Love Romance Passion » Mail Order http://www.loveromancepassion.com Because Books Don't Fall Asleep Afterwards! Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Review: The Outlaw Bride by Kelly Boyce http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-outlaw-bride-by-kelly-boyce/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-outlaw-bride-by-kelly-boyce/#comments Tue, 10 May 2011 15:32:24 +0000 Carla F. http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=10570

by Carla F., guest reviewer

Summary: When Katherine Slade tried to escape from her outlaw husband, all of the people on the stagecoach she was traveling on were killed except the man who saved her life. He later dies in her arms. One of the last things he does is to give her a letter to give to his family. Katherine feels responsible for his death and is determined to track down the man’s relatives while continuing to hide from her husband. She has no money for train fare, but she lucks out when she is mistaken for Hannah Stockdale, a woman who is to be a mail-order bride.

Once she arrives in Fatal Bluff and rejects her “groom”, she is forced to stay because she cannot pay back the train fare to the “marriage arrangers”. That means she has to keep on pretending to be Hannah until she can earn the money to pay them back or have to face the judge when he comes to town.

Sheriff Connor Langston doesn’t want to hire Hannah as his housekeeper or to look after Jenny, but he also doesn’t want a decent woman to have to work in the saloon. And despite what the rest of the town thinks he doesn’t need a wife. He was betrayed by a woman once, and it is not going to happen again.

Review: I like this book because it focused less on the danger that Katherine brings to herself and Fatal Bluff and more on her feelings while falling in love, the guilt she feels over the man’s death, and the happiness she gets from being a part of a community. You can feel the loneliness of Katherine’s life when she is happy to be going to a friend’s house for dinner because she had never done that before.

I also liked that the town so wanted Connor to marry that no one in particular was outraged that an “unmarried” woman is living alone with a man and a child. In fact, they encouraged it to happen!

The Outlaw Bride is an engaging Western with a sympathetic heroine (and hero) and a good view of the close community of small town life. Oh there is also action and loving too.

Rating: ★★★★☆

ARC provided by Carina Press via Net Galley.

Buy: The Outlaw Bride

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-outlaw-bride-by-kelly-boyce/feed/ 0 Review: A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-a-bride-in-the-bargain-by-deeanne-gist/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-a-bride-in-the-bargain-by-deeanne-gist/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:17:47 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=6179

I didn’t know I was thirsting for this type of novel until I glutted myself on it. The story itself is an inspirational set in America during the Civil War aftermath. I picked it up and read and read and read. It’s sweet and chaste, with both leads good God fearing people, which I found refreshing and charming. Deeanne Gist is a master weaver of storytelling, effortlessly combining fact and fiction into one cohesive whole.

The premise of the book truly is based on fact, which is really cool. Obviously the writer exercised creative license with her research but a good amount of that research appeared in some manifestation in the book. Clippings from newspapers, edited and/or condensed, are sprinkled throughout the novel and help set the mood. The letter to the heroine from her father was inspired by a similar missive one man sent his daughter. And so forth…

It does not talk down to you and doesn’t hold any ulterior religious agenda. Yes, both leads are Christian and quote the Bible, but neither they nor the author try to persuade the reader into Christianity or a particular sect of Christianity. There are only two churches and they’re named after the color of their paint. You shouldn’t shy from this book because of the fact it’s inspirational. I have limited experience in inspirational romance, but that will change because of this novel and Deeanne’s expert handling. I plan to get all of her published works from the library and glom on them.

When you open the book you are transported to 1860s Seattle (part of the Washington Territory at that time). Joseph Denton is a lumberjack whose land claim is in jeopardy because his wife died and never showed up in the Territory. It wouldn’t be an issue, except he’s being sued by a man he fired.

The judge through marriage is related to this man and while having a bias is pretty fair-minded toward Joe. He gives Joe a year to get a new wife or hand over his wife’s death certificate. Against his better judgment, Joe takes part of Asa Shinn Mercer’s bride importation project for the Territory. He would go East to get war widows and orphans and bring them back to the Pacific Northwest.

Anna Ivey, one of Mercer’s Girls, desires to be a cook and not a bride. When Mercer gives her a certificate for passage it’s with the understanding that her future employer would settle the debt and she would work it off. Needless to say Joe is not happy, but then it’s not Anna’s problem. Her paperwork from Mercer is different from Joe’s.

The judge is not happy but he gives Joe an extension. Joe is fortunate enough to have another choice, but the woman is old enough to be his grandmother and she hasn’t any teeth and refuses to wed until she gets them!

So Joe brings Anna back where she starts to cook for him and his men. Not even a week passes before news comes that his elderly betrothed’s husband is not dead, but very much alive and coming to claim his wife. That leaves Anna and Joe is more than happy to pursue her… but she can’t find out his intentions or about the returned husband until her answer to his proposal is yes.

Rating: ★★★★★

Buy: A Bride in the Bargain

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-a-bride-in-the-bargain-by-deeanne-gist/feed/ 4 Review: Mail Order Mix-Up by Pamela Toth http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-mail-order-mix-up-by-pamela-toth/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-mail-order-mix-up-by-pamela-toth/#comments Sat, 25 Sep 2010 09:26:12 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=8349

This is the first book, I believe, of a trilogy called Winchester Brides. The second book is Cattleman's Honor and the last is Man Behind the Badge.

Rory Mancini wanted to get the hell out of Brooklyn. When Charlie Winchester, the man she’d been writing letters to for a while in response to his mail order bride advert, offers her a chance to fly out and meet him she jumps on it. He’s to meet her at the bus stop in

Waterloo, Colorado, but what awaits her is a couple of old men sitting on a bench staring at her. When a truck roars up and it’s Charlie’s brother saying he’s gone off to who knows where, Rory is equally terrified and royally pissed off. She has hardly any savings and the man she came out to marry disappeared.

Travis Winchester can’t believe that his brother could be so foolish as to bring a woman out here and slink away. Rory doesn’t look like a girl who’d like living out in the middle of nowhere. She’s too flashy for that even in her eastern style western duds. When he learns she can cook, he’s relieved. She’ll be able to fill in for his cook and feed the hungry men he employs to keep the ranch running. He wonders how long she will stay and figures like every other woman, including his mother, it won’t be too long before she flees for civilization.

I thought it was a pretty sweet Western romance. Travis must learn to trust and share his feelings. Rory must learn perseverance and honesty. They’re two lonely hearts, with a series of bad knocks, that find love and solace in each other… but one is too stubborn to give in and the other wonders when the other shoe will drop. When Charlie comes back a whole new series of challenges crop up.

There were some parts of the story that got repetitive that could have been paired down, but overall it was quite enjoyable. The sex scenes lean more to the mildly sweet or chaste side of the scale, if that makes a difference for anyone.

Rating: ★★★½☆

Mail-Order Mix Up (Silhouette Special Edition)

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Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-mail-order-mix-up-by-pamela-toth/feed/ 0 Letters to a Lonely Cowboy: A Mail Order Bride Story in 4 Parts (Pt. 4) http://www.loveromancepassion.com/letters-to-a-lonely-cowboy-a-mail-order-bride-story-in-4-parts-pt-4/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/letters-to-a-lonely-cowboy-a-mail-order-bride-story-in-4-parts-pt-4/#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:40:32 +0000 Zarabeth Golden http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=7281

Our final installment to this little mini romance is below. Keira and I hope you loved our little creative joint writing project, "Letters to a Lonely Cowboy." At the end of the post there's a form for you to drop ideas for future mini-tales. Thanks for reading!

Read parts one, two, or three.

Part Four:

December 2, 1888

To My Dearest Walter,

I must confess that I considered not writing this letter and surprising you, but I found I could not help myself. After your last reply I was so overwhelmed by happiness and anxieties. But I am back to my usual self and no doubt half my way to you!

Indeed! You read correctly. I am on my way to you my dearest Walter and hope to arrive by the eve of our lord’s birth. I fully intend to sing carols by your side.

I cannot express the joy I felt when you asked me if I would be “amenable to a poor settler’s life.”

I know that I will make a good wife for you. I will be there to work next to you, bear your children, and raise the good children in the town. I simply cannot contain myself and could not wait another moment to be with you.

I feel as if we know each other already and that God has sent us both the key to our happiness. He has given us each other and by His Grace we will live long and happy lives together.

Watch the horizon, my love. I am coming.

Ever yours,
Clara

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We hope you've been enjoying reading "Letters to a Lonely Cowboy." Today is the third installment in our short little story. You can read part one and two by clicking the links. Happy readings!

Part Three:

August 31, 1888

To My Dearest Walter,

You sound like you are in need of a woman’s care. My homemade chicken soup and rhubarb pie would do you wonders. I hope you recover quickly and are soon back on your feet. I bet you will be by the time my letter reaches you in Wyoming, but nevertheless I will keep you in my prayers.

I was thinking about what you said and I know a way I could be useful to your household and to the community at the same time. What if I were to become the local school teacher? I am as good with numbers as I am with letters.

My large book collection could also be turned into a lending library, from which others could borrow. That would make the insensible expense of bringing them with me worthwhile. What do you think? Is it a good idea? I would so hate to lose my books; they are my closest companions besides you.

Impatiently, I await your next letter. Do tell me you are better and how things are going with your cattle. I would like to know if Bessie and her sister Myrtle had girls or boys.

Ever yours,
Clara

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Today is a continuation of the last Dear Walter post. Below you will find part two in "Letters to a Lonely Cowboy." Enjoy!

Part Two:

May 20, 1888

Dear Walter,

I was so pleased to receive your letter.

I am sorry to hear that the winter was especially long this year. I do hope that you, your home, and your livestock are doing well.

I am familiar with the hardships of life in the territories. Before my father died we owned a small dairy farm. I do miss him terribly, but I also miss our life there. I would very much look forward to sharing a similar life with a good man by the Grace of God.

You mentioned that there is a church being built some 3 miles from your ranch. I am glad to hear that there is a community of God-fearing men and women in the Wyoming Territory. I have heard that many settlements are suffering and firmly believe that with hard work and daily prayer, a moral and good couple can make a life for themselves.

Please tell me more about your ranch and your hopes for a wife. I await your next message with expectation.

Yours ever,
Clara

Stay tuned for the next installment.

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In this post and the three future posts you will find a little fictional romance written by myself and Zarabeth. It’s a tale of long distance courtship that in any other romance would be the prelude to the actual story. The four letters you will read comprise a year in the lives of Clara and Walter, from Clara’s point of view. We hope you like, “Letters to a Lonely Cowboy.”

Part One:

February 11, 1888

Dear Walter,

I am writing in response to your advertisement in Boston for a mail order bride. I would be interested in learning more about you, your home, and life in Wyoming Territory.

As for myself, I am twenty and five years. I have dark brown hair and light gray eyes. I am healthy in every respect—with strong bones, constitution, and teeth. You need not worry about my background. I am an honest woman and highly respectable.

I am alone in the world just as you are. My father passed away a little over a year ago. Like others, I have fallen on hard times, but I’m a good woman. I am not afraid to work hard.

All I want in life is a decent man who values personal hygiene, good manners, family, and fears God. Are you desirous of children? I think I would like four, two girls and two boys to keep things even.

In addition, what sort of church exists in your community? Do you have a formal establishment or is it held in a home? I am a very religious person so your answer on this is very important to me.

I hope to hear from you soon in regards to this inquiry.

Yours Ever,
Clara

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/letters-to-a-lonely-cowboy-a-mail-order-bride-story-in-4-parts-pt-1/feed/ 2 Male Order Husband on eBay for Xmas http://www.loveromancepassion.com/male-order-husband-on-ebay-for-xmas/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/male-order-husband-on-ebay-for-xmas/#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:57:48 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=508

If you live in Romania ladies, this eBay listing might be just the ticket.

YOU WANT ME AS FRIEND OR HUSBAND SEX & LOVE
Tag: friend husbend sex excursion life sport good time love

Whether you are looking for a friend or a lover or a husband, this man is ready and willing to be that for you. The listing is limited to women in Romania and pickup will be arranged after the auction. I trolled the policies on eBay and could not find anything specifically detailing this type of auction. It did come up briefly under the policy of selling human body parts and remains, but nothing specific. Still I have no doubt that eBay will pull this listing soon.

So let's meet the guy:

He says, "I am 21 years old, funny, gentleman, I like sport, travel... I like LIFE."

His username is dan_i3l_87. I assume that makes him a Dan or Daniel, but don't quote me.

What are your thoughts on mail order brides, and in this case husbands?

I haven't seen something like this except in print. I call to mind Endearment by LaVryle Spencer. It was a good farce as Anna was not at all like what she painted herself to be. This is our fear with online dating! Is Dan too good to be true? Well you can chat with him on yahoo messenger for the next two days.

What other novels have you read that included mail ordered brides/husbands?

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