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Land Run Mail Order Brides #1
Joshua's Bride
As arable farmland grows scarce, the United States opens up former sections of Indian Territory for homesteading. Those who want to claim land must make a run for it.
Should she claim her own land when he has a claim on her heart?
Rose Calloway feels guilty about living off her sister’s meager schoolmarm’s wages. In spite of taking in sewing, she sees little future for marriage in a town where people are still struggling from the latest economic depression. Being the younger sister of the formidable Marigold doesn’t help attract suitors, either. She responds to a matrimonial advertisement, and after corresponding for several months, sees great promise for her future with Joshua Kent.
Joshua Kent, landless and employed as a farrier, sees promise in the land run planned for the Cherokee Strip in Oklahoma Territory. Knowing once he claims his acres, he will need a wife, he places a matrimonial advertisement. He soon decides Rose Calloway is the woman he wishes to marry. However, once he realizes there will be far more applicants than there is available land, he warns Rose he can only marry if he is successful claiming his own plot.
Marigold, realizing the land run will bring new families to a new settlement, sees there will be a need for teachers and a chance to achieve her dreams. She decides to make her own land claim and insists Rose claim a plot next to hers.
As Marigold prepares to leave for Oklahoma, Rose—homeless unless she marries or goes with her sister—holds a ticket for a land claim in one hand and a letter from Joshua Kent in the other stating, if he is unsuccessful claiming land, he cannot offer marriage. What will she do now?
Should she claim her own land when he has a claim on her heart?
Rose Calloway feels guilty about living off her sister’s meager schoolmarm’s wages. In spite of taking in sewing, she sees little future for marriage in a town where people are still struggling from the latest economic depression. Being the younger sister of the formidable Marigold doesn’t help attract suitors, either. She responds to a matrimonial advertisement, and after corresponding for several months, sees great promise for her future with Joshua Kent.
Joshua Kent, landless and employed as a farrier, sees promise in the land run planned for the Cherokee Strip in Oklahoma Territory. Knowing once he claims his acres, he will need a wife, he places a matrimonial advertisement. He soon decides Rose Calloway is the woman he wishes to marry. However, once he realizes there will be far more applicants than there is available land, he warns Rose he can only marry if he is successful claiming his own plot.
Marigold, realizing the land run will bring new families to a new settlement, sees there will be a need for teachers and a chance to achieve her dreams. She decides to make her own land claim and insists Rose claim a plot next to hers.
As Marigold prepares to leave for Oklahoma, Rose—homeless unless she marries or goes with her sister—holds a ticket for a land claim in one hand and a letter from Joshua Kent in the other stating, if he is unsuccessful claiming land, he cannot offer marriage. What will she do now?
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2022
102 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Zina Abbott
83 books125 followersZina Abbott is the pen name used by Robyn Echols for her historical novels. Her novel, Family Secrets, was published by Fire Star Press in October 2014 and her novelette, A Christmas Promise, was published by Prairie Rose Publications in November 2014. The first two novellas in the Eastern Sierra Brides 1884 series, Big Meadows Valentine and A Resurrected Heart, are now available.
The author currently lives with her husband in California near the “Gateway to Yosemite.” She enjoys family history and any kind of history. When she is not piecing together novel plots, she pieces together quilt blocks.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 7, 2022
I loved this story. A strong woman character always attracts me.
The author does an excellent job of portraying the reality of claiming land opened up by the American government which must be improved and used well.
The angle of a woman thrown into the fray was very eye opening. Rose shows her strong spirit as she proved she is a grown woman capable of making her own decisions.
Like many men, Joshua felt too manly to marry a woman with money and land, when he failed to claim a section of land. But, Rose could be very persuasive.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC and my opinions are my own.
The author does an excellent job of portraying the reality of claiming land opened up by the American government which must be improved and used well.
The angle of a woman thrown into the fray was very eye opening. Rose shows her strong spirit as she proved she is a grown woman capable of making her own decisions.
Like many men, Joshua felt too manly to marry a woman with money and land, when he failed to claim a section of land. But, Rose could be very persuasive.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC and my opinions are my own.
September 16, 2024
LOVE WINS IN THE END
The stories in the series will read well as stand-alone books. They are clean historical Western-themed books and revolve around the opening of land in Indian Territory for homesteading. Single women, men, and married men are allowed to compete for the land. Each person must buy a certificate, compete in the land run, register the certificate, and prove up the land in five years, and at the end of five years pay two dollars and fifty cents per acre to receive the patent.
“As arable farmland grows scarce, the United States opens up former sections of Indian Territory for homesteading. Those who want to claim land must make a run for it.”
Joshua Kent of Wichita, Kansas has been corresponding with Rose Calloway of Cutter, Iowa. He is hoping to find land and then ask for her to marry him. His first chance at land didn’t turn out. So he tells her that he can’t ask for her hand since he doesn’t feel he has anything to offer her.
Marigold ‘Mari’ Calloway and her younger sister, Rose, live in a small home that is part of the school, and part of her arrangements. She is distraught to learn the school board is bringing in a male teacher, providing him a home, and higher wages. She and Rose must keep it quiet about leaving until they have their arrangements in place. When no applications seem to be responding, Mari decides they will go to Oklahoma and hope for a chance for land, preferably in town.
The story will bring Mari and Rose to Wichita, Kansas where they will stay at a boarding house and rent out the carriage house for some of their possessions they have brought by train. What a surprise to have someone from the livery to come help move them, and discover it is Joshua Kent. When he meets Rose, he is impressed with her but still doesn’t feel he has anything to offer her. Learning that Mari and Rose are also going for the land run comes as a surprise. While the ladies take a train, Joshua will set out in his wagon, carrying his farrier equipment and supplies, along with a new plow.
The story is the journey of the Calloway sisters and Joshua Kent. Who will claim land and who won’t find a parcel is a huge part of the story. It is what all is involved, the stakes that are raised, and how perseverance is needed to protect that land. Several people will become friends along the way and then some are riled by dealing with others. Will Joshua and Rose find they have the same goals and dreams? Does it really matter who claims the land? Rose is a spunky character who does things her way and needs someone to be there for her. She has been bossed around by Mari for so long, that she wants to feel she has control. What will it take for Joshua to accept that Rose wants him, and together they can farm and prove up the land?
Rose: I don’t want a business arrangement with you, Joshua. I want a family arrangement. If not, I don’t want the land.
Joshua: I love you, Rose Calloway. I want a family arrangement, too. I will reimburse you for your certificate and hold it, but only if you agree to marry me.
Rose: It’s a deal.
The stories in the series will read well as stand-alone books. They are clean historical Western-themed books and revolve around the opening of land in Indian Territory for homesteading. Single women, men, and married men are allowed to compete for the land. Each person must buy a certificate, compete in the land run, register the certificate, and prove up the land in five years, and at the end of five years pay two dollars and fifty cents per acre to receive the patent.
“As arable farmland grows scarce, the United States opens up former sections of Indian Territory for homesteading. Those who want to claim land must make a run for it.”
Joshua Kent of Wichita, Kansas has been corresponding with Rose Calloway of Cutter, Iowa. He is hoping to find land and then ask for her to marry him. His first chance at land didn’t turn out. So he tells her that he can’t ask for her hand since he doesn’t feel he has anything to offer her.
Marigold ‘Mari’ Calloway and her younger sister, Rose, live in a small home that is part of the school, and part of her arrangements. She is distraught to learn the school board is bringing in a male teacher, providing him a home, and higher wages. She and Rose must keep it quiet about leaving until they have their arrangements in place. When no applications seem to be responding, Mari decides they will go to Oklahoma and hope for a chance for land, preferably in town.
The story will bring Mari and Rose to Wichita, Kansas where they will stay at a boarding house and rent out the carriage house for some of their possessions they have brought by train. What a surprise to have someone from the livery to come help move them, and discover it is Joshua Kent. When he meets Rose, he is impressed with her but still doesn’t feel he has anything to offer her. Learning that Mari and Rose are also going for the land run comes as a surprise. While the ladies take a train, Joshua will set out in his wagon, carrying his farrier equipment and supplies, along with a new plow.
The story is the journey of the Calloway sisters and Joshua Kent. Who will claim land and who won’t find a parcel is a huge part of the story. It is what all is involved, the stakes that are raised, and how perseverance is needed to protect that land. Several people will become friends along the way and then some are riled by dealing with others. Will Joshua and Rose find they have the same goals and dreams? Does it really matter who claims the land? Rose is a spunky character who does things her way and needs someone to be there for her. She has been bossed around by Mari for so long, that she wants to feel she has control. What will it take for Joshua to accept that Rose wants him, and together they can farm and prove up the land?
Rose: I don’t want a business arrangement with you, Joshua. I want a family arrangement. If not, I don’t want the land.
Joshua: I love you, Rose Calloway. I want a family arrangement, too. I will reimburse you for your certificate and hold it, but only if you agree to marry me.
Rose: It’s a deal.
June 3, 2022
This book is based on the race to own land thru a government land grab that happened on former Cherokee land in Oklahoma in 1893. Rose Calloway lives with her sister Marigold (Mari) but buys a Matrimonial agency paper looking for a husband and ends up writing to Joshua Kent. He explains to Rose that they can only marry if he can get his own land so he can support her. Mari is a school teacher & she was going to lose the home provided for her & Rose to live, so Mari decides to get a certificate & try for land in Oklahoma and asks Rose to join her. Mari is the stronger, more outspoken sister who treats Rose like she is still a child. This book brings to light how women were underpaid (the male teacher hired was getting a house and paid 2X what Mari was paid), but also shows how women didn’t have the same rights as men!! This author never disappoints, she researches our history & her books are written with such detail you feel you are in the middle of the story experiencing it in real life. I love when Rose realizes her strengths and comes into her own. Definitely a great, enjoyable read!!!
June 3, 2022
This is Book #1 in the new series Land Run Mail Order Brides and is the story of Rose Calloway and Joshua Kent. Joshua who decides to participate in the Cherokee Outlet in Oklahoma Territory known as the Oklahoma Land Run and knowing that once he claimed land he would need a wife advertised for a MOB. Rose responds and travels to Oklahoma to become Joshua's wife even though he explains he can only marry her if he gets his claim accepted. Rose's sister had accompanied her to Oklahoma and registered for her own land and encourages Rose to do the same since the situation with Joshua is somewhat unsettled. Rose really only wants to become a wife and not a land owner. Decisions, decisions, what will she decide to do; shall she file a claim for her own land or shall she hold off and wait to see if Joshua is granted his claim and is willing to marry her? What's a girl to do? Read this outstanding story with great characters to find out; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
June 11, 2022
Race For Homestead!
What an enjoyable book to read! Our bride, Rose, starts out her journey knowing that her best outcome will be if she becomes a mail-order bride and writes to Joshua offering to be his bride. Their plan is for each of them to get a 40 acre plot and then marry and combine their plots into one farm. They plan to get adjoining plots. In order to do this they have to go early to the race for land and get two markers from adjoining plots. The biggest problem is that each will have to remain on their plot until the plots are registered. Read this book to learn about problems faced and overcome while they wait to become land owners.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series.
What an enjoyable book to read! Our bride, Rose, starts out her journey knowing that her best outcome will be if she becomes a mail-order bride and writes to Joshua offering to be his bride. Their plan is for each of them to get a 40 acre plot and then marry and combine their plots into one farm. They plan to get adjoining plots. In order to do this they have to go early to the race for land and get two markers from adjoining plots. The biggest problem is that each will have to remain on their plot until the plots are registered. Read this book to learn about problems faced and overcome while they wait to become land owners.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series.
June 4, 2022
Oklahoma Territory
Step into a time in history, as so many people went west to try to claim land offered by the government. Imagine, standing in line to try to get a number with thousands wanting the same thing!
It is amazing the research and true history Zina always brings to her stories, creating a picture with her characters and descriptions that bring the story alive!
This is Rose and Joshua's story. Rose and her sister Mari go to claim land, while at the same time Joshua is doing the same. What an adventure! A wonderful start to a new series that makes me look forward to more!!
Step into a time in history, as so many people went west to try to claim land offered by the government. Imagine, standing in line to try to get a number with thousands wanting the same thing!
It is amazing the research and true history Zina always brings to her stories, creating a picture with her characters and descriptions that bring the story alive!
This is Rose and Joshua's story. Rose and her sister Mari go to claim land, while at the same time Joshua is doing the same. What an adventure! A wonderful start to a new series that makes me look forward to more!!
June 13, 2022
The land rush to get land in “new” Oklahoma is very interesting. The author includes many interesting details about how people received land. What they endured.
And in addition to learning about the Historical part this author lets you inside the world of two sisters who find themselves out of a job and a house. One had written to be a mail order bride and thought it would work but he said he couldn’t marry unless he got land a a house to give her. Both sisters headstrong on getting land. Will love hold out and find one another on the Oklahoma land rush?
Very good clean book recommended fir any aged reader.
And in addition to learning about the Historical part this author lets you inside the world of two sisters who find themselves out of a job and a house. One had written to be a mail order bride and thought it would work but he said he couldn’t marry unless he got land a a house to give her. Both sisters headstrong on getting land. Will love hold out and find one another on the Oklahoma land rush?
Very good clean book recommended fir any aged reader.
June 23, 2022
very nice
This is the first book in a series of books Land Run Mail Order Brides and it was very good. Rose and Joshua both have a dream of owning land and having a family. Rose corresponds with Joshua for sometime before he tells her he can not marry until he own his own land. Rose has a sister who wants to own land in a city for the family and talks Rose into getting her own land. So both Rose and her sister are off for there dream of land. Will they get there land? Will Joshua be seen again with land? Please read this book as it is very sweet read. Zina Abbott has written it very well and is a very enjoy to read.
This is the first book in a series of books Land Run Mail Order Brides and it was very good. Rose and Joshua both have a dream of owning land and having a family. Rose corresponds with Joshua for sometime before he tells her he can not marry until he own his own land. Rose has a sister who wants to own land in a city for the family and talks Rose into getting her own land. So both Rose and her sister are off for there dream of land. Will they get there land? Will Joshua be seen again with land? Please read this book as it is very sweet read. Zina Abbott has written it very well and is a very enjoy to read.
June 4, 2022
Oh my goodness, I LOVED this book and can't wait for more from this series! Mail Order Bride books are my favorite genre and adding the Oklahoma Territory to it was great! Zina does an excellent job of doing her research, I actually learned some new stuff about this story.
Her characters are always so down to earth and I can feel their emotions. I have never been disappointed in Zina's books/stories.
I was given an ARC from the author but not required or persuaded to leave a positive review.
Her characters are always so down to earth and I can feel their emotions. I have never been disappointed in Zina's books/stories.
I was given an ARC from the author but not required or persuaded to leave a positive review.
July 11, 2022
Joshua and Rose
This is a mail order bride tale that didn’t happen. Well not as planned anyway. Joshua was a hard working young man that wrote to Rose. He planned to obtain land in the land rush in Oklahoma, only he is on of many that was not successful. He lets his pride overrule his budding love for Rose. Rose and her sister, Marigold decide to run for the land too and they we each successful. Plenty of excitement and adventure for all parties involved. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is a mail order bride tale that didn’t happen. Well not as planned anyway. Joshua was a hard working young man that wrote to Rose. He planned to obtain land in the land rush in Oklahoma, only he is on of many that was not successful. He lets his pride overrule his budding love for Rose. Rose and her sister, Marigold decide to run for the land too and they we each successful. Plenty of excitement and adventure for all parties involved. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
June 18, 2022
Pride almost came before the fall. Joshua Kent has a lot of pride and ideas of how a relationship should be. He wants to have land and be settled before he takes a bride. Rose just wants to be a wife and Marigold just wants to teach and be treated fairly. This story addresses so many issues of the day and unfortunately many of them are still around today. I loved how Zina Abbott made all this work together.
August 14, 2022
Exciting Adventure!
Wow! This series is one exciting adventure after another. So much excitement, adventure, determination, and romance. These were some really strong, independent and tough pioneer women in a run for land. Rose and Joshua’s story is complete with twists and turns, no one sees coming. Couldn’t stop reading this story, had to know how it’s characters are challenged by everyday occurrences, faith.
Wow! This series is one exciting adventure after another. So much excitement, adventure, determination, and romance. These were some really strong, independent and tough pioneer women in a run for land. Rose and Joshua’s story is complete with twists and turns, no one sees coming. Couldn’t stop reading this story, had to know how it’s characters are challenged by everyday occurrences, faith.
June 20, 2022
Run to Land this Book
Zina Abbott writes a delightful story which accurately details the plans and trials of several characters participating in the historic Oklahoma Land Run. I think I learned more from this tale than I did from my junior high history lessons; and, the sweet. romance made it all the more interesting.
Zina Abbott writes a delightful story which accurately details the plans and trials of several characters participating in the historic Oklahoma Land Run. I think I learned more from this tale than I did from my junior high history lessons; and, the sweet. romance made it all the more interesting.
November 13, 2023
A really good book set in the late1800’s . Rose Calloway has been writing to Joshua Kent after seeing an matrimonial advertisement. Joshua wants to acquire some land before he officials ask Rose marry him.
When the government decides to have a land run in the Oklahoma Territory , Rose and her sister decide to make a new start and head out to this strange land.
When the government decides to have a land run in the Oklahoma Territory , Rose and her sister decide to make a new start and head out to this strange land.
September 30, 2024
okie Land
This story is all about the land run in Oklahoma and very involved info on how that worked
Two Flowery Sisters, Marigold & Rose set out to gain a home of their own while remaining together building their future.
It’s a very in depth researched story of all the criteria the people went thru to gain that land
Very Interesting and contained MOB!
This story is all about the land run in Oklahoma and very involved info on how that worked
Two Flowery Sisters, Marigold & Rose set out to gain a home of their own while remaining together building their future.
It’s a very in depth researched story of all the criteria the people went thru to gain that land
Very Interesting and contained MOB!
June 13, 2022
Rose
A charming tale of determination to start a new life and make her own decisions. The history and facts of the land run are very interesting twined into the adventures the characters deal with.
A charming tale of determination to start a new life and make her own decisions. The history and facts of the land run are very interesting twined into the adventures the characters deal with.
July 3, 2022
Sweet Historical Romance
What a wild and crazy adventure! I loved the main characters! I loved their second encounter with Charlie! I'm glad they've met many wonderful friends during their adventure to make meeting people like Charlie, insignificant!
What a wild and crazy adventure! I loved the main characters! I loved their second encounter with Charlie! I'm glad they've met many wonderful friends during their adventure to make meeting people like Charlie, insignificant!
July 7, 2022
At long last
Rose is looking for love, a home. Her and her sister participate in a land run. She does get her own land, she has to fight to keep it. Joshua likes Rose but wants land before he marrys her. Will he accept her
land as his ?
Rose is looking for love, a home. Her and her sister participate in a land run. She does get her own land, she has to fight to keep it. Joshua likes Rose but wants land before he marrys her. Will he accept her
land as his ?
August 15, 2022
Adapting to change
Rose has followed her sister's lead for most of her twenty two years but circumstances change when they register for the land rush. Joshua and Rose's story is one of adapting to changing circumstances and beautifully done.
Rose has followed her sister's lead for most of her twenty two years but circumstances change when they register for the land rush. Joshua and Rose's story is one of adapting to changing circumstances and beautifully done.
December 22, 2022
Good book!
I liked how both her perspective & his were both given equal attention. This book is well written, & has believable, well rounded characters. Clean & true to historical facts.
I liked how both her perspective & his were both given equal attention. This book is well written, & has believable, well rounded characters. Clean & true to historical facts.
June 9, 2022
Joshua is Bride
A good story about a young man that wanted land but he was unable to acquire any but he loved Rose and she gave him her land and they married
A good story about a young man that wanted land but he was unable to acquire any but he loved Rose and she gave him her land and they married
June 14, 2022
I enjoyed the book. Great information on Oklahoma land run. Love how Rose was so determined on a lot of things.
June 30, 2022
Joshua’s Bride
Unique circumstances to get land and a smart bride uses it to get what she wants! I loved the story!!
Unique circumstances to get land and a smart bride uses it to get what she wants! I loved the story!!
July 7, 2023
Enjoyed the read
Story of two sisters determination and some sweet romance. I would love for there to be a part two to find out more,
Story of two sisters determination and some sweet romance. I would love for there to be a part two to find out more,
November 13, 2024
Joshua's Bride is Book #1 in the page turning Oklahoma Land Run Mail Order Brides series. This avid reader could NOT put the book down and read the story in one day. Zina Abbott brings the setting alive with her attention to historical facts in descriptive passages. Joshua, Rose and Mari are relatable characters. Especially enjoyed how the minor characters helped each other during the stress of obtaining land and protecting women. Daniel Burdock and Edward Jenson are gentlemen - willing to help their neighbor Rose, a single woman. Philo and Irene Lansing are like parents to Joshua. Listening to his frustrations and suggesting solutions. Mr. Barnes understands why a town is needed. The theme that history repeats itself is stated: Prosperity and financial panics go in cycles. My favorite lines: Men don't always appreciate a woman coming up with a logical solution to a problem. Small minded egotistical males have no respect for the value of an intelligent woman. Laws, which were written by men, set up so husband controls the finances. The twist and turn plot with an unexpected ending makes for an enjoyable historical read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews