Opal

Opal was fooled by a man and ended up pregnant. I had to remember the timeframe as her parents kicked her out of their house. She had other trouble, but she ended up going cross country in a wagon with her baby Ellie and her new friend Nora. I was happy to see they were both email order brides and became such good friends. I thought it was great that Opal’s groom Red had red hair and so did Ellie. I am sure she looked a lot like them both even though he wasn’t her biological father. I think Red fell in love with the baby immediately. The baby was a sweetheart that I think everyone fell in love with, especially Red’s mother. Unfortunately there was some men after Red’s land that was determined to get it one way or another. This made for some exciting times. I love reading about the old western days, and strongly encourage you to to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

Lori D

4,090 reviews135 followers

She is headed on the Oregon trail to find a new life for her and her baby. Becoming a mail order bride will hopefully take care of her situation with her baby who was born out of wedlock.

He has been looking for a bride but is very surprised when his new bride comes with her baby! Although there seems to be an instant attraction between him and the infant.

Can theses two make a go of it? Lovely story!?

Kathy Heare Watts

7,251 reviews174 followers

advanced-reading-copy adventure arc-read-review

A MAIL-ORDER BRIDE WITH A SURPRISE

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. The story will have Nora Jones and Opal McGinity traveling on the same wagon train journey to Oregon City as mail-order brides. Nora is promised to Seth Haller and Opal to Arthur Redmond. The story will have minor bits and pieces of the journey but focuses more on the events after they arrive in Oregon City and Opal and Red marry.

The wagon train will leave Independence, Missouri, on May 1, 1853, and arrive in Oregon City, Oregon, on October 20, 1853. Arthur ‘Red’ Redmond’s bride is supposed to be on this wagon train—and he will receive a letter verifying she is. Red will go to the wagon train, find Opal, and discover a secret—she has a child. It doesn’t take but moments for him to fall in love with baby Ellie and commit to both of them. Red is ready to marry and start this new journey, even if it comes with a child.

Opal: She’s hungry. Do you mind waiting while I feed her? Or I can just come to the livery tomorrow—that is, if you still want to marry me.
Red: I’ll wait. The Reverend knows we’re coming by.
Opal: You want to marry me? Even though I didn’t tell you about Ellie?
Red: Yes, I still want to marry you—both of you.

The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Opal and Ellie are well received by Red and his mother Ruth, who is thrilled to have a daughter and granddaughter. There will be minor adjustments, but the women get along and are willing to help each other out with the chores. Opal and Red seem to have a good relationship, but a secret between them could cause damage. Trouble is brewing, others covet the land that is owned by Red, and they are willing to go to extremes to get it, even kidnap and murder. Will Opal trust Red with the truth of her former relationship and Ellie’s father? Will he forgive her, or will this be the end of them? The story has life and death danger in this action-adventure romance.

“Thank you for making all my dreams come true.”

Lisa

972 reviews

November 10, 2021

This is another eye-opening story about mail-order brides who travel over the Oregon Trail to marry unknown men. This trip is a challenge for all travelers, but it is especially difficult for women who travel alone. Most of the women on that trail are from cities. They have no idea whatsoever about the conditions, dangers and hard-work they will endure while on the trail as well as when they eventually reach their destination.

Opal is a woman who had a baby, Ellie, out of wedlock when she was tricked by the baby’s father. Therefore, she is left alone to handle her situation. When her parents throw her out of their house, she moves in with her sister’s family. However, when her sister dies, she has no other recourse but to become a mail-order bride. In order to escape the stigma of Ellie’s birth, Opal claims she is a widow whose husband ran away and eventually died.

Opal immediately marries Arthur “Red” Redmond, a widower, and moves into his home which he shares with his mother. Both of them are generous, kind and loving people who accept Opal without any question. They also immediately fall in love with Ellie and treat her as their own. Opal decides to keep Ellie’s birth circumstances a secret.

The plot also includes some trouble. Red owns a large thriving livery. Unfortunately, there are some people who are attempting to buy Red’s livery. Since Red constantly refuses, they decide to force him to sell it. This puts Red, Opal and Ellie in grave danger.

I also enjoyed the inclusion of Nora, whose story was in the last book in this series. Opal and Nora travelled together, and shared a wagon, as they both traveled to meet their mail-order husbands. It is not necessary to have that book in order to enjoy this story. However, if you do, it will certainly add much to the reader’s enjoyment.

Margaret Watkins

3,579 reviews89 followers

A further book in this series brings friends together as Opal joins the wagon trail to Oregon City. Hiding her past, Opal has had to be strong enough to not only face child birth without support, but the dangers and perils of the wagon trail. Reaching Oregon City and the man she has pledged to marry, she is astounded when baby Ellie takes to Red immediately and his obvious delight in the baby girl fills Opal with relief. Marriage to Red is an adjustment, especially as they are both hiding secrets. However, when faced with danger, Red is fiercely protective of Opal and Ellie, but when secrets are revealed, they both take a step back. Red is a kind and compassionate man and Opal is strong-minded and feisty but vulnerable to the core. The love that emerges is sweet and enduring, but one does wonder whether their enemies are put to rest. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Charmaine Nouwen

5,468 reviews22 followers

Opal: a sweet, mail-order bride, historical western romance by Cynthia Woolf is intriguing,exciting,sweet,heartwarming with a bit of suspense,danger,adventure and romance.. a romance story of Red and Opal.;Opal become an mail order bride when her fiance left her pregnant and found another and her family turned their back on her..Opal joins the wagon trail to Oregon City with her baby daughter and befriend to another mail order bride Nora..Red is is a kind widow after his wife and child died.years later he look for a bride and Opal answered and agreed to become his bride along wih her daughter,but Opal has a secret that can destroy their married and someone wanted his land and they do anything even take their lives...when someone kidnapped Opal and shoot her protecting their daughter he finally admitted that he love his wife and he will do anything to protect his family secret or no secret..
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

Phyllis Rundell

1,027 reviews12 followers

Cynthia Woolf has done it again and brought us an outstanding story full of action and lots of human frailties including secrets, trouble, danger, adventure, good friends, evil people, suspense and romance. This is Opal and Arthur Redmond's ("Red") story and the character development is excellent. Opal travels west by wagon train to become Red's MOB. Upon her arrival secrets are exposed on the part of both of them and danger stalks each of them. Will Red be able to protect Opal from the danger? Will each of them be able to overcome the secret kept by the other? Will their relationship grow into a HEA? Be sure and read this wonderful story to find out; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Anna Marie Leffew

414 reviews22 followers

July 20, 2025

Sweet love

If you’re looking for a captivating read that stirs the heart and keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book is a must-have! It beautifully weaves a tale of endurance as the protagonist embarks on a journey along a wagon train, venturing into the unknown to meet a husband she’s never encountered. It’s a powerful exploration of trust, showcasing how revealing the truth can sometimes come with pain and profound loss.

But it’s not just a story of heartache; it’s also filled with suspense and action that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. Don’t miss out on this remarkable blend of emotion and adventure—grab a copy today and immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey!

Julia David

2,649 reviews27 followers

Opal was in a bad situation and had to get herself out of it. Opal thought her fiancee loved her, but when she found out she was pregnant, he left her and married another. Then her parents threw her out. She lived with an older sister and her family, but the sister died and her husband thought Opal would make a nice substitute. That's when she knew she had to become a mail order bride to escape. Red is a really good man and he accepted Opal's daughter as his own right away. She is finally getting the family she wanted. The problem is, if she tells Red the truth about her daughter, he might leave her. She doesn't want to leave him, but what if he doesn't want her anymore?

Nethanja

890 reviews12 followers

Opal needs a new future after being sent away by her parents. The decision to become a mail order bride is just the start because she has to travel the Oregon trail, luckily she makes a friend she could travel with. But will her groom Red accept her when she shows up with her little girl Ellie? Red is immediately taken by the little girl but Opal understands he’s a secret but so has she. But will these secrets keep them apart or will they face the danger that treats them together?
I enjoyed all the books in this series and this one was no different. Very lovable characters specially the little Ellie who captured the hearts of everyone. Very entertaining.

Pamela Mitchell

1,596 reviews12 followers

I was immediately captivated by this heartwarming mail-order bride historical western romance and couldn't put the book down until I read the last word. I loved the instant attraction and undeniable chemistry between Opal McGinty and Arthur "Red" Redmond when she and her infant daughter travel to Oregon City for Opal to be his bride. If you enjoy beautifully written historical western romance with a touch of danger and old west adventure, don't miss "Opal", book ten in the must-read Brides of the Oregon Trail series by gifted author Cynthia Woolf. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Leslie

817 reviews11 followers

Loved this Sweet Western Historical Romance
If you enjoyed “Norah, Brides of Oregon Trail, Book 9", you are going to want to read this one. Opal and her baby, Ellie, were Nora’s wagon mates for the trek to Oregon City. Now we find out what happens to Opal when she meets her groom, Mr. Redmond, in Oregon City. This is a well written romance with suspense and danger intertwined into the story. The characters will find a soft spot in your heart.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for voluntarily writing an honest review.

Margie

4,611 reviews34 followers

In today’s more accepting world, we tend to forget how hard life would have been for an unwed mother. Opal finds herself with no way to support herself except to become a mail order bride and join a wagon train heading to Oregon. Cynthia Woolf has a way with words that draws you into the story and become involve with the characters. I married my husband after knowing him two weeks, I’m not sure I would be brave enough to marry someone upon meeting them. This is a wonderful story of two people getting to know and accept each other. I really enjoyed it

Sherry Westendorf

4,603 reviews23 followers

Love these mail order bride stories. The adventure of getting there and the friendships along the way are unique to each story. She ends up pregnant and her parents kick her out of their home. She travels across country to her prospective bride grooms house with her baby and a friend who is also a mail order bride. Then when they get there so much continued excitement. You have emotion, danger, excitement and much more. I recommend it. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.

Michelle

293 reviews4 followers

November 6, 2021

Opal became pregnant, had to leave home. After the child was born went to matchmaker and signed on to the wagon train with Nora whom the matchmaker introduced and paired the women to help each other with expenses for one and companionship for the difficult journey to Oregon City. Opal was given the last husband to be on the matchmakers list, they never corresponded to get to know each other a Mr Redmond who is a Blacksmith. this is the Very Basic Beginning to a wonderfully written Suspenseful Romantic story....on I could not put down. I loved this one.

Jill

531 reviews

November 12, 2021

One thing I love about Cynthia Woolf books are that they are unique. When I open a book for the first time, I know I will find interesting characters, an original plot and plenty of twists to keep me reading. This novel was no exception! Opal travels to the West with her baby to start a life as a mail-order bride. Red, her husband-to-be, is not aware of the baby, but he also has secrets of his own. Can Opal and Red overcome their difficulties and find love? This story is full of surprises, excitement, unexpected events and tender moments.

Vicki Johnson

802 reviews6 followers

November 13, 2021

When I started reading I thought, whoa I already read this, but it seemed familiar because Opal travels to Oregon with Nora (the prior book). This has a different storyline because a great part of the story unfolds when Opal arrives with an unexpected addition for her groom. A well written gem that deals with loneliness, trust, compassion and ultimately standing strong together. A sweet romance that brings a smile. I read this book in October, 2021.

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.

Mary Willard

338 reviews1 follower

A stand-alone book from the Brides of the Oregon Trail series. It is also a great companion story to Nora. A tale of a woman with a baby to love and protect and being a mail order bride seems like her only way to do it. A strong, adaptable woman headed to the Wild West, giving us a taste of what it was like to live and love in Oregon when even the women needed to tote guns and make sure they knew how to use them. Well done!

Latifa Morrisette

2,618 reviews61 followers

November 8, 2021

I absolutely loved Opal and Arthur "Red" Redmond's book. Opal is a sweet woman who was filled by her would-be Fiancé and is left high and dry with a child. Her only hope is becoming a mail order bride. It's all a smooth sailing until a greedy mayor hatches a nefarious plan and will do anything to see it carries out. This book isn't like the others where the the past catches up with the women. The day her is clear a s present. I can't wait to see what's next.

Karen

1,549 reviews27 followers

November 11, 2021

This is another delightful story on mail order brides by Cynthia Woolf. The characters and the mysteries involving them kept the story moving along. Opal, a single mother of a precious daughter named Ellie, was traveling by wagon train over the Oregon Trail to marry Red, the owner of a livery stable in Oregon City. Only he doesn't know about Ellie until the wagon train arrives. Will he still marry Opal? You will have to read the story to find out. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

Sarah

39 reviews

Opal chose to become a mail order bride after a series of events that gave her no other options. Her story chronicles a bit of her time on the wagon train but mainly focuses on her new marriage to Red and the adjustments they each need to make to create a life together. There’s adventure, romance, and action. I loved this story and each story in this series can’t wait for more!

Stephanie Herron

846 reviews14 followers

A short story that packs in the action. While Opal and Red are trying to get use to being married they are also dealing with people determined to get their land. They will resort to kidnapping and murder to succeed. Being a mom makes Opal fierce in her determination to keep Ellie safe and luckily she has Red and his mom to help keep their home.

Viola

1,120 reviews3 followers

November 1, 2021

wow

This book was a very easy read. Opal travels the Oregon Trail in hope of finding a husband to claim her daughter as his. Red is looking for a wife to replace the one he lost. There is gangster’s trying to take Red’s business. There is a Kidnapping. This was a very enjoyable book to read. Very well written by Cynthia Woolf.

Cathy D

17 reviews

I love this kind of story, and this one had several unexpected twists. Opal is feisty and walks nearly two thousand miles to her new life. The stamina and bravery of our pioneer ancestors is always a page-turner. Thank you for another wonderful story Ms. Woolf. I can’t wait for the next one!!!

Eva Wade

1,752 reviews3 followers

This story has romance, drama, great characters with chemistry. this is a Mail order bride romance and this author does a great job transitioning between different scenes. i can't wait for what's next

David Berg

512 reviews7 followers

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review I truly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to everyone who enjoys mail order bride books. As usual, Woolf did not disappoint.

Bigedsgirl1

345 reviews49 followers