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When their Paths Cross

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After her parents' death, Malinda Carter decides she will not fall victim to the hardships of her new reality. She lives with her much younger sister, Casey, feeling weighed down with the responsibility of raising her on her own, seeing no other option but to become a mail-order bride. Not long after answering a sheriff's ad, a different local candidate, Lester, appears out of nowhere, puzzling her over her decision. Malinda's first glimpse of him takes her breath away and she can't ignore her interest in getting to know him better. To her disappointment though, Lester won't open up his heart and let her in, shattering her dreams and hopes. Will she find the courage to claim the happiness she deserves, next to the man she has chosen?

Having already experienced abandonment by his parents and by the woman he thought he would spend his life with, Lester finds himself lonely, losing his zest for life. For four years, he has been isolating himself, working on his farm, as he nurses his old wounds. Although he is too afraid to admit it, Lester's hidden desire is to create a loving family. When his friend encourages him to meet Malinda, Lester finds it hard to take his eyes off her but he is hesitant to give her the key to his heart and let her become his salvation. Will he allow Malinda to restore his faith and trust in love, leaving behind the hurtful memories?

When Malinda and Lester's paths cross, they begin to navigate the treacherous waters of doubt and hope. As soon as they realize that everything they've been looking for has been placed right in front of them, the sheriff's unexpected arrival causes more trouble for them. With their own concerns shadowing their actions, can they truly overcome their fears in order to save a newfound love?

"When their Paths Cross" is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

123 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

About the author

Lilah Rivers

105 books39 followers

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5 stars
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53 (25%)
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19 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
665 reviews
April 25, 2022
Malinda and Lester

Malinda is 19 and has been taking care of her 12 year old sister ever since their parents died! She and her best friend Nettie are talking one day and Malinda tells her friend that she thinks she's ready for marriage. Nettie suggests she become a mail order bride. So Nettie buys a Matrimonial Magazine. They find one ad that they agree would work, maybe, a Sheriff in Idaho. After starting a correspondence with the Sheriff, the preacher's wife Ethel comes to talk to Malinda about Lester Ford, a gentleman rancher who is also interested in getting married. Lester's fiancée, Susan, left him at the alter just days before their wedding 5 years before and he has had trust issues with women ever since. Only he has decided that he wants to take the chance again. His best friend Jeb is all for him trying again as he wants his friend happy. What happens when these two get together? What happens with their friends? What about when the Sheriff comes to town? Will Casey be happy? Only one way to find out, read this great story by Lilah Rivers!
Profile Image for Sherrie.
501 reviews
April 9, 2021
Malinda and her younger sister Casey lost their parents and have had to make a life on their own. Fortunately they are not destitute and has their Colorado home to live in. Malinda has a thriving laundry business, which is very hard work. Lester owns the largest ranch in the area, he also lost his parents when they flat out walked out on him and left him at 4 years old. He also was engaged to a woman who walked out on him the day they were to be married. So he has trust issues. Malinda's best friend convinces her to look at the Mail Order newspaper to search for a potential husband, which she does, and meets a Sheriff in Idaho. Meanwhile Malinda and Lester are introduced. I could not put this book down once I started reading it. It is so well written, and the emotions that may not be displayed are written about. Will love thrive? Of course it will. Question is, which love? Very enjoyable read!
45 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2023
Slow build to not much of a surprise ending.


This author had a good idea of a story, but dragged it out painfully slow. I had to skip a few pages that were repetitive. Also, she did not research what a cattle rancher does to keep his ranch going strong. Lester was always leaning on a fence or a porch. Also, some words were spoken with modern slang that they did not use in the 1800's. Also, this man drank more than most men of that time. Not sure they had mixed drinks with soda either. Don't waste your time reading this book.



4,720 reviews39 followers
April 8, 2021
Good story.
The sheriff or Lester who is she going to marry? Malinda answered an ad for a mail-order bride for Timothy Habeck a sheriff from Idaho but what she is finding is that sometimes what you want is right in front of you. I enjoyed the book it was a good story showing that trust is very important. It also highlighted the need to be completely honest because that did cause Malinda some problems. This is a book I am happy to recommend.
4,528 reviews31 followers
April 13, 2021
Being publicly humiliated by Susan has kept Lester from looking for another sweetheart/wife for too long. Malinda/Molly has been taking care of her younger sister by taking in laundry for several years, not leaving time to look for a match. Lilah Rivers brings these two together but not without a few bumps in the road. Be sure and read the extended epilogue to get the answer to what happens to all the other characters. Thank you for this, Lilah.
Profile Image for Carol Ann.
168 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2021
A very sweet story.

Reaching the age of wanting to get married but knowing it was her responsibility to continue raising her little sister, Molly needed to find a fine man who would accept her and her sister. Looking into being a mail order bride but also looking in her own community to find a good and stable mate. This is a sweet story of two such people finding one another and both praying for their HEA.
5,350 reviews67 followers
April 13, 2021
When their Paths Cross An Inspirational Historical Romance Book

A very good story about two people that had lived in the same town and when their paths crossed they fell in love and with a turn or two they marry .The characters are very charming and the extended epilogue completes the story for all the characters.A well written and heartfelt story
Profile Image for Glaidene Ramsey.
1,204 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2021
Inspirational Historical Western Romance

Malinda is an independent young woman. She's had the responsibility of raising her little sister since their parents died. Now she feels it's time for her to marry and have a family. In making this decision she seeks the help of her friend Nettie. The book was a fun read for me. Enjoy it and make your decision. I did!!!!!🙂
Profile Image for Vi.
732 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2021
Lonely and worry for the future; Molly, Lester and Timothy all felt the same. Casey was concerned about her sister. A good romance involving learning to love and trust, again. Wonderful characters. Waiting for the next heartwarming tale.
345 reviews
July 3, 2025
Malinda and Lester

Malinda is left alone to take care of her younger sister when their parents die. She takes in laundry to make a living, but has decided it is time for her to find a husband. Rancher Lester has also decided it is time to look for a wife. Good story!
719 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2021
A very enjoyable story
Having to bring up her sister she decided to be come a mail order bride
Will she find a happy life
115 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2021
Excellent

Good characters. Interesting story. I highly recommend this book from a very talented author. Thank you for this entertaining story.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,049 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2021
A good book. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
628 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2021
When Their Paths Cross

I can relate to having multiple suitors. I expected the rejected suitor to react differently but his behavior made it easier for resolving any issues.
54 reviews
August 11, 2021
Enjoyed reading

While I did enjoy the story of a Malinda and Lester, there were some places that I felt it was too unnecessarily wordy with mundane and unimportant chatter. Overall, however it was an enjoyable read.
801 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2024
When their Paths Cross

A fine story, I think it could go further. What did happen to his parents. Did they die. Why did they disappear. Other than that I enjoyed the story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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