Candace: Runaway Brides of the West - Book 20

by Janice Cole Hopkins

Candace Joyner gets to her destination as a mail-order bride to find that her intended owns a saloon with working girls upstairs. He also runs the town where there’s no church or honest sheriff. Learning that he might eventually expect her to work for him, she hides under the tarp of a mountain man's wagon when he leaves town with his winter supplies. She's watched Jude Mason, and he appears to be kind and most likely a Christian. She'd rather take her chances with him than with the dictatorial, unscrupulous saloon owner. But life on the mountain in the winter is tougher than she imagined.

Jude is stunned when he gets home to find a stowaway in his wagon. The beautiful woman seems to have no idea of how confined they’d be in his small cabin over the brutal winter. He hoped God’s promise not to tempt us more than we can bear applied to him, and right now it did. He’s so angry he’d like to throttle the woman.

227 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2022

About the author

Janice Cole Hopkins grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. As an only child, she learned to love the stories of Appalachian culture, and when she started school, she discovered a even wider world of stories through reading. She was writing her own by third grade and had published poetry by eighth grade. After graduating from Appalachian State University, she first wrote for magazines because the shorter articles were more manageable while she taught school. She retired early and became her mother’s caregiver, which is when she wrote that first novel, and she hasn’t stopped since. Soon she will have over a hundred books listed on Amazon with more to come.
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Reviews

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

They are both running...

Candace is running for her life and Jude is running from fear, fear of love, fear of loss and fear of opening his heart. But Candace is so sweet, warm, loving and has such a big heart that Jude stands no chance of keeping his heart safe. He is a good man, with strong morals and despite what he thinks he has a lot of love to give. Candace will steal your heart from the moment she runs and Jude will claim it the moment he lets her stay.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Her father had arranged the match, with the help of a preacher, to provide protection for his beloved daughter. Candace sets out, as a mail-order bride, to meet the promised groom, but discovers treachery awaits. Abiding faith and prayer, and the kindness of strangers, lead her into the wilderness with a man of equally strong beliefs. To go back to an earlier technology, the story is most definitely "page-turning"!

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely story! 😍 I think it was my first introduction to the author, but I'll be definitely checking out more of her books. Candace was such a strong, gentle woman, full of courage and faith. She's been duped by her supposed fiancé and finds herself in a precarious situation, yet with some help ends up in a whole different adventure. It's been a while since I've enjoyed a forced proximity book this much (must be all that snowed in time), but I loved every minute of her interactions with Jude. He's such a godly, honorable man, looking to do the right thing, yet he's also a recluse living in a cabin in the mountains, who's afraid to let love come into his life (due to his dad's experience with loss.) This story was at times touching and heartbreaking, yet also full of hope and warmth. I loved the descriptions of the Historical setting as well as how the Christian thread was woven through the story. I especially loved how the author presented her characters as humans with flaws, but at the same time how they (and we) can find strength when seeking the Lord (like when facing certain passions or thoughts —don't worry, this is a just kisses book.)

The narrator did an incredible job with the story, certainly bringing it all to life. I loved the different voices he gave to each character, but especially the ones for Candace and Jude, differentiating them as well for the narration of each of their chapters. The inflections were great, and I know a big part of my enjoyment came from having listened to this story instead of reading it.

I definitely recommend this audiobook to anyone looking for a great Historical Christian Romance set in the Rockies, complete with all the cozy feels and an interesting twist. ;) ~ 5 stars!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace
Runaway Brides of the West, Book 20
By: Janice Cole Hopkins
Narrated by: Jared Walters

There is something about a man, a cabin and a dog that pulls me in! Janice Cole Hopkins gives us a twist on a normal mail order bride story with Candace. Sent to marry a man by her dying father, she finds herself in quite the predicament. She overhears her intended getting ready to pick her up and add her to his brothel. Not wanting this to be her life, she takes it upon herself to make her future. She gets some help and stows away in a wagon with Jude. When she is found, Jude hears her out and takes her temporarily to keep her safe. But what will happen? Will her intended just give her up? Will Jude get used to having this beautiful woman around? Will Candace find a new place to go? This is a romance that won my heart right from the start. It's full of wonderful scenes, a budding friendship that turns to romance, and a bit of suspense as life takes a turn! I loved it and as always want more like this!

Jared Walters uses his warm voice to give an amazing performance. This is my first listen of his and found his voice easy to listen to and very soothing. He switches from male to female with ease and has a variety of characters each with its own voice. I enjoyed this listen and will be watching for more.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun story! This one is a friendship to love tale. Two lonely people find each other in a unique way and both are determined to guard their hearts against love. After spending the winter together in a mountain cabin, Jude takes Candace to a nearby town and after making sure she is settled, leaves her to fend for herself and he return to his lonely life. Both are ready to walk away from the love they feel. Ms. Hopkins once again weaves God and spiritual truths into the story with skill. It's always a joy to see her examples of how God can work in the lives of His children.

The narration is very good and lends a touch that makes the characters come alive.

I requested this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude and Candace

This is a mail order bride tale gone wrong. Jude is a young, handsome loner. His mother died when he was much younger and he and his father moved to a remote cabin. He had lived alone since his father’s passing. Candace’s father was dying and made arrangements for her to marry a well to do businessman in this small town. When she arrived to marry she realizes her father had been lied to and the man was making Candace one of his working girls at the saloon he owned. Candace hide away in Jude’s wagon when he come to town for his winter supplies. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after. It’s a fun read.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable audiobook! A very believable story that I’m sure could have happened with women going to be a mail-order brides. Candace had gotten herself in trouble when she found out that her intended wasn’t the “good” person he was supposed to be. I loved the solution to her problem, a stowaway. Maybe, just maybe, Jude would let her stay at his house. I loved the characters Jude and Candace and the inspiration they were to each other. If you enjoy a good clean romance you need to read or listen to this story.
I received the audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Barbara Linkous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this is a mail order bride story, I knew that Candace would become a bride. I didn't expect the twisted plot. Before his death, Candace's father thought he had secured her future. The groom was not the man her father thought him to be, so Candace made a hasty decision to get out of town as fast as possible. The reclusive mountain man who unknowingly helped her escape reluctantly grew to love her. Just when he has decided to walk away, the evil man reappears.
I listened to the audio version and enjoyed the narration.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy seeing a new book by Janice Cole Hopkins. Her characters come alive and you clearly understand both sides of a dilemma. Candace experienced what I imagine happened more often than we know, a mail order bride arriving to a less than ideal situation. Yes and some men also probably got taken by unscrupulous “brides”. Candace’s situation was more than just not ideal, it was dangerous. I can just imagine Jude surprise at finding her. This story will keep your attention and have you wondering exactly when Benedict Cox would show up.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance

Wow! The beginning was very hard to read about! The fear this woman must have felt! But I loved the solution and how it all worked out! Slow building romances are the best! I never would have expected it from the guy who instigated the happy ever after ending!
I really enjoyed this narrator!! I can't think of any way for him to improve!!
I'm soo happy to have an excellent story matched with an excellent narration! Great job to both of you!!!

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a Sweet Story

The story started with Candace barely escaping a bad situation. Fortunately, a friend steered her to someone she could trust. The question was, would he help? Good characters and a sweet romance that developed over time in spite of both fighting it. A good plot with more than one tense scene. A great read.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I thought the characters were well developed and relatable. While it ended how I thought it would, it got there differently than I saw it happening. I have come to enjoy this author quite a bit. I love that she incorporates faith into her writings.

I listened to the audiobook, I thought the narrative was well done. Easy to understand and at a good pace.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are delightful audios books. To have the courage to travel, to a unknown place, with a complete stranger. Unthinkable, she had a heart full of love, and when he said she could stay. The narration was great it brought you to the cabin and watched how love unfolded. Given audio for my voluntary review.

[Lea & Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace and Jude

It takes a miracle and a godly woman to help Candace escape an evil man. Hiding in Judge's wagon, she learns that she will be stuck through the winter in his cabin. Proximity encourages attraction held in check by their morality.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a dramatic rescue story! This is a clean western style historic romance that uses a grumpy / sunshine vibe very well. I love the focus on Christian values and lifestyle that is given throughout the book.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of adventure and sweet romance. Unwanted suitor? Check. Mountain lion? Check. A wonderful man who doesn’t want to marry? Check. All of this leads to a great story that I really enjoyed.
This is for the Audible version.

[Debbie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book! The book had some drama before having a happily ever after ending.. I highly recommend reading this book!

[cindy hiteshew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this story.

I enjoyed this story. Sorry it ended. I will be sure to read Jackie Cole Hopkins next story. Thank you.

[ReadingWench]

I listened to this one on audio. The narrator, Jared Walters, did a fantastic job. This story was great. I liked the plotline of this book. The characters were well-developed and very relatable.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one

I loved this book. I could picture everything vividly, and almost feel the cold! Great main characters, some excitement, some fun and tenderness.

[Rhonda Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved Candace and Jude's story. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet clean love story.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this story. The narrator was marvelous. Candace is on her way to become a mail order bride, that was arranged by her father, before his death. When she discovered that her intended was a saloon owner and only wanted her to work there, she runs. Candace is befriended by a store owner and she is hidden in the mountain man's wagon. Jude, the mountain man, doesn't discover Candace until it's too late to turn around. She will stay in his cabin until the spring. It will be a long snowy winter, but will become friends or more.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I thought the characters were well developed and relatable. While it ended how I thought it would, it got there differently than I saw it happening. I have come to enjoy this author quite a bit. I love that she incorporates faith into her writings.

The narrative was well done. Easy to understand and at a good pace.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance

Wow! The beginning was very hard to read about! The fear this woman must have felt! But I loved the solution and how it all worked out! Slow building romances are the best! I never would have expected it from the guy who instigated the happy ever after ending!
I really enjoyed this narrator!! I can't think of any way for him to improve!!
I'm soo happy to have an excellent story matched with an excellent narration! Great job to both of you!!!