This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Historical Romance, Western Romance
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Released on April 30, 2019
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
The Delight
A meet-cute for the ages occurs when mail order bride, Nora, rides a stage coach sitting opposite a manacled felon only to learn that he’s the man she’s come west to marry. The author’s tough and authentic western storytelling, engaging characters and their heartwarming romances really shines in this second of the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series.
Review
Saving the Mail Order Bride is the second book that tells the story of another Hope’s Crossing reformed outlaw, Jack Bowdrie. It can be read standalone, but works ever so much better read after the first when the Hope’s Crossing world is established and several of the characters, including Jack, are introduced.
In Saving the Mail Order Bride, Jack finds himself suddenly taken captive right about the time he is anticipating his own mail order bride. He struck out with the first one at no fault to either, but then he started writing for another lady to come and have a fresh start with him. His suspicions are aroused over the timing of the Marshal arriving at the right spot and the right time, but doesn’t have long to ponder that because he no sooner realizes that the cool eastern woman sitting opposite him in the stage coach is Nora his would be bride and then the stage is in a dreadful accident leaving them to make their way together.
Nora wants to be upset at Jack for neglecting to mention in his letters that he was a wanted outlaw, but then again, she’s got a few deadly secrets of her own and has danger dogging her all the way to Texas. If Jack doesn’t killer for annoying him and causing trouble, she’s pretty sure the trouble in her past will. Meanwhile, she might just be falling in love with this surprising husband and the little family they gather along the way.
I went into this one with no doubt in the world that I would love it. Jack was a character in the previous book that I wanted so much for him to get his happily ever after, too. His past broke my heart and Nora is just the sassy, stubborn, and courageous gal to be his match. She had a rough start for her first time out west, but she was plucky and owned that she was in over her head. This pair were so wonderful together. And, the kids, oh how I love that the romances this author writes frequently center around these brought together families. I thought I loved the first book, but I have fickly transferred my top affections for Jack and Nora.
All the excitement and twists I loved in the first book were matched in this one. I saw some coming, but others took me by surprise. I love the rise of action and situations that are unique to this western setting and time period. The author writes this well blended with her romances and people who fit the backdrop.
All in all, I thought this was absolutely fabulous and am greedy for more outlaws at Hope’s Crossing to get their romances. Western Historical Romance fans need look no further for an engaging series to love on.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met
New Release #58
Literary Pickers #93 favorite trope (mailorder brides)
Romance-opoly #23 Dungeon (hero is a con/ex-con)
Magical OWLs Readathon #7 Potions (sequel)
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Oh my gosh. This does sound like a wonderful story, and I love historical westerns. I don’t know what it is, but the mail order bride trope gets me every time! Have you read Tess LeSue’s Frontier’s of the Heart series? I think you would enjoy it, especially book two.
Great review!
It was a hoot, Angie. I just love these. And, yes! Mail Order trope is so great. I haven’t read the Tess LeRues yet. Now you have me intrigued about that book two. 🙂
I didn’t even have to read your review (although of course I did!) to know I want to read this one, Sophia. That Delight? It had me laughing out loud! I do love a heroine that’s “sassy, stubborn, and courageous”, especially in historicals and even more especially when those qualities put her on equal footing with the hero. 😉 I believe it was at your recommendation (after reading a review) that I one-clicked a Broday. I just need to find time to read it. 🙂
Haha, Brandee! I had a good laugh myself when I cottoned to who this pair were to each other riding that stage coach together. Hope you like the other one. 🙂
With that premise definitely sounds like a fun start to a relationship 😉
Oh, you said it, Velvet!
I’m glad this was such a good read for you 🙂 I can’t imagine how shocked Nora must have been when she realised her criminal travelling companion was also potentially her future husband!
Yeah, talk about a rude awakening. She’s got her own secrets that are big trouble, but she did get a surprise. LOL
I really enjoyed this one too! Now I need to go back and read the first one! Wonderful review Sophia Rose! 🙂
Oh, yes, you do. That one was pretty special as well. Though…. this one nudges it out on the favorites. 🙂
I’ve read a few mail order bride romances in the past and always had a good time with them. This sounds intriguing.
It’s just such a fun dynamic for a romance. 🙂
This sounds like a fun and suspenseful romance! I especially like that the male lead is a wanted outlaw, and the female lead has trouble following her as well. I love a sassy female lead, and it’s always a wonderful surprise when a book in a series is even better than its predecessor. Great Review Sophia!
Absolutely to all that you said, Lindy. This book was riveting on all counts. 🙂
This sounds like a fantastic read. I love a good western, and I’m curious about what’ll happen to Nora and Jack!
I really love this series and the author’s books when it comes to western romances. Totally in love with this couple. 🙂
Sophia Rose, thank you so much for the kind words about Jack and Nora. I had so much fun writing their adventures and I had to stop at times and really giggle. They were so funny. Nora had Jack tied in knots most of the book. He never knew what she’d come up with next. It makes me happy that you liked them. I have Rebel’s story in a Christmas anthology then Book 3, The Mail Order Bride’s Secret, will come out in January. Happy Trails!
Ah, sweet of you to drop by, Linda!
Oh my glands, yes, looking forward to Rebel’s story. I’ll be watching for that antho.