Nora

Brides of the Oregon Trail #9

by Cynthia Woolf

Wed one of her father’s lecherous old cronies or flee. Those are the only options for Nora Jones. Refusing to be a pawn, she escapes in the night, running for her life. Her freedom.

Ben Taylor is no stranger to a fight. An honorable man, he’s still a rough, tough cowboy who gets into plenty of trouble. When caught in a compromising situation, albeit an innocent one, Ben does the first thing that comes to mind – marry the lady in distress.

Sparks fly in 1855 in the Willamette Valley in the Oregon Territory as Nora and Ben fall unexpectedly in love, but no one can outrun their past forever. When danger comes calling, will Ben be able to protect Nora, or will they all go down in flames?

Genres: Romance, Mail Order Brides, Adventure

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2021

About the author

Cynthia Woolf is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of eighty-five works of romance fiction. Comprising sixty-six historical western romances, ten contemporary romance novels, two contemporary romance novellas, one historical western romance novella, and six sci-fi space opera romances, which she calls westerns in space. Along with these books, she has also published twelve boxed sets of her books and two short stories.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance, Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia's father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy, not a bounty hunter, and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.



WEBSITE – http://cynthiawoolf.com

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TITLES AVAILABLE (English unless otherwise stated)

COLORADO BILLIONAIRES (sweet contemporary novels)
THE CEO
THE RANCHER
THE MAVERICK
THE TYCOON
THE ARTIST (coming soon)
THE QUARTERBACK (coming soon)


MONTANA BILLIONAIRES SERIES (contemporary sweet western novels)
Her Secret Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Mysterious Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Christmas Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire
Her Disguised Cowboy Billionaire


CHRISTMAS AT THE MISTLETOE INN (contemporary novella)
Cooking Up Christmas


THE BRIDES OF THE KLONDIKE
The Gold Rush Bride (Available in German)
The Gold Mountain Bride


THE PRESCOTT BRIDES (Available in German)
A Bride for Ross
A Bride for Frank
A Bride for Tucker
A Bride for Clay
A Bride for Brodie



THE HEART WISH MAIL-ORDER BRIDES SERIES
Heart of Stone
Heart of Shadow


MARSHALS MAIL ORDER BRIDES
The Carson City Bride (Available in German)
The Virginia City Bride (Available in German)
The Silver City Bride
The Eureka City Bride


ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES
Adele


BRIDES OF GOLDEN CITY
A Husband for Victoria
A Husband for Cordelia
A Husband for Adeline


BRIDES OF THE OREGON TRAIL (Available in German)
Hannah
Lydia
Bella
Eliza
Rebecca
Charlotte
Amanda
Emma Rose
Nora
Opal


BACHELORS & BABIES
Carter (Book 3)


BRIDES OF SEATTLE (Available in German)
Mail Order Mystery
Mail Order Mayhem
Mail Order Mix-Up
Mail Order Moonlight
Mail Order Melody


CENTRAL CITY BRIDES (Available in German)
The Dancing Bride
The Sapphire Bride
The Irish Bride
The Pretender Bride


HOMESTEAD CANYON SERIES
Thorpe’s Mail-Order Bride
Kissed by a Stranger
A Family for Christmas


HOPE’S CROSSING
The Hunter Bride
The Replacement Bride
The Stolen Bride
The Unexpected Bride


AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES
Genevieve, Bride of Nevada


THE SURPRISE BRIDES
Gideon


THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO
Nellie (Available in German)
Annie (Available in German)
Cora (Available in German)
Sophia (Available in German)
Amelia (Available in German)
Violet


THE BRIDES OF TOMBSTONE (Available in German)
Mail Order Outlaw
Mail Order Doctor
Mail Order Baron


DESTINY IN DEADWOOD (Available in German)
Jake
Liam
Zach


MATCHMAK

Reviews

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oregon City 1853

The journey begins with a wagon train to Oregon City, filled with mail order brides and others along.
Nora was one of those brides to be, but of all things she meets Ben, who is traveling with his siblings to make a new start.

But Nora marries the man she promised and is happy until a tragedy. Luckily she had support and was able to open a shop and Ben comes back into the picture!

A winding journey to a happy ever after, filled with a unexpected danger and suspense, that might just change everything! Another great addition to this series!

Sit back and enjoy another wonderful story by this amazing author!

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU WANT TO MARRY SOMEONE, THEN MARRY ME

What an intriguing story with adventure, danger, and romantic suspense. The story is part of the Brides of the Oregon Trail but will read well as a stand-alone. While I have read all nine books in this series, I believe this one has quickly become my favorite. The story will have Nora Jones and Opal McGinity traveling on the same wagon train journey to Oregon City that the Taylor family will be on. From the moment Ben Taylor saw Nora, he was in love—but she was betrothed to another man—Seth Haller, a lumberjack.

While the story has bits and pieces of the journey, Ben is watching out for Nora and Opal—even providing them fresh meat along the way. When they arrive in Oregon, Nora will honor her commitment and marry Seth Haller—but before one year of marriage, he will be killed, and she is pregnant and on her own. As a talented seamstress, she will set up shop in town, and that is where Ben and she will meet again

The story is full of people from previous stories but will still read well as a stand-alone. I liked the chemistry, interaction, and angst between Nora and Ben. But when Ben hears from his friend Jonah Davis that he is getting married to a seamstress, his thought is immediate of Nora. There is no way he will let her get away again. He doesn’t think; he just acts, which sets this tale into motion—especially when the town busybody catches him kissing her.

“Hello, Mrs. Decker. So good to see you. You can be the first to congratulate me. Mrs. Haller has just agreed to be my wife.”

The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Ben and Nora have feelings for one another, but she isn’t happy about how he accosted her, kissed her, and then announced he was marrying her without the facts. They must decide how this marriage will work because Nora refuses to allow another man to dictate her life like her father attempted to do—but Ben has the farm and wants to build his home on the land they purchased. They seem to be at an impasse—until danger comes calling—threatening to take Sean from Nora. Together, along with friends and family, they will be facing danger. But, when life and death get between them, they realize what is most important and are willing to go to whatever means to keep their family together and safe.

Nora: “Come to bed with me, Ben. I don’t want to sleep alone. If the truth be known, I’m tire of sleeping alone. Does that make me a bad women?”
Ben: “I’d say it makes you human. We need touch. We crave it because we are not solitary creatures.”
Nora: “Come hold me, please.”

“She married Ben because she wanted to, more than anything. Getting caught kissing might have been the catalyst, but in the end, the real reason was she loved Ben, had always loved Ben, since their journey on the wagon train here.”

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this ninth book of The Brides of the Oregon Trail series, I believe it will help if the reader has at least read Rebecca and Charlotte to have an understanding of the Taylor family. Escaping her father's machinations, Nora signs up as a mail-order bride and when Ben Taylor approaches her on the wagon trail, she makes it very clear to him that she has no intention of breaking her promise. However, events transpire that leave Nora alone and pregnant and with the help of her friends, she is able to open a dress-making business. Ben renews his acquaintance with Nora, but when his unruly temper gets in the way, he puts both of them in an awkward situation, forcing them to marry. Nora is less than happy with Ben, as much as she actually likes him, but she has no intention of being forced to do anything, especially as she had fled her family home in order to be free. The marriage is well-timed as danger comes calling and Nora and her baby are at risk, calling on all of Ben's resources to keep them safe. Although the attraction between Nora and Ben is tangible and is evident from the beginning, Ben is an impulsive person and his temper results in him almost losing the most important person in his life. One can only admire Nora's strength in the midst of difficult circumstances, especially when her late's husband's past comes calling. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Ben’s story. I met Ben in Rebecca’s story when they came to Oregon with their brothers and sisters o the wagon train. Ben was so sweet to Nora when he met her on the wagon train. I felt bad for Ben as he was taken with Nora, but she told him that she signed a contract to be a mail order bride and she was not going to go back on her word. I know Ben thought more of her standing by her word even though he wanted her. It had to be hard for Nora to lose her husband after being married just over a year and having a new baby boy. The men who worked with her husband were wonderful and helped her to get her dress making business started. I know that Nora kept sane by having her baby Sean to take care of. Ben and Nora’s path to marriage was not something Nora had wanted. Ben did have a temper that got away with him at times. There is a horrible person that wants to cause trouble for Nora and there are some trying times with her. I encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[JackEllena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful historic western romance!

A good book is so wonderful, and this one fits the bill. The characters are wonderful, made for each other and their love story a pleasure to read. Children are so wonderful and make life enjoyable, thank you, Jack.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the story of the third Taylor sibling, Ben, and his love for Nora. In 1855, Nora and the Taylor family happen to be travelling on the same wagon train. They are all on their way to the Oregon Territory. Ben and Nora are attracted to each other from the first moment they meet. Unfortunately, Nora has already promised to be the mail order bride of a man who lives in Oregon. Therefore the young couple separate to go their own ways.

A year after Nora and her husband marry, her husband dies, leaving a pregnant Nora all alone. She sells their property and sets herself up as a seamstress. She and her baby live upstairs over her shop.

A year later, Ben meets up again with Nora at her shop. Their mutual attraction is hard to deny, so Ben makes plans to court Nora. However, due to a misunderstanding, a neighbor catches Nora and Ben in a “compromising” situation. As a result, the couple must marry before they are able to become reacquainted.

As Ben and Nora try to come to terms with their abrupt marriage, trouble arrives in Oregon in the form of Nora’s late husband’s rich mother. She is determined to raise Nora’s’ baby as her own. Unfortunately, she doesn’t care what she has to do to accomplish this goal.

Ben and Nora are wonderful characters. Nora is a strong-minded, independent woman, who lives her life her own way. Fortunately, Ben is open-minded enough to allow Nora to retain her independence and to speak her mind.

Ben is a very strong, independent cowboy. After his parents’ death, he ran their ranch, and, with his twin sister, raised their young siblings on their own.

I enjoyed seeing many of the characters in this series that were featured in past books. It was wonderful to see their current life with their spouses and their children.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora: Historical Western Romance by Cynthia Woolf is book 9 of Brides of the Oregon Trail. this is Nora and Ben's story. Nora is running away and has become a mail-order bride during the travel by wagon train. Nora meets Ben but has promised to marry another. After the trip to Oregon , Nora marries her intended but he dies in an accident while she is pregnant. Nora and Ben's path cross and then the oratory gets interesting. Nora's dead husband's mother comes and stirs things up.Cynthia Woolf has created a story that includes adventure, romance, family , misadventure, family, and danger along with a look at a life that was not easy. You do not have to read the stories before but if you do you get to touch base with previous characters. Nora can be read as a stand alone but you will want to read the earlier books just to find out everyone's story. Cynthia Woolf has become one of my favorite authors .

I was given an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora’s father was a beast, controlling and mean. He insisted she marry an old man friend. Nora knew she would have to escape. She joined a wagon train headed west. The Taylor family also joined the wagon train. Ben Taylor was the oldest of the family, and he strives to not be like his father. When Ben sees Nora, he experiences love at first sight. He approaches Nora, and she tells him she is a mail order bride, on her way to meet her new husband to be in Oregon City. She also is very drawn to him, but she has made a pact and will follow through on her word. The man she is to marry is a very nice, loving man, who has left his controlling family, especially his very evil mother, behind so that he can start a new life. He and Nora marry. I do not want to give anything away so I will stop there. This is a very good story, and family oriented. The people really care about each other and are always there to help each other. This is a nice read, hope you enjoy it too.

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has crafted a sweet and heartwarming story and one filled with human frailties including secrets, misunderstandings, miscommunication, danger, grief, and romance, . This is Nora Jones and Ben Taylor's story. Nora runs away from her home in the night to escape marriage to any of her father's friends. Ben Taylor is a rough and rugged cowboy who is acquainted with trouble. Nora joins a wagon train to travel west to become a MOB, where she meets Ben who is also traveling on the same wagon train. Ben makes sure to look after Nora. The couple fall in love but Nora is insistence on honoring her commitment as a MOB so the couple part ways. Within a year, her husband is killed and she finds herself pregnant. Will she and Ben find their way to each other? Will Ben be able to protect Nora from the trouble that stalks her? Will the couple ever find their HEA? Be sure to read this great story to find out. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia has another great book here! I loved seeing Ben and Nora again, and the rest of Bens family that we meet in Rebecca and Charlotte books earlier.

Ben fell in love with Nora on the Trail moving to Oregon but, Nora was a mail order bride and promised to another. She refused to break that promise.

Now time has passed, and a lot has changed. Nora is a widow with a baby and trying to make it on her own. She is also very independent now. Ben is determined to marry her and not let her get away this time, as there is no other man in the way. So, when a misunderstanding happens, he marries her right away. She is mad and going to make Ben work for this marriage. However, trouble comes knocking on her door from Nora’s late husbands’ family and Ben promises to keep them all safe. Can Ben keep the family he has wanted for so long safe, or will he lose it all?

* I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora: Historical Western Romance Brides of the Oregon Trail Book 9 by Cynthia Woolf is a captivating,intriguing and interesting story of Ben and Nora..Nora Fled from her home and sign up to be a mail order bride,in the wagon trail she met Ben and his family istantly they felt the attraction towards each other but Nora promised herself to the other man her fiance but bad happened when her husband died and left her pregnant and alone but with the help of her friends she persevere and open up a dress-maker shop but when Ben and Nora found themselvesz in a compromising situation because of his temper they need to get married fast to avoid scandal and its a blessing in disguise that its happened because Noras ex mother inlaw wanted to get her child by hook or by crook but thanks to Ben it didnt end bad for them but for her ex mother inlaw..great story! cant wait for more,well done!
I was given an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical western romance with the two main characters that were Nora Jones and Ben Taylor. And also the rest of the characters too.

Nora Jones is a mail order bride that is heading west to Oregon to meet her intended. Because her father want to marry her to an older man that is more the age of her father. So she decides to traveling west with a friend on a wagon train. This is were she also meet a young man that helps them with getting food and other things.

Ben Taylor is traveling west to Oregon with his family. They are traveling west on a wagon train. During the journey west he meets a woman on the wagon train that caught his interest. But he is surprised when he finds out that she is to marry another man.

This was a fun book to read.  It had quite a few laughs. It also has a villain that quite surprised me.

I received a complimentary copy via author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series
No you don't have to read the other books in the series, but it does help with regards to who belongs to who and some of their backgrounds. Nora is an amazing young women, who has her share of heartache, both before becoming a mail order bride and after her marriage to Ben.
I loved hearing more about Ben's siblings, Rebecca and her hubby Ian, how much Carrie Ann has grown, as well as Peter and Charlie who is also married now.
Grandma T is not a nice person, I understand we make mistakes while raising our children, but kidnapping our grandchillins to make it right, really make Grandma feel she can do better, but that pretty much back fired on her, thank heavens! Poor Sean having to be with her, let alone live in Boston with her? so glad they get the info they need to find where she's taken him.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by Cynthia Woolf. This is a beautiful love story of Ben and Nora who first met on a wagon train headed for Oregon City. It was love at first sight, but Nora was a mail order bride and wouldn't break her promise to marry Seth in Oregon City. Seth died in a logging accident about a year after their marriage and Nora was expecting their first child. After Sean was born, Nora opened her own seamstress business with room at the back of the shop for living. Due to a misunderstanding, Ben showed up at Nora's shop and proposed marriage without courting her. They had a rocky start and then Sean was kidnapped. Did Ben and Nora get Sean back safely and who was behind the kidnapping? You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this romantic suspense. I was given an ARC for my voluntary and honest review.

[Cindy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in The Brides of the Oregon Trail series and is an enjoyable book that brings the old west to life. With the appearances from characters who you found a special place in your heart for from the novels Rebecca and Charlotte. This book is about the third sibling of the Taylor family, Ben, and his journey finding of falling in love with that someone special, Nora. Cynthia Woolf has woven a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, danger, and suspense. It's a story filled with unforgettable characters that are well thought out and each and everyone comes across clearly as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale, a good plot that brims with tension-building twist, with setting descriptions which brings this read together perfectly and will keep you reading from the moment you begin the journey until the very end.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable addition to the "Oregon Trail Brides" series by this author. As always the story begins in Missouri as the wagon train prepares to head out for the months long trip to Oregon. The storyline continues with Nora and Ben who is brother to Rebecca (earlier in this series). The way to their HEA is just a touch different than other couples, but people from earlier books do make appearances in this book. Great character development as you have gotten in her other stories make this a good, easy to read and smooth flowing book to enjoy.

I received an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest review. VICKI FROM WYOMING

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben fell in love with Nora before they left for Oregon but she was promised to another, so he set that love aside. Nora did marry her intended, but he was killed in an accident while she was pregnant with their child. She opened her own dress shop to support herself and her son. When Ben re-enters her life, she realizes that she still has feelings for him. But, when they are forced into a marriage, she is very angry with him for forcing the issue. When her first husband's mother comes to take her son, Nora will do anything to keep him safe. Ben vows to do the same. He loves the boy too and will not let anyone take him. Can Ben keep them safe?

[Mary Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the Taylor family homesteading in Oregon. A stand-alone book, number 9 in the Brides of the Oregon Trail series, it starts off reprising the trip from Montana from Ben and Nora’s perspective. For a time, it appears they will never be together but life has a way of finding the correct path. A strong woman who can take care of herself is the perfect foil for a man who can hew a home and a living out of any piece of ground, defying the evil in the world along the way. It was great to catch up with Ben’s family as well. Well developed and loveable characters. Well done!

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every minute of this heartwarming historical western romance with characters you want to know more about and a beautifully written story that immediately captivated me and kept me totally involved in all that was happening from start to finish. I loved the undeniable attraction and sweet romance between Ben Taylor and Nora Jones. If you enjoy well-crafted mail order bride romance, don't miss "Nora" by gifted author Cynthia Woolf. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sandra Whittiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora: Historical Western Romance (Brides of the Oregon Trail Book 9)

Nora was a woman who was determined to make her own choices as to what her future would be, not her father. Traveled from Independence on a wagon train headed for Oregon City. She was to marry a man there.. Maybe she could find the life she longed for or you never know when fate may step in and change everything in the blink of an eye. Great Read!!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look forward to getting a new Cynthia Woolf book. I know the story is going to keep me engaged and the characters will be interesting. Nora and Ben certainly fill the bill. They can’t decide if they love or despise each other but they are certainly drawn to each other. Another story where a failure to communicate plus an uncontrolled temper gets the parties in trouble. This book met my expectations.

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora is book nine in The Brides of the Oregon Trails series. We first met Ben in Rebecca's story and this is his and Nora's story. This story starts a bit differently, as Nora is already a mail order bride to someone else when Ben meets her. But fate has a way of bringing these together. Little do they know that danger lurks where they least suspect it. This book was so good. I loved how it didn't start as every book typically does. I can't wait to read more.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora meets Ben when they're both on a wagon train, he asks if he can see her but she's a mail order bride and promised to someone else.
They meet again later when Nora's husband has died in an accident and she has her small son to take care of, Ben still has feelings for her. Then her ex mother in law appears, claiming her son.

A great romantic suspense from Cynthia.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that weaves previous stories and their characters together such that you see how the community is doing. There is a second chance for Ben and Nora after she becomes a widow with a small child. There are mix ups, threats and a kidnapping to provide action in the story. Eventually there is the HEA.

[Bigedsgirl1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great historical western romance by Cynthia Woolf! Ben Taylor was one of my favorite characters in an earlier book of this series, Rebecca. Ben and Nora's romance, the threat to Nora's baby son Sean, the loyalty and love of family and friends against that threat makes for an entertaining story.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben and Nora take the long way to love but it all works out beautifully in the end. Nora respects her promise to be a mail order bride but tragedy changes her life’s path and leads her straight back to the man who asked her to break her promise. Their story is fast paced and sweet with a little stress thrown in for good measure. I loved their story. Ben is the man all women should have :)

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, I enjoyed this mail order romance written by Cynthia Woolf. The characters and plot are well-thought out and very interesting. I appreciate Cynthia's writing as she uses a well-loved genre but definitely does not follow a cookie-cutter plot as others have done. Her books are anything but predicable and definitely keep the reader's attention.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora

Brides of the Oregon Trail books are about mail order brides that are looking for love. Nora falls in love with Ben Taylor on the long ride west but is promised to another who she marries. Ben never married waiting for her if it takes years or Maybe never. Do they find one another again, it makes for an interesting read. I enjoyed . Jo

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nova

This author always has good stories and no two are the same. A couple meets on a wagon train. She is a mail order bride promised to another. No dating. Later they meet but she isn't sure she should date him. She hasn't been widow for a year. What would others think? The story will take you to the happy and hard times they shared. You will feel as if you are there with them.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story about Nora heading West as a mail order bride. A lot of things can happen on an arduous journey by wagon train. Life isn’t dull for her once settled in Oregon City. I recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.