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First Families of Sterling #1
The Wagon Master's Wife
A woman set on escaping her circumstances. A man determined to start a new life, and a past that haunts them both.
Amanda Crumb is determined to have a fresh start. After hearing her brother’s plans to offer her as a prize in a high-stakes poker game, she knows she must leave the only home she’s ever known immediately. When she is rejected by the local wagon master to join his traveling party, she takes matters into her own hands. What she didn’t expect was a man with hard rules and a secret that is closer than she could ever imagine.
Charlie Holstead has rules he lives by. No unmarried women on his wagon train. Never get married…again. He is ready to lead his final wagon train and settle down in the town of Sterling, Co. and he doesn’t want any complications. But when he finds a stowaway in one of his wagons, things just became more complicated.
What happens when Amanda comes face to face with the surly Wagon Master? Will Charlie leave her in the middle of the Plains, or can a marriage of convenience be the start of the new life they both need?
★★ Get lost in this heartwarming story with a touch of humor and faith. ★★
Welcome to Sterling, Colorado. A small town founded in 1863 by strong men and the women who love them.
Nestled along the lush fields of the Colorado Plains. Sterling is home to unique characters, strong heroines, swoony heroes, and stories that will stand the test of time. All these wholesome stories can be read by readers of all ages. They are filled with family values, romance, humor, and a sprinkle of faith.
Amanda Crumb is determined to have a fresh start. After hearing her brother’s plans to offer her as a prize in a high-stakes poker game, she knows she must leave the only home she’s ever known immediately. When she is rejected by the local wagon master to join his traveling party, she takes matters into her own hands. What she didn’t expect was a man with hard rules and a secret that is closer than she could ever imagine.
Charlie Holstead has rules he lives by. No unmarried women on his wagon train. Never get married…again. He is ready to lead his final wagon train and settle down in the town of Sterling, Co. and he doesn’t want any complications. But when he finds a stowaway in one of his wagons, things just became more complicated.
What happens when Amanda comes face to face with the surly Wagon Master? Will Charlie leave her in the middle of the Plains, or can a marriage of convenience be the start of the new life they both need?
★★ Get lost in this heartwarming story with a touch of humor and faith. ★★
Welcome to Sterling, Colorado. A small town founded in 1863 by strong men and the women who love them.
Nestled along the lush fields of the Colorado Plains. Sterling is home to unique characters, strong heroines, swoony heroes, and stories that will stand the test of time. All these wholesome stories can be read by readers of all ages. They are filled with family values, romance, humor, and a sprinkle of faith.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2023
About the author
Christine Sterling
119 books275 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Christine Sterling loves immersing her readers in the small towns she’s created. Her inspirational stories feature humor, redemption, and romance, with themes of friendship, forgiveness, and fighting for the love you want.
She’s the author of over eighty romances, including the reader favorites, First Families of Flat River, and The Flat River Matchmaker series. She loves to create tight-knit families with strong family values, and you’ll often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories. Her readers describe her characters as old friends and her settings as places they would love to visit.
An empty nester, she lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals on a Pennsylvania farm. When she’s not writing, she can be found drinking tea, being judged by her cat, eating snacks, or napping.
Sign up for her newsletter and get a free book at www. flatrivernebraska. com
She’s the author of over eighty romances, including the reader favorites, First Families of Flat River, and The Flat River Matchmaker series. She loves to create tight-knit families with strong family values, and you’ll often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories. Her readers describe her characters as old friends and her settings as places they would love to visit.
An empty nester, she lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals on a Pennsylvania farm. When she’s not writing, she can be found drinking tea, being judged by her cat, eating snacks, or napping.
Sign up for her newsletter and get a free book at www. flatrivernebraska. com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 10, 2023
I love a good western romance. I didn't really get much from this story though, as the writing was simplistic and the dialog was at times a little cheesy. 2.5 stars
January 25, 2023
Oh my!
Well, Christine Sterling has finally done it. She has out written herself. Her best read yet! Charlie and Amanda are perfect for each other, and they make a perfect story. A little surprise person in the story as well. Good job, Christine. Your best writing yet.
Well, Christine Sterling has finally done it. She has out written herself. Her best read yet! Charlie and Amanda are perfect for each other, and they make a perfect story. A little surprise person in the story as well. Good job, Christine. Your best writing yet.
January 30, 2023
I keep saying each time a read a book by this Author that "this book" is the best and then she does it again. I can't say enough about this book. It had everything! The hero and heroine are perfection! They complement each other so well.
This is a wonderful beginning to a new series and a new town all in one! Come along with us to the First Families of Sterling and enjoy each book! You won't regret the decision! Job well done!
This is a wonderful beginning to a new series and a new town all in one! Come along with us to the First Families of Sterling and enjoy each book! You won't regret the decision! Job well done!
February 22, 2023
Really fun read
A small wagon train trip with some great characters intent on setting up a town in Colorado called Sterling. Born and raised in CO I enjoy reading about the settling of my state. Delighted to start new series and already meeting some of the coming heroes for future books. I truly enjoyed Charlie as his character developed. Amanda was fun from the start and I admired her strength and resourcefulness. Only regret is I have to wait to see how the next books settle Sterling!
A small wagon train trip with some great characters intent on setting up a town in Colorado called Sterling. Born and raised in CO I enjoy reading about the settling of my state. Delighted to start new series and already meeting some of the coming heroes for future books. I truly enjoyed Charlie as his character developed. Amanda was fun from the start and I admired her strength and resourcefulness. Only regret is I have to wait to see how the next books settle Sterling!
January 31, 2023
I can already tell I’m going to love this series. Any series that starts with a determined strong-willed woman has to be good. Charlie has only a few rules, the problem is he hasn’t learned to never say never. We have romance, humor, a marriage of “convenience”, an evil brother and travel across the country. What more could you want? I can tell from the other men on this journey that settling Sterling will be interesting.
April 23, 2023
Another fun read by this author. Honestly, you will be entertained by any of her books. This was was fun with a group of friends all deciding to move to Sterling, Colorado. Little do they know that Amanda is a stowaway. She needs to get far away from her awful brother and feels like the Wagon Master, Charlie, is someone she can feel safe with. Will the men allow her to stay?
This is a clean, sweet romance with a bit of adventure. Can't wait to find out what happens with the rest of the group.
This is a clean, sweet romance with a bit of adventure. Can't wait to find out what happens with the rest of the group.
April 29, 2023
The Wagon Master's Wife
I really loved reading The Wagon Master's Wife by Christine Sterling. Wasn't sure if Amanda's brother was going to catch her or not. To start with you didn't know if Charlie would make Amanda return home to Omaha or have her marry one of his friends. Really didn't see him marrying her and loving her to boot. I can't wait for Learning to Dream to come out. Hurry please
I really loved reading The Wagon Master's Wife by Christine Sterling. Wasn't sure if Amanda's brother was going to catch her or not. To start with you didn't know if Charlie would make Amanda return home to Omaha or have her marry one of his friends. Really didn't see him marrying her and loving her to boot. I can't wait for Learning to Dream to come out. Hurry please
July 28, 2023
enjoyable
This was a fun, enjoyable, fast read. It is very sweet and clean. I really liked the characters in this story! I kept hoping for more story and was sad that it was done so quickly. I feel like so much could have been added to the story, especially on the issues of Jeffery and the town set process. It was a great read, but awesome characters leave you wanting more and I definitely wanted more!
Will read again
This was a fun, enjoyable, fast read. It is very sweet and clean. I really liked the characters in this story! I kept hoping for more story and was sad that it was done so quickly. I feel like so much could have been added to the story, especially on the issues of Jeffery and the town set process. It was a great read, but awesome characters leave you wanting more and I definitely wanted more!
Will read again
February 20, 2025
very nice
A very nice book to read. The first book in this new series First Families of Sterling, a very enjoyable book to read. The characters in this book are all friends that are going to help build a new town called Sterling. A woman hide from her brother, he wants to sell her for a stake in a poker game. She hides in a wagon going to the new town. Then has to marry the wagon master. A enjoyable read.
A very nice book to read. The first book in this new series First Families of Sterling, a very enjoyable book to read. The characters in this book are all friends that are going to help build a new town called Sterling. A woman hide from her brother, he wants to sell her for a stake in a poker game. She hides in a wagon going to the new town. Then has to marry the wagon master. A enjoyable read.
January 25, 2023
New beginnings
The settlement of Sterling is getting bigger. The wagon masters friends have formed his last train. Charlie has plans and rules. Amanda just has the need to escape. After being turned down,she becomes a stowaway. The journey serves as a platform for these new beginnings. Great read. Can't wait to read what happens next!!!
The settlement of Sterling is getting bigger. The wagon masters friends have formed his last train. Charlie has plans and rules. Amanda just has the need to escape. After being turned down,she becomes a stowaway. The journey serves as a platform for these new beginnings. Great read. Can't wait to read what happens next!!!
February 6, 2023
Great Story
This is a wonderful start to a series. I'm really looking forward to the books to follow. This story is well worth the time to read. I really appreciate that it kept going forward without unnecessary backward glances or the same sentiment repeated in several different ways.
This is a wonderful start to a series. I'm really looking forward to the books to follow. This story is well worth the time to read. I really appreciate that it kept going forward without unnecessary backward glances or the same sentiment repeated in several different ways.
April 22, 2023
Wonderful Book
Wonderful new series by Christine Sterling .Charlie and his friends decide to leave their hometown and move west in a small wagon train.Amanda needs to leave town because her brother has made her the prize in a poker game.Amanda stows away in one of the wagons in Charlie’s group.One problem, Charlie doesn’t allow unmarried women on his wagon trains.
Wonderful new series by Christine Sterling .Charlie and his friends decide to leave their hometown and move west in a small wagon train.Amanda needs to leave town because her brother has made her the prize in a poker game.Amanda stows away in one of the wagons in Charlie’s group.One problem, Charlie doesn’t allow unmarried women on his wagon trains.
September 15, 2023
delightful story!
Such a great, clean, sweet novel right in the beautiful style of Ms. Sterling. The story flows well and keeps you engaged till the end. And then you want to read more HEA for the characters you met here.
If you want to read something that leaves you with warm fuzzy feelings, give this novel a try! And then go check other series by Christine.
Such a great, clean, sweet novel right in the beautiful style of Ms. Sterling. The story flows well and keeps you engaged till the end. And then you want to read more HEA for the characters you met here.
If you want to read something that leaves you with warm fuzzy feelings, give this novel a try! And then go check other series by Christine.
December 9, 2023
The Wagon Master’s Wife
This is the story of how a young woman managed to hide in a wagon heading west to a small settlement called Sterling. She ends up getting caught getting out of her hiding place and then marries the wagon master. This was a free read and this is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This is the story of how a young woman managed to hide in a wagon heading west to a small settlement called Sterling. She ends up getting caught getting out of her hiding place and then marries the wagon master. This was a free read and this is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
November 2, 2025
First Families of Sterling book 1
Amanda was trying to talk to Charlie about riding west with him. Amanda had to leave because her brother was auctioning her off to the highest bidder. Charlie would not listen, so she hid in one of the wagons. Sometimes you got to do
what ever to survive.
Amanda was trying to talk to Charlie about riding west with him. Amanda had to leave because her brother was auctioning her off to the highest bidder. Charlie would not listen, so she hid in one of the wagons. Sometimes you got to do
what ever to survive.
June 9, 2023
The Wagon Master's Wife (First Families Of Sterling Book 1)
I have really enjoyed reading this wonderful story. The author kept my attention all the way through it. I like the way this author writes.
I have really enjoyed reading this wonderful story. The author kept my attention all the way through it. I like the way this author writes.
June 21, 2023
Settlers make towns
So Sterling will now grow by leaps and bounds as the first group arrives and starts to build up. God is in the middle of this and blesses those who call on His name.
So Sterling will now grow by leaps and bounds as the first group arrives and starts to build up. God is in the middle of this and blesses those who call on His name.
July 22, 2023
The Wagon Master’s Wife
Sweet historical romance of a feisty young woman needing to leave town after overhearing her brother is going to use her as the prize for a poker game. She stows away on an all male wagon train that plans to settle a town in Colorado. What will the headstrong wagon master do when he discovers her?
Sweet historical romance of a feisty young woman needing to leave town after overhearing her brother is going to use her as the prize for a poker game. She stows away on an all male wagon train that plans to settle a town in Colorado. What will the headstrong wagon master do when he discovers her?
August 24, 2023
Hideaway
This exciting book kicks off what has the makings of a wonderful series. With geographic ties to flat river, there are bound to be characters that cross story lines as well. You will truly enjoy Charlie's story.
This exciting book kicks off what has the makings of a wonderful series. With geographic ties to flat river, there are bound to be characters that cross story lines as well. You will truly enjoy Charlie's story.
February 5, 2023
Charlie
What an incredible start for this new series!! I’m anxiously awaiting the next book and look forward to watching this town grow as these friends build their lives together.
What an incredible start for this new series!! I’m anxiously awaiting the next book and look forward to watching this town grow as these friends build their lives together.
February 12, 2023
Building a future
Charlie and Amanda's story started from a marriage of necessity but turns into a promise of a good foundation for building a new life and community. Well written!
Charlie and Amanda's story started from a marriage of necessity but turns into a promise of a good foundation for building a new life and community. Well written!
March 8, 2023
Loved the story. Can't wait until next book in the series.
April 9, 2023
Good clean read
June 20, 2023
Dreams come true
This is a sweet story and unlike a lot of stories there are no bad guys trying to hurt everyone else in the new town of Sterling.
This is a sweet story and unlike a lot of stories there are no bad guys trying to hurt everyone else in the new town of Sterling.
February 2, 2024
great book
This was a great book. I love this author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
This was a great book. I love this author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
February 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. It’s also a wonderful introduction to all the characters.
March 11, 2026
A good easy read! A Christian romance from the times of the wild west.
February 5, 2023
This is a sweet and heartwarming story including some humor along the way. This is Charlie and Amanda's story, and the character development is outstanding. Charlie has taken on the job of wagon master on a wagon train traveling to the new town of Sterling, Colorado. Amanda is running away after hearing her brother offer her as the prize in a poker game. She attempts to join Charlie's wagon train, but he has a hard fast rule of no unaccompanied woman and turns Amanda down. So what does she do? She becomes a stowaway. What will happen when Charlie discovers her? Although Charlie has sworn off women, will a marriage of convenience between them be the answer to the dilemma? Be sure and read this outstanding page turner to find out; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. I look forward to the next story in the series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews