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Montana Mail-Order Brides #1
Mail-Order Bride Mommy
Past pain. Future hope.
Matt Shannon lost his fiancée to a tragic accident. He does not want anything more to do with love and marriage. But he is now guardian to four-year-old Lindy. Desperate for a woman to mother the little girl, he arranges for a mail-order bride. The agreement is for convenience only, but Gwen’s kindness and good nature threaten his barred heart.
Gwen Humber is willing to do anything to guarantee herself a permanent home…even travel west for a marriage in name only. She’ll become mother to a little girl. She instantly loves the delightful child, but loving Matt is not part of the deal. Can she keep her heart under control?
Will love overcome their past pain?
Matt Shannon lost his fiancée to a tragic accident. He does not want anything more to do with love and marriage. But he is now guardian to four-year-old Lindy. Desperate for a woman to mother the little girl, he arranges for a mail-order bride. The agreement is for convenience only, but Gwen’s kindness and good nature threaten his barred heart.
Gwen Humber is willing to do anything to guarantee herself a permanent home…even travel west for a marriage in name only. She’ll become mother to a little girl. She instantly loves the delightful child, but loving Matt is not part of the deal. Can she keep her heart under control?
Will love overcome their past pain?
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2023
2219 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ford
207 books357 followersLinda Ford grew up devouring books and making up stories in her head—often late at night when she couldn't sleep. But she hadn't planned to write. Instead, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, that dream came true. She married, had four homemade children, adopted ten and lived (at times, endured) the dream.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
November 1, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4 🌟
I have to admit that this book was different than I thought it would be. I was expecting more of a “Sarah Plain and Tall” story. I didn’t see that it was a Christian based novel, which is fine, but it has several references to Gwen being “ obedient “ so the groom, Matt, won’t change his mind and send her away. She goes as far as to not share her true thoughts and feelings because she is afraid he won’t like her and she has nowhere else to go. I found it sad and frightening.
As far as the whole storyline goes, it is a sweet clean story about two people who are afraid to love because they have both been through previous trauma. It mostly tells the story from Gwen’s view. How she has come across the country to wed the guardian of an unruly, orphaned child so that he can work his ranch. She ends up being the only woman in a valley of bachelor brothers.
Gwen is resilient so she is able to set to work making a home for the child, Lindy. It was heartwarming to see their relationship grow as Gwen set up house and included Lindy in her daily activities.
I won’t give any spoilers but there are quite a few mishaps and happenings that cause problems and stress for all three characters. But the most worrisome was waiting to find out what Gwen’s fate would be.
It’s a fun happy read but it just wasn’t the type of book I would usually choose for myself.
You will like this book if you enjoy traditional, sweet, Christian romance novels.
Many thanks to Linda Ford and Dreamscape Select for the ARC via NetGalley!
I have to admit that this book was different than I thought it would be. I was expecting more of a “Sarah Plain and Tall” story. I didn’t see that it was a Christian based novel, which is fine, but it has several references to Gwen being “ obedient “ so the groom, Matt, won’t change his mind and send her away. She goes as far as to not share her true thoughts and feelings because she is afraid he won’t like her and she has nowhere else to go. I found it sad and frightening.
As far as the whole storyline goes, it is a sweet clean story about two people who are afraid to love because they have both been through previous trauma. It mostly tells the story from Gwen’s view. How she has come across the country to wed the guardian of an unruly, orphaned child so that he can work his ranch. She ends up being the only woman in a valley of bachelor brothers.
Gwen is resilient so she is able to set to work making a home for the child, Lindy. It was heartwarming to see their relationship grow as Gwen set up house and included Lindy in her daily activities.
I won’t give any spoilers but there are quite a few mishaps and happenings that cause problems and stress for all three characters. But the most worrisome was waiting to find out what Gwen’s fate would be.
It’s a fun happy read but it just wasn’t the type of book I would usually choose for myself.
You will like this book if you enjoy traditional, sweet, Christian romance novels.
Many thanks to Linda Ford and Dreamscape Select for the ARC via NetGalley!
August 20, 2024
That was… awful.
Boring, plain, bland. Don’t make me talk about how long it took the heroine to grow a pair (spoiler alert: she didn’t), and the hero was even worse as a character.
Sorry, but no.
Boring, plain, bland. Don’t make me talk about how long it took the heroine to grow a pair (spoiler alert: she didn’t), and the hero was even worse as a character.
Sorry, but no.
October 30, 2023
DNF at 67%.
I received this as an audiobook advanced reader copy. I knew from the title it was probably trite, but I hoped it was somewhat enjoyable.
I am so bored and annoyed with the "hero". This dude gets a woman to travel to be his Mail order bride and then refuses to marry her right away. Instead he asks for a month trial period. She has no options. It's so awful for him to do that to a woman in the day and age this is set.
Plus, he doesn't even think about her reputation. It takes his brother telling him it's inappropriate to live with an unmarried woman.
Plus, he's a terrible father figure. He is constantly yelling at the poor 4-year old who has lost her parents. And , the first day the heroine comes, he leaves her alone with the little girl. WTF!? How can you be saying it's so important to do a trial period to make sure this works for the little girl and having no care for what happens with the little girl with a stranger you refuse to marry!?
Combine this with a heroine who is a Pollyanna and very obvious "Christian" messages (don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with true Christianity... but I do have a problem with pandering in a story that doesn't match the love we are called to give to each other...), and you've got a book that's too shallow and boring.
I received this as an audiobook advanced reader copy. I knew from the title it was probably trite, but I hoped it was somewhat enjoyable.
I am so bored and annoyed with the "hero". This dude gets a woman to travel to be his Mail order bride and then refuses to marry her right away. Instead he asks for a month trial period. She has no options. It's so awful for him to do that to a woman in the day and age this is set.
Plus, he doesn't even think about her reputation. It takes his brother telling him it's inappropriate to live with an unmarried woman.
Plus, he's a terrible father figure. He is constantly yelling at the poor 4-year old who has lost her parents. And , the first day the heroine comes, he leaves her alone with the little girl. WTF!? How can you be saying it's so important to do a trial period to make sure this works for the little girl and having no care for what happens with the little girl with a stranger you refuse to marry!?
Combine this with a heroine who is a Pollyanna and very obvious "Christian" messages (don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with true Christianity... but I do have a problem with pandering in a story that doesn't match the love we are called to give to each other...), and you've got a book that's too shallow and boring.
![Profile Image for Jasmine (Jazzie) [Jesus Loves You!!].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1764343140i%2F174090398._UX200_CR0%2C19%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
did-not-finish
October 30, 2023DNF at 67%.
I received this as an audiobook advanced reader copy. I knew from the title it was probably trite, but I hoped it was somewhat enjoyable.
I am so bored and annoyed Withthe "hero". This dude gets a woman to travel to be his Mail order bride and then refuses to marry her right away. Instead he asks for a month trial period. She has no options. It's so awful for him to do that to a woman in the day and age this is set.
Plus, he doesn't even think about her reputation. It takes his brother telling him it's inappropriate to live with an unmarried woman.
Plus, he's a terrible father figure. He is constantly yelling at the poor 4-year old who has lost her parents. And , the first day the heroine comes, he leaves her alone with the little girl. WTF!? How can you be saying it's so important to do a trial period to make sure this works for the little girl and having no care for what happens with the little girl with a stranger you refuse to marry!?
Combine this with a heroine who is a Pollyanna and very obvious "Christian" messages (don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with true Christianity... but I do have a problem with pandering in a story that doesn't match the love we are called to give to each other...), and you've got a book that's too shallow and boring.
I received this as an audiobook advanced reader copy. I knew from the title it was probably trite, but I hoped it was somewhat enjoyable.
I am so bored and annoyed Withthe "hero". This dude gets a woman to travel to be his Mail order bride and then refuses to marry her right away. Instead he asks for a month trial period. She has no options. It's so awful for him to do that to a woman in the day and age this is set.
Plus, he doesn't even think about her reputation. It takes his brother telling him it's inappropriate to live with an unmarried woman.
Plus, he's a terrible father figure. He is constantly yelling at the poor 4-year old who has lost her parents. And , the first day the heroine comes, he leaves her alone with the little girl. WTF!? How can you be saying it's so important to do a trial period to make sure this works for the little girl and having no care for what happens with the little girl with a stranger you refuse to marry!?
Combine this with a heroine who is a Pollyanna and very obvious "Christian" messages (don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with true Christianity... but I do have a problem with pandering in a story that doesn't match the love we are called to give to each other...), and you've got a book that's too shallow and boring.
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January 19, 2024I did not finish this one because I just didn’t like how he gave her (his bride) a trial period to live with him and see if it works out. I get that he wanted to be sure but if you think about the time period she would have been ruined if she lived with him for a month (that alone could ruin her) but worse if he choose to not wed her. He would have gotten out of this without any setbacks but her life would be ruined. She agreed to it because she was desperate and I just felt that he took advantage of her and I just couldn’t read on after this. It just angered me so much that she traveled all the way to him to be his mail order bride and he won’t marry her but instead give her a trial period like wtf. She has no home so it’s not like she has any other option than to take him up on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
What a nice start to a new mail order bride series! I listened to the audio book and really enjoyed the narration.
There was great tension between Matt and Gwen, who had agreed to a marriage in name only. However, when Gwen arrived, Matt asked her to give them a month to decide if they would suit as a family. I really felt for Gwen, as she dealt with feelings of never being chosen or important. She was cast aside by her sister-in-law and brother, a couple of suitors that she had over the years always chose something else as more important than her, and now she felt that Matt might decide that she wasn’t good enough for him and his adopted daughter.
Matt worked hard to keep his emotions separate in order to not face the same loss and hurt that he had years earlier. It was sweet seeing his walls begin to break down and love begin to grow in his heart for Gwen. This was an enjoyable story to listen to and a good start to a new series. I look forward to reading or listening to the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
There was great tension between Matt and Gwen, who had agreed to a marriage in name only. However, when Gwen arrived, Matt asked her to give them a month to decide if they would suit as a family. I really felt for Gwen, as she dealt with feelings of never being chosen or important. She was cast aside by her sister-in-law and brother, a couple of suitors that she had over the years always chose something else as more important than her, and now she felt that Matt might decide that she wasn’t good enough for him and his adopted daughter.
Matt worked hard to keep his emotions separate in order to not face the same loss and hurt that he had years earlier. It was sweet seeing his walls begin to break down and love begin to grow in his heart for Gwen. This was an enjoyable story to listen to and a good start to a new series. I look forward to reading or listening to the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 14, 2025
Linda Ford is a great writer who knows how to capture the attention of her readers. This book told such a great story that I had a hard time putting down. I enjoyed it so much that I just purchased the next book in the series.
May 8, 2025
eh. too simple
March 25, 2023
A Good Book
I loved how the story developed. I won’t write a spoiler review, but one detail near the end disappointed me. It wasn’t necessary to the book. Both hero and heroine were realistic. The setting was great and Linda Ford’s word painting was excellent! Overall… a good read!
I loved how the story developed. I won’t write a spoiler review, but one detail near the end disappointed me. It wasn’t necessary to the book. Both hero and heroine were realistic. The setting was great and Linda Ford’s word painting was excellent! Overall… a good read!
January 6, 2023
It sure showed what a tough time Mail-order brides could experience! They step out in faith from all that is familiar to them, to travel untold distances to a hopefully better future. Things did not always go well, or as expected. This series seems to be highlighting this fact in one way or another. The story is good and the ending is satisfactory.
November 5, 2023
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. I don't know. I always love these type books. They are always lighthearted and a great wholesome read. But I found this one frustrating. First off the poor main female character goes all the way out to answer an ad for a mail order bride and the guy suggests that they do a trial run for a month. (What in the world?) back then that was for sure was never done. The girls reputation would have been ruined. And for her to live there not married and take care of a little 4 year old girl sounded more like a free nanny than a wife. I don't mind being submissive to your husbands. But he would not marry her (Which had had her worrying for the next 4 weeks due to she had no other options) but from the moment he met her he kept saying that she was disobeying him over and over and over. I just thought it was over the top being that he was not even man enough to marry her even after he had her come all the way out there under false pretenses having her cook, clean and watch a child all the time the poor thing is wondering if he will even marry her and let her stay. It was just sad. If the main male character would have married her right away and they then discus what he expected I would have been fine with it. I just think for the time period it was very unrealistic and a gentlemen would never have allowed an unmarried woman live in his house and run the household like that. Also he wanted to marry a woman in name only and nothing ever physical? That is just terrible. They are both young and the kid was not even his own child. Just this was a big no for me. Also the narrator did a horrible job. I recommend reading the book instead of listening to it.
November 23, 2023
Mail-Order Bride Mommy
Montana Mail-Order Brides #1
Matt Shannon is in a desperate position; he is the guardian to four-year-old Lindy. He isn’t interested in love or romance or even marriage he just needs a woman that will be a mother to Lindy. The answer to his problem is a mail-order bride. Matt’s fiancée died in an accident leaving him broken hearted.
Gwen Hunter agrees to move to the west and marry an unknown man who has made it clear it is strictly a marriage of convenience. She loves Lindy from the moment she meets her. Matt stays busy with his ranch and Gwen keeps the house and Lindy. Matt doesn’t want to marry right away; he wants to wait a month to see if they are compatible, he has forgotten that Gwen is the only unmarried woman in the area, and she is surrounded by bachelors.
The story is told from Gwen’s point of view. I like Gwen but I’m not as fond of Matt. He has placed Gwen reputation in question; they are unmarried and living together. Plus, he has placed Lindy in the care of a woman he has never met. He is hesitant to marry her but not to for her to care for Lindy. Matt has no patience with Lindy. Matt continuously told Gwen she wasn’t obeying him. He basically broke the contract by not marrying Gwen as soon as she arrived. Gwen has always felt rejected, her brother and his wife set her aside; she always feels she is not good enough. Once Matt truly gets to know Gwen, he comes to love her. This is the first book in a new series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy of this book. My reviews are always my unbiased opinions.
Montana Mail-Order Brides #1
Matt Shannon is in a desperate position; he is the guardian to four-year-old Lindy. He isn’t interested in love or romance or even marriage he just needs a woman that will be a mother to Lindy. The answer to his problem is a mail-order bride. Matt’s fiancée died in an accident leaving him broken hearted.
Gwen Hunter agrees to move to the west and marry an unknown man who has made it clear it is strictly a marriage of convenience. She loves Lindy from the moment she meets her. Matt stays busy with his ranch and Gwen keeps the house and Lindy. Matt doesn’t want to marry right away; he wants to wait a month to see if they are compatible, he has forgotten that Gwen is the only unmarried woman in the area, and she is surrounded by bachelors.
The story is told from Gwen’s point of view. I like Gwen but I’m not as fond of Matt. He has placed Gwen reputation in question; they are unmarried and living together. Plus, he has placed Lindy in the care of a woman he has never met. He is hesitant to marry her but not to for her to care for Lindy. Matt has no patience with Lindy. Matt continuously told Gwen she wasn’t obeying him. He basically broke the contract by not marrying Gwen as soon as she arrived. Gwen has always felt rejected, her brother and his wife set her aside; she always feels she is not good enough. Once Matt truly gets to know Gwen, he comes to love her. This is the first book in a new series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy of this book. My reviews are always my unbiased opinions.
November 1, 2023
4.25 stars - Read via Kindle
Let me begin by saying that this is definitely not a trope I read. Something about this story made me want to read it and I’m glad that I listened to my gut. The idea of marrying a stranger doesn’t sit well with me. However, I was glad to see that they corresponded first and that faith was highly important to both of them.
The FMC wasn’t desperate, weak, or expecting a man to solve all her problems and complete her as a mail-order bride. She was extremely likeable from the start. The MMC, his brothers, and everyone at the ranch were also likeable. The little girl stole my heart for all she’d been through. A group of men took Lindy, their friends’ orphaned daughter, on as their own. Selfless.
I enjoyed the description of the area and the frequent focus on nature and the surroundings. Seeing the relationship beginning as a kindling and then growing into something so great was touching. All three had been through heartache and it was good to see them all get their happy ending. I would have loved to see more about them and even Gwen and her brother reunited—with the truth. Perhaps even seeing the sister-in-law apologize? Maybe that’s in the coming books in the series? It looks like the next four are all about the other Shannon brothers, and Wally, but I’m unsure of the six after that. I don’t know if there is a connection to the Shannon’s or not.
This was such a sweet book and I’d like to read all about the others on the Shannon ranch.
Let me begin by saying that this is definitely not a trope I read. Something about this story made me want to read it and I’m glad that I listened to my gut. The idea of marrying a stranger doesn’t sit well with me. However, I was glad to see that they corresponded first and that faith was highly important to both of them.
The FMC wasn’t desperate, weak, or expecting a man to solve all her problems and complete her as a mail-order bride. She was extremely likeable from the start. The MMC, his brothers, and everyone at the ranch were also likeable. The little girl stole my heart for all she’d been through. A group of men took Lindy, their friends’ orphaned daughter, on as their own. Selfless.
I enjoyed the description of the area and the frequent focus on nature and the surroundings. Seeing the relationship beginning as a kindling and then growing into something so great was touching. All three had been through heartache and it was good to see them all get their happy ending. I would have loved to see more about them and even Gwen and her brother reunited—with the truth. Perhaps even seeing the sister-in-law apologize? Maybe that’s in the coming books in the series? It looks like the next four are all about the other Shannon brothers, and Wally, but I’m unsure of the six after that. I don’t know if there is a connection to the Shannon’s or not.
This was such a sweet book and I’d like to read all about the others on the Shannon ranch.
October 22, 2023
When Gwynn Herber catches a train out west to marry Matt Shannon she is nervous because she has no home to go back to. This is why when she arrives and is meant by the pastors wife her first thought is Matt has changed his mind he hasn’t but he has made a stipulation to their agreement he wants to have a month trial to see if they suit . He is raising his best friend Roscoe‘s little girl Lindy and doesn’t want her to get close to someone that she’ll eventually lose like she did her parents. Matt lives on a humongous ranch and he and his brothers have their own home and they will be with Gwynns laughter and positivity and love for Lindy and mats brothers who help him see himself the way others do that just may bring these three together as a family in the end. I have read many Lita Ford books and I was so excited to get this book and it’s one that I really enjoyed. I listen to the audio version and although I thought the narrator hit a lovely voice I just don’t think reading the stories or for her I think she would be great at reading advice books or devotionals but to say I didn’t enjoy her narration would be a lie I did think she did a pretty good job I just wish her character distinction was better. I want to thank dream scape select and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
April 16, 2023
Montana mail order Brides
Linda Ford has been given a talent for writing delicious books if this one is any indication. When two people come to an understanding and put their own concerns aside for the sake of a child, it can turn into something wonderful or something like a prison. Fortunately, for everyone on Shannon Ranch, the plans must have had divine intervention. Not only does the heartbroken rancher find soothing for his soul, he finds the perfect woman to help him raise the child made an orphan by the unexpected accident that killed both her parents. The only problem? A clause in their agreement to have a "marriage in name only" that left no room for the love both he and his bride-to-be both need so badly. It was a wise choice Matt made to trust in GOD to handle that part of the agreement.
Ms Ford has written a sweet story that takes place in the big sky country of Montana. Her writing speaks for itself and places her in the good reads hall of fame. Thanks for sharing your love of writing with this reader.
Linda Ford has been given a talent for writing delicious books if this one is any indication. When two people come to an understanding and put their own concerns aside for the sake of a child, it can turn into something wonderful or something like a prison. Fortunately, for everyone on Shannon Ranch, the plans must have had divine intervention. Not only does the heartbroken rancher find soothing for his soul, he finds the perfect woman to help him raise the child made an orphan by the unexpected accident that killed both her parents. The only problem? A clause in their agreement to have a "marriage in name only" that left no room for the love both he and his bride-to-be both need so badly. It was a wise choice Matt made to trust in GOD to handle that part of the agreement.
Ms Ford has written a sweet story that takes place in the big sky country of Montana. Her writing speaks for itself and places her in the good reads hall of fame. Thanks for sharing your love of writing with this reader.
November 26, 2025
A Fun Read
Mail Order Bride Mommy has Gwen moving west in search of a forever home after her brother marries. Gwen is made to feel that she has unrealistic expectations when her new sister in law makes rude and uncaring remarked comparing her to a cat. Grin expects to be married once she reaches the end of her journey but her prospective groom, Matt, is hesitant to tie the knot so soon and suggests they wait a months and then decide if each is happy with moving forward. Gwen moves out to the Ranch and meets Lindy, the four year old orphan she will be responsible for. Gwen falls in love with the ranch and Lindy and wishes Matt would notice her.
I found this to be an enjoyable read. I call light hearted books such as this CANDY FOR MY BRAIN. I appreciated the fact that there was no foul language more were there portions of
The book that were sexual in nature. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a book with a simple plot and a happy ending.
Mail Order Bride Mommy has Gwen moving west in search of a forever home after her brother marries. Gwen is made to feel that she has unrealistic expectations when her new sister in law makes rude and uncaring remarked comparing her to a cat. Grin expects to be married once she reaches the end of her journey but her prospective groom, Matt, is hesitant to tie the knot so soon and suggests they wait a months and then decide if each is happy with moving forward. Gwen moves out to the Ranch and meets Lindy, the four year old orphan she will be responsible for. Gwen falls in love with the ranch and Lindy and wishes Matt would notice her.
I found this to be an enjoyable read. I call light hearted books such as this CANDY FOR MY BRAIN. I appreciated the fact that there was no foul language more were there portions of
The book that were sexual in nature. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a book with a simple plot and a happy ending.
February 16, 2024
Full disclosure, I knew going in that this was a Christian romance. But even under that heading this book was dry. I mean Hallmark movies would have found this dull and passed on making it into a movie.
The characters had no real depth - they were the sum total of their past traumas and insecurities. I never got the sense that they loved each other at all. I think this shouldn't be under the Romance heading, but Christian fiction. There was no romance, no spark, no anything to even hint at romance.
I get that this is not the heaving bosom, graphic depiction that a lot of romances have, but at least make me believe that these characters like each other and could build a deeper relationship.
I also don't buy for a second that this woman would have gone out to the ranch with ALL those men with no chaperone. In 1890? No chance.
Add to that the ending - which was just the end. No updates/epilogues on what happened no anything. It really was disappointing.
The characters had no real depth - they were the sum total of their past traumas and insecurities. I never got the sense that they loved each other at all. I think this shouldn't be under the Romance heading, but Christian fiction. There was no romance, no spark, no anything to even hint at romance.
I get that this is not the heaving bosom, graphic depiction that a lot of romances have, but at least make me believe that these characters like each other and could build a deeper relationship.
I also don't buy for a second that this woman would have gone out to the ranch with ALL those men with no chaperone. In 1890? No chance.
Add to that the ending - which was just the end. No updates/epilogues on what happened no anything. It really was disappointing.
December 10, 2024
Matt, after the death of his fiancée, has ordered a wife from back east to care for the four-year-old daughter left behind at the death of his best friend and his wife.
Gwen, homeless when her brother married, and no longer in need of a housekeeper, answers the request.
Lots of jumping to conclusions.
Several odd phrases or unclear sections:
“Her eyes brimmed with amusement, trapping him in a web of pleasure.”
“Her smile flooded her eyes”
I thought ‘brimming’ or ‘flooding’ eyes meant they were filling with tears.
“The valley floor lay beneath them, the water at the bottom shimmering with reflected sunshine.” The water should be at the bottom of the valley, not the bottom of the floor.
“His feet pounded down the path toward home,…” He seems irritated with his brother, running doesn’t seem to fit the situation.
Clean language.
Contains: Minimal premarital kissing, minor peril.
Gwen, homeless when her brother married, and no longer in need of a housekeeper, answers the request.
Lots of jumping to conclusions.
Several odd phrases or unclear sections:
“Her eyes brimmed with amusement, trapping him in a web of pleasure.”
“Her smile flooded her eyes”
I thought ‘brimming’ or ‘flooding’ eyes meant they were filling with tears.
“The valley floor lay beneath them, the water at the bottom shimmering with reflected sunshine.” The water should be at the bottom of the valley, not the bottom of the floor.
“His feet pounded down the path toward home,…” He seems irritated with his brother, running doesn’t seem to fit the situation.
Clean language.
Contains: Minimal premarital kissing, minor peril.
January 30, 2024
This is a sweet short story about a mail-order bride leaving the city life in the East to venture out West to find security for herself . Her brother had recently married and two women running the same household would not work. An arrangement made with a rancher brought her to Montana to mother a 4 year old orphan and give her a permanent home. The twist and turns in the story of how Matt and Gwen would keep to the rules of their arrangement were at times sweet, sad and sometimes irritating. The author did a nice job in presenting the facts of each one’s background, and the little girl’s spunk made the story a pleasure to read. The author’s description of Shannon Valley brought the beauty of Montana to life. Well done Linda Ford! I enjoyed the book and it’s authenticity to life and moral standards of people of that Era.
February 11, 2023
This is a sweet and heart warming story full of faith and wonderful characters. This is Gwen and Matt's story, as well as Lindy, a four year old Matt is caring for after the tragic death of her parents in an accident. Matt has determined in his heart that he will never love again and since he needs someone to care for Lindy and look after the house he sends for a MOB vowing that it will only be a marriage of convenience. Will Gwen, with her sweet and loving nature change his mind? Will there be a HEA? Be sure and read this great start to the Montana Mail Order Brides; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
October 26, 2023
I rated the book based on what it is - a genre fiction vehicle for the titular tropes. It delivers what it promises: a mail order bride arranged to be a mommy for an orphan, but beyond that it didn’t do much.
The writing style is just really not for me. The FMC is a Mary Sue and the MMC is the blandest milk toast. The prose was both incredibly simple and overwritten, and the phrase “marriage in name only” came up so many times I wondered if the reader should be offended… we can retain a concept for a few pages, we know the deal.
Thanks, NetGalley and Crocus Mountain, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The writing style is just really not for me. The FMC is a Mary Sue and the MMC is the blandest milk toast. The prose was both incredibly simple and overwritten, and the phrase “marriage in name only” came up so many times I wondered if the reader should be offended… we can retain a concept for a few pages, we know the deal.
Thanks, NetGalley and Crocus Mountain, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2023
Mail Order Bride Mommy is a sweet story about a young woman who accepts a proposal to be a mail order bride to a rancher out west. Feeling the need to find a new home since her brother is marrying and lacking options, she accepts the offer for a marriage of convenience. Matt needs a mother for a young girl who lives on the ranch and Gwen needs a home, so the two come to an agreement. However, Matt decides to wait thirty days once Gwen arrives to ensure that they are both comfortable with the deal. As they spend time together, they just might discover that God has something more in store for both of them. A cute story. I enjoyed it.
The narrator did a good job too.
The narrator did a good job too.
December 22, 2024
Love finds it's way
Great story of two young people brought together by a mail order matchup except Gwen and Matt didn't realize that even through the turmoils and hurts of life that God brought them together. Lindy, adds a special seasoning of a young and vibrant child who lost both her parents and now being raised by Matt and his brothers that Gwen is the perfect teacher and step mom to be that can really bring joy, laughter and love not only in her life but everyone at the ranch. Gwen just had to believe she's more than just that God has always had great things for her as well...
Great story of two young people brought together by a mail order matchup except Gwen and Matt didn't realize that even through the turmoils and hurts of life that God brought them together. Lindy, adds a special seasoning of a young and vibrant child who lost both her parents and now being raised by Matt and his brothers that Gwen is the perfect teacher and step mom to be that can really bring joy, laughter and love not only in her life but everyone at the ranch. Gwen just had to believe she's more than just that God has always had great things for her as well...
February 18, 2025
A mother for Lindy
Gwen traveled west to be a mail order bride. She understood the marriage would be in name only. Her main purpose would be to be a mother figure to his 4 year old daughter. She would
live on the family ranch where his 4 brothers also had homes. Four year old Lindy lost her parents in an accident a few months back. Matt had sent for a bride to give Lindy a family and home. Matt changed his mind about getting married upon Gwens arrival, instead he decided to wait a month to see if she was a good fit to care for his daughter. Read the book to see the emotional struggles the main characters go through
to please all.
Gwen traveled west to be a mail order bride. She understood the marriage would be in name only. Her main purpose would be to be a mother figure to his 4 year old daughter. She would
live on the family ranch where his 4 brothers also had homes. Four year old Lindy lost her parents in an accident a few months back. Matt had sent for a bride to give Lindy a family and home. Matt changed his mind about getting married upon Gwens arrival, instead he decided to wait a month to see if she was a good fit to care for his daughter. Read the book to see the emotional struggles the main characters go through
to please all.
December 8, 2022
Mail-order bride, Gwen, gets off the train and wonders where her husband-to-be is. Instead of Matthew meeting her at the train, she is met by the preacher’s wife. Interesting! Wonder why the bride wasn’t met by the groom. Keep reading and you will find out!
She finally meets Matthew and Lindy – her soon-to-be daughter who is four years old. She needs to prove herself, apparently, because Matt has said he wanted to wait a month before they got married.
Great book. One of the best I’ve read in a while.
She finally meets Matthew and Lindy – her soon-to-be daughter who is four years old. She needs to prove herself, apparently, because Matt has said he wanted to wait a month before they got married.
Great book. One of the best I’ve read in a while.
August 23, 2023
Good story
I don't usually read historical fiction because I've experienced that kind of living: pails of water, carrying waste water and our, no power, minimal light from candle\lantern, cooking on a wood stove. It's doable but not fun! I suspect most of these authors haven't experimented with that kind of living-from their descriptions
In this book, it was engaging enough for me to enjoy the story. I didn't get lost in all the discrepancies. The author developed the characters well, showing their growth & improved understanding.
I don't usually read historical fiction because I've experienced that kind of living: pails of water, carrying waste water and our, no power, minimal light from candle\lantern, cooking on a wood stove. It's doable but not fun! I suspect most of these authors haven't experimented with that kind of living-from their descriptions
In this book, it was engaging enough for me to enjoy the story. I didn't get lost in all the discrepancies. The author developed the characters well, showing their growth & improved understanding.
November 27, 2023
Mail Order Bride Mommy by Linda Ford was excellent. It has been a while since I last read or listened to a Historical Christian Romance book. This book was well-written, and the characters were great. Matt and Gwen decide to wait a month before they get married. Gwen is disappointed but realizes why Matt wants to stay. As they get to know each other, they can get to know each other and fall in love. I can't wait to listen to or read the rest of Shannon's brother's stories. I listened to this book, and the narrator did a great job.
April 3, 2025
Romance in the making but a bit slow
This is my first book by this author. Christian books are mellow and I don’t want hot and steamy. The friction and developing sparks were there for a romance if Matt would get out of his head. I hate it when people take so much time to get over there hang ups! By page 208 I was getting a little tired of him and his thoughts. He doesn’t know how lucky he was on a blind shot deal. Thank goodness Lindy didn’t really try to fly. All in all a good romance just a bit slow.
This is my first book by this author. Christian books are mellow and I don’t want hot and steamy. The friction and developing sparks were there for a romance if Matt would get out of his head. I hate it when people take so much time to get over there hang ups! By page 208 I was getting a little tired of him and his thoughts. He doesn’t know how lucky he was on a blind shot deal. Thank goodness Lindy didn’t really try to fly. All in all a good romance just a bit slow.
January 9, 2023
Mail Order Bride Mommy
I really enjoyed this mail order bride story about Matt and Gwen. Lindy was a child of family member, both parents died. Shannon family of four boys each had a house p, and the family house of their parents was lived in by the cook of the family. Matt had decided to marry in order to have someone to watch over Lindy and care for her. More to come. Just enjoy their story.
I really enjoyed this mail order bride story about Matt and Gwen. Lindy was a child of family member, both parents died. Shannon family of four boys each had a house p, and the family house of their parents was lived in by the cook of the family. Matt had decided to marry in order to have someone to watch over Lindy and care for her. More to come. Just enjoy their story.
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