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South Dakota #1
Loving Eliza
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0030MIF5C
Eliza left her life of prostitution to become something she could never be back in Omaha: a lady. As soon as she arrives in South Dakota, she runs into John Evans, the town mute, who immediately falls in love with her and wants to marry her. She fights off his proposals, even as her attraction for him grows stronger. But can she afford to let him know her past? Will he love her anyway?
*This is the first book in the South Dakota Series.
Book 1: Loving Eliza
Book 2: Bid for a Bride
Book 3: Bride of Second Chances
Eliza left her life of prostitution to become something she could never be back in Omaha: a lady. As soon as she arrives in South Dakota, she runs into John Evans, the town mute, who immediately falls in love with her and wants to marry her. She fights off his proposals, even as her attraction for him grows stronger. But can she afford to let him know her past? Will he love her anyway?
*This is the first book in the South Dakota Series.
Book 1: Loving Eliza
Book 2: Bid for a Bride
Book 3: Bride of Second Chances
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
224 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Ann Nordin
172 books715 followersWhat's to say? I write a lot. I read often. I sleep little. Once in awhile, I've been known to clean the house. A number of kids live in my house and there's this guy they call dad and I call husband. All in all, it's a pretty good life. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 16, 2017
very cute read a few things would never happen in real life but still very cute :)
August 16, 2016
++Spoilers++
4.5 stars
Loved this book. I marked it as "Christian" but it is not fanatacial by any means. There are loving scenes that are done tastefully with minimal detail. Very sweet and tender.
I was skeptical about reading this book at first, but I am so glad I did.
This book had everything I love in a romance. A tormented hero, a tormented heroine, love at first sight, good conflict, nice steady pace, three dimensional characters, believable antagonists, and some really heart wrenching get out the tissues pain.
The hero is perfect.. so lovable so sweet, and never gave up hope on the heroine. There is forgiveness.. understanding.. with a touch of faith and spirituality.
A reviewer on GR had mentioned they felt there was a lot of historical inaccuracies. Well, I'm no historian, so I can't say if there was or not, but there wasn't anything that I picked up on that would make me complain about it.
Another reviewer mentioned that they did not like the use of the word"retard" and I would agree if it were used in a different context than it was here. The word was used by "evil" characters to show how rotten the characters are and to make the reader angry at the characters who did. It was not used to describe someone's mental condition.
I really like this authors writing and am continuing the series.
Safety:
Hero-Virgin
Heroine-Very Experienced- former prostitute (unwilling, forced into it, never enjoyed the act and never loved any man before) had a child, gave it up for adoption.
Cheating - No
Violence-Mild
Cursing-No
Adultry-No
OW/OM- Again- depends on meaning- a former customer of the heroine shows up but nothing happens between them. The mail order bride that the hero wrote to before meeting the heroine finally arrives, but the hero does not want her and never strays from the heroine.
Rape- attempted - thwarted
Abuse - heroine was raped in past. No details. Hero is taunted by town members due to his disability (he is mute)
Hea/Ily-Yes to both
Marriage-Yes
Baby- No
4.5 stars
Loved this book. I marked it as "Christian" but it is not fanatacial by any means. There are loving scenes that are done tastefully with minimal detail. Very sweet and tender.
I was skeptical about reading this book at first, but I am so glad I did.
This book had everything I love in a romance. A tormented hero, a tormented heroine, love at first sight, good conflict, nice steady pace, three dimensional characters, believable antagonists, and some really heart wrenching get out the tissues pain.
The hero is perfect.. so lovable so sweet, and never gave up hope on the heroine. There is forgiveness.. understanding.. with a touch of faith and spirituality.
A reviewer on GR had mentioned they felt there was a lot of historical inaccuracies. Well, I'm no historian, so I can't say if there was or not, but there wasn't anything that I picked up on that would make me complain about it.
Another reviewer mentioned that they did not like the use of the word"retard" and I would agree if it were used in a different context than it was here. The word was used by "evil" characters to show how rotten the characters are and to make the reader angry at the characters who did. It was not used to describe someone's mental condition.
I really like this authors writing and am continuing the series.
Safety:
Hero-Virgin
Heroine-Very Experienced- former prostitute (unwilling, forced into it, never enjoyed the act and never loved any man before) had a child, gave it up for adoption.
Cheating - No
Violence-Mild
Cursing-No
Adultry-No
OW/OM- Again- depends on meaning- a former customer of the heroine shows up but nothing happens between them. The mail order bride that the hero wrote to before meeting the heroine finally arrives, but the hero does not want her and never strays from the heroine.
Rape- attempted - thwarted
Abuse - heroine was raped in past. No details. Hero is taunted by town members due to his disability (he is mute)
Hea/Ily-Yes to both
Marriage-Yes
Baby- No
December 16, 2012
3.5 stars. Excellent romance, absurd plot contortions. Tear jerking. Sweet. Poignant. A mute carpenter falls in love with a rehabilitating prostitute in South Dakota, about 1880. John loves Eliza deeply, because she is kind to him, talks to him, and doesn't think he's stupid just because he cannot speak (plus she's pretty). Eliza is afraid to trust him with her secret past. She must face some tough temptations in her new town.
Themes: new beginnings, forgiving yourself, holding fast.
Some Bible verses, some typos, some ugly language (retard, etc.), some sex.
For sheer romance, I would give this book 4.5 stars -- major kudos to the author -- but I simply could not swallow some scenes.
In addition, the writing style varies from immature and simple to gripping, descriptive, gut-wrenching (thus, more sophisticated).
See below for best parts and worst parts, including the plot contrivances.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD !!
These improbabilities bugged me; the resolution was much too pat and easy, wrapping everything up neatly.
Still, if plot coherence doesn't matter compared to the developing romance, it's a great read.
Themes: new beginnings, forgiving yourself, holding fast.
Some Bible verses, some typos, some ugly language (retard, etc.), some sex.
For sheer romance, I would give this book 4.5 stars -- major kudos to the author -- but I simply could not swallow some scenes.
In addition, the writing style varies from immature and simple to gripping, descriptive, gut-wrenching (thus, more sophisticated).
See below for best parts and worst parts, including the plot contrivances.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD !!
These improbabilities bugged me; the resolution was much too pat and easy, wrapping everything up neatly.
Still, if plot coherence doesn't matter compared to the developing romance, it's a great read.
November 14, 2011
I would have given this more stars, but I had trouble with so much slang and errors. The book takes place in the 1870's and words like "retard" are used, where the term retarded wouldn't even be used to describe a medical condition until the 1890's, the term rip-off if used, which only came into use in the 1960's where the correct term probably should have been gyped? A food that wasn't even invented until the 1930-40 era, and a card game that wasn't invented until 1903. Ummmm, can you tell that research, or lack thereof is a huge pet peeve? Let's not forget about the lack of editing, all of this should have been caught by even a beginning editor.
As for the story itself, it was ok, I would have liked John, the male lead to have a little more depth. Through the whole book the author kept trying to convince all (including us) that he was smart, but when we got the chance to be "in his head" it was dull, no excitement whatsoever, and I found no intellegence in him. He was just a mute woodworker who had the hots for a woman and wouldn't give up. He was just vanilla, nothing to make me sigh, just nothing. I'm guessing that the series is over, it did not go out with a bang.
As for the story itself, it was ok, I would have liked John, the male lead to have a little more depth. Through the whole book the author kept trying to convince all (including us) that he was smart, but when we got the chance to be "in his head" it was dull, no excitement whatsoever, and I found no intellegence in him. He was just a mute woodworker who had the hots for a woman and wouldn't give up. He was just vanilla, nothing to make me sigh, just nothing. I'm guessing that the series is over, it did not go out with a bang.
February 24, 2023
This is a difficult book for me to review and rate. It deals with difficult subjects: child molestation, rape, hatred. However, it still felt light and easy to read. I guess I can appreciate it when a painful subject causes me to cry, but I can also appreciate a romance that is just fun to read.
Will I read more books by this author? Definitely! She seems to write romance books in a variety of settings and time perods. I just today added many of them on my want to read bookshelf.
Will I read more books by this author? Definitely! She seems to write romance books in a variety of settings and time perods. I just today added many of them on my want to read bookshelf.
December 6, 2016
John the mute and Eliza the ex-prostitute.(not really a spoiler as you learn this in the first chapter).
I normally avoid stories about courtesans and prostitutes, but I always enjoy this author's work and I was not disappointed with this one.
Eliza has had a hard life. At 27, she is ready to start a new life with the help of a local preacher. He sends her to a small town in South Dakota to stay with a good friend of his. Unfortunately fate intervenes and she finds herself stranded in said town, with no idea of where to go. She is not sure what to think of John as he cannot speak or write to make himself understood to her. But he manages to convey his offer of a job as his housekeeper. She accepts mostly because she has not other choice.
Right from the start there is an uncanny understanding between John and Eliza. She likes to prattle on and he enjoys listening. He makes the smallest of gestures, and somehow she understands. It was really very sweet and I loved both their characters enough to forgive some of the faults of the story. For John it was love at first sight but Eliza continually refuses his offers of marriage. She believes herself unworthy because of her years as a prostitute.
I would normally find that kind of secret annoying because it would hang over the reader like the sword of Damocles. But I so enjoyed John and Eliza's soul deep connection, that it wasn't a worry, not even when . My only complaint is the long section in the middle where she leaves John's place and suffers needlessly because of her fear of John finding out. It was a grittier tale than I was expecting from this author, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I normally avoid stories about courtesans and prostitutes, but I always enjoy this author's work and I was not disappointed with this one.
Eliza has had a hard life. At 27, she is ready to start a new life with the help of a local preacher. He sends her to a small town in South Dakota to stay with a good friend of his. Unfortunately fate intervenes and she finds herself stranded in said town, with no idea of where to go. She is not sure what to think of John as he cannot speak or write to make himself understood to her. But he manages to convey his offer of a job as his housekeeper. She accepts mostly because she has not other choice.
Right from the start there is an uncanny understanding between John and Eliza. She likes to prattle on and he enjoys listening. He makes the smallest of gestures, and somehow she understands. It was really very sweet and I loved both their characters enough to forgive some of the faults of the story. For John it was love at first sight but Eliza continually refuses his offers of marriage. She believes herself unworthy because of her years as a prostitute.
I would normally find that kind of secret annoying because it would hang over the reader like the sword of Damocles. But I so enjoyed John and Eliza's soul deep connection, that it wasn't a worry, not even when . My only complaint is the long section in the middle where she leaves John's place and suffers needlessly because of her fear of John finding out. It was a grittier tale than I was expecting from this author, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!
November 11, 2012
Four Stars
Former prostitute & a handsome mute. I admit, I'm intrigued :)
Read this in less than a day. It was surprisingly good and I really loved our Hero, John. He was so sweet and kind. I hated how some people treated him just because he was mute. Eliza and he made such a adorable couple. There was no communication barrier between the two. She immediately "got him" and he didn't mind her shady past. He loved her for her. I really liked this and I would've gladly paid for this Kindle freebie (Free on Amazon 11.09.12)
Former prostitute & a handsome mute. I admit, I'm intrigued :)
Read this in less than a day. It was surprisingly good and I really loved our Hero, John. He was so sweet and kind. I hated how some people treated him just because he was mute. Eliza and he made such a adorable couple. There was no communication barrier between the two. She immediately "got him" and he didn't mind her shady past. He loved her for her. I really liked this and I would've gladly paid for this Kindle freebie (Free on Amazon 11.09.12)
May 26, 2021
This book wasn't my cup of tea. I liked another book by this author, so I was hoping that I would like this one, too. Oh well.
The heroine was 14 when her parents died and she was forced into prostitution. Years later, she leaves that life behind and tries to start over in a small town in South Dakota. The hero has been mute his entire life. He has been treated like he is stupid and no one ever taught him to read or write. His dad did teach him carpentry, so he builds furniture and repairs things around town.
Altogether, this book was kind of sweet, but mostly bland. Both main characters were alright, but immature. The chemistry between them was rushed and, while I did believe that they cared for each other, it felt shallow. Some of the plot didn't work for me either.
The heroine was 14 when her parents died and she was forced into prostitution. Years later, she leaves that life behind and tries to start over in a small town in South Dakota. The hero has been mute his entire life. He has been treated like he is stupid and no one ever taught him to read or write. His dad did teach him carpentry, so he builds furniture and repairs things around town.
Altogether, this book was kind of sweet, but mostly bland. Both main characters were alright, but immature. The chemistry between them was rushed and, while I did believe that they cared for each other, it felt shallow. Some of the plot didn't work for me either.
August 3, 2012
Seriously? If one of my middle school creative writing kids had written this, I would have thought it was a good start. Good grief! Did the author forget the time and setting of her story? (I doubt if 'ripped off' was a term used then, among many other out-of-time expressions used in the story.) Character development was sketchy and one dimensional. Sweet story, but very immaturely written.
July 16, 2017
Sweet but hella depressing.
December 30, 2024
Very sweet
A sweet story about the power of love. Just enough drama and tension to keep the story moving without being obnoxious. Very cute.
A sweet story about the power of love. Just enough drama and tension to keep the story moving without being obnoxious. Very cute.
October 7, 2011
Loving Eliza by Ruth Ann Nordin Book 1 in the South Dakota Series
Bravo to Ruth for such an excellent story. John Evans is a mute but the town, and even some of his brothers, treat him as if he is also mentally ill. He was not sent to school so he cannot read or write but he does build beautiful furniture, he was the only one of five sons who wanted to learn his father's business, and he works at helping other towns people fix up their houses and yards as needed. He is waiting for a mail-order bride to come, Daphne O'Connor, but instead Eliza steps into his life, and it will never be the same.
Eliza had been attacked by an Uncle when she was fourteen and than sold to the owner of a whorehouse. The past thirteen years of her life had been spent in that place in Omaha, Nebraska. Pastor Peters had taught her about God and his forgiveness in her life and asked his cousin, Melanie, if she could work for her in South Dakota. So she just arrived on the stagecoach with Charity and her Aunt Bethany, Charity was to marry the town Marshal. After leaving those ladies she heads for Melanie's house but it stopped by an odd man who won't talk but keeps pointing to the church. She explains she is not his bride to be. When she finds Melanie has died, the man, John Evans, offers her a job and a small house to live in. She accepts.
The reader cannot help but fall in love with the silent man. With his actions and body language he is so endearing. Daily he points at his or Eliza's finger as to say, “will you marry me?” and everyday she refuses. Not for the reason John thinks. Eliza knows that Daphne may come and she will be sweet and pure, the type of woman John deserves. Not one with her past. Daphne does arrive and Eliza moves to town.
It is one adventure after the other. Eliza works for a nasty old woman and almost starves to death. She is busy avoiding the fellows wanting to court her and she avoids John. It is a book on forgiving yourself and others. Not assuming that if someone has a disability it takes away from who they are or how smart they are. Just an all round good read and I can't wait to read the next two books in this series.
**Sexual situations within marriage are very mild.
Bravo to Ruth for such an excellent story. John Evans is a mute but the town, and even some of his brothers, treat him as if he is also mentally ill. He was not sent to school so he cannot read or write but he does build beautiful furniture, he was the only one of five sons who wanted to learn his father's business, and he works at helping other towns people fix up their houses and yards as needed. He is waiting for a mail-order bride to come, Daphne O'Connor, but instead Eliza steps into his life, and it will never be the same.
Eliza had been attacked by an Uncle when she was fourteen and than sold to the owner of a whorehouse. The past thirteen years of her life had been spent in that place in Omaha, Nebraska. Pastor Peters had taught her about God and his forgiveness in her life and asked his cousin, Melanie, if she could work for her in South Dakota. So she just arrived on the stagecoach with Charity and her Aunt Bethany, Charity was to marry the town Marshal. After leaving those ladies she heads for Melanie's house but it stopped by an odd man who won't talk but keeps pointing to the church. She explains she is not his bride to be. When she finds Melanie has died, the man, John Evans, offers her a job and a small house to live in. She accepts.
The reader cannot help but fall in love with the silent man. With his actions and body language he is so endearing. Daily he points at his or Eliza's finger as to say, “will you marry me?” and everyday she refuses. Not for the reason John thinks. Eliza knows that Daphne may come and she will be sweet and pure, the type of woman John deserves. Not one with her past. Daphne does arrive and Eliza moves to town.
It is one adventure after the other. Eliza works for a nasty old woman and almost starves to death. She is busy avoiding the fellows wanting to court her and she avoids John. It is a book on forgiving yourself and others. Not assuming that if someone has a disability it takes away from who they are or how smart they are. Just an all round good read and I can't wait to read the next two books in this series.
**Sexual situations within marriage are very mild.
December 26, 2013
I've been reading a lot of mail order bride books lately. This one is refreshingly different. Eliza came west to be a maid and start fresh -- not to get married. When she arrives to town she finds out her employer recently passed away and she has little money and nowhere to go.
A mute man hires her to be his housekeeper. She readily accepts. He was looking for his mail order bride to come in on the stage with Eliza but she doesn't show.
As their relationship developed I loved being swept along the journey. Both Eliza and John are well developed characters. They not only have growing to do, but the town does as well since they see John and later Eliza as outcasts.
It really is a beautiful story I would highly recommend.
Love does not require spoken words. Hand gestures and written notes conveyed John's love perfectly. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
A mute man hires her to be his housekeeper. She readily accepts. He was looking for his mail order bride to come in on the stage with Eliza but she doesn't show.
As their relationship developed I loved being swept along the journey. Both Eliza and John are well developed characters. They not only have growing to do, but the town does as well since they see John and later Eliza as outcasts.
It really is a beautiful story I would highly recommend.
Love does not require spoken words. Hand gestures and written notes conveyed John's love perfectly. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 5, 2015
Eliza arrives in the small South Dakota town expecting to have a job but finds out the woman had died. John Evans steps forward and hires her to come keep house for him. His character is interesting as he is mute but through hand signs Eliza communicates with him. His mail order bride didn't come on the stage with Eliza and another mail order bride for the marshal.
The story continues as these two get to know one another and John keeps asking her to marry him. Two months later his mail order bride arrives and Eliza tells John of her past and leaves. He keeps looking for her and she avoids him. He finds her one evening and you will need to read the story to find out how it ends. I loved the story but it was not written consistently with the history of the period or place. Loving Eliza is still a fun romantic read and I am glad that I read it.
The story continues as these two get to know one another and John keeps asking her to marry him. Two months later his mail order bride arrives and Eliza tells John of her past and leaves. He keeps looking for her and she avoids him. He finds her one evening and you will need to read the story to find out how it ends. I loved the story but it was not written consistently with the history of the period or place. Loving Eliza is still a fun romantic read and I am glad that I read it.
July 12, 2012
This was a free download. The premise of the story was sweet, and the character of John lovable. However, it was very poorly researched. Too many newer items, figures of speech, and events that simply would not have existed or happened in that time period. I've previously read a couple books by this author, and while I do find the stories entertaining, the same lack of research has been the case in the other books as well. One thing I find interesting is that it seems the author is a Christian (maybe???)-- there has been talk of God and redemption in the books I have read, particularly this one; yet there are also scenes that are more suited to the "romance" genre, if you see what I'm saying.
March 13, 2021
Excellent storyline. Ex-saloon girl Eliza has found God and moves to a new town to start over. John takes one look at Eliza and decides she's the girl for him, too bad he's mute and can't tell her how much he wants her to be his wife. Eliza refuses to believe that anyone would ever truly want her once they knew the truth about her past. Getting to the end of this book was disappointing because I wanted it to continue. Luckily, I discovered two more stories to complete the tale "Bid for a Bride" and "A Bride of Second Chances", all three are worth every moment to read.
One of my favorites by Ruth Nordin
Highly recommended series
One of my favorites by Ruth Nordin
Highly recommended series
July 17, 2022
Loving Eliza was my first book by Ms. Nordin, but definitely not my last. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and emotional read set in 1880s America with two very original main characters that will stay with you long after the book is finished.
April 20, 2016
Some of the writing was almost childlike (for lack of a better word) at times which is why I've only given this a three star, but the book and the storyline was wonderful. I read it straight through one night. John was just heartbreakingly sweet. I feel like Eliza didn't need to have been a prostitute for 13 years though... bit extreme.
Worth reading.
Worth reading.
August 19, 2011
This is a lovely romance that I found very touching. I loved the interaction between Eliza and John. If you're looking for a sweet love story where some major obstacles have to be overcome, this is a book for you!
August 21, 2014
I am not a huge fan of books set in earlier times, what I call historical romance, and that is what I group this in for me, however this was a big home run! For those of you who want a romance without all of the profanity this is a really great one. I liked it very much.
January 7, 2025
Eliza leaves Omaha to make a fresh start in South Dakota. She is to work for the sister of the minister who helped her leave her life of prostitution. When she gets there, the sister is dead. She bumps into John, a mute furniture maker, who thinks she is his mail-order bride. She tells him no, but he is persistent. She tells him to wait for his bride. He offers her a job as his housekeeper. He hopes to persuade her to marry him. Will he succeed?
I loved this story. I liked Eliza and John. Both are survivors. As she keeps house for him, they grow closer. When she realizes that she is falling in love with him, she's ready to change her mind. When his mail-order bride shows up, she's glad she did not marry him. I felt bad that Eliza felt she was not good enough for John. I liked that she did have a friend in Addy. I wish her pride would have let her talk more to Addy about what was happening when she left John's employment. I was glad John was so persistent. When her past comes out, I was glad she had John to lean on. I also liked that most of the townspeople were on her side.
I liked that John was strong enough to make a life for himself outside of his family. I was glad he had friends. I loved his persistence. He definitely had a one-track mind about Eliza. The two of them were good for each other.
I liked the friends they made. I liked that Eliza was able to ask Addy personal questions. The villains of the story were truly despicable. They deserve whatever happens to them.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
I loved this story. I liked Eliza and John. Both are survivors. As she keeps house for him, they grow closer. When she realizes that she is falling in love with him, she's ready to change her mind. When his mail-order bride shows up, she's glad she did not marry him. I felt bad that Eliza felt she was not good enough for John. I liked that she did have a friend in Addy. I wish her pride would have let her talk more to Addy about what was happening when she left John's employment. I was glad John was so persistent. When her past comes out, I was glad she had John to lean on. I also liked that most of the townspeople were on her side.
I liked that John was strong enough to make a life for himself outside of his family. I was glad he had friends. I loved his persistence. He definitely had a one-track mind about Eliza. The two of them were good for each other.
I liked the friends they made. I liked that Eliza was able to ask Addy personal questions. The villains of the story were truly despicable. They deserve whatever happens to them.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
November 1, 2020
What a read! The book begins with the arrival of Eliza, a former prostitute who is looking for a fresh start. She arrives in town to clean houses for a middle-aged woman, but is intercepted by John, a mute man who mistakes Eliza for his mail order bride. He sticks to Eliza like glue, because he already knows that Eliza’s employer had suffered a deadly fall down the stairs. In a typical historical romance, the heroine would then be forced to marry someone. Nope, Eliza is under the impression that her sorted past makes her unfit to be a bride. So, she agrees to work for John instead of being his bride.
Although the story is romantic, sensitive subjects are touched upon, but are not enacted in scenes. John also deals with a disability that is misunderstood by many. Because he is mute, many of the towns people, including his brother Troy, think that it translates into him being stupid. The fact that Eliza is able to see John for who he really is, makes this story have a special place in my heart. It’s nice that in return, John is able to love Eliza for the wonderful person that she is.
There are twists, turns, and moments that made me laugh out loud. I’d recommend this read to anyone looking for a story that has love, spice, and interesting side characters.
Although the story is romantic, sensitive subjects are touched upon, but are not enacted in scenes. John also deals with a disability that is misunderstood by many. Because he is mute, many of the towns people, including his brother Troy, think that it translates into him being stupid. The fact that Eliza is able to see John for who he really is, makes this story have a special place in my heart. It’s nice that in return, John is able to love Eliza for the wonderful person that she is.
There are twists, turns, and moments that made me laugh out loud. I’d recommend this read to anyone looking for a story that has love, spice, and interesting side characters.
February 17, 2018
This was a nice enough book about small town life and the how people look down on those that they consider less than or unworthy. Set in Omaha or thereabout in the days of the wagons and mail order brides.
The hero has written for a mail order bride and the heroine arrives on the stagecoach. She agrees to go to work for him until his bride arrives. They make it work but he is already in love with her. She isn't about to let that happen.
The hero being mute made for some interesting conversations between he and the heroine. She was very adaptable and easy going. She had fled bad cicumstances and was happy to be anywhere else.
The town treated him harshly while relying on him. It was an odd mix. His brothers were also odd. A couple treated him well and the others like dirt.
It was a quick, easy read.
The hero has written for a mail order bride and the heroine arrives on the stagecoach. She agrees to go to work for him until his bride arrives. They make it work but he is already in love with her. She isn't about to let that happen.
The hero being mute made for some interesting conversations between he and the heroine. She was very adaptable and easy going. She had fled bad cicumstances and was happy to be anywhere else.
The town treated him harshly while relying on him. It was an odd mix. His brothers were also odd. A couple treated him well and the others like dirt.
It was a quick, easy read.
August 24, 2017
This was a sweet romantic book. The hero, John, is one of five brothers. He is deaf, cannot read or write. He has sent away for a mail order bride. Eliza has left behind her life as a prostitute and is looking to start anew. She comes to town to be a housekeeper for a woman that has recently passed away. John offers to marry her and she refuses. Instead, he offers her the position of house keeper at his home. She accepts. What follows is a story about forgiveness, persistence, and true love. Both Eliza and John work hard to overcome their obstacles. They are able to reach their happily ever after. This can be read as a stand alone novel however, you will most like want to see what happens to these two. This is the first in a series of three. I have read books one and two. This book is clean and exciting read. There is some adventure. I found myself cheering these two on, even when it looked bad.
January 8, 2018
Hero: John-- Heroine: Eliza
Reading Enjoyment:4.8* - I immensely enjoyed this tender and romantic story, with a stubborn/persistent mute hero and a beautiful heroine with a disturbing past. A well written story with character building that was fantastic! A beautifully written story that made me laughed, shrieked in outrage, shed a few tears and sighed/smiled in contentment/happiness. This story has a very happy and satisfying HEA !!
I became so attached to the characters I read the rest of the series immediately which includes late nights and not writing reviews until I was done with the series.
Reading Enjoyment:4.8* - I immensely enjoyed this tender and romantic story, with a stubborn/persistent mute hero and a beautiful heroine with a disturbing past. A well written story with character building that was fantastic! A beautifully written story that made me laughed, shrieked in outrage, shed a few tears and sighed/smiled in contentment/happiness. This story has a very happy and satisfying HEA !!
I became so attached to the characters I read the rest of the series immediately which includes late nights and not writing reviews until I was done with the series.
March 12, 2018
Eliza loses her parents and ends up in the custody of her Uncle. After he assaults her at 14 he decides to sell her into a life of prostitution. Eliza wants change and decides to move on in later twenties to start a new life, a fresh start away from her unladylike life. When she ends up in South Dakota and discovers the job she had lined up is no longer available she is devastated but willing to look for another job. John comes to her rescue with a job of cleaning,laundry, and cooking. She lives on John's property in a little cabin away from his. John is a sweet guy who suffers being a mute. Eliza is young and kind. Beautiful story of love and second chances at life.
July 5, 2022
This one has to be the most sweetest, angsty and emotionally satisfying stories written by Ruth Ann Nordin. I liked this one much better than the bride of second chances. John and Eliza's love was pure and epic. And Eliza's dilemma and internal struggle with her past was heartwrenching to read. And John was a darling! His love was greatest and unconditional. I m always fascinated by stories where one of the characters is mute or deaf. I loved Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson and Never seduce a scot by Maya Banks. A deaf/dumb character has a purity and innocence that makes their love all the more special.
April 20, 2018
This actually had a good story line. There were some real glaring whoppers though, dialog not appropriate to the time, stuff that had yet to be invented, and some bad spelling errors.
Usually I read Ms. Nordin's books as freebies but accidentally bought this one before I realized it was one of hers. I read it in one sitting. It is one of her better works. It is a little trite in places, but turns out to be worth reading.
*Spoiler*
I particularly liked the part when Eliza stood up to the old biddy, Mrs. Lube.
(what a name!)
Usually I read Ms. Nordin's books as freebies but accidentally bought this one before I realized it was one of hers. I read it in one sitting. It is one of her better works. It is a little trite in places, but turns out to be worth reading.
*Spoiler*
I particularly liked the part when Eliza stood up to the old biddy, Mrs. Lube.
(what a name!)
September 14, 2020
A wonderful book!
I read the reviews & was concerned at a few very negative ones. After reading the book I honestly do not understand the the thought process for the negative concerns. This is a great book. The past is hard to escape, especially for an ex-prostitute seeking a 2nd chance and for a picked on mute.
I read the reviews & was concerned at a few very negative ones. After reading the book I honestly do not understand the the thought process for the negative concerns. This is a great book. The past is hard to escape, especially for an ex-prostitute seeking a 2nd chance and for a picked on mute.
April 4, 2018
Great read. A wonderful look at the way people with a disability was treated
Loved the story line and the characters. It's a shame the way people with disabilities were treated as if they were stupid or freaks! Love the ending!
Loved the story line and the characters. It's a shame the way people with disabilities were treated as if they were stupid or freaks! Love the ending!
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