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Shady Forks Brides #1
An Unexpected Mail Order Bride
Theresa Baldwin’s bored with the boys paraded before her to pick from. She wants a man. Not some silly boy who plays pranks. She’s not one to wait for life to come to her. She’ll seize it by the horns. And she does just that, ending up in the wild west with nothing but her money and her companion.
Nate Winchester and his two boys were abandoned by his wife. She simply up and left them. Who does that? Now, Nate’s had to figure out how to be mother and father to his sons. Lucky for him, he’s got siblings who have helped him. But that’s not enough. Children need a mama.
When his sister comes up with a plan for getting him a bride, he’s not interested. Yet, his sister Melissa is persistent.
Lo and behold, here comes Theresa Baldwin. A ray of sunshine in his otherwise bleak life.
Theresa has no idea that her appearance has been orchestrated by Nate’s sister. She’s thrilled to have found this woodworking, ranching man’s man in the wild west. Until she learns the truth…
Nate Winchester and his two boys were abandoned by his wife. She simply up and left them. Who does that? Now, Nate’s had to figure out how to be mother and father to his sons. Lucky for him, he’s got siblings who have helped him. But that’s not enough. Children need a mama.
When his sister comes up with a plan for getting him a bride, he’s not interested. Yet, his sister Melissa is persistent.
Lo and behold, here comes Theresa Baldwin. A ray of sunshine in his otherwise bleak life.
Theresa has no idea that her appearance has been orchestrated by Nate’s sister. She’s thrilled to have found this woodworking, ranching man’s man in the wild west. Until she learns the truth…
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2021
258 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 24, 2024
Beautiful written and a very sweet, wholesome story!!
March 17, 2022
Rating: 2.2 / 5
Let me emphasize this: there is nothing WRONG with this book.
But there isn't anything particularly right about it either, hence the 2 star rating.
Basically, it's bland and without substance. Whenever the characters talk, it just felt like everyone was taking care to be ultra-polite, and therefore ultra-benign.
As a result, there was virtually no conflict to the plot, and little to no action or anything that I could really grasp to excite my interest.
Again, it wasn't bad, so it does get 2 stars...
...but it wasn't particularly good either, so it can't get more than 2 stars.
Let me emphasize this: there is nothing WRONG with this book.
But there isn't anything particularly right about it either, hence the 2 star rating.
Basically, it's bland and without substance. Whenever the characters talk, it just felt like everyone was taking care to be ultra-polite, and therefore ultra-benign.
As a result, there was virtually no conflict to the plot, and little to no action or anything that I could really grasp to excite my interest.
Again, it wasn't bad, so it does get 2 stars...
...but it wasn't particularly good either, so it can't get more than 2 stars.
October 25, 2021
Boring
No plot. People are not this goody goody all the time. Writer makes it sound as if you could get on a train in Boston and be in Wyoming in a days time. No way. Couldn't do it then and can't now. And the guys wife left him but no mention of a divorce before he marries again. After first 4 chapters I skimmed. Then it just ended suddenly. Not a real ending.
No plot. People are not this goody goody all the time. Writer makes it sound as if you could get on a train in Boston and be in Wyoming in a days time. No way. Couldn't do it then and can't now. And the guys wife left him but no mention of a divorce before he marries again. After first 4 chapters I skimmed. Then it just ended suddenly. Not a real ending.
October 16, 2021
My Musings
Nice romance with okay characters, and plot was find. It just didn't keep my attention. The romance happened over a week, and they are professing their love for each other. Not a huge fan of install I've but at least epilogue was set si, months later. Happy reading!
Nice romance with okay characters, and plot was find. It just didn't keep my attention. The romance happened over a week, and they are professing their love for each other. Not a huge fan of install I've but at least epilogue was set si, months later. Happy reading!
October 28, 2021
Just no- poor word choices, way too fast to fall in love, she never spent any time with the children, he had to have a slug of gin when he got too emotional, and he was still married!
November 15, 2021
I wanted to give this book 2 stars, I really did, but I just couldn't.
I tried!
But I can't seem to get past the fact that everyone spoke the same way, aka it translated into writing as 'We were there for the decisions and we never thought about you all as well as it has been a wonderful day all day long'. Can you tell me what's missing? The abbreviations that would denote this was cowboy land, maybe, for one, but generally speaking English speaking people don't speak without abbreviations or can't, don't, won't, etc.
Secondly, I couldn't with Theresa. She seemed okay to begin with, but then she figures out hey, it wasn't her groom who wrote to her (spoiler alert, groom is also never actually divorced from his first wife who leaves him, but maybe that's assumed?) but his siblings because they wanted him happy again, but that becomes OHMYGOSH HE DOESN'T WANT ME HERE THEY'VE BEEN CONTROLLING HIM.
The least controllable person in the world.
There were other nitpicks but, let's leave it at this. I occasionally pick up mail-order bride books, and sadly, this one wasn't for me.
I tried!
But I can't seem to get past the fact that everyone spoke the same way, aka it translated into writing as 'We were there for the decisions and we never thought about you all as well as it has been a wonderful day all day long'. Can you tell me what's missing? The abbreviations that would denote this was cowboy land, maybe, for one, but generally speaking English speaking people don't speak without abbreviations or can't, don't, won't, etc.
Secondly, I couldn't with Theresa. She seemed okay to begin with, but then she figures out hey, it wasn't her groom who wrote to her (spoiler alert, groom is also never actually divorced from his first wife who leaves him, but maybe that's assumed?) but his siblings because they wanted him happy again, but that becomes OHMYGOSH HE DOESN'T WANT ME HERE THEY'VE BEEN CONTROLLING HIM.
The least controllable person in the world.
There were other nitpicks but, let's leave it at this. I occasionally pick up mail-order bride books, and sadly, this one wasn't for me.
November 6, 2022
The story opens with Theresa Baldwin, a Boston socialite, unhappy with her life and circumstances. Her companion, Aileen Riley, tells her about mail-order bride ads. They peruse them, and Theresa starts corresponding. Nate Winchester was abandoned by his wife, Helen, who left him with two small boys. Fortunately for Nate, he's surrounded by a brother and a sister who help him care for his children.
Nate is unhappy but dedicated to his wood crafting business and his children. Nate's brother and sister see Nate's unhappiness, so they concoct an advertisement for a mail-order bride. Although Nate is displeased that they moved without his permission, he is happy with the result -- Theresa.
I thought Theresa was extremely forward to jumping on a train after exchanging the first pair of letters. I also was disappointed in the "big misunderstanding." However, the characters were carefully delineated and stood out from each other. The storyline flowed well.
ShadyForks Brides - Total of 4
** 1. An Unexpected Mail Order Bride (2021)
2. A Bride's Dilemma(2021)
Nate is unhappy but dedicated to his wood crafting business and his children. Nate's brother and sister see Nate's unhappiness, so they concoct an advertisement for a mail-order bride. Although Nate is displeased that they moved without his permission, he is happy with the result -- Theresa.
I thought Theresa was extremely forward to jumping on a train after exchanging the first pair of letters. I also was disappointed in the "big misunderstanding." However, the characters were carefully delineated and stood out from each other. The storyline flowed well.
ShadyForks Brides - Total of 4
** 1. An Unexpected Mail Order Bride (2021)
2. A Bride's Dilemma(2021)
August 1, 2021
This is the fourth book I've read by Blythe Carver, and I have to say I adore anything written by this author. I love the richness of the world she paints as well as the circumstances and romance that bring the two characters together.
I admit I was upset that Aileen had a good relationship with Nate's boys while Theresa only got one scene with them and no notable relationship, especially considering she would become their mother if things worked out with Nate.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I loved Theresa and Nate as a couple. Their scenes were so cute and heart-warming, and I found myself wanting to stay inside the story for longer. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Blythe Carver's books.
I admit I was upset that Aileen had a good relationship with Nate's boys while Theresa only got one scene with them and no notable relationship, especially considering she would become their mother if things worked out with Nate.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I loved Theresa and Nate as a couple. Their scenes were so cute and heart-warming, and I found myself wanting to stay inside the story for longer. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Blythe Carver's books.
October 25, 2021
Boston to the wilds of Wyoming in Search of Love
Theresa felt alienated from her family in Boston, seemingly lost as a result of changing family dynamics. Seeing an advertisement for a mail order bride she decided no one except possibly he father would miss her if she answered the ad along with her dear friend and companion.
Unaware that his family was concerned that Nate, a rancher in Wyoming whose wife abandoned him and their two boys, and had placed an ad for a wife was outraged. That is, until beautiful Theresa arrived with her friend and companion.
Gradually they began to to understand and respect one another and love began to evolve.
No explicit nor irreverent content. Lots of growth and self awareness blooms into a tender love story.
Theresa felt alienated from her family in Boston, seemingly lost as a result of changing family dynamics. Seeing an advertisement for a mail order bride she decided no one except possibly he father would miss her if she answered the ad along with her dear friend and companion.
Unaware that his family was concerned that Nate, a rancher in Wyoming whose wife abandoned him and their two boys, and had placed an ad for a wife was outraged. That is, until beautiful Theresa arrived with her friend and companion.
Gradually they began to to understand and respect one another and love began to evolve.
No explicit nor irreverent content. Lots of growth and self awareness blooms into a tender love story.
November 14, 2021
Lovely and sweet
What I loved about this book was the sweet simplicity to it, a city girl falling for a handsome western man . However at the same time it was a bit rushed, it felt like it could have been a bit longer in the sense that it felt like the two fell in love in a week and somehow he got over his wife in a short period of time once this new woman arrived on scene. There were minor grammatical things such as it a name being used on a character that in just the previous part of the sentence was different
Like the author was describing aileen but then Theresa's name would be used in that same sentence describing aileen. Overall it was a good book I would recommend for someone looking for a short, sweet whirlwind romance .
What I loved about this book was the sweet simplicity to it, a city girl falling for a handsome western man . However at the same time it was a bit rushed, it felt like it could have been a bit longer in the sense that it felt like the two fell in love in a week and somehow he got over his wife in a short period of time once this new woman arrived on scene. There were minor grammatical things such as it a name being used on a character that in just the previous part of the sentence was different
Like the author was describing aileen but then Theresa's name would be used in that same sentence describing aileen. Overall it was a good book I would recommend for someone looking for a short, sweet whirlwind romance .
November 15, 2021
Nate, Theresa and boys
This is a sweet mail order bride love story that almost wasn’t. This tale was written by Blyth Carver and she has done an amazing job with the plot and the characters too. The is excitement and a bit of adventure as welling. Nate was cheated on and abandoned by his wife, leaving him to raise his two boys with no help except his family. She and Nate grew up together and leaving had just devastated him. Nate’s sister and brother are the ones that posted the advertisement in the marriage gazette. Theresa is from a wealthy family and her companion accompanies her to Wyoming to meet her betrothed. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet mail order bride love story that almost wasn’t. This tale was written by Blyth Carver and she has done an amazing job with the plot and the characters too. The is excitement and a bit of adventure as welling. Nate was cheated on and abandoned by his wife, leaving him to raise his two boys with no help except his family. She and Nate grew up together and leaving had just devastated him. Nate’s sister and brother are the ones that posted the advertisement in the marriage gazette. Theresa is from a wealthy family and her companion accompanies her to Wyoming to meet her betrothed. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
October 20, 2022
A great clean fun read.
Theresa is the black sheep of her family. Wealth and prominence in Boston, MA is not her cup of tea. Her best friend helps her answer a mail order bride ad and they head to WY a little to early. Nate is part of a successful family in WY but raising two boys while mourning his departed wife that abandoned them. Unknown to him his sister places a mail order bride ad back East looking for the right person to help her brother recover. Nate learns of his sister's plot the day Theresa arrives. Both Theresa and Nate are battling their past as they meet each other. This is a clean and fun read.
Theresa is the black sheep of her family. Wealth and prominence in Boston, MA is not her cup of tea. Her best friend helps her answer a mail order bride ad and they head to WY a little to early. Nate is part of a successful family in WY but raising two boys while mourning his departed wife that abandoned them. Unknown to him his sister places a mail order bride ad back East looking for the right person to help her brother recover. Nate learns of his sister's plot the day Theresa arrives. Both Theresa and Nate are battling their past as they meet each other. This is a clean and fun read.
October 29, 2021
A cute story of a woman her doesn’t feel her family loves her. So Theresa and her companion move to Wyoming. Theresa answered an ad for a mail order bride. The book was confusing in that there was no way to isolate the time frame of the story. It made it seem like it was current day until we’re in a horse and buggy. The woman is old enough to have control of her own money but acts like a spoiled child.
April 3, 2022
Good clean romance
The story was good, mot anything special. It seems to lack emotion. "He said this & she said that & they hugged. ' No, It's not quite THAT bad, but close. Even when the "crisis" happens that split the two apart for a short time seems like just something that happened. Didn't make me anticipate what would happen to get them back together. But I'm 61 & have read a lot. This would be a great book for young adults.
The story was good, mot anything special. It seems to lack emotion. "He said this & she said that & they hugged. ' No, It's not quite THAT bad, but close. Even when the "crisis" happens that split the two apart for a short time seems like just something that happened. Didn't make me anticipate what would happen to get them back together. But I'm 61 & have read a lot. This would be a great book for young adults.
October 24, 2021
Surprise Bride
When Theresa ran from Boston and her family, she felt unloved. Nate wasn't sure mail order bride was the way to go but his brother and sister wrote the ad without telling him so when Theresa arrived he was as surprised as anyone. She couldn't guess how things would work out.
When Theresa ran from Boston and her family, she felt unloved. Nate wasn't sure mail order bride was the way to go but his brother and sister wrote the ad without telling him so when Theresa arrived he was as surprised as anyone. She couldn't guess how things would work out.
October 26, 2021
An Unexpected Pleasure!
The story of Nate and Theresa was fun to read. They are both excellent people dealing with hurtful issues in their lives. It could have been a bit longer. I would have liked Theresa to interact with the children more and it would have been nice for Aileen to find someone she might be interested in. I enjoyed the book.
The story of Nate and Theresa was fun to read. They are both excellent people dealing with hurtful issues in their lives. It could have been a bit longer. I would have liked Theresa to interact with the children more and it would have been nice for Aileen to find someone she might be interested in. I enjoyed the book.
January 2, 2022
A clean boring read
I understand that Christian romance should not have descriptive sex scenes but Nate seems just grateful to have Theresa as a mom for his two boys. Their love for each other never grew there wasn't any longing for each other. He is artistic just like her and happy that they have something in common they're better off being business partners.
I understand that Christian romance should not have descriptive sex scenes but Nate seems just grateful to have Theresa as a mom for his two boys. Their love for each other never grew there wasn't any longing for each other. He is artistic just like her and happy that they have something in common they're better off being business partners.
October 23, 2021
SURPRISE!
Ms.Carver writes a feel good story that brings a smile to your face. She develops her characters that each have their own hang ups but with growth possibilities. Sometimes we all need some sunshine & this story will bring a smile.
Ms.Carver writes a feel good story that brings a smile to your face. She develops her characters that each have their own hang ups but with growth possibilities. Sometimes we all need some sunshine & this story will bring a smile.
October 27, 2021
Good book
I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down until I got to the end.I now have another favorite author. I will look for more of Blyth Carver's books .looking forward to reading more of her books.
I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down until I got to the end.I now have another favorite author. I will look for more of Blyth Carver's books .looking forward to reading more of her books.
October 28, 2021
Lame story
There was really no plot to it, and was written at a 6th grade reading level. Poor character development and dialogue and dragged even tho it was only a two hour read. That was plenty long!
There was really no plot to it, and was written at a 6th grade reading level. Poor character development and dialogue and dragged even tho it was only a two hour read. That was plenty long!
October 30, 2021
A Boston to Wyoming mail order bride story
Not too bad..It was a pretty quick read for me..A few typos, but not too bad. I feel like it ended too soon and left wanting just a little more..Thank yo
Not too bad..It was a pretty quick read for me..A few typos, but not too bad. I feel like it ended too soon and left wanting just a little more..Thank yo
November 2, 2021
Family
Theresa has to get away from Boston. She feels unimportant to her family. Nate's family send for a bride for him to help him move on. After some misunderstandings, they start to see they each other for who they are.
Theresa has to get away from Boston. She feels unimportant to her family. Nate's family send for a bride for him to help him move on. After some misunderstandings, they start to see they each other for who they are.
November 3, 2021
Nice easy read
I liked this book because it showed many emotions without vulgar words or descriptions. It shows that what we think about people may not always be true. I would recommend this book to my aunt and sister.
I liked this book because it showed many emotions without vulgar words or descriptions. It shows that what we think about people may not always be true. I would recommend this book to my aunt and sister.
November 6, 2021
Unexpected but not unwanted
Theresa answered an ad for a mail order bride..well not quite. Nate responded to her reply...well not quite. Her wire announcing her arrival just beat her to town. And she brought her companion with her. Not a typical mail order bride.
Theresa answered an ad for a mail order bride..well not quite. Nate responded to her reply...well not quite. Her wire announcing her arrival just beat her to town. And she brought her companion with her. Not a typical mail order bride.
November 6, 2021
A truly uplifting story. Mail order brides is my favorite type of book and I have read them for a very long time. They bring me such joy.
They always end happily. I am not a fan of unhappy endings. Thank you for authors like you who like to entertain.
They always end happily. I am not a fan of unhappy endings. Thank you for authors like you who like to entertain.
November 22, 2021
Interesting story line
The storyline was cute but the dialogue was too simple.
In real life, things don't happen this simply.
Women didn't have this much freedom to do what they wanted. A bit unrealistic.
The storyline was cute but the dialogue was too simple.
In real life, things don't happen this simply.
Women didn't have this much freedom to do what they wanted. A bit unrealistic.
December 25, 2021
Theressa can not wait to get out of Boston away from the slimmy boys who think they are men
Her best friend Alieen.comes up with a brilliant idea of Theresa becoming a mail order bride to a man in Wyoming
Her best friend Alieen.comes up with a brilliant idea of Theresa becoming a mail order bride to a man in Wyoming
February 16, 2022
Unexpected Mail Order Bride
To me it's always a risky situation to leave the known you don't want to venture to the unknown you think can't be worse but it paid off. I don't know if I could have done such a thing.
To me it's always a risky situation to leave the known you don't want to venture to the unknown you think can't be worse but it paid off. I don't know if I could have done such a thing.
November 28, 2022
An Unexpected Mail Order Bride
What a charming story. I enjoyed how it ended. Not so much the beginning or the part where she stops seeing the soon to be husband. But the ending was good
What a charming story. I enjoyed how it ended. Not so much the beginning or the part where she stops seeing the soon to be husband. But the ending was good
March 3, 2023
Sweet story with a very determined young lady who was not willing to accept the normal workings of society of her time so she set out to challenge herself, especially as she had the wealth to do so.
Nice, calming read!
Nice, calming read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews