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The Flat River Matchmaker #1
The Farmer's Bride
A woman needing a home; a man needing a helpmate and a marriage of convenience that meets both of their needs.
Forced from her home, Elizabet Garrett needs to find a husband, and fast. What she doesn’t anticipate is meeting a man who is nothing like she expects, but just might be the answer to her prayers.
Disabled after a farming accident, Peter Arkin lives on his small homestead nursing his demons and a broken dream. Forced to face another harsh winter alone, he sobers up and agrees to allow a local matchmaker to find a suitable mail-order bride. But hurtful rejections for his handicap leaves him reluctant to keep trying.
Does he have enough faith to take one more chance? Will Elizabet be able to see beyond his injury and be the helpmate he needs? Is there a chance that they can find the love and healing they both desperately seek? Find out in this small-town historical romance with a touch of faith.
The Flat River Matchmaker series features characters you know from Christine's popular series, The Chapmans. Each book in this series is a stand-alone and can be read in any order.
Forced from her home, Elizabet Garrett needs to find a husband, and fast. What she doesn’t anticipate is meeting a man who is nothing like she expects, but just might be the answer to her prayers.
Disabled after a farming accident, Peter Arkin lives on his small homestead nursing his demons and a broken dream. Forced to face another harsh winter alone, he sobers up and agrees to allow a local matchmaker to find a suitable mail-order bride. But hurtful rejections for his handicap leaves him reluctant to keep trying.
Does he have enough faith to take one more chance? Will Elizabet be able to see beyond his injury and be the helpmate he needs? Is there a chance that they can find the love and healing they both desperately seek? Find out in this small-town historical romance with a touch of faith.
The Flat River Matchmaker series features characters you know from Christine's popular series, The Chapmans. Each book in this series is a stand-alone and can be read in any order.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2022
481 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Christine Sterling
116 books273 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Christine Sterling loves immersing her readers in the small towns she’s created. Her inspirational stories feature humor, redemption, and romance, with themes of friendship, forgiveness, and fighting for the love you want.
She’s the author of over eighty romances, including the reader favorites, First Families of Flat River, and The Flat River Matchmaker series. She loves to create tight-knit families with strong family values, and you’ll often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories. Her readers describe her characters as old friends and her settings as places they would love to visit.
An empty nester, she lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals on a Pennsylvania farm. When she’s not writing, she can be found drinking tea, being judged by her cat, eating snacks, or napping.
Sign up for her newsletter and get a free book at www. flatrivernebraska. com
She’s the author of over eighty romances, including the reader favorites, First Families of Flat River, and The Flat River Matchmaker series. She loves to create tight-knit families with strong family values, and you’ll often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories. Her readers describe her characters as old friends and her settings as places they would love to visit.
An empty nester, she lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals on a Pennsylvania farm. When she’s not writing, she can be found drinking tea, being judged by her cat, eating snacks, or napping.
Sign up for her newsletter and get a free book at www. flatrivernebraska. com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 2, 2023
This book is a great choice if you're in the mood for an American western in a bite-sized format. The characters are wonderful, the writing is good, and the plot is believable. Overall, this was a satisfying read.
June 12, 2025
Such a lovely book! I read it twice! Full review will be posted soon, God willing. :)
October 10, 2025
That was kinda fun. Audiobook was not the move, though
March 15, 2026
The cover of the book is cringe but the story was beautiful!
December 29, 2022
decent
This was pretty decent. Lots of time skips. Clean with very little, if any, talk of bedroom activities. Didn’t get to really know the characters too much.
This was pretty decent. Lots of time skips. Clean with very little, if any, talk of bedroom activities. Didn’t get to really know the characters too much.
January 19, 2023
It is a quick read. Two people are lonely and need to marry.
October 12, 2025
Good read. Not my typical read as I love steam and there was none,but still a good read.
Reads fast and easy.
•No cheating
•No ow/om drama
•No push/pull
•No separations
•HFN- Married and just giving birth to twins.
Reads fast and easy.
•No cheating
•No ow/om drama
•No push/pull
•No separations
•HFN- Married and just giving birth to twins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2023
3.5 cute quick read - there is no spice
July 12, 2024
Easy read
This short, simple story was a quick read. Good hearted characters and a sweet romance all in one. Easy read.
This short, simple story was a quick read. Good hearted characters and a sweet romance all in one. Easy read.
August 30, 2025
More a short story than a novel. But light, kind and easily read.
December 27, 2022
Very heartfelt, clean, fast read.
January 24, 2023
I picked this up at a free ebook event because I love historical romance and am excited to see disability rep.
Eighteen year old Elizabet decides to marry Peter Arkin when her sister in law keeps talking about her leaving her brother's house. She sees him being humiliated by a mail order bride and offers to marry him instead. I thought it was interesting seeing the treatments and types of early prosthetics available at that time. The sad thing was the prejudice and rudeness those with disabilities experience from abled bodies folks.
Peter hides as much as he can, thinking his life is over as he can't farm, he doesn't like the help of the people from Flat River but knows he has to accept it as he can't do alot by himself. Matron of the town, Marmee tries to find him a help meet/wife.
Ohh I enjoyed this! Elisabet didn't care about his leg from the start and made suggestions on how to help him be more comfortable. I liked how she helps without asking or feeling annoyed. She is super competent as well and starts to make his house and land a home. Peter takes awhile to accept her help but they begin to care for one another. I liked that he calls her "Bet" and bought clothes for her after he finds out how her brother and sister in law treated her. Elisabet didn't feel like an eighteen year old and was matured. She was a nice balance of headstrong and accepting (the letters seems normal for that time period).
I liked how they find a way to live fulfilling lives on their farm and Peter discovers that he can make furniture instead of farming.
This is a book that I wanted to last longer than 100 Plus pages. Oh and it did not have sex, was closed door. A very sweet historical romance!
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, younger heroine-older hero, shorter heroine-taller hero
Eighteen year old Elizabet decides to marry Peter Arkin when her sister in law keeps talking about her leaving her brother's house. She sees him being humiliated by a mail order bride and offers to marry him instead. I thought it was interesting seeing the treatments and types of early prosthetics available at that time. The sad thing was the prejudice and rudeness those with disabilities experience from abled bodies folks.
Peter hides as much as he can, thinking his life is over as he can't farm, he doesn't like the help of the people from Flat River but knows he has to accept it as he can't do alot by himself. Matron of the town, Marmee tries to find him a help meet/wife.
Ohh I enjoyed this! Elisabet didn't care about his leg from the start and made suggestions on how to help him be more comfortable. I liked how she helps without asking or feeling annoyed. She is super competent as well and starts to make his house and land a home. Peter takes awhile to accept her help but they begin to care for one another. I liked that he calls her "Bet" and bought clothes for her after he finds out how her brother and sister in law treated her. Elisabet didn't feel like an eighteen year old and was matured. She was a nice balance of headstrong and accepting (the letters seems normal for that time period).
I liked how they find a way to live fulfilling lives on their farm and Peter discovers that he can make furniture instead of farming.
This is a book that I wanted to last longer than 100 Plus pages. Oh and it did not have sex, was closed door. A very sweet historical romance!
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, younger heroine-older hero, shorter heroine-taller hero
January 12, 2026
Marmee tem uma grande missão: casar Peter Arkin. E assim como Marmee, Elizabet também tem uma missão. Pedir a Marmee que lhe arranje um marido.
Enquanto Elizabet aguarda a chegada da noiva de Peter para pedir ajuda a Marmee, o seu futuro parece já estar encaminhado.
Peter não sabe porque aceitou os conselhos de Marmee e tampouco como superou a rejeição de sua futura noiva ao descobrir que ele era um “aleijado”. Mas nada superou a surpresa que ele teve quando Elizabet, após presenciar a sua noiva partir na mesma diligência que chegou, se oferece para ser a sua esposa, afinal, ela precisava de um marido.
Mas é após o casamento que a vida dos dois parece ser um paraíso, entretanto, a insegurança de Peter sobre suas limitações dificulta o seu relacionamento com a jovem animada e carinhosa com quem casou. Em uma época onde o único suporte para a mulher era a força, honra e a virilidade masculina, Peter já não tem certeza se Bet fez a escolha certa ao se casar com ele.
E entre essas incertezas, Elizabet com seu brilho e paciência, vai moldando esse homem por quem se apaixonou, e o conquistando mais para que o amor entre eles fosse sólido e para sempre.
Um livro com seus vários dramas para a época, mas com um equilíbrio que permite a leitura fluir de forma mais leve. É claro que é doloroso ver o quanto Peter sofre com suas limitações, assim como a revolta contra a família de Elizabet que praticamente a expulsa de casa. Entretanto, o relacionamento dos dois vai amadurecendo conforme eles vão percebendo o quanto não podem viver um sem o outro.
Enquanto Elizabet aguarda a chegada da noiva de Peter para pedir ajuda a Marmee, o seu futuro parece já estar encaminhado.
Peter não sabe porque aceitou os conselhos de Marmee e tampouco como superou a rejeição de sua futura noiva ao descobrir que ele era um “aleijado”. Mas nada superou a surpresa que ele teve quando Elizabet, após presenciar a sua noiva partir na mesma diligência que chegou, se oferece para ser a sua esposa, afinal, ela precisava de um marido.
Mas é após o casamento que a vida dos dois parece ser um paraíso, entretanto, a insegurança de Peter sobre suas limitações dificulta o seu relacionamento com a jovem animada e carinhosa com quem casou. Em uma época onde o único suporte para a mulher era a força, honra e a virilidade masculina, Peter já não tem certeza se Bet fez a escolha certa ao se casar com ele.
E entre essas incertezas, Elizabet com seu brilho e paciência, vai moldando esse homem por quem se apaixonou, e o conquistando mais para que o amor entre eles fosse sólido e para sempre.
Um livro com seus vários dramas para a época, mas com um equilíbrio que permite a leitura fluir de forma mais leve. É claro que é doloroso ver o quanto Peter sofre com suas limitações, assim como a revolta contra a família de Elizabet que praticamente a expulsa de casa. Entretanto, o relacionamento dos dois vai amadurecendo conforme eles vão percebendo o quanto não podem viver um sem o outro.
October 3, 2023
Wonderful Christian Romance in a novella-sized bite. I loved this story because there was so much world being overcome by so much God. Elizabet came to live with her brother when their parents died. Always made to feel that she is a burden by her brother and his bride, she goes to Ms. Marmee to find a match for her. When she arrives in two Peter is waiting for a mail-order bride to arrive. Slightly handicapped by a farming accident, Peter is missing half of one leg. The mail-order bride takes one look at him and rejects him, so Elizabet asks Marmee if Peter can marry her. The rest is history until Peter thinks his brother wants his wife and Elizabet has to set him straight. Quite a lot of worldliness is being opposed by godliness here.
May 4, 2024
The Farmer's Bride is book 1 in the Flat River Matchmaker Series by Christina Sterling.
Elizabet Garrett needs a husband. She overhears a mail order brides brutal refusal of a local farmer due to his disability and immediately offers herself instead.
Peter Arkin has had to make many changes since he lost his leg. He wasn't really surprised when the fancy bride that arrives refuses him after seeing his missing leg. But when he has the opportunity to marry the lovely Elizabet, he agrees knowing this may be his only chance for the family he has always wanted.
This is my first book by this author, and I absolutely loved it. The story was incredibly sweet, heartwarming, and well written. The characters were likable and realistic, and there was genuine chemistry between them. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Elizabet Garrett needs a husband. She overhears a mail order brides brutal refusal of a local farmer due to his disability and immediately offers herself instead.
Peter Arkin has had to make many changes since he lost his leg. He wasn't really surprised when the fancy bride that arrives refuses him after seeing his missing leg. But when he has the opportunity to marry the lovely Elizabet, he agrees knowing this may be his only chance for the family he has always wanted.
This is my first book by this author, and I absolutely loved it. The story was incredibly sweet, heartwarming, and well written. The characters were likable and realistic, and there was genuine chemistry between them. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 9, 2025
The Farmer's Bride
Bet and Peter's love story unfolds against the rich, rugged backdrop of the Old West, creating a deeply compelling narrative. The characters are meticulously crafted, revealing intricate layers of emotion and complexity that draw readers into their world. Supporting characters add depth and texture to the tale, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. Their relationship blossoms with a tender authenticity that captures the essence of genuine connection, making this romance both heartwarming and profoundly engaging. The novel's wholesome spirit and nuanced character development transform this from a simple love story into a memorable exploration of human connection and frontier resilience.
Bet and Peter's love story unfolds against the rich, rugged backdrop of the Old West, creating a deeply compelling narrative. The characters are meticulously crafted, revealing intricate layers of emotion and complexity that draw readers into their world. Supporting characters add depth and texture to the tale, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. Their relationship blossoms with a tender authenticity that captures the essence of genuine connection, making this romance both heartwarming and profoundly engaging. The novel's wholesome spirit and nuanced character development transform this from a simple love story into a memorable exploration of human connection and frontier resilience.
September 17, 2024
I enjoyed this story.
I really enjoyed this story. Two people needed to find a spouse. The way they found each other was by happenstance, or was it?
Elizabet needed to either marry someone or she would have to work at the bordello, and she wasn't going to do that. Her brother had married and his wife was tired of Elizabet living with them.
Peter wanted a help mate and he was lonely. He asked Mrs. Chapman to find him a bride through the advertisements. The day she arrived, Elizabet was wanting to speak with Mrs. Chapman about finding her a husband.
Mrs. Chapman fancied herself a Matchmaker. Did she make a good match?
I really enjoyed this story. Two people needed to find a spouse. The way they found each other was by happenstance, or was it?
Elizabet needed to either marry someone or she would have to work at the bordello, and she wasn't going to do that. Her brother had married and his wife was tired of Elizabet living with them.
Peter wanted a help mate and he was lonely. He asked Mrs. Chapman to find him a bride through the advertisements. The day she arrived, Elizabet was wanting to speak with Mrs. Chapman about finding her a husband.
Mrs. Chapman fancied herself a Matchmaker. Did she make a good match?
July 12, 2022
I absolutely recommend this book. The setting of Flat River is perfect for this story. Elizabet is looking for a life away from her brother and his wife after her sister in law forces her to leave. Peter Arkin, who lost a leg in a farming accident needs someone to help him with his home and farmyard.
Can two people who need each other find a lasting love?
This book is a page turner. The characters are woven into a beautiful story. You don't want to miss this book. I read it in one sitting. You can too and won't want it to end!
Can two people who need each other find a lasting love?
This book is a page turner. The characters are woven into a beautiful story. You don't want to miss this book. I read it in one sitting. You can too and won't want it to end!
June 8, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by Christine Sterling and I’ll definitely get more in the future. Although it was short, the main characters developed well. As the reader, I could feel the emotional pain of the MLC. The FLC was very sweet and had learned to not let things personal bother her as much. It has a good storyline but ends rather abruptly in my opinion. I wanted to know a bit more when it ended. After the year jumped ahead, the book seemed rushed. That’s basically my only issue with it.
The Audible narrator was okay. I didn’t like the accents he used for the female characters.
The Audible narrator was okay. I didn’t like the accents he used for the female characters.
July 1, 2023
What a wonderful start to this book set! Elizabet has a heart of gold and a happy demeanor most of the time. When living with her brother and sister in law doesn't continue to work out she finds herself in need of a husband and a home of her own. Peter was tired of being alone and wanted someone in his life too. Peter is a real gentleman and romantic. Elizabet and Peter's story is heartwarming it will tug at all your heartstrings! Can't wait to read the next book in the Flat River Matchmaker book set!
July 14, 2023
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I am in love!
I love the trope of marriage of convenience, which is what pulled me in. The plot might come out as typical, but I love such plots, so I enjoyed this one thoroughly.
Peter's insecurities were a bit too much at times and annoyed me, which is why I loved seeing his character growth. Peter and Elizabet had amazing chemistry. The emotional touches and beautiful dialogues were also added plus!
Overall, I loved this one! Excited to read others in this series :)
I love the trope of marriage of convenience, which is what pulled me in. The plot might come out as typical, but I love such plots, so I enjoyed this one thoroughly.
Peter's insecurities were a bit too much at times and annoyed me, which is why I loved seeing his character growth. Peter and Elizabet had amazing chemistry. The emotional touches and beautiful dialogues were also added plus!
Overall, I loved this one! Excited to read others in this series :)
July 22, 2023
I listened to this one on audio. The narrator did a great job of bringing this book to life. I really liked the characters. I thought they were well-written and believable. I liked that a mail-order bride showed up and completely said no and left. That is something you rarely see. I am also impressed with this author's decision to have a disabled character in her book. I liked the amount of research needed to make this story believable. Some reviews are right, its not exciting or keeps you on your toes. However, it is a great book and I am looking for more in the series.
July 26, 2022
Lovely
This was absolutely one of the best stories. The characters were so believable. I hate for family to treat family members so unjustly. Men with no backbone to defend their own sibling against their wives attacks. Peter was a God sent and Elizabet a charming, sweet and beautiful woman. Loved the story from beginning to ending. Great storytelling. Loved seeing familiar characters again.
This was absolutely one of the best stories. The characters were so believable. I hate for family to treat family members so unjustly. Men with no backbone to defend their own sibling against their wives attacks. Peter was a God sent and Elizabet a charming, sweet and beautiful woman. Loved the story from beginning to ending. Great storytelling. Loved seeing familiar characters again.
June 12, 2023
Peter and Elizabet
This is a sweet and loving tale of two lonely young adults that were in need. Elizabet lost her parents as a young girl and was sent to live with her brother and his hateful wife. Peter was injured as a young man resulting in him loosing his leg.they both felt less. Their friend and local matchmaker helped them to just how much they needed each other. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet and loving tale of two lonely young adults that were in need. Elizabet lost her parents as a young girl and was sent to live with her brother and his hateful wife. Peter was injured as a young man resulting in him loosing his leg.they both felt less. Their friend and local matchmaker helped them to just how much they needed each other. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
July 29, 2023
Never To Be Lonely
Elizabeth had been living a spartan life, barren of affection yet living with her brother. He was her last bastion in a lonely world. Now she is told she will have to leave to make room for the baby. She is only 17years old. In short order she stumbles upon a man in her town who needs. Care giver as he lost one leg just below the knee and is not doing well with his farm. Will we have a love match or disaster? A delightful tale.
Elizabeth had been living a spartan life, barren of affection yet living with her brother. He was her last bastion in a lonely world. Now she is told she will have to leave to make room for the baby. She is only 17years old. In short order she stumbles upon a man in her town who needs. Care giver as he lost one leg just below the knee and is not doing well with his farm. Will we have a love match or disaster? A delightful tale.
August 21, 2023
wonderful clean romance
This was a sweet, short story. I really enjoyed the gentle romance between Elizabet and Peter. It was very short but it didn’t feel too short. I definitely wouldn’t have minded more story, but I didn’t feel cheated either. I think the only complaint I might have had was I would have liked resolution between Elizabet and her brother. That thread was definitely left hanging. Other than that- it was a nice story about two people finding love.
This was a sweet, short story. I really enjoyed the gentle romance between Elizabet and Peter. It was very short but it didn’t feel too short. I definitely wouldn’t have minded more story, but I didn’t feel cheated either. I think the only complaint I might have had was I would have liked resolution between Elizabet and her brother. That thread was definitely left hanging. Other than that- it was a nice story about two people finding love.
May 16, 2024
3.5 stars
Sweet and light. This is a nice and very clean romance.
Sort of mail order bride, but not really.
A lonely man who lost a leg. Feeling like half a man, and always in pain.
A young woman whose brother and sister-in-law want her out of their house.
She falls first in this stranger marriage. She’s very kind and hard working. She’s the perfect helpmate.
Once he allows himself to accept her help, he also falls deeply.
Not much drama. Just a light romance.
Sweet and light. This is a nice and very clean romance.
Sort of mail order bride, but not really.
A lonely man who lost a leg. Feeling like half a man, and always in pain.
A young woman whose brother and sister-in-law want her out of their house.
She falls first in this stranger marriage. She’s very kind and hard working. She’s the perfect helpmate.
Once he allows himself to accept her help, he also falls deeply.
Not much drama. Just a light romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2025
I saw this book; the cover was beautiful; the subject was interesting; and I had to read it. This is a new-to-me author, and I loved her writing. She needs a home, and he needs help. Peter is disabled from a farm accident; Elizabet needs a husband where she has her own home. It works out to perfection. She's sassy and talks too much; he's a bit of a grump. They fall in love, and it all works out. Thanks for a wonderful storyline.
March 17, 2026
I loved this book!!
Clean romance, faith based (!!!!), and a great marriage of convenience.
My only complaint is that it’s too short. At only 150 pages I feel like the plot was rushed, and I would have liked to slow down a little and get into the emotional growth and plot details a little further.
This is a great YA romance series I’d recommend to my highschool sisters. Yes, I did binge all 7 books.
Clean romance, faith based (!!!!), and a great marriage of convenience.
My only complaint is that it’s too short. At only 150 pages I feel like the plot was rushed, and I would have liked to slow down a little and get into the emotional growth and plot details a little further.
This is a great YA romance series I’d recommend to my highschool sisters. Yes, I did binge all 7 books.
July 11, 2022
The start
This beginning of the Flat River Matchmaker series is endearing and sweet. Facing the struggle of a "handicap" and wanting a helpmate he literally was left at the door by his prospective bride. Witnessing the event,and needing place to go,the opportunity seemed logical. Come read their story.
This beginning of the Flat River Matchmaker series is endearing and sweet. Facing the struggle of a "handicap" and wanting a helpmate he literally was left at the door by his prospective bride. Witnessing the event,and needing place to go,the opportunity seemed logical. Come read their story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews