Book picks similar to
Madeline's Match by Annie Lane


romance
mail-order-bride
brenda
historical-inspiration

Katie


Rachel Wesson - 2016
    But after suffering at the hands of her greedy Uncle, she is forced to take the only way out she can ... marry a stranger out west. Daniel Sullivan is in need of a wife if he wants the bank to lend him money for his new business. Too bad the only girl he's interested in - one he met during a train robbery - is already taken. Katie is determined to honour her promise to marry her fiancé despite losing her heart to Daniel.

Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Books 1-3


Kathleen Ball - 2019
    Many in the South lost their home, families, and fiancées. Many went from living a rich life to being reduced to wearing rags. These three stories are about three strong women who didn’t allow themselves to be beat down. It’s also a book about a group of Confederate Soldiers who start a ranch and make a new family for themselves. Tattered Heart- Book One A war-hardened southern belle. A caring Civil War captain. Can they overcome reconstruction and his cruel mother to find a loving marriage? Texas, 1867. Georgie O’Rourke left Tennessee after the Civil War took everything from her. But when she answers a mail order bride ad, she never thought her arrival would surprise her new husband. It was the handsome captain’s mother who sent in the ad, and the mentally unstable matriarch may also take Georgie to her breaking point… Captain Parker Eastman’s responsibilities haven’t ended after the Confederate Army surrendered. While he agrees to marry Georgie and welcome her into his ranch, he feels he has no choice but to leave her with his mother so he can stop land grabbers on the range. But over a month away may do more damage to his new wife than he ever anticipated… With Georgie at the mercy of Mother Eastman, she questions whether she’ll survive the war’s aftermath. When Parker returns home, can he somehow regain his wife's trust to reclaim a marriage of admiration and love? Tattered Hearts is the first book in the Mail Order Brides of Spring Water series of historical western romance novels. If you like suspenseful but sweet relationships, Civil War heroes, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love Kathleen Ball’s tale of frontier affection. Shattered Trust- Book Two CHRISTIAN HISTORICAL WESTERN ROMANCE Escaping her abuser, Veronica heads for Texas as a Mail Order Bride. She brings with her an unexpected baby and hopes and prays that Max will be accepting of her child. She also hopes that she will be able to allow her husband to touch her. Max is stunned to see a secret baby but he comes through as a cowboy hero and treats her as his own. He's not sure how to react to Veronica. She is jumpy and scared. He knows it'll be a long road to teach her that some men can be trusted. Then the dead father of her baby shows up. Can they both come to the realization that both love and trust are what makes a forever type of marriage? Or will past betrayals and new secrets ruin what could have been? This is book two of the Mail Order Brides of Spring Water, a Clean, Christian, Historical, Western Romance. Glory’s Groom- Book Three Glory’s life is being turned upside down. Her comfortable daily life as a teacher at The Wigg School and Foundling Home has ended. She'd lived there all her life. How will she survive without her friends? Her future now is to travel to Texas as a Mail Order Bride and be a teacher. Glory wonders if she is good enough for Kent Sandler. Glory has never spent time with a man before and as soon as she says “I do,” Kent’s mother-in-law shows up and hands him a two year old boy he had no knowledge of and rides off. Kent never wanted to get married again. Once was one time too many. But Parker Eastman offers a bet to his three best friends. Whoever gets married first will have a house built for them and Kent wins. Trouble comes to the town of Sweet Water in the guise of hooded men who terrorize the freed slaves. Parker Eastman decides to hire the freedmen and pay them the same wage as the other cowboys. It was a time of violence and suspicion in the South.

Lucille, A Lucky Bride


Hildie McQueen - 2017
     Lucille Ash travels west with her mistress expecting to continue a life of servitude. However, her entire existence changes upon arriving in Montana. No longer a maid, she is free to make choices about her future. One thing she’s certain of is that she will never choose the infuriating Tobias as her husband. Through the haze of sorrow after losing his mother, Tobias Hamilton still notices the stunning new woman in town and decides to marry her. When he announces his intentions, the feisty woman swiftly rejects him. How to convince her of his true feelings when he is not sure himself? Although transformation can happen, sometimes it takes more strength than one can ever imagine.

The House


A. O'Connor - 2012
    But its world is threatened when no heir is born. Anna could restore their fortunes, but it would mean the ultimate betrayal. Then the Great Famine grips the country. 1910s – Clara finds life as lady of the manor is not what she expected when she married Pierce Armstrong. As the First World War rages, she finds solace in artist Johnny Seymour’s decadent circle. Then the War of Independence erupts and Clara is caught between two men, deceit and revenge. Present Day – When Kate Fallon sees the house it is love at first sight. She and her tycoon husband Tony buy it and hire the last Armstrong owner, architect Nico, to oversee its restoration. As Kate’s fascination with the house grows, she and Nico begin to uncover its history and the fates of its occupants in centuries past. But then, as her husband's business empire faces ruin, Kate realises that they are in danger of losing everything. Betrayal, deceit, revenge, obsession – one house, one family, three generations Editorial Reviews “Skillful and original plotting kept me enthralled until the final page of the story” Rosemary McLoughlin author of Tyringham Park “Downton’ fans, you’ll love this big house, Engrossing and imaginative” - Irish Independent “An irresistible mix of history, drama and intrigue that entertained and enthralled me in equal measure!” - Bord Gáis Energy Book Club

Fiona's Fresh Start: A Mail Order Brides of Sanctuary Book (Ladies of Celeste's House 1)


George H. McVey - 2018
    Now, with some domestic skills and education under her belt, she is ready to leave Creede, Colorado for a fresh start. When she is given the chance to go to Sanctuary, Montana to open a library for the town, she jumps on it with arms wide open. Before she leaves she is challenged to open her heart to the possibility of love and marriage in her new town. Agreeing to be open she leaves never dreaming any man would want a former soiled dove. Jake Lockwood made a vow eight years ago after his second attempt to marry a mail-order-bride ended in failure. He was done seeking a bride. He’d wait for destiny to bring the right woman to him. When he meets the lovely yet broken Fiona Chauncey he knows she’s meant for him. But when his brother seems to object and a bride from his past arrives to force him to wed it looks like his dreams may once again crash around him. Can a woman with a secret past and a rancher with melding outsiders really get an honest chance at love and marriage? Will Jake listen to those around him and loose Fiona? Can Fiona trust that Jake is a man of his word and that his love is true? She isn’t sure she can. All she knows is this is supposed to be Fiona’s Fresh Start.

The Last Day of Forever (Catahoula #1)


Lane Casteix - 2015
    Bewildered and afraid, she finds comfort in an unexpected new relationship.In a family caught in the throes of lies, infidelity, death, and eventually the Civil War, Ethan is struggling with changes in his own life, and with his faith. In 1856 he is just beginning his last summer of adolescence at Catahoula Plantation before going off to school at the Virginia Military Institute. Falling in love was not part of his plans—until Rachel came into his life.Spirited and daring, she is unlike any woman he has ever known. He didn’t expect she would turn his world upside down like she does, nor did he anticipate how strongly his father would react to how they feel about each other, or the extremes to which he will go to keep them apart.

A Dangerous Road to Salvation


Lorelei Brogan - 2019
    He is good-humored, charming and married to a beautiful young woman, whom he adores. Everything goes perfect in his life, until a dramatic incident changes it all... After finding his wife dead, and being accused for her murder, John will have to run away, change his identity and find the real killer. But in order to stay alive he will need something more than his own powers... Will he find the right person in the right moment or will he get lost in the dangerous road for redemption?Ardelia is young, full of life and craving for life experiences. Bored of the mundane-hosting endless teas, she's suffocating in the lifestyle her class is imposing on her. But when a terrible truth about her family comes to light and a malicious man keeps making her suffer, she will make the crucial decision to escape from it all. She will then board in despair on a ship to America in order to meet her future husband as a mail order bride, hoping for a better life. Are things going to be the way she was dreaming of there or will she get trapped into a new circle of lies and deception? As new secrets will be revealed and Arelia will start wondering if she can ever really trust anyone, John will have to make difficult choices... Will he let his wife to aid him with her affection and make himself complete once again? And is their emerging love enough to keep them safe during their risky pursuit of justice?"A Dangerous Road to Salvation" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

A Heart's Gift


Lena Nelson Dooley - 2016
    But he desires an heir. When Lorinda is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she will never allow a man to control her again. But how can she provide for her infant son? Marriage seems like the perfect arrangement until two people from Franklin's past endanger Lorinda. How can he save her? And how will this affect the way they feel about each other?

Back To Hell Country


Orrin Russell - 2017
    He'll head to the nearest town and live lavishly, with unlimited whisky and women. But no sooner does he arrive in town than the trouble starts. A crooked sheriff and his thieving daughter allow no chance for peace, and a trigger happy deputy has Balum on edge. They suspect Balum has possession of their stolen gold. They're determined to get that gold back, and to see him hung before his story gets out. To further complicate his situation, Balum's focus is distracted by the women of the town. The hotel proprietress, the sheriff's own daughter and more, manage to give him pleasure and grief all at once. With no opportunity to spend the gold and the pressure mounting, only one thing can save him; a trip back to Hell Country.

In the Land of Gold


Angela Christina Archer - 2014
    From a good family, wealthy, and charming, Christopher is perfect for her. However, seeing his band of gold and diamonds, she hesitates. Something is missing, something is wrong, but she just doesn't know what that something is. After her father's sudden death, Cora travels to Tacoma and learns that she is now the owner of his gold claim in Dawson City, Canada. Throwing caution to the wind, she leaves her engagement ring on the table, and departs for Canada and the adventure of a lifetime. Arriving in the canvas tent town of Skagway on the Klondike trail, Coral catches the attention of Flynn O'Neill, an Irishman who has lived on the trail, guiding stampeeders for a few years. A bond thrusts them together, but their pasts could be what tears them apart—if they can survive the hardships and death on the trail to the land of gold.

Long Road Home


Mary Jane Morgan - 2015
    Leaving college, she returns home to find her younger sister mute with shock, her mother too depressed to function, and their beloved Thoroughbred horse ranch on the verge of going under. She’s barely arrived when she’s forced to accept help from Brett Dawson—the man who once broke her heart—when a marauding mountain lion threatens one of the prized horses they depend on for survival. Brett would rather be anywhere but the Swearingen ranch. Caught between his feelings for Megan and the powder keg of the ongoing feud between their families, he feels his only choice is to help Megan, regardless of the consequences. If it weren’t for Brett’s father, Megan’s dad might still be alive, and she wouldn’t be here now sacrificing her future to save her family’s ranch. As the long-simmering attraction between Megan and Brett resurfaces, it is threatened almost before it begins by dark family secrets swirling around them—secrets that turn to danger and could very well destroy not only their new beginning, but the lives of everyone they both love.

The Heavenly Grille Café


J.T. Livingston - 2015
    She packs all of her belongings into her old car and drives north from Tampa, FL for several hours until she comes upon an out-of-the-way restaurant, accen-tuated by a huge golden halo instead of the more well-recognized golden arches. Th e Heavenly Grille Café is operated by three angels who take Amanda under their wings (no pun intended): Max was once a Roman Gladiator; Bertie was a loud and boisterous housewife who died unexpectedly in 1911, leaving behind a husband and two children; and Doug was a strong, handsome soldier who died serving his country in 1953. Amanda meets another young woman, Kris DeVone, who is completely opposite to herself in character and personality. While Amanda is a happy, secure Christian with tremendous faith, Kris has done everything in her power to be the ultimate "bad" girl, and does not believe in God. Amanda befriends Kris, who is seven months pregnant and has been abandoned by her live-in boyfriend. Th e women become best friends and move in together so that Amanda can help take care of the baby girl, Charlotte Grace, who is born in September 2011. By the time Christmas rolls around, both of their worlds have been turned upside down with the shocking kidnapping of Charlotte Grace. Th e next two months provide insight into Kris’ eventual relationship with God, the angels’ inability to change destiny, and a look into the lives of the kidnappers, Jack and Susan Peterson, and the reason behind why they committed such a horrible crime.

A Bounty Hunter Never Sleeps


Ethan Westfield - 2021
    However, his life has not always been a bed of roses. When was just a 12-year-old boy, he saved his best friend from a grisly death at the hands of the outlaw gang that killed her parents. As if that wasn’t enough, his friend was sent away to an orphanage in Denver City and John vowed to one day find the murderers and bring them to justice. Years go by and he works out a plan to shed some blood and take down those who stood in the way of his friend’s happiness. What will John be willing to risk in order to get the revenge he’s been waiting for his whole life?Maggie McDermott is deeply traumatized by the events of that nightmarish night. Having lost all of her childhood memories—even those of her best friend, John, she can’t help but wonder whether she’ll find peace one day. That is until John shows up at her door many years after the haunting event that changed her life. He has become a successful bounty hunter and has a bold plan to recover her childhood memories. His plan involves Maggie joining him on a dangerous mission of vengeance, in order to capture the gang that destroyed her life. Will Maggie find the courage to follow this dangerous prescription to get her childhood memories back?Even though John and Maggie haven’t seen each other for many years, their wild thirst for revenge will take them on a sprawling adventure with gunfire, romance, and a longing for justice. Will John be able to protect the girl from the most infamous outlaw gang in the West? Or will they be forced to abandon all hope for a better life once and for all?

The Devil Meets Lady Veronica Pebblesworth: A Novella


Tanya Wilde - 2016
    After all, he did just inform her to find a husband or be betrothed to the very ambitious—albeit wickedly handsome—hotel owner, Daniel Crane. What the breathtaking devil does not know, however, is that Veronica has already developed an elaborate plan to rid herself of his marriage minded intent. But as Veronica uses her tricks to remove Mr. Crane from her life, it’s hard to remember the reason she wished to do so in the first place. Maybe it’s his devilish smile, or the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her… but somehow Veronica’s thoughts has taken a different direction entirely! The only question is, how far will they both go to ensure their happy ever after.

A Tremendous Scheme Against Love


Carol Colyer - 2019
    Through letters, a strong connection is created with Jack, a successful rancher in the west. Although Delia had some second thoughts about this arrangement, everything seems to flow smoothly between them. Only until she will realize that Jack is hiding things from her! Will his past stand as an obstacle to their relationship? Jack Bowdrie’s last adventure with love left him heartbroken. However, he has decided to move forward and give it another try. No matter how hardworking and focused he has been for the last few years, now that his business has grown, he is finally ready to settle down. In Delia’s face, he seems to find everything he has been looking for. With each passing day, their courtship flourishes and the couple grows closer. Will their happiness last or someone else’s plans will get in the way? Afraid to be hurt, Jack and Delia build their relationship step by step, cautiously, but soon a manipulative woman will appear on the horizon to mess with their plans. Willow has taken it upon herself to befriend Delia under the pretense that she and Jack are old friends. What is her real motive? Is the couple’s newborn love strong enough to face the challenges that will come ahead? "A Tremendous Scheme Against Love" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.