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Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides #16
Sookie's Silence
Mildred Crenshaw's latest match in the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides series—
The accident that kills her parents leaves Sookie Donaldson mute. She grasps at the chance to be a mail-order bride. The only catch is that she must also be able to teach school.
Since Sookie taught school for a number of years that is no problem. Hopefully in Nebraska, people will welcome any trained teacher—even one who cannot speak. She fits all the requirements outlined by Milly Crenshaw, the matchmaker. The man in Nebraska is a perfect match. She hopes.
Will her surly groom send her back on the first train east when he realizes Sookie is silent? And who is the man who shadows her every movement in her new hometown?
Suddenly, Sookie's silence stands in her way of both happiness and safety.
The accident that kills her parents leaves Sookie Donaldson mute. She grasps at the chance to be a mail-order bride. The only catch is that she must also be able to teach school.
Since Sookie taught school for a number of years that is no problem. Hopefully in Nebraska, people will welcome any trained teacher—even one who cannot speak. She fits all the requirements outlined by Milly Crenshaw, the matchmaker. The man in Nebraska is a perfect match. She hopes.
Will her surly groom send her back on the first train east when he realizes Sookie is silent? And who is the man who shadows her every movement in her new hometown?
Suddenly, Sookie's silence stands in her way of both happiness and safety.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2021
118 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 25, 2021
And utterly ridiculous story!
In this book Rachel a.k.a. Run is the only one who can communicate with her mute sister Susan K also known as Suickie and they even have their own form of sign language. So when I found out that Miss Millie Crenshaw who was a cousin of theirs wanted to set Susan K up with a man who taught deaf children and new American Sign Language I thought what a perfect match. However when Rachel and Susan K show up to meet I’ll nicks a.k.a. Ony The first thing I thought was ridiculous he didn’t know she was mute he was taken by her regal beauty, but thought she was shy. Then when he found out they had their own form of sign language that I might add Miss Millie Crenshaw decided to make an instructive book off to pass out to the students so they too can speak this strange sign language, but he suggest instead that he teach her American Sign Language something everyone speaks and the students would benefit possibly from knowing. The sister so I know they want to teach them the skills for sign language they told each other after Susan case accident. Because oh yes that I mention this mu woman is there to be the local teacher. In the 1800s handicap people were lucky they weren’t put in a home or psychiatric ward and yet this woman’s a mail order bride and is going to be The new teacher. I am blind and I know blind people or teachers, but for the life of me I cannot figure out how she was going to teach if she couldn’t even talk. Was her sister going to speak for her because if so then wouldn’t she be the teacher? None of this makes sense from the super expressive homemade sign language they refuse to change to her being the teacher. Also, how was she going to become close to this man if they couldn’t even talk to each other and how awkward if her sister was there to tell him everything she wanted to say. Talk about ruining the intimacy. I didn’t finish reading the book because once I get to a partThat’s that suspense believe so much it’s fanciful or has too many 21st-century opinions it’s more like a time travel book then I can’t continue reading it and that was the case with this book. When I stopped reading he was falling in love with her… Falling in love with what I don’t know because it’s not like they got to know each other really well he just was falling in love to fall in love I guess. This book was ridiculous as I said and I couldn’t finish it.
In this book Rachel a.k.a. Run is the only one who can communicate with her mute sister Susan K also known as Suickie and they even have their own form of sign language. So when I found out that Miss Millie Crenshaw who was a cousin of theirs wanted to set Susan K up with a man who taught deaf children and new American Sign Language I thought what a perfect match. However when Rachel and Susan K show up to meet I’ll nicks a.k.a. Ony The first thing I thought was ridiculous he didn’t know she was mute he was taken by her regal beauty, but thought she was shy. Then when he found out they had their own form of sign language that I might add Miss Millie Crenshaw decided to make an instructive book off to pass out to the students so they too can speak this strange sign language, but he suggest instead that he teach her American Sign Language something everyone speaks and the students would benefit possibly from knowing. The sister so I know they want to teach them the skills for sign language they told each other after Susan case accident. Because oh yes that I mention this mu woman is there to be the local teacher. In the 1800s handicap people were lucky they weren’t put in a home or psychiatric ward and yet this woman’s a mail order bride and is going to be The new teacher. I am blind and I know blind people or teachers, but for the life of me I cannot figure out how she was going to teach if she couldn’t even talk. Was her sister going to speak for her because if so then wouldn’t she be the teacher? None of this makes sense from the super expressive homemade sign language they refuse to change to her being the teacher. Also, how was she going to become close to this man if they couldn’t even talk to each other and how awkward if her sister was there to tell him everything she wanted to say. Talk about ruining the intimacy. I didn’t finish reading the book because once I get to a partThat’s that suspense believe so much it’s fanciful or has too many 21st-century opinions it’s more like a time travel book then I can’t continue reading it and that was the case with this book. When I stopped reading he was falling in love with her… Falling in love with what I don’t know because it’s not like they got to know each other really well he just was falling in love to fall in love I guess. This book was ridiculous as I said and I couldn’t finish it.
April 13, 2021
Easy to Read!
Another delightful story about a rather unusual Mail-Order Bride who is a teacher and a widower who keeps the peace in the town.
He has a very sweet baby who needs a mother and he needs a wife badly to help him bring up his daughter and to look after his home.
So, he writes away for a Mail-Order Bride and is so desperate that he sends money for her train fare in the first letter stipulating that there is to be no correspondence, just send the bride. Now isn't that a lovely beginning!
I was quite impressed with these very human characters with all their flaws and really nice personalities. The story is short but reads easily and is interesting and good entertainment too.
I can definitely recommend this to lovers of Mail-Order Bride stories as well as to readers who enjoy light romance with a bit of mystery.
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) and my voluntary review is based on my own thoughts and ideas about this story.
Another delightful story about a rather unusual Mail-Order Bride who is a teacher and a widower who keeps the peace in the town.
He has a very sweet baby who needs a mother and he needs a wife badly to help him bring up his daughter and to look after his home.
So, he writes away for a Mail-Order Bride and is so desperate that he sends money for her train fare in the first letter stipulating that there is to be no correspondence, just send the bride. Now isn't that a lovely beginning!
I was quite impressed with these very human characters with all their flaws and really nice personalities. The story is short but reads easily and is interesting and good entertainment too.
I can definitely recommend this to lovers of Mail-Order Bride stories as well as to readers who enjoy light romance with a bit of mystery.
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) and my voluntary review is based on my own thoughts and ideas about this story.
April 16, 2021
The author has once again penned a sweet and heartwarming story full of lots of human emotions and some surprises. This is Sookie and Onie's story and the character development is excellent. Sookie was injured in an accident that claimed the life of her parents and is no longer able to speak. Sookie is left with the care of her younger sister Wren and with the help of a family relative, a matchmaker, heads to Nebraska with her sister to become a MOB. Onie, a widower with a small child and the town's sheriff, sends for a MOB along with the money for her ticket and the request that she be sent at once with no correspondence. Onie is surprised to learn Sookie cannot speak, but as he gets to know her admires her for her courage. Then danger comes calling. Can the couple discover who/why they are in danger? Will their relationship grow into a HEA? Be sure and read this wonderful book...I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
November 14, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of this story. Narrator was good. This is a different mail order bride story, the bride is mute. Sookie is injured in an accident that killed both her parents and leaves her unable to speak. Her Father's business partner takes everything and leaves Sookie and her sister, Wren living in poverty. Their only way out is for her to be a mail order bride. So off they go to Nebraska will Sookie will become wife, mother and school teacher
Her intended, Orrie doesn't know she is mute, until she arrives. That is not all the problems that will happen to them. Someone tries to hurt Sookie. Can they solve the mystery, before it is too late. Cute story.
8bwas given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
Her intended, Orrie doesn't know she is mute, until she arrives. That is not all the problems that will happen to them. Someone tries to hurt Sookie. Can they solve the mystery, before it is too late. Cute story.
8bwas given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
November 18, 2021
This was a really sweet story about a love that can look past scars from the past. Susan Kay (Sookie) and Onyx (Onny) were made for each other and their love grows quickly. Sookie and Onny's young daughter fall in love as well. All seems perfect until some of the problems from the past follow Sookie to her new home. Of course there is a way through and a happy ending. I enjoyed the new approach with an unusual handicap and Sookie's way of handling it. Sweet and clean read.
Julie Lancelot did a great job on the narration. A narrator can add so much to an audio book and this she did a great job.
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Julie Lancelot did a great job on the narration. A narrator can add so much to an audio book and this she did a great job.
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
January 14, 2023
Sookie’s Silence is a sweet, touching mail order bride story. A dash of danger and intrigue make it an absorbing read. Set in 1871, it is not your usual mail order bride story in that the bride is mute. The fast-moving plot and compelling, engaging characters kept my interest from beginning to end. I love Onie and Sookie as individuals and as a couple. Ms. Masterson treats Sookie’s muteness with thoughtfulness focusing on her strengths as a mother and a teacher. I also adore Wren and her devotion to her sister. The strong faith element is inspiring, and the romantic element is delightful and heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it especially for mail order bride and historical fiction fans.
November 8, 2024
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I had chosen it because it was recommended for one of my reading challenges. I needed a book that had a deaf or mute character.
Sookie had lost her ability to speak because of an accident she was in. She and her sister were struggling to make ends meet when she was given the opportunity to move west and become a wife and mother to a widower and his young daughter. She was also needed as a school teacher for the town in Nebraska.
Unbeknownst to the sisters, there was someone who had some nefarious plans for them. I loved this added suspense in this marriage of convenience story. I also loved seeing Sookie and Onie's relationship develop.
There were a couple of things that bothered me a bit, so I did lower my rating by one star, but all in all this was a great story, and a quick read
Sookie had lost her ability to speak because of an accident she was in. She and her sister were struggling to make ends meet when she was given the opportunity to move west and become a wife and mother to a widower and his young daughter. She was also needed as a school teacher for the town in Nebraska.
Unbeknownst to the sisters, there was someone who had some nefarious plans for them. I loved this added suspense in this marriage of convenience story. I also loved seeing Sookie and Onie's relationship develop.
There were a couple of things that bothered me a bit, so I did lower my rating by one star, but all in all this was a great story, and a quick read
April 13, 2021
Onie's Mute Bride
Onie (Onyx) needs a wife and a mother for his child. This wife needs to be a teacher for the town too. Sookie became mute after an accident. As a former school teacher she's qualified. Will they make their marriage work? Mystery surrounds Sookie and her sister which puts them in danger. A sweet and exciting love story. I can't wait for Sookie's sister, Wren's story.
Onie (Onyx) needs a wife and a mother for his child. This wife needs to be a teacher for the town too. Sookie became mute after an accident. As a former school teacher she's qualified. Will they make their marriage work? Mystery surrounds Sookie and her sister which puts them in danger. A sweet and exciting love story. I can't wait for Sookie's sister, Wren's story.
October 31, 2021
Unique, Disabled Inspirational Romance
This story is a great example of how God works everything for good for those who love him.
Sookie was in a carriage accident with her parents. They were killed and she lost the ability to speak. Sookie created signs with her sister to enable them to communicate while Sookie recovered.
Unique characters and a sweet romance with a mystery to solve make this a book I'll read again. Excited for the next book in the series!
This story is a great example of how God works everything for good for those who love him.
Sookie was in a carriage accident with her parents. They were killed and she lost the ability to speak. Sookie created signs with her sister to enable them to communicate while Sookie recovered.
Unique characters and a sweet romance with a mystery to solve make this a book I'll read again. Excited for the next book in the series!
November 14, 2021
I listened to this one on audio. The narrator did a great job bringing this story to life.
I really liked this story. I liked that the heroine had a disability, a unique disability. I liked the storyline in this book. I can understand how he did not know she was mute, after all, he did tell the matchmaker that she didn't have to write him. I also liked that she will be married and teaching in a school. All in all, I really enjoyed this book.
I really liked this story. I liked that the heroine had a disability, a unique disability. I liked the storyline in this book. I can understand how he did not know she was mute, after all, he did tell the matchmaker that she didn't have to write him. I also liked that she will be married and teaching in a school. All in all, I really enjoyed this book.
April 15, 2021
4 stars
Will a widower with a toddler find what he’s looking for in a wife? But when that wife comes along with her sister so the sister can translate because she’s mute from an accident. He feels it was a mistake but after time and feelings find them both her Faith in God help him to remember to rely upon prayer and Faith.
Nice book
Will a widower with a toddler find what he’s looking for in a wife? But when that wife comes along with her sister so the sister can translate because she’s mute from an accident. He feels it was a mistake but after time and feelings find them both her Faith in God help him to remember to rely upon prayer and Faith.
Nice book
April 15, 2021
When Obie’s mail order bride Sookie arrives he’s surprised. Can a mute woman be a good mother and teacher? But he feels connected right away. When Sookie got attacked they has to find the reason why.
Great story with such a sweet connection between the main characters and their little daughter. Loved the special sign language Sookie invented. Great storytelling and a teaser for the next story
Great story with such a sweet connection between the main characters and their little daughter. Loved the special sign language Sookie invented. Great storytelling and a teaser for the next story
April 21, 2021
Great!
I really loved this book! It is an unusual story where the young woman Sookie suffers the loss of her voice as result of carriage accident in which her parents are killed. She and her younger sister create her own sign language. Mystery leads her to love, a new teaching job. Wonderful plot and characters.
I really loved this book! It is an unusual story where the young woman Sookie suffers the loss of her voice as result of carriage accident in which her parents are killed. She and her younger sister create her own sign language. Mystery leads her to love, a new teaching job. Wonderful plot and characters.
October 29, 2021
Onie, Sookie and Letty
One is a widow with a small daughter and cookie is a beautiful school teacher from the north. She was in a terrible buggy accident that killed her parents, wounded her and left her mute. One writes for a bride and the marriage agent is her aunt. She sends Cookie and her sister to Onie you will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
One is a widow with a small daughter and cookie is a beautiful school teacher from the north. She was in a terrible buggy accident that killed her parents, wounded her and left her mute. One writes for a bride and the marriage agent is her aunt. She sends Cookie and her sister to Onie you will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
November 18, 2021
Some how I had missed this book and felt I needed to read it before I read Marisa Masterson’s next book in this series. I’m so glad I did. It explains so much that you need to know for Wren’s Wooer. Sookie would have definitely been considered for GT classes today. Imagine creating her own way to communicate. I really enjoyed this book.
November 28, 2021
Interesting
I loved that the characters from this story are from previous stories. The authors creative nature of finding fascinating and real characters to draw your heart and mind to the love and faith they have with God. The storyline is incredible and touching., very moving. Another great book for this series!!
I loved that the characters from this story are from previous stories. The authors creative nature of finding fascinating and real characters to draw your heart and mind to the love and faith they have with God. The storyline is incredible and touching., very moving. Another great book for this series!!
December 8, 2021
Christian Historical Romance
Not a super strong Christian thread, but Onie does return to his faith and sees the workings of God.
I enjoyed this story on both my kindle and my Audible apps. It was easy to go back and forth, and I truly appreciate that!
One of my favorite scenes is when Letty accepted Sookie.
The narration was wonderful!
Not a super strong Christian thread, but Onie does return to his faith and sees the workings of God.
I enjoyed this story on both my kindle and my Audible apps. It was easy to go back and forth, and I truly appreciate that!
One of my favorite scenes is when Letty accepted Sookie.
The narration was wonderful!
March 22, 2024
Such a great audiobook! I enjoyed this book immensely! I loved Sookie and that she was able to communicate even though she couldn’t talk. Part mystery and a mail-ordered bride romance, what’s not to love?
I received this audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I received this audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
April 6, 2024
This was a relatively clean Christian western historical romance (relatively because there was a bit more “bedroom” implications than I was comfortable with, even though nothing was explicit). I enjoyed the story overall and loved the way the main characters grew throughout the tale. There was a hint at what the next story in this series might be at the end without a cliffhanger, which was nice.
April 19, 2021
Wow, a great story.
This one grabs you from the first page and I loved it Onie needs a wife for him and his daughter, Lettie. Sookie and Wren have lost everything including their parents. Such a well thought out and written story. A great, exciting read.
This one grabs you from the first page and I loved it Onie needs a wife for him and his daughter, Lettie. Sookie and Wren have lost everything including their parents. Such a well thought out and written story. A great, exciting read.
November 20, 2021
This is a short sweet story of a marriage of convenience. Yet the couple fall for each other rather quickly. There is also a little mystery and danger in the mist of the falling in love. Sookie is mute. But that doesn’t make her a sweet, caring and charming woman.
July 17, 2023
Sookie and Onie
Ominous threats follow two sisters as they struggle to deal with the loss of parents and their home. Their cousin arranged for Sookie to be a mail order bride to Onie but trouble followed. Quite interesting story.
Ominous threats follow two sisters as they struggle to deal with the loss of parents and their home. Their cousin arranged for Sookie to be a mail order bride to Onie but trouble followed. Quite interesting story.
May 27, 2021
Loved it!
December 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this print western book and Mail- Order Brides. This one though has a huge twist in it and also deception not on the sisters part. Marisa really hit a grand slam with this subject!
January 25, 2022
An enjoyable short Christian romance. Narrator was easy to listen to.
May 20, 2022
Love has no bounderies
True love overlooks handicaps thru thick or thin it will survived. Only God can provide everlasting love between man and woman.
True love overlooks handicaps thru thick or thin it will survived. Only God can provide everlasting love between man and woman.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews