Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B098D447DW.)

A wildly independent spinster proprietress, a hunky blacksmith in the market for a bride, and the mail-order mistake that lands him in her boarding house for the holidays…

Lilly Byrd has just been handed the keys to the Rose Haven Boarding House by the former owner who’s determined to retire by Christmas. However, Widow Gable is concerned that the spirited bluestocking will use her new position as an excuse to continue dodging every potential beau who looks her way. So she puts a bug in the ear of Lilly’s three matchmaking sisters, who are delighted to send the town’s big and bearish new blacksmith her way to rent a room.

Orphaned in his early teens, Graham Christensen is happy to be hanging his shingle in Angel Creek and can’t wait to settle down with a family of his own there. There’s just one problem with his plan—the mail-order bride he sent for was misrouted to a different groom, and the agency claims it’s too risky to send another bride north before the spring thaw. To make matters worse, the construction company he hires is running several months behind schedule.

Thank goodness a room opens up at the highly sought-after Rose Haven Boarding House, which just so happens to be run by the loveliest, sassiest little spitfire Graham has ever encountered. He knows he’s supposed to be waiting until spring to tie the knot with a mail-order bride he’s never met, but the strong-willed, capable Lilly swiftly captures his attention and his heart. He’s not discouraged to discover that she considers him to be just another pesky man she doesn’t need in her life. Fortunately, he has a few tricks up his large sleeves to prove just how useful it can be for a budding businesswoman to have a blacksmith to call her own.

178 pages, ebook

First published November 19, 2021

109 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Jo Grafford

167 books667 followers
Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.

Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.

Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
288 (73%)
4 stars
80 (20%)
3 stars
18 (4%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Marcia Arguelles.
380 reviews8 followers
December 30, 2024
Although understandably the writing style suits the time of the novel, I have to say that it made me unable to connect to the characters. I often found myself skipping ahead just so I could get it over with.
Profile Image for Sonya Wasden.
1,079 reviews13 followers
January 4, 2022
This was a two-for-one romance. This is really Lilly and Graham's story, as well as Dan and Mags.

Lilly, Mags and their two other sisters and mother lived in the south but lost their home due to the Civil War and the death of their father and two brothers. Now, they live in the small town of Angel Creek out west. Lilly was gifted a boarding house to assure her independence and she is determined not to give up that independence to anyone, especially a man.

Graham is smitten with Lilly and her sassy personality. He is determined that he could win her over so he sets about to woo her.

I won't give away all the details, but this is a sweet story, with a "villain" who breezes into town and sets his sights on Lilly, in particular. Graham is determined not to lose out to this southern "gentleman" but he has to convince Lilly that he is the best choice and she will not lose any of her independence by choosing him.

This is a sweet romance that is a quick read and is appropriate for anyone who loves a good romance with a happy ending.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
1,181 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2021
I LOVED Lilly's story!!! Lilly is sure she's never going to marry, as she doesn't want any man telling her what she can or can't do, and having to wait for him to give her money to buy things she needs. She's had enough of that since her father and brothers were killed in the War. Now, she's finally got her own business and is making her own decisions. However, once she meets the new blacksmith, her feelings start to change. And, when her younger sister starts sparks flying with the blacksmiths assistant, things really start to get heated!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,082 reviews131 followers
November 21, 2021
Another great addition to this series and this time, love is found for two couples!

Lilly, moved to Angel Creek with hopes becoming independent and being able to support her mother and younger sister Mags while being near her older sisters. Mags becomes the local seamstress and Lilly is given the Rose Haven Boarding house from the owner who is retiring!

Meanwhile, Graham, the new local blacksmith and his apprentice Dan, become attracted to the two sisters. Graham is ready to settle down, but Lilly is just way too independent!

Of course magic happens always in Jo's stories and this is a great one!!
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,964 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2026
Really Enjoying This Series

I've really enjoyed this series and the Byrd sisters. I loved Lilly and Graham's story and we also get Magnolia and Dan's story. A wonderful read that I totally enjoyed.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
7,002 reviews175 followers
February 8, 2026
KEEP YOUR HEART OPEN TO THE POSSIBILITIES

The second story in the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek will take place in 1868. Widow Martha Gable has taken on new responsibilities and decides to gift Rose Haven to Lilly. The town will include newcomers and house residents, as well as blacksmith Graham Christensen and his apprentice, Dan Forest. Magnolia ‘Mags’ Byrd is doing well with her seamstress business next door to Rose Haven.

“When the excitement of my gift wears off, and the full burden of this business settles on your young shoulders, you might just find yourself longing for another set of shoulders to share the weight.” –Martha Gable

The story will feature Lilly Byrd, who believes she would rather remain a spinster than alter her life to appease a man. Her sister, Mags, is running her shop and staying busy, and really hasn’t said much one way or another. There is plenty of angst, tête-à-tête, and uncertainty between Lilly and Graham, as well as between Mags and Dan. So when a stranger arrives in Cowboy Creek and makes a grand entrance, it is noticed and noteworthy.

Graham: I’m all ears. What news do you have that I’m not going to believe?
Dan: You’re not going to like it, either, so brace yourself.
Graham: Consider me braced. Out with it!
Dan: A very wealthy gentleman from Charleston stepped off the stagecoach an hour ago to pay a surprise visit to the Byrd family. His name is Lee Davenport, and he’s made it clear that he plans to wed one of the sisters before Christmas.
Graham: Marry one of them?
Dan: You heard me, boss.
Graham: From my understanding, the Byrd sisters left Georgia more than two years ago. I think we would’ve caught wind of any long-distance courtships by now. Small towns have a way of giving up even the deepest and darkest of secrets.
Dan: There’s no secret courtship. He means to woo them right out in the open.
Graham: Why? What’s his angle?
Dan: He claims he recently acquired the Byrd sisters’ childhood home and insists it’s only right to reinstate one of them as its mistress.

What a fun and enjoyable ending to the Mail-Order Brides of Cowboy Creek series. While neither Lilly nor Mags are mail-order brides like their two older sisters, Elizabeth and Grace, they both are established and beloved business owners in town. With the recent arrival of Graham and Dan, there is chemistry between couples—Graham and Lilly, and Dan and Mags. When Martha deeded Rose Haven to Lilly, she asked her to keep her heart open to possibilities—and rather than having one man’s attention, she now has two, Graham and Lee. Two men who are opposites. Graham is a man who is critical to the town, but is a working man—as is his apprentice, Dan. Lee is a man of means who can’t even build a fire, much less keep one burning at night. Will the truth be revealed before a commitment is made, and a possible error for the future?
586 reviews
November 22, 2021
Lilly is a young woman that wants to stay single to make money to help take care of her mother and sister. She was gifted the boarding house where she had been working and had to promise to keep her mind open to men that she could possible make a family with as her decision may not be what God has in his plans. That very day a blacksmith came in to rent a room till spring. He loved that she was a southern lady from Charleston and he was from Savannah. As they were talking to each other and she showed she had some sass in her it made him decide that she was who he wanted, thankful they accidentally sent his mail order bride last week to the wrong man. Graham proved to be helpful to her and his apprentice, Dan had his eyes on Mags, Lilly's sister as they loved to fuss with each other.

When Lee shows up from Charleston stating he has come to marry one of the Byrd sister's and was taking them all back to Charleston to live back in their home that they left during the war it doesn't sit well with Graham. Lee starts trying to get Lilly to marry him. He acts as if he has lots of money and knows the Bryd family well. As Mags and Lilly start talking they can't remember much about him and now he wants to get married. Graham sniffs an imposter and the thought of him taking Lilly away doesn't sit well well with Graham. He his determined to marry Lilly and find out what Lee is up to before it is too late.
48 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2021
Lilly is another great book, filled with romance and a touch of intrigue. Lilly Byrd has just become the new proprietess of Rose Haven, a small boarding house in Angel Creek. She is determined to remain single so she can be independent; however, upon the previous owner's insistence, Lilly has reluctantly agreed to remain open to love. She might have made that concession because she was drawn to Graham Christensen from the moment she met him. Graham and his apprentice, Dan Forest, have moved to Angel Creek to set up a blacksmith shop and they are looking for a place to stay. Lilly's sister, Magnolia (Mags), let them know that a room at Rose Haven has just been vacated. While Graham is also attracted to Lilly, he's waiting for his mail order bride to arrive in a few months. Then Lee Davenport arrives from Charleston to court Lilly with the promise that she can return to her childhood home after they marry. Will Lilly decide to stay in Angel Creek or return to Charleston? Is a future with Graham possible? And what about Mags? Does she have her heart set on someone in Angel Creek?
1,027 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2021
The author has penned a sweet and heartwarming story full of fun and humor. This is the story of Lilly Byrd as well as her sister Magnolia ("Mags") and Graham Christensen and his apprentice Dan. Lilly is given the keys and the ownership to the boarding house by the former owner, and she is delighted as it gives her a way to take care of her mother and her younger sister, Mags. Graham is Angel Creek's new blacksmith and he and Dan his apprentice take rooms at the boarding house and the fun begins. While Graham is smitten with Lilly he finds her very outspoken and stubborn. Then a second suitor steps up to try to win Lilly. Will Lilly put aside her desire to remain independent? If so, which suitor will she choose? In the meantime, Dan is attracted to Mags. But a problem develops; will Dan and Mags quit fighting long enough to admit they are attracted to one another? Be sure to read this fun story to find out if both couples find their HEA. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Dotty.
776 reviews
December 13, 2021
I love this clean well written book. It proves money doesn't buy happiness or love. Shows we need to listen to God. This is the story of two of the Byrd sisters. Lilly is now the owner of a boarding house and Magnolia is a seamstress with her own shop. Lilly receives the keys and ownership of the boarding house the same morning Graham the new blacksmith and his assistant Dan arrives in town. Let me tell you, no one made a good first impression on the other.  They do seem to be attracted to each other even if they don't want to admit it. They seem to argue a lot.  Mr. Davenport also arrives in town and he intends to marry one of the sisters and take the family back to Charleston.  Who will win the girls in the end? Grab the book to find out.I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Profile Image for Michele Richardson.
670 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2021
This is the historical story of Lilly and Graham. And, a bonus, her sister, Magnolia and Dan. Graham and Dan are blacksmith and apprentice that move north to set up shop. Lilly runs a boarding house and Magnolia (Mags) is the local seamstress. The sisters are originally from the south, but relocated to the north after their other sister’s moved to stay near each other. Dan is out off by Mags after their first meeting and the two continue to lock horns until he begins to court her and they get engaged at Christmas time. The same goes for Lilly and Graham, but he has competition when a southerner comes looking to marry Lilly. The banter is very good and the storyline even better. I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but may have found a new genre. The story flowed well and the writing was so good.

I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,779 reviews33 followers
November 18, 2021
This series has been so fun and I adored Lilly and Graham's story! They are great characters. Lilly lost pretty much everything in the Civil War and she moves to Angel Creek with her mom and sisters. Lilly wants to be independent and not rely on a man. When she is given a boarding house, she is excited that she can be independent now. When Graham, the new blacksmith arrives in town and needs a place to live, he shows up at the boarding house. As he and Lilly meet, they both are instantly attracted to each other but Lilly wants to avoid it! I loved Graham's apprentice, Dan, and his romance with Lilly's sister also. There were some fun mystery twists and some humorous times. It is a great story!
1,372 reviews8 followers
November 27, 2021
I loved this book and I am now hooked on this series and I'm going to go back and read the first 22 books. Lilly is a strong willed woman much like myself and is all about taking care of family since her father and brothers have passed. Lilly believes she will never marry because she feels a man will not let her take care of her family, she also doesn't want to take any orders from a man because he won't let her run the inn she was just graciously gifted by her boss and then she meets Graham. Graham is a blacksmith who needs a room for him and his assistant and as they get to know each other alot of things are brought up will they make it or not. I received this book as an Arc for an unbiased and honest review.
134 reviews
December 15, 2024
The book started out interesting but things started falling apart at the first meeting of the h and H for me. I'm not a fan of instant love and the dialogue, which was clearly intended to be witty flirting by the authors, was odd.

I read about 35% of the book and gave up when the plot started moving along with the authors telling instead of showing. It literally goes "then a few months later, some guy rolled into town and proposed to the h" so the H confesses his "love" (even though the h and H have had all of like 2 conversations at this point).

That development might have been quite interesting plot-wise had we actually seen it happen. As it was, it was a very strange thing for the story to summarize in a few sentences.
Profile Image for Barb Beechy.
247 reviews6 followers
November 19, 2021
This is the first book of this series that I have read and it was so good. This is Lillys story who was a confined spinster and find men in general " pesky creatures"... but a newcomer to town, Graham, wants to change Lilly's heart.
He was falling for Lilly Byrd and he wanted to court her, but trouble soon arrived in town, Lee Davenport..
Now Lilly had a problem, she has 2 men who want to marry her? What will she do? With one, she can be back in her childhood home with her mother and sister, with the other, she will never be rich, but she could be happy, or she can stay a spinster.. what will she do? Read this wonderful story and find out what Lilly does... you will be surprised 😮
1,004 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2021
Lilly by Jo Grafford is book 23 of Angel Creek Christmas Brides series. Lilly Byrd and her sister ,Magnolia also called Mags get their happy endings but not without a mystery and an adventure. Lily thinks she wants independence but the new blacksmith wants her as his bride. Graham , the blacksmith, has job convincing her plus there is someone else trying to court her. Meanwhile Mags and Dan Forrest,the blacksmith's apprentice ,seemly cannot stand each other or can they. Jo Grafford has written a story that will keep your attention and have you rooting for the sisters.

I received this as an ARC and am happily giving this review.
Profile Image for Adpa.
515 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2021
Swoon worthy!
Loved this third book written by Jo Grafford in the Angel Creek Brides series.
This book is about a fiercely independent single Southern girl whose family has moved west as her sister was a mail order bride. It is also about one of her other sisters who is still unmarried. Both are now entrepreneurs. The blacksmith and his apprentice have just moved into town and now rent a room in the boarding house that Lilly owns.

This book is just a perfect read! Full of sass, independence, insecurities, deception.
I am so pleased that I was given an advanced copy to read. I will be reading more in the series!
1,249 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2024
The women in Lily's family fled Georgia after the Civil War upon losing their father and brothers to start over in Cowboy Creek. Lily was fortunate to be gifted a boarding house where she had worked for many years. Attractive, she was fiercely independent, not wanting to lose that in a marriage. Yet, that was challenging with the many men seeking wives. Ironically, the one that enticed her the most was a blacksmith whose mail-order bride married another. Yet, another from her Georgia hometown suddenly appeared attempting to lure her back to her old homestead. She and her sisters must make some difficult decisions whether to follow their hearts in this sweet and clean novel.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,820 reviews13 followers
November 20, 2021
Loved it!

I stumbled upon this series and I’m so glad! Book 23, and yet I’d never seen the series until now…!

Truly loved the two stories of Lilly and her sister, Magnolia. Mags, to her friends! Then of course, the two roughshod blacksmiths who enter their lives like a whirlwind! Graham and his apprentice, Dan both aren’t quite sure they are worthy of winning these former southern belles affections. Or, are they?

Absolutely loved the interaction between Dan and Mags!

Now to go to book one and start at the beginning ❤️
885 reviews12 followers
December 1, 2021
This is a delightful story of two transplanted southern belles, Lilly, who is operating the inn and Mags, who is a seamstress. Things get interesting when the new blacksmith, Graham, and his assistant, Dan, arrive in town. I loved the interactions between these well developed characters and the story pulled me right in. A very enjoyable read that I can highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
70 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2022
A Christmastide Treat

Jose Maria Escriva once said: "There is something holy, something divine hidden in the most ordinary situations, and it is up to each one of you to discover it." Jo Grafford does that with her contributions to this Angel Creek series. There are few harrowing experiences or suspenseful instances--simply a sanctification of the ordinary doings of her delightfully witty characters, who fall into love during the everyday ebb and flow of pioneer life. A Christmastide treat indeed!
61 reviews
January 8, 2024
Lilly

A new hotel owner, Lilly, who clams she would put her business before any marriage concerns gets two proposals from two of her guests: one from a new handsome blacksmith and one from a seemingly rich man from her previous home town. Lilly is responsible for not only herself, but her widow mother and her youngest sister. She is trying to keep her heart open and her prayers going on what she should really do for her future. This was a read that I really couldn’t put down!
4,589 reviews33 followers
November 24, 2021
Being gifted the Rose Haven Boarding House was both a blessing and a curse for Lilly Byrd. What an opportunity and yet Lilly almost let it run her rather than her running it. I don’t care about Lily; I fell for Graham. It would have been sad if she had missed that opportunity, thankfully Graham wasn’t going to let that happen. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more stories by Jo Grafford.
Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews9 followers
November 27, 2021
Lilly Byrd worked at Rose Haven Boarding Home for two years, then the Widow Martha Gable, the owner, gave Rose Haven to Lilly to take care of. The first tenants Lilly checks in are Graham, the new blacksmith, and his apprentice, Dan. Romancing starts right away with both Lilly and her sister, Magnolia, having their prayers answered. I highly recommend this amazing story!

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Vilma .
920 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2025
Lilly Byrd is the most independent of the Byrd sisters, determined to forge her own way without relying on matrimony to secure her future. When the new blacksmith enters her newly gifted B&B, sparks fly. Lilly feels an instant attraction to Graham Christensen.

Graham has to work extra hard to break down Lilly’s barriers in this old west romance.

I enjoyed this book, Graham is a true cinnamon roll hero and doesn’t let go of his true heart.
751 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2021
A blacksmith or two

Lily has been lucky enough to be given the boarding house. Feisty as ever she is sure her of her future she doesnt need a man but maybe the new blacksmith has other ideas. Her sister Mags may fight with his assistant but there may be more fire involved. A well written book to keep you entertained and wishing for more Angel Falls stories.
1,843 reviews12 followers
November 22, 2021
I loved this story of love between independent Lilly & blacksmith Graham. Graham has the good common sense that all is not right when a fancy gentleman from the south comes to town to claim Lilly's hand in marriage. Fortunately, he has friends that help him learn the truth about the gentleman. There is an HEA for them. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Cindy Cooke.
524 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2022
Loved, loved, loved this book!!!

Ms Grace has such a wonderful talent with words. Her books are sweet love stories with feisty heroines and strong men who love them. I look forward to reading more of her work. She ranks high on my list of goodreads. You won't be disappointed when you choose one of her books.
155 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2022
Sweet read

Truly enjoyed this sweet. A couple of bloopers with swapping out locations in a couple of places but those were minor. Loved both Lily and Graham were from the South (can't go wrong with that ;).
Sweet characters who were passionate in their pursuit. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Leena Aluru.
611 reviews41 followers
July 24, 2023
This is such a delightful book. We actually get 2 romances in this single volume and revolve around the last 2 Byrd sisters Lilly and Magnolia.

Angle Creek has gotten 2 new bachelors, the blacksmith and his apprentice Graham and Dan, respectively. It's a gentle , complete romance, and the epilogue just rounds off the hea of these 4 sisters.

Recommended : 👍 👍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.