
I enjoyed this story. Ruby had been a mail order bride,, but the man she married was very cruel to Ruby. The neighbors died, their son came to get her to check if her mother was still living. Cyrus had gone with the other men and had died in the blizzard. Ruby didn’t have enough wood, since Curtis wasl lazy and had not cut very much. She posted a note in their little town, needing help. Cullen was coming into town and he saw her sign. For unknown reason to him, he felt the need to go and help this lady. Very interesting story, enjoy.
August 28, 2021
Sweet little book, just wished it was longer
Normally I don't like novella's. But this was quite sweet.
This is a story about Ruby and Cullen, and how they came to know each other. Ruby was a widow, Cullen was a former outlaw. She needed help on her farm, and he needed help starting a new life. Then there was little Everett, an orphan Ruby took in, and who fell in love with both of them.
This would have made a good longer book, but it was an interesting short one nonetheless.
Normally I don't like novella's. But this was quite sweet.
This is a story about Ruby and Cullen, and how they came to know each other. Ruby was a widow, Cullen was a former outlaw. She needed help on her farm, and he needed help starting a new life. Then there was little Everett, an orphan Ruby took in, and who fell in love with both of them.
This would have made a good longer book, but it was an interesting short one nonetheless.
December 17, 2023
Ruby's Guilty Secret
Ruby prayed that her husband wouldn't come back after he left with other towns men to go hunting. When the blizzard hit and all the men perished, Ruby thought it was her doing. She was afraid to tell anyone, though, so she kept her secret to herself. When Cullen shows up at her farm in response to her add for help, she fired a shotgun at him. Luckily, she missed but she was afraid. This story has other twists and turns, and is well written and very easy to read.
Ruby prayed that her husband wouldn't come back after he left with other towns men to go hunting. When the blizzard hit and all the men perished, Ruby thought it was her doing. She was afraid to tell anyone, though, so she kept her secret to herself. When Cullen shows up at her farm in response to her add for help, she fired a shotgun at him. Luckily, she missed but she was afraid. This story has other twists and turns, and is well written and very easy to read.
January 26, 2021
Absolutely great second chance book
I ached for Ruby and the life she was given. I instantly connected with the wounded young woman who needed someone to help her heal.
This book was sweet and heartwarming. And if anyone deserved a knight on a white horse to ride in, it was Ruby.
The supporting characters added depth to the story. Grab your copy and fall in love with Last Chance and it’s fun characters.
I ached for Ruby and the life she was given. I instantly connected with the wounded young woman who needed someone to help her heal.
This book was sweet and heartwarming. And if anyone deserved a knight on a white horse to ride in, it was Ruby.
The supporting characters added depth to the story. Grab your copy and fall in love with Last Chance and it’s fun characters.
January 26, 2021
Heartbreak to love
I don't think I have read anything by Laura Ashwood before but I definitely will in the future. Cullin came to Last Chance on the spur of the moment and ended up saving the lives of three people, his own included. All three had endured horrible childhoods and needed love. Ruby from an orphanage to a cruel marriage, little Everett from an abusive father and Cullin from an unlawful childhood. Second chances can be miracles!
I don't think I have read anything by Laura Ashwood before but I definitely will in the future. Cullin came to Last Chance on the spur of the moment and ended up saving the lives of three people, his own included. All three had endured horrible childhoods and needed love. Ruby from an orphanage to a cruel marriage, little Everett from an abusive father and Cullin from an unlawful childhood. Second chances can be miracles!
January 26, 2021
Escape
Cullen escaped in the night from his thieving brother. Ruby has escaped a dreadful marriage when her husband perishes with the other men in the blizzard. Even Everett escapes an abusive family. The only character in all these books I would like to jerk a knot in is the preacher! He' an interfering sac!k of manure. Otherwise I really like this series and this book in general.
Cullen escaped in the night from his thieving brother. Ruby has escaped a dreadful marriage when her husband perishes with the other men in the blizzard. Even Everett escapes an abusive family. The only character in all these books I would like to jerk a knot in is the preacher! He' an interfering sac!k of manure. Otherwise I really like this series and this book in general.
February 16, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book! The woman in this story was a mistreated wife whose husband went on a hunting trip and was killed by cold weather while on a hunting trip. The man was a man just out of prison for robbing a stagecoach. He had changed and was on his way to the goldfields when he stopped to rest and get supplies and decided to stay. I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance books!
October 3, 2021
I cried buckets of tears
What an amazing story! I have read every book in the series so far and #8 is my favorite. Three lost souls come together at the perfect time in their lives. Each has a story that's even more heartbreaking than the last. The author does a fantastic job of making the reader fall in love with the characters. I was really rooting for them to all get their happy ending.
What an amazing story! I have read every book in the series so far and #8 is my favorite. Three lost souls come together at the perfect time in their lives. Each has a story that's even more heartbreaking than the last. The author does a fantastic job of making the reader fall in love with the characters. I was really rooting for them to all get their happy ending.
February 5, 2022
A Groom for Ruby
This was a sweet, heartwarming addition to the Blizzard Brides series. It made me laugh and made me cry while I was reading it. Ruby and little Everett had both been treated badly by their families and were broken in so many ways. Then along came Cullen and he helped mend them with his kind ways. This is one of my favorites so far in this series. Laura Ashwood did a wonderful job writing this book and I look forward to reading more by this author.
This was a sweet, heartwarming addition to the Blizzard Brides series. It made me laugh and made me cry while I was reading it. Ruby and little Everett had both been treated badly by their families and were broken in so many ways. Then along came Cullen and he helped mend them with his kind ways. This is one of my favorites so far in this series. Laura Ashwood did a wonderful job writing this book and I look forward to reading more by this author.
February 20, 2022
Ruby got a bad deal as a mail-order bride until her husband died. Taking in an orphaned neighbor's boy, they attempt to survive the winter until Cullen happens by offering help. Problem is he has a bad past, though had paid his debt and was attempting to turn his life around. A zealot pastor shames them into marrying for propriety sake. But will it all work out once his past is exposed? Sweet and clean historical Western with predictable conclusion for those who enjoy this genre.
April 13, 2022
Hard life
Some old west stories show little of the hardships of daily life while focusing on the romance. That's fine, but this story told the problems that were reality.
But it was also up lifting. Strong characters.
I thought I would sympathize with the preacher's desire to have the couples marry for the strength of the community. But he was just judgemental.
All worked out for a hea and an orphaned boy with a loving family.
Some old west stories show little of the hardships of daily life while focusing on the romance. That's fine, but this story told the problems that were reality.
But it was also up lifting. Strong characters.
I thought I would sympathize with the preacher's desire to have the couples marry for the strength of the community. But he was just judgemental.
All worked out for a hea and an orphaned boy with a loving family.
April 25, 2022
Ruby is such a strong young woman. She suffered abuse from her husband but is now free. She also takes on one of the orphans. This precious little one had also been through a lot. When Cullen comes with hopes of a new life and is looking for work he isn't looking to be a groom. The pastor sees them as living in sin and insists that they either get married immediately or leave Last Chance. Cullen's past also becomes an issue. I love seeing the growth that comes through this story.
November 17, 2022
A Really Good Story
This story was a pleasure to read, even though there were some typos and a wrong word used a couple times. Neither of those things ruined this story for me. The romance was sweet and precious. The MCs were people I could admire and root for. I loved the ending, too. I would like to read the next book in the series.
If you enjoy sweet, clean, historical, and inspirational romance, then I recommend this book.
This story was a pleasure to read, even though there were some typos and a wrong word used a couple times. Neither of those things ruined this story for me. The romance was sweet and precious. The MCs were people I could admire and root for. I loved the ending, too. I would like to read the next book in the series.
If you enjoy sweet, clean, historical, and inspirational romance, then I recommend this book.
January 25, 2021
Opportunity
This intriguing story of new beginnings includes a pardoned felon, orphaned boy, and an abused widow. A combination which could go so many ways but finds them all creating a family. A fast read that brings warm smiles and a renewed hope that people can change and life can be better.
This intriguing story of new beginnings includes a pardoned felon, orphaned boy, and an abused widow. A combination which could go so many ways but finds them all creating a family. A fast read that brings warm smiles and a renewed hope that people can change and life can be better.
January 25, 2021
I’m sorry but I still don’t think Pastor Collins has any business being a pastor. Thankfully his meddling proves that all things work together for good. Laura Ashwood brings us a story that could have easily brought me to tears, okay, maybe there were one or two in my eyes. Ruby, Cullen, Everett and Ben are all in need of love and understanding. Thank you for bringing them together.
March 1, 2021
Inspiration
What a beautiful novel. Cullen, Ruby, and Everett! The three make a new family and what a genteel and loving family it is. Ruby, the widow, Cullen, the ex convict, Everett, the little orphan. The three unlikely people form a close knit family and it is just wonderful to see what GOD can do in the lives of people.
What a beautiful novel. Cullen, Ruby, and Everett! The three make a new family and what a genteel and loving family it is. Ruby, the widow, Cullen, the ex convict, Everett, the little orphan. The three unlikely people form a close knit family and it is just wonderful to see what GOD can do in the lives of people.
January 7, 2022
Mending broken hearts
One of the sweetest books I've ever read. You'll be hoping with the heroine, praying for comfort and love for the little boy from the next ranch, and hoping the hero will be a hero! Can't get much better than that if you like feel good stories. Its also a quick read. Enjoy!
One of the sweetest books I've ever read. You'll be hoping with the heroine, praying for comfort and love for the little boy from the next ranch, and hoping the hero will be a hero! Can't get much better than that if you like feel good stories. Its also a quick read. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews