Polly's Secret Mission

Brides of Pelican Rapids #19

by Elaine Manders

A man’s ambition, a woman’s mission, and a mutual calling that leads to forever love.
Confirmed spinster, Polly Howard, has no illusions about love, but after ten years of pouring herself into her photography and ministering to the poor, she boards the train for Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, to become Noah Scott’s mail-order bride. Though Noah wants to wed immediately, matchmaker Ella Milton recommends they wait to allow a proper courtship.

Noah expects nothing more than a marriage of convenience. All he needs is a wife to help him further his career. But as soon as Polly steps off the train he’s smitten. She’s beautiful, kind, gentle, and possess a servant’s heart—all the characteristics of the heroines he writes about—though he senses she is hiding her true feelings. But Noah has secrets of his own, and when Polly discovers his past, he fears he’ll never win her heart.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2022

Reviews

[Marilyn]

This is a touching and heartwarming novella by Manders that will leave readers with a warm feeling that everyone is equal in God’s eyes no matter their social economic status. Polly Howard loved her work as a photographer but her compassion and love for those less fortunate was her heart’s calling. She sought out Ella Milton’s Mail Ordering Bride services and was connected with Noah Scott. Noah was a writer and lived in Pelicans Rapid. Polly arrival brought some unexpected news but she found joy in helping those on Bramble Road. With an expedition pending for Noah and Polly insistence she join him, how will this impact Noah’s writing? Polly knew photos truly gave readers a clean picture of what was being written. Well the couple be able to truly fall in love before Noah need to leave within the month after her arrival?

I truly appreciate the scriptures given in each chapter and faith message Manders wove into this awesome touching story. It was nice to catch up with other characters of Manders’ in the Brides of Pelican Rapids; however, this can be read as a standalone easily where the story kept the pages turning.

I received a complimentary ARC e-copy of this story from the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion.

[Phyllis Rundell]

Elaine Manders has once again penned a sweet and heartwarming story, yet one that is full of human frailties and emotions. This is Polly Howard and Noah Scott's story, and the character development is outstanding. Polly, tired of her old life, decides to become a MOB. Noah Scott is seeking a wife for a marriage of convenience to further his career. The couple are matched through a matrimony agency and after corresponding, Polly heads west to marry Noah. When Polly arrives, Noah finds her very attractive, sweet, kind and loving with a servant's heart. Will Noah find himself having to rethink his thoughts of a marriage of convenience only? Is Polly keeping her true feelings toward Noah to herself? What will happen when Noah's secrets surface? Will the couple ever be able to reach a HEA? Be sure and read this outstanding Christian historical story; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Ann]

This is a heartwarming Christian romance that was an absolute joy to read. Polly and Noah's story will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved how the author put a Bible verse at the heading of each chapter. This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of Christian Historical Fiction. I loved it!

[Sarah B White]

A Sweet, Uplifting Story!

Polly Howard was a photographer with her own studio. What she did not have was the prospect of a marriage. She contacted a mail order bride service and was connected with Noah Scott, a writer who lived in Pelican Ridge. She packed up her photography shop and went to Pelican Ridge.

Polly and Noah got along well, but were not getting closer to marrying. Polly began working with the poor families of Pelican Ridge helping them get food, clothing, and home repairs as winter came. Colds were progressing to influenza and pneumonia. As Polly tried to get donations to help the needy, she got sick and barely survived. Noah returned from his effort to write a book about the Indians living on the western Plains and found that Polly was very sick. He decided to marry Polly just as soon as she was able.

I enjoyed this book and hope you enjoy it also.

[Margie]

I’m always amused at how young a lady was considered a spinster in the 1800s. Polly is 29 and definitely considered to be on the shelf plus she works as a photographer. Add to that her penchant for caring for the poor and she is definitely considered unmarriageable. Ella Milton is proud of her reputation as a matchmaker and she feels Polly and Noah Scott would be perfect for each other. Noah’s changing the plan to wait a month before marrying makes Polly uncomfortable. This is a really sweet story and Elaine Manders confirms my feelings of what makes a marriage work, communication communication, communication.

[Linda]

Author Elaine Manders has written another fantastic story. The protagonists’ are unique: Polly is a successful photographer and Noah is best-selling author. They each choose to use the mail-order bride system for very different reasons and come to the situation with issues that must be worked out in order to have a successful relationship. Both are well-developed and I could relate to them in a realistic manner. I enjoyed watching them try to figure out how to make things work, sometimes having trouble getting out of their own way. A quick and satisfying read.

[Lori]

God Knows What The Future Holds

I love the verses at the beginning of each chapter. Polly and Noah are both believers, but they both need that someone special in their lives. Miz Ella, matchmaker in Pelican Rapids, asks God to show her the perfect match for these two people. Things are bumpy at first, but God and friends help them along. I love this story. It shows some of what God in our lives can do as well as friends who have our best at heart. Another wonderful story. Enjoy the journey.

[Dorothey Thompson]

Polly’s Secret Mission

This was a wonderful story. Polly had no family left. Her uncle had given his photography studio and business upon his death to Polly. Polly was to become a ,mail order bride . She had been writing to Noah for three months and he sent her money to come to Pelican
Rapids. Just the beginning of their story, enjoy.

[Joleen]

Sweet little story of a photographer who wanted a new start with a man she'd been writing to, hoping he would allow her to join him on his expeditions. Her greatest desire was to be loved.

The story seemed a bit incomplete, but often short stories do. But it is clean and had a satisfying faith theme.

[catherine I. Bryson]

Mission Accomplished!

Elaine Manders brings beauty to the ordinariness of life. Her female heroines find strength in their surrender which, in turn, empowers their husbands to find strength in vulnerability. It's a message about true, sacrificial love that few wish to hear, but for which many hearts long.

[PollyAnna Joy]

Polly

Of course I just HAD to read a book whose title is my own name, good or not! Lol. The great news is that Polly by Elaine Manders is a precious, sweet, perfect story of love. I look forward to reading more stories by Elaine.

[Babs Wenk]

Delightful Series

I loved the story and the characters plus hope the series gets number 20! The social issues were thoughtfully done and explained. Bravo a favorite of mine!