What do you think?
Rate this book
Iron Creek Brides #5
The Carpenter’s Mail Order Dilemma
What would you give up for love?
For the most part, Geoffrey Drayton is content with his life in Iron Creek.
Having thrown himself into work since the death of his wife, Geoffrey is now the most popular carpenter in town.
But the life of a widower is a lonely and empty one.
After watching so many of his friends find happiness with mail order brides, Geoffrey decides it is time for him to take a chance—and advertises for a bride of his own.
Soon he receives a reply from the vivacious Natalie Walters.
Natalie is charming and fun, and Geoffrey quickly finds himself captivated by her letters.
But there is a catch! Natalie wants him to leave Iron Creek to live with her in the city.
Now, Geoffrey is faced with the choice of whether he should follow Natalie or stay in the town he loves—but is there anything worth staying for in Iron Creek?
Jeannie Porter has known Geoffrey Drayton for most of her life.
She adored him when she was a girl and stuck by him through his tragic marriage—all the while keeping her feelings for him to herself.
So, when Geoffrey suddenly brings home the lovely Miss Walters, Jeannie braces herself for another painful time of seeing Geoffrey fall in love with someone other than her.
Because compared to the lively and beautiful Natalie Walters, what chance could Jeannie have of winning Geoffrey’s affection?
The Carpenter’s Mail Order Dilemma is a heart-warming story of secret love and following your heart. Will Geoffrey choose Natalie over everything he loves? And how will Jeannie bear it if he does?
For the most part, Geoffrey Drayton is content with his life in Iron Creek.
Having thrown himself into work since the death of his wife, Geoffrey is now the most popular carpenter in town.
But the life of a widower is a lonely and empty one.
After watching so many of his friends find happiness with mail order brides, Geoffrey decides it is time for him to take a chance—and advertises for a bride of his own.
Soon he receives a reply from the vivacious Natalie Walters.
Natalie is charming and fun, and Geoffrey quickly finds himself captivated by her letters.
But there is a catch! Natalie wants him to leave Iron Creek to live with her in the city.
Now, Geoffrey is faced with the choice of whether he should follow Natalie or stay in the town he loves—but is there anything worth staying for in Iron Creek?
Jeannie Porter has known Geoffrey Drayton for most of her life.
She adored him when she was a girl and stuck by him through his tragic marriage—all the while keeping her feelings for him to herself.
So, when Geoffrey suddenly brings home the lovely Miss Walters, Jeannie braces herself for another painful time of seeing Geoffrey fall in love with someone other than her.
Because compared to the lively and beautiful Natalie Walters, what chance could Jeannie have of winning Geoffrey’s affection?
The Carpenter’s Mail Order Dilemma is a heart-warming story of secret love and following your heart. Will Geoffrey choose Natalie over everything he loves? And how will Jeannie bear it if he does?
- GenresHistoricalAmazonWesterns
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2022
About the author
Karla Gracey
74 books67 followersKarla Gracey was born with a very creative imagination and a love for creating stories that will inspire and warm people's hearts. She has always been attracted to historical romance including mail order bride stories with strong willed women. Her characters are easy to relate to and you feel as if you know them personally. Whether you enjoy action, adventure, romance, mystery, suspense or drama- she makes sure there is something for everyone in her historical romance stories!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 24, 2022
All the wrong reasons
Jeannie has loved Geoffrey all of her life, but she doesn´t have the courage to show him in a way that will make him understand. So she has to watch him twice turn to another woman – on the other hand does she want to settle for second choice?
Geoffrey has no clue about Jeannie´s feelings, he treasures her as a faithful and relieable friend, has her help take care of his dying first wife and choose his second wife from mail order bride´s letters. He cares a lot about Jeannie but never found the courage to make his feelings clear – the time never seemed right.
Now Natalie wants Geoffrey to give up his whole past and start new with her in the city.
I wonder if these are the right reasons to start a relationship: if I love somebody, why do I want them to change? Why should I change for somebody who isn´t willing to love me the way I am? Is it better not to love than to be loved as a second choice?
Nothing is easy in love and life but in fiction we fortunately know there will be a HEA.
I received this book as a review copy.
Jeannie has loved Geoffrey all of her life, but she doesn´t have the courage to show him in a way that will make him understand. So she has to watch him twice turn to another woman – on the other hand does she want to settle for second choice?
Geoffrey has no clue about Jeannie´s feelings, he treasures her as a faithful and relieable friend, has her help take care of his dying first wife and choose his second wife from mail order bride´s letters. He cares a lot about Jeannie but never found the courage to make his feelings clear – the time never seemed right.
Now Natalie wants Geoffrey to give up his whole past and start new with her in the city.
I wonder if these are the right reasons to start a relationship: if I love somebody, why do I want them to change? Why should I change for somebody who isn´t willing to love me the way I am? Is it better not to love than to be loved as a second choice?
Nothing is easy in love and life but in fiction we fortunately know there will be a HEA.
I received this book as a review copy.
March 29, 2022
A great historical romance!
Jeannie has been in love with James since they were children. When he went away to learn carpentry in Chicago, he came back with a wife, Annie. Jeanie being the nice loving person she was was welcoming and friendly to Annie and even loved her like a sister and even help take care of her before she died. It was a year after she died her widow decided it was time to remarry and this is how he settle for a mail order bride. At first she was sweet and nice and then when she came to visit his hometown her true nature shown through. Will he be able to see that Jeannie is exactly the type of woman he wants or will he be tricked by this caddy socialite and move to Chicago? This book was so good, I was so happy to see that Carla Gracie had a new historical romance series. This is the second one I’ve read so far in the collection, but I will definitely be reading more. What a great romance! Sent
Jeannie has been in love with James since they were children. When he went away to learn carpentry in Chicago, he came back with a wife, Annie. Jeanie being the nice loving person she was was welcoming and friendly to Annie and even loved her like a sister and even help take care of her before she died. It was a year after she died her widow decided it was time to remarry and this is how he settle for a mail order bride. At first she was sweet and nice and then when she came to visit his hometown her true nature shown through. Will he be able to see that Jeannie is exactly the type of woman he wants or will he be tricked by this caddy socialite and move to Chicago? This book was so good, I was so happy to see that Carla Gracie had a new historical romance series. This is the second one I’ve read so far in the collection, but I will definitely be reading more. What a great romance! Sent
March 27, 2022
Talk about not seeing what is in front of your face. A woman who won't speak of her love to her friend, and a man who keeps looking for love, because he doesn't see love in his friend's eyes. These two are worthless when it comes to their emotions. Geoffrey is about to make the biggest mistake of his life until he realizes that he is jealous of Jeannie moving on with her life, because Jeannie decided to try to move on when Geoffrey sent out for a mail order bride. The dilemma is fraught with mixed emotions, a fickle and selfish woman, and an extremely jealous baker. All which have every right to feel the way that they do.
March 23, 2022
A different story from the usual mail order bride with well written characters and a bit of a twist. Geoffrey had married but lost his young wife all too soon, he would really like to have some companionship and someone to share his life. Jeannie and Geoffrey have been best friends all their lives, but he has never realized that Jeannie has strong feelings for him. Geoffrey asks for Jeannie’s help in writing an advertisement for a mail order bride, will he find a new love? How will Jeannie deal with the consequences of any new relationship?
March 24, 2022
Another excellent book in the Iron Creek series. Karla Gracey gives the reader what they want. First, gotta love the series, and the number in the series is written on the front. Then listing the characters at the beginning of the book. This helps me at least keep people straight. Then Putting the date at the beginning of each chapter is awesome. You know the time frame you are dealing with. Then of course she writes fantastic characters. Then she writes a story you get invested in. Yep. This author is great and delivers a story that sets with you. Can't wait for the next!
March 25, 2022
"The Carpenter's Mail Order Dilemma" by Karla Gracey
Sweet Clean American Romance
This was a very good story. I should probably have given it a rating of 5-stars; but for some reason I just did not connect with the characters and got ever so bored (and frustrated) reading the repetitive thoughts of the primary two characters. I hope you will give this story a try, and truly enjoy your read. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received a copy of this story from the publisher or author.
This review expresses my honest opinion.
Sweet Clean American Romance
This was a very good story. I should probably have given it a rating of 5-stars; but for some reason I just did not connect with the characters and got ever so bored (and frustrated) reading the repetitive thoughts of the primary two characters. I hope you will give this story a try, and truly enjoy your read. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received a copy of this story from the publisher or author.
This review expresses my honest opinion.
July 21, 2022
Geoffrey and Jeannie
This is a super good love story. You’ll find action, excitement, adventure ,lots of love and a bit of humor.Geoffrey is a widower and a bit lonely. He is a excellent carpenter and his best friend since early childhood is Jeannie. Jeannie is a sweet young woman with a heart of gold and a crazy family. Geoffrey and Jeannie have secretly loved each other since forever, but both to afraid of loosing their friendship together. The risk was just too great to gamble. You will enjoy their trials and tribulations and they each pray for a happily ever after.
This is a super good love story. You’ll find action, excitement, adventure ,lots of love and a bit of humor.Geoffrey is a widower and a bit lonely. He is a excellent carpenter and his best friend since early childhood is Jeannie. Jeannie is a sweet young woman with a heart of gold and a crazy family. Geoffrey and Jeannie have secretly loved each other since forever, but both to afraid of loosing their friendship together. The risk was just too great to gamble. You will enjoy their trials and tribulations and they each pray for a happily ever after.
May 12, 2022
free ebook
part of the series i started
he was a carpenter and she lived at home caring for her sisters, their husbands and kids, her dad, and the house and yard and animals
they were best friends
his wife died a month after they married
he sent away for a mail order bride but she was too snooty to live in his small town
she left and the baker that was interested in his best friend followed her back to her big city
they finally realized they loved each other and got married
part of the series i started
he was a carpenter and she lived at home caring for her sisters, their husbands and kids, her dad, and the house and yard and animals
they were best friends
his wife died a month after they married
he sent away for a mail order bride but she was too snooty to live in his small town
she left and the baker that was interested in his best friend followed her back to her big city
they finally realized they loved each other and got married
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
Geoffrey needs a wife
Geoffrey lost the love of his life shortly after they were wed. And Jeanie, his best friend forever, stayed by his side nursing and caring for them both. A few years later he decided to write an advertisement for a wife. Jeanie was in love with Geoffrey for most of their lives but neither let the other know of each others attraction. A beautiful story I enjoyed.
Read to find out what happens.
Geoffrey lost the love of his life shortly after they were wed. And Jeanie, his best friend forever, stayed by his side nursing and caring for them both. A few years later he decided to write an advertisement for a wife. Jeanie was in love with Geoffrey for most of their lives but neither let the other know of each others attraction. A beautiful story I enjoyed.
Read to find out what happens.
March 23, 2022
Very Enjoyable!
Jeannie and Geoffrey are lifelong best friends who need to admit to themselves that they love each other.
Both are in denial and look elsewhere but is is the solution?
This was a rather pleasing story which was very easy to read and I enjoyed it so very much.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the book and this is my voluntary review of it.
Jeannie and Geoffrey are lifelong best friends who need to admit to themselves that they love each other.
Both are in denial and look elsewhere but is is the solution?
This was a rather pleasing story which was very easy to read and I enjoyed it so very much.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the book and this is my voluntary review of it.
March 26, 2022
Mail order mix-up! Grief turned into loneliness for Geoffrey. He turns to his best friend Jeannie to help him find a wife; of course, she is "only too glad to help."
Funny, emotional roller coaster! Liked the story though there was too much repeating of Jeannie's and Geoffrey's feelings Interesting read.
Funny, emotional roller coaster! Liked the story though there was too much repeating of Jeannie's and Geoffrey's feelings Interesting read.
March 31, 2022
I don't know how some people never get the backbone to say just how they feel about someone. A very good story. Just the way a wily person could fool someone else to believe that they cared for them. It is not right. They should have a meter on their foreheads to show a lie-o-meter. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 2, 2022
This is a different take on mail order brides. Set in Iron Creek , Minnesota, Geoffrey is a carpenter who lost his young wife to the flu. Ever faithful friend, Jeannie is always there to comfort and encourage. After a few years, Geoffrey decides it’s time to find a wife since he’s lonely. He enlists Jeannie to help him. That’s where things get interesting!
April 9, 2022
Are they brave enough?
Jeannie and Geoffrey are best friends, but they should be so much more, both have feelings for the other but neither can see what is so obviously in front of them....those feelings are returned.
Everyone else knows they should be together, but are they brave enough to take the leap?
I loved this visit to Iron Creek which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
Jeannie and Geoffrey are best friends, but they should be so much more, both have feelings for the other but neither can see what is so obviously in front of them....those feelings are returned.
Everyone else knows they should be together, but are they brave enough to take the leap?
I loved this visit to Iron Creek which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
April 14, 2022
Longing for Love
I liked this book but Geoffrey was a foolish man and Jenny was amazingly patient until his first wife died who was a loving wife . THE CARPENTER'S MAIL ORDER DILEMMA , INSPIRATIONAL WESTERN MAIL ORDER BRIDE ROMANCE , IRON CREEK BRIDES BOOK 5 BY KARLA GRACEY . I recommend teens and up.
I liked this book but Geoffrey was a foolish man and Jenny was amazingly patient until his first wife died who was a loving wife . THE CARPENTER'S MAIL ORDER DILEMMA , INSPIRATIONAL WESTERN MAIL ORDER BRIDE ROMANCE , IRON CREEK BRIDES BOOK 5 BY KARLA GRACEY . I recommend teens and up.
September 13, 2022
Lovely
I really enjoyed this book. Frustrating at times, as you cannot believe two characters could be so blind and lacking in sense! The story is well crafted, with plenty of issues of interest taking place. Keeps you wondering where it will all end up. Loved the town. Loved the characters. The ending was better than could have hoped for. A great read.
I really enjoyed this book. Frustrating at times, as you cannot believe two characters could be so blind and lacking in sense! The story is well crafted, with plenty of issues of interest taking place. Keeps you wondering where it will all end up. Loved the town. Loved the characters. The ending was better than could have hoped for. A great read.
March 26, 2023
Always look before you leap!
This book shows how what is right in front of you is sometimes hard to really see. Looking for love in all the wrong places sometimes leads to major heart aches. I can't say I didn't see this ending coming but it made my heart feel better to see the outcome.Enjoy!
This book shows how what is right in front of you is sometimes hard to really see. Looking for love in all the wrong places sometimes leads to major heart aches. I can't say I didn't see this ending coming but it made my heart feel better to see the outcome.Enjoy!
March 30, 2022
Ever so anxious to read the next installment in the series, the shocking plot unveiled in the prologue sent me for a loop. The angst was very powerful. The storyline that ensued, had me quickly reading. The ending was fantastic! I cannot wait and hope for another book. Gifted to me.
April 24, 2022
The Greatest Gift
I recommend this book to all those who enjoy happy endings. The best gift any couple can give each other is the purest of all loves surrounded by complete friendship.
I recommend this book to all those who enjoy happy endings. The best gift any couple can give each other is the purest of all loves surrounded by complete friendship.
May 15, 2022
Best friends and more
Author Karla Gracey has another hit in the Iron Creek series. Wile sprinkles and glitter and decorations make for a beautiful cake, it's the taste of the actual cake under the pretty Icing that determines its true success or failure.
Author Karla Gracey has another hit in the Iron Creek series. Wile sprinkles and glitter and decorations make for a beautiful cake, it's the taste of the actual cake under the pretty Icing that determines its true success or failure.
June 4, 2022
The right one
Have you ever met someone that you know in your heart he or she is the one. But later
Your not so sure or are you. Are you afraid to speak up. If you love someone, don't waste time.
Have you ever met someone that you know in your heart he or she is the one. But later
Your not so sure or are you. Are you afraid to speak up. If you love someone, don't waste time.
September 29, 2023
A fulfilling love
This lovely well-written novel by Karla Gracey explores a love between two lifelong friends that eventually proves to be timeless and fulfilling. Her depiction of the environment in the 1880s would be a historian's dream.
This lovely well-written novel by Karla Gracey explores a love between two lifelong friends that eventually proves to be timeless and fulfilling. Her depiction of the environment in the 1880s would be a historian's dream.
December 11, 2023
Sweet
Very nice book in a cute, enjoyable series. Both main characters are likeable, although they're slow to open up to each other. The town they live in seems great, and would be nice to visit, or even to live in, if it was real
Very nice book in a cute, enjoyable series. Both main characters are likeable, although they're slow to open up to each other. The town they live in seems great, and would be nice to visit, or even to live in, if it was real
March 29, 2022
Sweet Romance
While it was obvious that these two characters would marry, it was a fun journey to take with them. I would love a follow up story.
While it was obvious that these two characters would marry, it was a fun journey to take with them. I would love a follow up story.
April 1, 2022
"None is do blind as those who will not see." A famous quote from somebody that definitely could be applied to the characters in this romance.
Read
May 8, 2022Wonderful story
Wonderful story with many surprises, excitement, suspense and lots of love. I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys a wonderful story.
Wonderful story with many surprises, excitement, suspense and lots of love. I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys a wonderful story.
May 11, 2022
predictable but heartwarming
You quickly see what everyone in the town sees…that these two people belong together. But it takes a while for them to figure it out. Lovely ending.
You quickly see what everyone in the town sees…that these two people belong together. But it takes a while for them to figure it out. Lovely ending.
June 26, 2022
Friends to lovers goodness 🥺🖤
July 30, 2024
Communication issues. they talk but afraid to see what they need when every one else does.
May 26, 2025
very good storyline. Jeannie has been in love with her best friend since they were children. Great characters. strong women. a great little town.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews