The Brides of the Oregon Trail, Collection One

Brides of the Oregon Trail #1-3

by Cynthia Woolf

HANNAH, The Brides of the Oregon Trail, Book 1

When Hannah Granger's little sister takes off for Oregon with a group of mail-order brides to meet her new husband, Hannah has no choice but to follow. She expects her sister to find trouble, and she does. But what Hannah doesn't expect is to fall for the hired gun traveling with the wagon train as they make their way along the treacherous Oregon Trail. The bounty hunter is tall, dark and dangerous, everything she's avoided her entire life. But when she begins to suspect criminals are riding just four wagons back, she'll do just about anything to convince him to listen...and to protect her fragile younger sister from the truth about what this trip is costing them both.

The only thing bounty hunter Joe Stanton wants is to avoid trouble. He's tagging along on this trip to the Oregon Territory to take a break from the hunt. The only woman he ever loved broke his heart and his last bounty cost an innocent man his life. Joe's had enough blood, death and betrayal to last a lifetime. So why, then, does he make Hannah's secrets his own? Why does he lie to protect her? And why does the stubborn woman's dogged attempts to help him track down criminals drive him insane with worry?


Maybe because he's falling for the red-headed beauty. Maybe because if he doesn't keep her close, they'll both end up dead.

Lydia

Lydia Granger thought she left a life of struggle and poverty behind. As a mail-order bride on her way to Oregon City, a secure future is assured. But when the wagon train arrives in Oregon City, she discovers her fiancé is dead and her dream of a safe future is shattered. Moments after her dream is stolen from her, a gift arrives. Her wealthy fiancé left her everything he had. Life for Lydia should be easy, but the truth is much darker and more terrifying than she could imagine, for her fiancé's death was no accident, and the man who took his life wants all the dead man's riches.

Detective Max Caldwell lost his wife to a brutal killer, a man who will stop at nothing to take what he wants from the world. He killed in Chicago. He killed in Oregon. It's only a matter of time before he strikes again. Max seeks not only justice, but vengeance for his wife's death and has no qualms about asking the innocent Lydia to help him hunt for her fiancé's murderer. Because Lydia, and her inheritance, are the bait Max will use to lure evil into the light. Too late he realizes Lydia, with her soft heart, beautiful smile, and collection of rescued animals is not only powerful enough to take down a killer, but she just might melt the ice around his heart.

Bella

Bella Devereaux dreamed of being a restaurateur, not a thief. But life had other plans. Forced to compromise her principles to survive, Bella always gives half of her ill-gotten gains to the French émigrés in New Orleans and saves the other half to fulfill her lifelong goal of opening her own French café. A priceless cache of jewels was supposed to be her last job, but the police are on to her, and so is another criminal—Jack Pasquin. He’s more than a thief, he’s a murderer, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to force Bella’s hand—including kill her. Taking the jewels and fleeing to Oregon City as a mail-order bride seems to be her only hope.
Marshal Robert McCauley never forgave himself for being on the job when his first wife passed away. Guilt has kept him from falling in love again, but a mail-order bride seems to be the perfect answer. When Bella arrives, not only is she beautiful and intelligent, but her mysterious ways intrigue him more than he cares to admit. Neither of them wants to admit they have fallen in love, but when Bella’s past catches up to them, Robert will have to choose—once more—between the woman he loves and the duty he serves.
Can Bella save the husband she’d fallen in love with? Or will she become a widow before she becomes a real wife?

521 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2022

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.



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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

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

HANNAH--LYDIA--BELLA

What intriguing stories with adventure, danger, and romantic suspense. A wagon train of over fifty wagons traveling from Independence, Missouri to the Oregon territory with mail-order brides and a few wagon hands.

Hannah (Brides of the Oregon Trail Book 1)
HOME AT THE END OF A TWO-THOUSAND MILE JOURNEY

The story is a sensual love story for two of the people, outrider, Joe Stanton, a bounty hunter who has helped along this journey before, and the only female on the wagon train that isn’t spoken for, Hannah Granger. Hannah and her sister, Lydia, who has accepted a marriage proposal to Walter Mosley, have purchased their wagon and food supply to begin this arduous two-thousand-mile journey to their new home. When Joe Stanton joins the journey, he and Hannah become friends who take walks at night near the river, but they also start kissing—and when the Reverend catches them, he insists they marry. While this isn’t a marriage of choice, more of convenience and to save her reputation, Joe is adamant that it will be for life—but says he can’t love her. How can they make things work?

“Can we have a real marriage or is that just a dream?” --Hannah
“I figured a kiss is what got us into this; we might as well enjoy another.” --Joe

The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. As a bounty hunter, Joe is always on the lookout for outlaws and collecting the bounty that will help him settle down. The journey includes dangerous men, life-threatening situations, and troubles they encounter on the journey. It also has Lydia rescuing multiple wild animals, nursing them to health, and making them into pets.

While this is both a story of struggles and trials experienced along the six-month travels by wagon, it is also a sweet and enduring love story of two people who are married along the way and must become friends as well as husband and wife. The story could be considered PG but does not emphasize the intimacy between a husband and wife; it is more implied with the emotions. I like that Joe and Hannah talk to each other honestly about what is to happen, how they each feel, and are open. There are a few explicative words, used in context.

Lydia (Brides of the Oregon Trail Book 2)
THANK YOU FOR HELPING MAKE MY DREAMS COME TRUE

The second story in the Brides of the Oregon Trail series will focus on the arrival of the wagon train in Oregon City and Lydia. What a shock to learn that her fiancé, Walter Mosley, is dead—but also that he has left all of his belongings to her, and now she is an extremely wealthy woman. The story is a sensual love story for two people, Lydia Granger, and Max Caldwell. There is an attraction between them that can’t be ignored, and the more time they spend together, the closer they become. But, when Max solves his case, what will happen between him and Lydia—will he return to Chicago?

The story will include Hannah and Joe, and a visit from a few other people from the wagon train. It will have Lydia meeting Detective Max Caldwell from Chicago as he is tracking down a killer. The plot will include mystery and suspense as Max needs Lydia to be a lure to help catch the killer—but what happens when Max is clubbed, and Lydia is shot? The story takes on life and death situations and once will keep Max and Lydia together, unchaperoned, leading to another forced marriage.

“Don’t you Granger girls know how to get married without a shotgun, so to speak?”

The story will have the good, the bad, and the ugly of people and how far they are willing to go in the name of greed. It will also include Lydia’s growing menagerie of animals that play a role in this story. While this is both a story of struggles and trials experienced with the loss of someone Lydia never met in person, it is also new beginnings. I love how Lydia never seems to forget the gift that Walter left her and wants to carry on his legacy of helping others. The story could be considered PG but does not emphasize the intimacy between a husband and wife; it is more implied with the emotions.

Bella (Brides of the Oregon Trail Book 3)
STEALING YOUR WAY INTO MY HEART

What happens when a thief and a lawman enter into marriage by proxy? The third story will start in New Orleans and travel to Oregon City. Marshall Robert McCauley will marry by proxy Bella Devereaux. It was upfront that this was not a marriage of love. As the time draws near for her to arrive, he is second-guessing the marriage and thinking he will release her from their agreement—that is until he lays eyes on her.

Bella Devereaux dreams of someday opening her own French cuisine restaurant, and has high hopes of it being located in San Francisco. Losing both of her parents, she is on her own and has developed a talent of being an accomplished thief. She doesn’t keep everything for herself and helps others in need. When she is shot at one night, she knows it is time to move on and take her ill-gotten gains; she will head to Missouri where she will buy into a wagon train, marry by proxy, and hope to make it to San Francisco eventually.

What happens when things start happening after she arrives, when another Lousiana native, Jack Pasquin, starts harassing her for the jewels and money she has? Will she be able to hide it and keep it safe? When Pasquin threatens the life of Robert, will she capitulate to keep him safe? When two New Orlean detectives come looking for the thief, can they convince them it is Jack?

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

As time goes on, Bella’s dream of a restaurant is slipping away, but her feelings toward her husband grow stronger. How can she go on in a marriage without love? What will happen if they conceive a child before she can leave?

“I’ve fallen in love with you, Robert McCauley, and I’m at a loss as to what to do about it.”

The story is a roller coaster ride of emotions, mystery, suspense, deceit, and lies. It will have two people that are falling in love but afraid to admit to their feelings—and leaving their partner uncertain. It is fun learning about all the recipes that Bella brings with her, passed down from her mother and grandmother—part of a legacy they instilled in her. While this story does not expound on intimate details within the marital relationship, it is a steamy romance of a married couple.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have previously read and reviewed all the books in this collection, each of which is a standalone although they are interrelated.

Hannah: I am always inspired when reading books that portray the lives of early settlers and the enormous lengths they went to in order to reach their goals. This romance brings adventure, danger, and drama to life, transporting one into the story along with the characters. Hannah and Lydia weren't vapid, helpless little women. Rather, they planned their trip on the wagon trail well and prepared themselves in a way that few women would consider. I enjoyed their practical approach as well as their generosity. Joe is a delightful hero with his light-hearted but protective stance towards Hannah. Hannah is a strong and determined woman, despite battling with the self-image problems so many of us experience when we don't fit the perfect profile. This novel is well-written and kept my interest the whole way through.

Lydia: Lydia and her menagerie find their new home. Only, it isn't at all what she expected. Lydia thought that Walter was a moderately wealthy man - in other words, that he had enough and a bit to spare. She had no idea that with his wealth he was able to undergird and support a whole town. However, her fiancé is dead and has unexpectedly made Lydia his sole beneficiary. One thing is certain, there is more than enough space in her new home for everyone she loves, including her fury babies. When Max comes looking for her help, Lydia has the right mix of common sense and adventure to grab the opportunity of assisting him. She just doesn't expect to come into the line of fire. I enjoyed this pioneer romance, the mix of characters, and Lydia's quirky habit of collecting sick, wounded, and abandoned animals. Visitors to her new home are taken aback at being greeted at the door by a wolf, not to mention a three-legged cat and a mountain lion. Whilst this romance has some suspense and a mystery to solve, it is also an enjoyable reflection of life in the newly settled Oregon City.

Bella: The thief and the lawman, who could have dreamed that such a match would be possible? Having to escape her home after being discovered stealing, Bella is married by proxy to lawman Marshall Robert McCauley. Robert isn't at all sure that he intends to go through with the marriage, but after seeing Bella, knows that he cannot turn his back on her. However, things are not as they at first seem, and discovering that his wife is actually a thief is a shock to him. It takes Bella being put at risk for Robert to consider what is really important to him.

All these books come to a sweet conclusion. I was gifted the individual books by the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brides of the Oregon Trail

We loved reading The Brides of the Oregon Trail. Once we started reading the first book we could not put the books down until all three books were thoroughly read. We would totally recommend The Brides of the Oregon Trail for anyone to read. Thanks for writing these wonderful books and look forward to reading more. God Bless.

[Rhonda Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection

I really enjoyed all 3of these stories. I like that the characters made appearances in them all. No matter how much. I recommend this collection to anyone who loves a historical romance.

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

This was a very good set of three books to read. They were written by Cynthia Woolf, who is a very good writer of the Oregon Trail. She is very knowledgeable about this information. Her books are very enjoyable to read.

[Sierra D.]

Love this Author

Cynthia Woolf knows how to craft a great book. This is the fourth series of hers that I'm reading. I can guarantee you that if you read any of her books, you'll be glade you did.

[Linda Keller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed

These stories are unrealistic for the time and place. Modern romance and more fantasy than anything. Written for immature readers.

[Mary Seyler-Branford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Good Good

I liked that the book was clean. I liked that there were three interconnected stories. And, I liked the characters. Even the bad guys were not that bad.

[Karan A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review

The stories are basically the same but with different names. I finished the book but only because I had nothing else to read