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Mail-Order Mama #11
A Horsewoman for Harlan
Could a child’s dream be a heavenly plan?
Millie needs a mama, and her papa needs a horse trainer—how can a six-year-old combine the two and come up with both? The housekeeper assists by mailing an old friend from Pennsylvania for help. Millie tries everything to push the horsewoman and her papa together, but a stranger destroys her plans and shatters their lives. Will Harlan and Elise find simple friendship or eternal love?
Millie needs a mama, and her papa needs a horse trainer—how can a six-year-old combine the two and come up with both? The housekeeper assists by mailing an old friend from Pennsylvania for help. Millie tries everything to push the horsewoman and her papa together, but a stranger destroys her plans and shatters their lives. Will Harlan and Elise find simple friendship or eternal love?
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2021
68 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Goss
106 books70 followersAKA Barbara A. Masci & Barbara Masci-Goss
From Kindle Author Page:
Barbara Masci Goss is now just Barbara Goss. I live in Western New York State and have three grown sons, two step daughters and 10 grandchildren. I wrote my books in the early '90's and now that I'm retired I have obtained the book rights and am converting them to Kindle. That's exciting for me because I don't read paper books at all anymore. I have designed new covers with a new author name: Barbara Goss. My first two books "Captured Heart" and "Forbidden Legacy" went to a second printing in the mid '90's and the publisher added my name as Barbara Masci-Goss, but I now prefer to keep it short and sweet.
From Author Website:
I'm from Western New York, and I live with my husband and two cats, Mandy and Molly.
I wrote these books in the early 1990's in paperback. My publishers were Fleming Revell and Baker Book House.
Now, I have the rights and have put them out on E-Books so people can still enjoy them.
My goal in writing these books is to provide clean but still romantic and adventurous novels for all ages. I've always felt that we needed more clean, wholesome books. When I wrote these books there were but a handful of Christian romance writers. Now, thankfully there are more. My biggest influence in writing was Grace Livingston Hill. Enjoy.
From Kindle Author Page:
Barbara Masci Goss is now just Barbara Goss. I live in Western New York State and have three grown sons, two step daughters and 10 grandchildren. I wrote my books in the early '90's and now that I'm retired I have obtained the book rights and am converting them to Kindle. That's exciting for me because I don't read paper books at all anymore. I have designed new covers with a new author name: Barbara Goss. My first two books "Captured Heart" and "Forbidden Legacy" went to a second printing in the mid '90's and the publisher added my name as Barbara Masci-Goss, but I now prefer to keep it short and sweet.
From Author Website:
I'm from Western New York, and I live with my husband and two cats, Mandy and Molly.
I wrote these books in the early 1990's in paperback. My publishers were Fleming Revell and Baker Book House.
Now, I have the rights and have put them out on E-Books so people can still enjoy them.
My goal in writing these books is to provide clean but still romantic and adventurous novels for all ages. I've always felt that we needed more clean, wholesome books. When I wrote these books there were but a handful of Christian romance writers. Now, thankfully there are more. My biggest influence in writing was Grace Livingston Hill. Enjoy.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 5, 2021
This is an OK mail-order bride romance, but I did have a few issues with it. It gets 3.5 stars from me, rounded down to 3 stars.
First, it was just too short to have enough character development. I wanted more backstory on both Elise and Harlan.
Elise was likable, and I loved that she was so good at doing what everyone assumed only a man could do. I also liked that she was so good with Harlan's kids.
I loved that Harlan was such a good guy, and had adopted little Millie just because she needed/wanted to stay with her brother. He ended up loving both kids, and being a great father to them, too. It did bother me when he blamed Elise for what happened to Millie, but I understood why he did that -- I just wished that he had apologized to her sooner.
I liked Harlan's son Clay, but I adored little Millie. She was just a sweetheart, and so cute how she tried to get Harlan to marry Elise.
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.
First, it was just too short to have enough character development. I wanted more backstory on both Elise and Harlan.
Elise was likable, and I loved that she was so good at doing what everyone assumed only a man could do. I also liked that she was so good with Harlan's kids.
I loved that Harlan was such a good guy, and had adopted little Millie just because she needed/wanted to stay with her brother. He ended up loving both kids, and being a great father to them, too. It did bother me when he blamed Elise for what happened to Millie, but I understood why he did that -- I just wished that he had apologized to her sooner.
I liked Harlan's son Clay, but I adored little Millie. She was just a sweetheart, and so cute how she tried to get Harlan to marry Elise.
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.
August 31, 2021
A Horsewoman for Harlan was a cute story of how Millie's, and her father's, prayers for a mother and someone good with horses, respectively, were answered in the form of Elise. While this story has an eventual sweet romance between Elise and Harlan, there's also plenty of action with cons and horse thieves, as well as descriptions of life on a horse ranch in the late 19th century. And while I'm still not sure the nudge at the end was needed, it all played out well in the end.
The narrator did a great job not only with bringing everyone to life, from little Millie to Elise, Harlan, Clay, and Martha but also with their Southern accents. Now, while I did have some issues at first with Millie's and Elise's voices during the first few chapters (since the first sounded like the adult, even though she's supposed to be 6, and the second like the child, at times, during the conversation with her parents), I eventually grew used to Millie's voice and her childlike enthusiasm, especially during her conversations with Elise and Martha.
Overall, a multiple POV, clean/sweet romance story interwoven with action, adventure, and Christian faith, perfect for fans of the author, the series (even though it definitely stands on its own), and/or the genre. ~ 4 stars
The narrator did a great job not only with bringing everyone to life, from little Millie to Elise, Harlan, Clay, and Martha but also with their Southern accents. Now, while I did have some issues at first with Millie's and Elise's voices during the first few chapters (since the first sounded like the adult, even though she's supposed to be 6, and the second like the child, at times, during the conversation with her parents), I eventually grew used to Millie's voice and her childlike enthusiasm, especially during her conversations with Elise and Martha.
Overall, a multiple POV, clean/sweet romance story interwoven with action, adventure, and Christian faith, perfect for fans of the author, the series (even though it definitely stands on its own), and/or the genre. ~ 4 stars
May 23, 2021
As always, the author has penned a sweet and heartwarming story full of fun and wonderful characters. This is Elise Ansell, a horse trainer, and Harlan Tanner's (a single man) story, as well as two orphans (a brother Clay and sister Millie), who Harlan had adopted from an orphan train. After a couple of years, Millie, at the age of six, decided she wanted a mama and her dad definitely needed a horse trainer so she started praying and asking God to supply her requests. God worked in mysterious ways and answers came about. Will Elise arrive to become the needed horse trainer? What will happen when someone from Elise's past shows up? Will Elise and Harlan fall in love which grows into a HEA? Be sure to read this great story to find out the answers. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
July 15, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of this story. Delightful and the narrator was good. Harlan adopted a brother and sister, Clay and Millie from the orphan train. Life is going good, until Millie wants a Mother and Harlan needs a horse trainer, right away. Millie explains her troubles to the housekeeper and thinks she has the solution. A friend of hers, back in Pennsylvania has a daughter that is good with horses. So they send a letter, right away to Elise for the horse trainer position. She accepts right away. This will be her dream job. Millie hopes she can be her Mother too. Can a conversation with a stranger on the train, derail everyone's dreams.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
May 23, 2021
A Story of Faith!
The prayers of a child are answered but leading up to that there is the meeting of hearts, a bit of an adventure where the 'bad' guys are found out and handled appropriately, the achievement of a young lady and her ability to train horses and of course the change in attitude towards taking a wife by our hero, Harlan.
All of this goes into this sweet and romantic romance which held my attention and had me turning pages to find out what would happen next and I loved every second of it!
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and my voluntary review (apologies for the lateness) is recorded above.
The prayers of a child are answered but leading up to that there is the meeting of hearts, a bit of an adventure where the 'bad' guys are found out and handled appropriately, the achievement of a young lady and her ability to train horses and of course the change in attitude towards taking a wife by our hero, Harlan.
All of this goes into this sweet and romantic romance which held my attention and had me turning pages to find out what would happen next and I loved every second of it!
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and my voluntary review (apologies for the lateness) is recorded above.
June 27, 2021
A Horsewoman for Harlan is a true gem!
I love these historical stories where the heroine dares to be different and take on what was considered then as a man's profession. Also liked that the author made Elise petite and feminine, while still strong in body and spirit and Harlan was open minded enough to hire her. This Mail Order Mama story is well written, well placed, has well developed characters and plenty of action and plotline twists and turns, to keep you thoroughly entertained! Great job Barbara Goss! This may be my first read book by this author, but I will definitely be checking out more of her work and reading the next saga in this series!
I love these historical stories where the heroine dares to be different and take on what was considered then as a man's profession. Also liked that the author made Elise petite and feminine, while still strong in body and spirit and Harlan was open minded enough to hire her. This Mail Order Mama story is well written, well placed, has well developed characters and plenty of action and plotline twists and turns, to keep you thoroughly entertained! Great job Barbara Goss! This may be my first read book by this author, but I will definitely be checking out more of her work and reading the next saga in this series!
February 2, 2022
A Horse woman for Harlan
This was such a good book. I enjoyed reading the story of Harlan and Elise. Just as Elise decides she needs to do something to change her life, she gets a letter asking her if she would be interested in becoming a horse trainer at Harlan's ranch. She jumps at the chance. On her travel there, she meets TJ, who is not what he appears to be. He shows up at the ranch and that's when trouble begins. Even though Harlan is developing feelings for her, he also blames her for what's happening. As they work through their feelings, Harlan realizes he cares for her more than he thought. Read this delightful story to see how it ends.
This was such a good book. I enjoyed reading the story of Harlan and Elise. Just as Elise decides she needs to do something to change her life, she gets a letter asking her if she would be interested in becoming a horse trainer at Harlan's ranch. She jumps at the chance. On her travel there, she meets TJ, who is not what he appears to be. He shows up at the ranch and that's when trouble begins. Even though Harlan is developing feelings for her, he also blames her for what's happening. As they work through their feelings, Harlan realizes he cares for her more than he thought. Read this delightful story to see how it ends.
March 13, 2023
A woman horse trainer?
Elise travels from Pennsylvania to Kansas to be a horse trainer. Harlan adopted a brother and sister from the orphan train because he needs help on his horse ranch. He had only planned on adopting a boy, but he arrived late and there was only one boy left. However, the boy had a little sister holding onto his shirt for dear life, so Harlan decided to adopt both children. Elise loves little Millie almost immediately and loves teaching her to ride. She also loves working with such beautiful animals. However, when Millie gets kidnapped, the mystery and intrigue start. It's a beautiful story and I enjoyed seeing it unfold.
Elise travels from Pennsylvania to Kansas to be a horse trainer. Harlan adopted a brother and sister from the orphan train because he needs help on his horse ranch. He had only planned on adopting a boy, but he arrived late and there was only one boy left. However, the boy had a little sister holding onto his shirt for dear life, so Harlan decided to adopt both children. Elise loves little Millie almost immediately and loves teaching her to ride. She also loves working with such beautiful animals. However, when Millie gets kidnapped, the mystery and intrigue start. It's a beautiful story and I enjoyed seeing it unfold.
May 17, 2021
Harlan will steal your heart
Harlan may come across as big and gruff, but deep down inside he is a teddy bear. Not everything goes as planned but he knows that sometimes you are sent what you need, not what you want! Millie is a perfect example of this, he never wanted a daughter but couldn't turn her away and she quickly owns his heart. Can Elise work her way into his heart too?
A sweet historical romance complete with mischievous, interfering children and a danger that none of them saw coming. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Harlan may come across as big and gruff, but deep down inside he is a teddy bear. Not everything goes as planned but he knows that sometimes you are sent what you need, not what you want! Millie is a perfect example of this, he never wanted a daughter but couldn't turn her away and she quickly owns his heart. Can Elise work her way into his heart too?
A sweet historical romance complete with mischievous, interfering children and a danger that none of them saw coming. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
May 19, 2021
This series has been so much fun to read. I keep trying to put myself in the place of the groom having a bride unexpectedly show up and also the bride showing up thinking she is expected and finding out the groom is surprised, sometimes unpleasantly. We all know these are happily everafters so the surprse for us comes in how the author works their magic and makes it happen. Barbara Goss is one of the best at weaving that story and making you say "yeah, that could have happened". Millie is a precocious delight as she works at getting her way.
July 16, 2021
I listened to this one on audio. The narrator, Wendy Arcega, did a great job in bringing this story to life.
This is a fantastic book. I love the twist with mail-order bride / mail-order mama. Of course, Barbara Goss does a fantastic job of creating relatable characters and an interesting storyline that will keep you on your toes. She brings out emotions every time she writes a book. This one had me happy, sad, angry, anxious, and others as well.
The multi-layered cover is amazing. As always, I LOVE when the series is on the front cover of the book. It's just gorgeous.
This is a fantastic book. I love the twist with mail-order bride / mail-order mama. Of course, Barbara Goss does a fantastic job of creating relatable characters and an interesting storyline that will keep you on your toes. She brings out emotions every time she writes a book. This one had me happy, sad, angry, anxious, and others as well.
The multi-layered cover is amazing. As always, I LOVE when the series is on the front cover of the book. It's just gorgeous.
July 17, 2021
Christian Historical Romance
I LOVED the storyline! It was a great book! My favorite parts are:
1. When he would stop and watch her training the horses.
2. When she got her lead on who did it.
3. When they were locked in. Those bad guys were terrible though.
This was a new narrator for me and I LOVED her too. I hope she usually reads Christian or Sweet Historical Romances, so I can listen to her some more!
I LOVED the storyline! It was a great book! My favorite parts are:
1. When he would stop and watch her training the horses.
2. When she got her lead on who did it.
3. When they were locked in. Those bad guys were terrible though.
This was a new narrator for me and I LOVED her too. I hope she usually reads Christian or Sweet Historical Romances, so I can listen to her some more!
July 31, 2021
This was a delightful romance with a lot of adventure. Six-year- old Millie does her best to bring Levi and Elise together, but it proves to be a tougher project than she had dreamed of. There are moments when she despairs and times when she is filled with hope. This is such a good book for Christian romance lovers.
The narration was so good and adds to the pleasure of listening.
I requested this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
The narration was so good and adds to the pleasure of listening.
I requested this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
January 16, 2022
Simply wonderful! As I heard the last words I could only smile and sigh with contentment
Barb is one of my favorite writers and her gift of weaving a story is always evident! A little different mail order bride tale, which made it even more interesting and fit into this series perfectly!
The narrator was new to me but did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life! I encourage you to sit back and enjoy every word which will reveal that love can happen anytime!
Barb is one of my favorite writers and her gift of weaving a story is always evident! A little different mail order bride tale, which made it even more interesting and fit into this series perfectly!
The narrator was new to me but did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life! I encourage you to sit back and enjoy every word which will reveal that love can happen anytime!
March 31, 2022
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the story. The narrator was great and pleasant on the ears.
The story line was wonderful with the little six year old daughter Millie right in the middle of the plot. I loved Harlan and Elise’s story.
If you like reading a good clean romance with enough adventures to keep you interested you will love this book.
I received a free code for this book but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The story line was wonderful with the little six year old daughter Millie right in the middle of the plot. I loved Harlan and Elise’s story.
If you like reading a good clean romance with enough adventures to keep you interested you will love this book.
I received a free code for this book but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
May 17, 2021
I love this Author's books. She takes you on a fun adventure with this newest release. The cast of characters won't let you down. Barbara Goss weaves a fun and exciting tale and leaves you thinking about the book after you finish it! This is a must read and you won't be disappointed. Grab a copy now!
July 19, 2021
Beautiful story of a young girl Millie wanting a Mother and a horse trainer for her father. Asking .God for a miracle to answer. A beautiful story of a man who adopted some orphans, of a family. The narration added to this heartwarming story. A past may end it all before love can grow.
Given audio for my voluntary review, was well done and I enjoyed.
Given audio for my voluntary review, was well done and I enjoyed.
June 18, 2022
Sweet story
This is a western themed sweet and clean romance. Cattle and horse thieves, kidnapping, and frightening scenes are everything you expect is n a good "out west" story. The storyline follows the dreams and prayers of a little girl who just wants a Mother. This is the type heartwarming a reader hates to put down.
This is a western themed sweet and clean romance. Cattle and horse thieves, kidnapping, and frightening scenes are everything you expect is n a good "out west" story. The storyline follows the dreams and prayers of a little girl who just wants a Mother. This is the type heartwarming a reader hates to put down.
May 20, 2021
Wonderful Story
Once again Barbara Goss has written a wonderful story that will capture your heart. I loved the characters in this story! The story is well written and I enjoyed reading it very much! I highly recommend this ebook!
Once again Barbara Goss has written a wonderful story that will capture your heart. I loved the characters in this story! The story is well written and I enjoyed reading it very much! I highly recommend this ebook!
August 1, 2021
This was a cute story. A little girl wanted a momma and therefore got her housekeeper to help bring a woman to the area that might fall in love with her daddy. Good characters. Sweet children. The narrator did a nice job.
May 18, 2021
Good
Different take on mail order bride.I enjoyed this book. Could not put down. Great characters to read about and their stories
Different take on mail order bride.I enjoyed this book. Could not put down. Great characters to read about and their stories
May 19, 2021
Cute
Cute storyline. Enjoyed the characters. There were some typos/editing issues but overall an enjoyable read for a rather lazy afternoon.
Cute storyline. Enjoyed the characters. There were some typos/editing issues but overall an enjoyable read for a rather lazy afternoon.
May 23, 2021
Loved it!
What a wonderful heartwarming tale of finding love. Just the right amount of action and love to keep me interested. I couldn't put it down!!
What a wonderful heartwarming tale of finding love. Just the right amount of action and love to keep me interested. I couldn't put it down!!
June 3, 2021
Enjoyed It
Cattle/ Horse thief’s, a horse woman and a man that has sworn never to marry. Can this wild combination work out to give Millie the momma she needs!!!
Cattle/ Horse thief’s, a horse woman and a man that has sworn never to marry. Can this wild combination work out to give Millie the momma she needs!!!
August 11, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Had it for free, wasn't sure it was my cup of tea but loved it from the first chapter. I'm not really into romance but I enjoyed the spin on it with the adoption angle.
August 20, 2021
I loved this book!
Unlike some books in this series this one had a plot and some action. It’s a great, clean read! Thank you.
Unlike some books in this series this one had a plot and some action. It’s a great, clean read! Thank you.
September 26, 2021
A Horsewoman for Harlan (Mail - Order Mama Series Book. 11)
Harlan raised horses and desperately needed a trainer to get them ready to go the army. Little did he know that his daughter was praying for a mother, and his housekeeper just happened to know of a trainer that just might want the job. She was supposed to be the best in the business, and she was on her way. Good Read!!!!
Harlan raised horses and desperately needed a trainer to get them ready to go the army. Little did he know that his daughter was praying for a mother, and his housekeeper just happened to know of a trainer that just might want the job. She was supposed to be the best in the business, and she was on her way. Good Read!!!!
May 31, 2021
A Horsewoman For Harlan!
I loved this book! The characters and the storyline kept me entertained throughout the book. Loved sweet, little Millie who touched my heart and had me smiling with her antics. Recommend. JudyE
I loved this book! The characters and the storyline kept me entertained throughout the book. Loved sweet, little Millie who touched my heart and had me smiling with her antics. Recommend. JudyE
May 31, 2021
Horse trainer needed, mother wanted
When you were little, did you ever pray very hard for something that the adults in your world thought was out of reach? Millie did just that. She was blessed to have been adopted from the orphan train with her brother. The man who adopted them, was a single man running a horse farm. Millie loved her new Dad, but she wanted a mother. Desperately! Her dad, needed a horse trainer. Desperately! When a woman was suggested as the new horse trainer, well, God works in mysterious ways!
I absolutely loved this story!! It was a clean read, no typos or errors. I think you'll love it too.
When you were little, did you ever pray very hard for something that the adults in your world thought was out of reach? Millie did just that. She was blessed to have been adopted from the orphan train with her brother. The man who adopted them, was a single man running a horse farm. Millie loved her new Dad, but she wanted a mother. Desperately! Her dad, needed a horse trainer. Desperately! When a woman was suggested as the new horse trainer, well, God works in mysterious ways!
I absolutely loved this story!! It was a clean read, no typos or errors. I think you'll love it too.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews