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To save her life, Belle Sharmon lets everyone think she has perished in a fire.
Stowing away on a freight train, Belle and her small son meet up with a Confederate soldier. Why is the man still in uniform, when the war has been ended for five years? What secret does this soldier hide?
After a short time, Belle and the soldier go their separate ways, but not before he has infused her with hope.
Months later, at the Mail-Order Bride Bureau, Belle meets Leigh, a man who can rescue her.
If she marries Leigh, will her secret remain safe? Or will ghosts from the past endanger their future?
Stowing away on a freight train, Belle and her small son meet up with a Confederate soldier. Why is the man still in uniform, when the war has been ended for five years? What secret does this soldier hide?
After a short time, Belle and the soldier go their separate ways, but not before he has infused her with hope.
Months later, at the Mail-Order Bride Bureau, Belle meets Leigh, a man who can rescue her.
If she marries Leigh, will her secret remain safe? Or will ghosts from the past endanger their future?
- GenresHistorical
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2023
77 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Tanner
224 books87 followersMargaret Tanner is an award winning, best selling author.
As well as writing historical novels set in frontier Australia she has discovered a love for writing Western Romance.
Her novella, Edwina of Connecticut is one of the 50 novels in the American Mail Order Bride series. Christmas Cowboy is in the Western Christmas Anthology, Silver Belles And Stetsons.
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She has had numerous short stories published over the years, but writing Historical romance novels is her passion.
Her favourite historical period is the 1st World War. Not only has she painstakingly researched this era, but was fortunate enough to make a poignant pilgrimage to the battlefields of Gallipoli (in Turkey), France and Belgium.
She is married with three grown up sons, and two gorgeous grand-daughters. Margaret lives in Australia. She has recently retired from work, and hopes to concentrate on her writing.
As well as writing historical novels set in frontier Australia she has discovered a love for writing Western Romance.
Her novella, Edwina of Connecticut is one of the 50 novels in the American Mail Order Bride series. Christmas Cowboy is in the Western Christmas Anthology, Silver Belles And Stetsons.
.
She has had numerous short stories published over the years, but writing Historical romance novels is her passion.
Her favourite historical period is the 1st World War. Not only has she painstakingly researched this era, but was fortunate enough to make a poignant pilgrimage to the battlefields of Gallipoli (in Turkey), France and Belgium.
She is married with three grown up sons, and two gorgeous grand-daughters. Margaret lives in Australia. She has recently retired from work, and hopes to concentrate on her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 3, 2023
Never stop counting your blessings
Belle and Leigh both live through the most horrific of injustices, injustices that at the time feel like they may kill them, but fate brings them together again and again and each time that spark of hope and attraction grows bigger. Whilst both Belle and Leigh doubt themselves and their worth, they are both characters that you cannot help but be drawn to. In a time fraught with dangers they do the right and moral thing, even when it costs them personally.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Belle and Leigh both live through the most horrific of injustices, injustices that at the time feel like they may kill them, but fate brings them together again and again and each time that spark of hope and attraction grows bigger. Whilst both Belle and Leigh doubt themselves and their worth, they are both characters that you cannot help but be drawn to. In a time fraught with dangers they do the right and moral thing, even when it costs them personally.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
May 10, 2025
Christian Historical Romance
Man, they both had a lot of hardships in their lives! I don't think God's rewards are on earth alone, but He does give us both plenty and want in this world! I enjoyed this story and Jake was my favorite character!!
Man, they both had a lot of hardships in their lives! I don't think God's rewards are on earth alone, but He does give us both plenty and want in this world! I enjoyed this story and Jake was my favorite character!!
January 2, 2023
so very good
This book was so good. I found it hard to put it down, in fact I didn’t I kept reading. I was afraid that I might miss something. A widow,woman with a child, Bella, has been told she needs to pay the money her husband a borrowed. She did not have it. Next day her home burns down. What luck does she have. Bella and her small son hope a train to a new town to start a new life. While hiding on the train a man shows up doing the same as she hoping a train. Reb has his own story, just released from prison heading for a ranch that was given to him to keep him quite about his wrongful time in prison. His real name is Leigh. Bella witness a murder and was threatened not to testify. Yet she wants to. Yet there is so much more to read in this book. This book is very enjoyable to read to the point you would not want the book to end. I’m sure I will reread this book again. Thank you for writing it.
This book was so good. I found it hard to put it down, in fact I didn’t I kept reading. I was afraid that I might miss something. A widow,woman with a child, Bella, has been told she needs to pay the money her husband a borrowed. She did not have it. Next day her home burns down. What luck does she have. Bella and her small son hope a train to a new town to start a new life. While hiding on the train a man shows up doing the same as she hoping a train. Reb has his own story, just released from prison heading for a ranch that was given to him to keep him quite about his wrongful time in prison. His real name is Leigh. Bella witness a murder and was threatened not to testify. Yet she wants to. Yet there is so much more to read in this book. This book is very enjoyable to read to the point you would not want the book to end. I’m sure I will reread this book again. Thank you for writing it.
April 19, 2023
What an adventure
Belle is a widow with a three year old son. They end up traveling in a box car because she needs to escape from her landlord who is trying to get money from her that her husband supposedly borrowed from him. She doesn't have the money and doesn't want to end up in debtor's prison. While waiting for the train to move, A man in Confederate clothing jumps on board. At first she's frightened of him, but after traveling with him for awhile, she relaxes. They end up parting ways and she eventually ends up running for her and Jacob's lives before seeing the man from the box car years later. It's a great story. I loved her perseverance even with the difficult circumstances she was in.
Belle is a widow with a three year old son. They end up traveling in a box car because she needs to escape from her landlord who is trying to get money from her that her husband supposedly borrowed from him. She doesn't have the money and doesn't want to end up in debtor's prison. While waiting for the train to move, A man in Confederate clothing jumps on board. At first she's frightened of him, but after traveling with him for awhile, she relaxes. They end up parting ways and she eventually ends up running for her and Jacob's lives before seeing the man from the box car years later. It's a great story. I loved her perseverance even with the difficult circumstances she was in.
August 19, 2023
Reb/Leigh, Belle and Jake
This is a different mail order bride tale and took a while to get there. Belle is a young widow with a young son and a dirty old man as her landlord in a shanty town. She needs to get away fast of be forced into giving in to his dirty mind. She and Jake, her son hop a train to head out of town and just as the train starts to chug an unkept man in a dirty rebel uniform jumps into the same car. The travel a ways and they go their on way. She find a job and witness a bank hold up resulting in two men being shot as part of the robbery. She is forced to again run for her and Jakes life. She signs up for a bridal agency and Leigh is at the agency looking for a spouse too. You will enjoy discovering how they discover their happily ever after.
This is a different mail order bride tale and took a while to get there. Belle is a young widow with a young son and a dirty old man as her landlord in a shanty town. She needs to get away fast of be forced into giving in to his dirty mind. She and Jake, her son hop a train to head out of town and just as the train starts to chug an unkept man in a dirty rebel uniform jumps into the same car. The travel a ways and they go their on way. She find a job and witness a bank hold up resulting in two men being shot as part of the robbery. She is forced to again run for her and Jakes life. She signs up for a bridal agency and Leigh is at the agency looking for a spouse too. You will enjoy discovering how they discover their happily ever after.
January 5, 2023
In her usual fashion, Margaret Tanner has brought us a story that is both action packed and entertaining. The story has drama, secrets, despair, tragedy, mystery, hope and romance. This is Belle and Leigh's story, as well as Belle's small son. It is a real page turner and you will find yourself cheering for Belle as she strives to make a new life for herself and her son. When she applies to the Mail Order Bride Bureau she is matched up with Leigh, who she had previously met on the train during her escape. Will the couple be able to overcome all of the secrets of their past and find a HEA? Be sure and read this outstanding story; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
May 28, 2024
Belle
Belle and her son Jake have been delt a rough hand in life. Being widowed, Belle had to work to support herself and her son. They lived in a shanty, but the docks of San Francisco. Their landlord was ruthless and evil. When a fire burned down their shanty, they had to move on. They did so by jumping on a freight train.
Reb, was himself moving on after being unjustly found guilty of a crime he didn't commit. He too jumped on the same freight train and in the same car. After an all too quick trip, they parted ways. Would they ever see each other again?
Belle and her son Jake have been delt a rough hand in life. Being widowed, Belle had to work to support herself and her son. They lived in a shanty, but the docks of San Francisco. Their landlord was ruthless and evil. When a fire burned down their shanty, they had to move on. They did so by jumping on a freight train.
Reb, was himself moving on after being unjustly found guilty of a crime he didn't commit. He too jumped on the same freight train and in the same car. After an all too quick trip, they parted ways. Would they ever see each other again?
January 8, 2023
Wonderful heart warming book.
Bella is a young widow with a young son running for her and her son's life. They meet a man called Reg while showing away on a tr a in. They loose contact for some time. They run into each other again and decide to marry. I cried at one part and laughed at others. MS. Tanner has an award winner hear. Great story. I recommend this book for everyone.
Bella is a young widow with a young son running for her and her son's life. They meet a man called Reg while showing away on a tr a in. They loose contact for some time. They run into each other again and decide to marry. I cried at one part and laughed at others. MS. Tanner has an award winner hear. Great story. I recommend this book for everyone.
January 15, 2023
This book kicks off the multi-author Rescue Me (Mail Order Brides) series with a story that starts with hardships and ends with hope. This quick read, set in 1870, features a fast moving plot, charming characters, a rugged western setting, a dash of sweet romance, and a gentle faith thread. I found this book to be an entertaining, enjoyable read, and I think other fans of Historical Western Romance will too.
January 17, 2023
Belle: Rescue Me - (Mail Order Brides) Book 1
It always amazes me with the different storylines this author comes up with. This is sweet and short, with plenty of angst for the wonderful characters of Belle and Leigh and I thoroughly enjoyed following them to the end. I especially enjoyed sweet little Jake. This is an awesome start to this new series. Recommend as always with any book Margaret Tanner writes. JudyE
It always amazes me with the different storylines this author comes up with. This is sweet and short, with plenty of angst for the wonderful characters of Belle and Leigh and I thoroughly enjoyed following them to the end. I especially enjoyed sweet little Jake. This is an awesome start to this new series. Recommend as always with any book Margaret Tanner writes. JudyE
February 27, 2023
Escape from city enslavement to country splendor
Clean, sweet romance simply told. Belle and Jake meet Leigh (Reb) and meet 💖 under better circumstances later in the story. There are lucky breaks. The marriage is fairly quick due to the need to flee trouble. The epilogue really wraps things up. Not everyone gets their just deserts; however, not all accounts are settled in this world. The HEA is quite definite 👍.
Clean, sweet romance simply told. Belle and Jake meet Leigh (Reb) and meet 💖 under better circumstances later in the story. There are lucky breaks. The marriage is fairly quick due to the need to flee trouble. The epilogue really wraps things up. Not everyone gets their just deserts; however, not all accounts are settled in this world. The HEA is quite definite 👍.
November 8, 2023
Historical Western Romance
Belle is a widow with a 3 year old son. She lived in a shanty town in San Francisco. Her husband Issac had died and the landlord wanted Belle to be his extra side piece. Because her husband had borrowed $40.00 from him. He raised the amount to $ 100 dollars. She went to work and found out she was losing her job . Read the interesting story and enjoy. I did!!!!!
Belle is a widow with a 3 year old son. She lived in a shanty town in San Francisco. Her husband Issac had died and the landlord wanted Belle to be his extra side piece. Because her husband had borrowed $40.00 from him. He raised the amount to $ 100 dollars. She went to work and found out she was losing her job . Read the interesting story and enjoy. I did!!!!!
July 28, 2024
Surviving
Belle is just trying to survive and make a life for herself and her son Jake. It’s just one thing after another to make Belle feel so distraught. After she loses her home, she needs to leave town quickly. Her and Jake hop a train and it could be the turning point in her life. Meeting Reb/Leigh is the first step towards a new life. Wonderful characters and original story.
Belle is just trying to survive and make a life for herself and her son Jake. It’s just one thing after another to make Belle feel so distraught. After she loses her home, she needs to leave town quickly. Her and Jake hop a train and it could be the turning point in her life. Meeting Reb/Leigh is the first step towards a new life. Wonderful characters and original story.
January 3, 2023
I enjoyed this book by Margaret Tanner. Belle really did need rescuing. Trying to do right and be honest has had negative consequences for her. “Reb” tries to do what he thinks is best for Belle and her son, unfortunately he’s wrong and what she needs is him. Romance, humor, danger, a matchmaker, what more could you want?
January 3, 2023
Belle is a survivor
Poor Belle and her sweet little son endure tragedy after tragedy. But she endures and makes a way to provide for her little guy. When she’s to the point of no return, a certain man whom she had never forgotten, makes a surprise appearance. Will love win out in the end? And will a certain four year old boy have a hand in it? 💞
Poor Belle and her sweet little son endure tragedy after tragedy. But she endures and makes a way to provide for her little guy. When she’s to the point of no return, a certain man whom she had never forgotten, makes a surprise appearance. Will love win out in the end? And will a certain four year old boy have a hand in it? 💞
January 25, 2023
Very Sweet!
This is a sweet touching story that takes place shortly after the end of the Civil War.
Belle a young widow running away from danger. Jumps a freight car with her three year old son to travel to Virginia City.
A chance meeting with a man on the train changes their lives
This is a sweet touching story that takes place shortly after the end of the Civil War.
Belle a young widow running away from danger. Jumps a freight car with her three year old son to travel to Virginia City.
A chance meeting with a man on the train changes their lives
January 27, 2023
Good story
The Amarican West had many strong women who worked hard night and day to raise their families. It is amazing how they survived hardships. Margaret Tanner has great imagination and always writes clean novels that are fun to read. This story pleasant distraction form stress of daily life. It helps me to consider the blessings we have in this modern day world.
The Amarican West had many strong women who worked hard night and day to raise their families. It is amazing how they survived hardships. Margaret Tanner has great imagination and always writes clean novels that are fun to read. This story pleasant distraction form stress of daily life. It helps me to consider the blessings we have in this modern day world.
January 3, 2023
Wonderful Storytelling by Margaret Tanner
Delightful story, with a true "Rescue Me" required. Outstanding twists, turns and surprises. Especially thankful for the included lovely Epilogue.
Delightful story, with a true "Rescue Me" required. Outstanding twists, turns and surprises. Especially thankful for the included lovely Epilogue.
January 3, 2023
Belle: Rescue Me (Mail Order Brides) Book 1
I loved the book Belle had to overcome so much she truly had a hard life, but she never gave up or become bitter. Margaret Tanner has again given us a story that is terrific and deserves a place on any romance readers book shelf.
I loved the book Belle had to overcome so much she truly had a hard life, but she never gave up or become bitter. Margaret Tanner has again given us a story that is terrific and deserves a place on any romance readers book shelf.
January 6, 2023
Belle :Rescue Me
Love this book the first in the series of Mail order brides books.It was so good Zi couldn’t put it down.Belle was desperate and ended up even more desperate after a fire.
Love this book the first in the series of Mail order brides books.It was so good Zi couldn’t put it down.Belle was desperate and ended up even more desperate after a fire.
March 1, 2023
Tragedy and a brave widow with a son find a new beginning.
This is a story with tragedy, suffering, and an escape from a lecherous man. To a start of happiness then a tragedy and brave moments to a courageous act for justice. Will things change and happiness ever be found?
This is a story with tragedy, suffering, and an escape from a lecherous man. To a start of happiness then a tragedy and brave moments to a courageous act for justice. Will things change and happiness ever be found?
May 3, 2023
You really can not go wrong reading a Margaret Tanner book. She delivers great characters, a plot that has twists and turns, a bit of mystery, and much more. Great book. I am looking to more from this author and more in the series.
June 15, 2023
Inspiring story
This is a book worth reading for certain. Belle is a survivor and faces each dilemma with as much fortitude as needed. Leigh has a background of betrayal and abandonment. Margaret Tanner delivers a great story once again.
This is a book worth reading for certain. Belle is a survivor and faces each dilemma with as much fortitude as needed. Leigh has a background of betrayal and abandonment. Margaret Tanner delivers a great story once again.
January 7, 2025
Oh boy the ups and downs Belle and her son, Jake faced in this while continuing to do the right thing, Belle being strong to be a good mum to Jake while providing a good life despite the perils she face. Along the way she meets up with Leigh twice. I enjoyed this story.
January 2, 2023
I enjoyed the book! The story was interesting and contained drama. I highly recommend reading this book!
January 6, 2023
Good book
I really enjoyed this book. Jake was too cute. I'm glad Belle got her happily ever after. I recommend this book
I really enjoyed this book. Jake was too cute. I'm glad Belle got her happily ever after. I recommend this book
February 3, 2023
Rescue Me Belle
It was a good read. I will read the whole series. Okie reading about mail order brides. They had a tough row to hoe I those times.
It was a good read. I will read the whole series. Okie reading about mail order brides. They had a tough row to hoe I those times.
February 6, 2023
Truly enjoyed
I haven't read one of Mrs. Tanner's books in a while. I truly enjoy books with hope, even if the walk of faith sometimes seems to be a tight rope.
I haven't read one of Mrs. Tanner's books in a while. I truly enjoy books with hope, even if the walk of faith sometimes seems to be a tight rope.
February 8, 2023
More Than One Rescue
I liked the happily ever after and the fact that this is a clean Romance. The characters are very compelling, both of the good and the bad.
I liked the happily ever after and the fact that this is a clean Romance. The characters are very compelling, both of the good and the bad.
February 19, 2023
A very sweet yet sad story.
I really enjoyed this book! One of those that shake your heart a bit as you wonder what could happen next, and then cheer when everything turns out good!
I really enjoyed this book! One of those that shake your heart a bit as you wonder what could happen next, and then cheer when everything turns out good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews