Brides with Grit Series by Linda K. Hubalek, Brides with Grit

Rania Hamner and her family emigrated from Sweden fourteen years ago to work on a Texas ranch, working cattle and herding them up the Chisholm Trail. Something in her life on the trail caused her to doubt her worth, and her ability to trust a man enough to become his wife. Once the family buys a homestead in Kansas, she meets a rancher who begins to make her believe she can trust and fall in love after all... moreRania Hamner and her family emigrated from Sweden fourteen years ago to work on a Texas ranch, working cattle and herding them up the Chisholm Trail. Something in her life on the trail caused her to doubt her worth, and her ability to trust a man enough to become his wife. Once the family buys a homestead in Kansas, she meets a rancher who begins to make her believe she can trust and fall in love after all. Rancher Jacob Wilerson noticed Rania last year when she rode drag behind a herd of longhorns—right down Main Street of Ellsworth, Kansas. He’s been waiting for her family to return this spring with another Texas herd to the booming cowtown, because he hopes to rope her into staying permanently on his ranch—the way she had already roped his heart. When Rania's past attacks with new danger, she decides to fight for all she's worth because she realizes she wants to be with Jacob forever. When Jacob realizes Rania is in danger, he rushes to save her, whether or not she still loves him, hoping to rope Rania—his heart—once more, as she has roped his. less

Mail-order bride Millie Donovan was looking forward to meeting Sam Larson, a Kansas homesteader, who she is sure, from reading his heartfelt letters, will provide her with the love and safety she wants and needs. Millie arrives on the train, not realizing that her husband-to-be was killed in an accident, until Clear Creek’s town marshal informs her of the situation. Town Marshal Adam Wilerson never plans to marry due to his dangerous job... moreMail-order bride Millie Donovan was looking forward to meeting Sam Larson, a Kansas homesteader, who she is sure, from reading his heartfelt letters, will provide her with the love and safety she wants and needs. Millie arrives on the train, not realizing that her husband-to-be was killed in an accident, until Clear Creek’s town marshal informs her of the situation. Town Marshal Adam Wilerson never plans to marry due to his dangerous job. After reading letters found at his friend’s home following his untimely death which were sent from his friend’s mail-order bride, he can’t help thinking of the woman, and believes he may be in love with her himself. But instead of sending Millie on the train back to her former home, he finds himself welcoming her—and her two-year-old charge—into his house, and into his heart. When danger threatens, Millie faces it head–on to protect the people she loves, including the town marshal. Can Adam keep the peace in town—and his house—or will the man following Millie cause an uproar that will endanger them both, and ruin their chance of a life together? less

A clean, sweet historical romance set in 1873. Ranch woman Hilda Hamner spent her youth traveling with her Swedish immigrant family as they drove cattle from Texas up to Kansas cow towns in the 1870s. Hilda decided to get off the cattle trail and bought an abandoned homestead in Kansas with her horse race winnings. She plans on raising horses—and finding a husband that doesn’t mind her tall, lanky body that’s usually dressed in men’s clothing... moreA clean, sweet historical romance set in 1873. Ranch woman Hilda Hamner spent her youth traveling with her Swedish immigrant family as they drove cattle from Texas up to Kansas cow towns in the 1870s. Hilda decided to get off the cattle trail and bought an abandoned homestead in Kansas with her horse race winnings. She plans on raising horses—and finding a husband that doesn’t mind her tall, lanky body that’s usually dressed in men’s clothing. Noah Wilerson planned to bring his intended bride from Illinois back to the Kansas homestead he started for them, but found out his fiancée had already married someone else when arriving at her father’s doorstep. After traveling back home, Noah finds a woman has taken over his claim, leaving him homeless and jobless. Hilda realizes she needs help to make her horse ranch successful, and decides that Noah is the right man—to promote from horseman to husband on her ranch—if he’ll treat her as a special woman, and not just a ranching partner. Noah wants his homestead back, and the woman who has transformed the simple soddie into a family home. Between family dramas, outlaw danger, and butting heads, which one will hogtie the other to get to the church altar first? Be sure to read all of the Brides with Grit Series, starting with the first book. Please watch for five more books to continue the series in the future. Rania Ropes a Rancher, Book 1 Millie Marries a Marshal, Book 2 Hilda Hogties a Horseman, Book 3 less

Bostonian Cora Elison arrives unannounced at her family’s ranch in Kansas, after her fiancé changed her status from bride to bridesmaid—at her own wedding. But after a few months, Cora thanks her lucky stars that he did because she has found a set of loyal friends, a way of life she relishes, and a cowboy she has become to love. Dagmar Hamner and his family emigrated from Sweden to work on a Texas ranch, working cattle and herding them north over the Chisholm Trail... moreBostonian Cora Elison arrives unannounced at her family’s ranch in Kansas, after her fiancé changed her status from bride to bridesmaid—at her own wedding. But after a few months, Cora thanks her lucky stars that he did because she has found a set of loyal friends, a way of life she relishes, and a cowboy she has become to love. Dagmar Hamner and his family emigrated from Sweden to work on a Texas ranch, working cattle and herding them north over the Chisholm Trail. After his family decides to settle permanently in Kansas in 1873, he is hired for the foreman’s job at the six thousand acre Bar E Ranch. All goes well for the Swedish cowboy until the absentee owner’s daughter arrives, wanting to learn how to become a rancher. Time makes them best friends, until a telegram arrives saying Cora’s parents are bringing an unknown groom to Kansas for her, insisting she be married when they arrive. Cora asks Dagmar to marry her, but he balks at her proposal. Between confusion and interference, will Cora be able to capture her cowboy in time to haul him to the altar? Be sure to read all the Brides with Grit series. Book 1: Rania Ropes a Rancher Book 2: Millie Marries a Marshal Book 3: Hilda Hogties a Horseman Book 4: Cora Captures a Cowboy Book 5: Sarah Snares a Soldier (Available Summer 2015) less

A clean, sweet historical romance set in 1873. Rancher’s daughter Sarah Wilerson has been engaged to Ethan Paulson, a Clear Creek hotel manager, for two years. Although Ethan is a nice man, Sarah has postponed the wedding twice, unsure whether she can live and work in the family’s hotel—alongside an overbearing mother–in–law. West Point–trained Captain Marcus Brenner was stationed at Fort Wallace in western Kansas, and wounded in a skirmish with the Cheyenne Indians... moreA clean, sweet historical romance set in 1873. Rancher’s daughter Sarah Wilerson has been engaged to Ethan Paulson, a Clear Creek hotel manager, for two years. Although Ethan is a nice man, Sarah has postponed the wedding twice, unsure whether she can live and work in the family’s hotel—alongside an overbearing mother–in–law. West Point–trained Captain Marcus Brenner was stationed at Fort Wallace in western Kansas, and wounded in a skirmish with the Cheyenne Indians. He has been discharged from the army and recuperating at his uncle’s ranch in Ellsworth County, Kansas. There he meets Sarah, who helps him recover from his wounds and nightmares. Marcus falls in love with Sarah, but refuses to consider marrying her because of her engagement to another man. And, due to his battle injuries, he may not be able to give Sarah the houseful of children for which she yearns for either. Unable to bring herself to go through with her wedding on the third date set, Sarah leaves her groom at the altar and rides after Marcus, determined to convince him to marry her. Fate throws a challenge in their path when they suddenly become guardians of six young children. Can Sarah convince Marcus to become the father the children need, and the husband she wants? less

A clean, sweet historical romance set in 1873. Widowed ranch woman Cate Wilerson’s four children are now all married and she’s enjoying being a grandma. But, she’s only in her forties, so she could be married again for many years. Cate’s ready to tie the knot again and she has already picked her groom. Cattleman Isaac Connely bought a ring for Cate almost thirty years ago, but Moses Wilerson, a friend to both of them, asked Cate to marry him first... moreA clean, sweet historical romance set in 1873. Widowed ranch woman Cate Wilerson’s four children are now all married and she’s enjoying being a grandma. But, she’s only in her forties, so she could be married again for many years. Cate’s ready to tie the knot again and she has already picked her groom. Cattleman Isaac Connely bought a ring for Cate almost thirty years ago, but Moses Wilerson, a friend to both of them, asked Cate to marry him first. After serving in the Civil War, Isaac followed the Wilersons to Kansas and builds a cattle empire with his inheritance. He respected Cate’s and Moses’ marriage, comforted her through the loss of her husband and remained a friend of the Wilerson family. Now he’s ready to propose—with the same ring—but someone from his past appears on his doorstep, dredging up a dark secret making him doubt his worth to be Cate’s husband. Can Cate let go of past hurts and help Isaac realize he is not to blame, so he will finally ask her to marry him? Brides with Grit Series order: Rania Ropes a Rancher Millie Marries a Marshal Hilda Hogties a Horseman Cora Captures a Cowboy Sarah Snares a Soldier Cate Corrals a Cattleman Darcie Desires a Drover (future release) Tina Tracks a Trail Boss (future release) less

A historical romance set in 1873. Darcie Robbins fled St. Louis to protect her two children from their bad father. Now divorced, she’s temporarily working on the Bar E Ranch in central Kansas. She needs a permanent job—or a trustworthy husband—to help provide for her family. Reuben Shepard went home to his family in New York after the Civil War, to find his wife had declared him dead—so she could wed another... moreA historical romance set in 1873. Darcie Robbins fled St. Louis to protect her two children from their bad father. Now divorced, she’s temporarily working on the Bar E Ranch in central Kansas. She needs a permanent job—or a trustworthy husband—to help provide for her family. Reuben Shepard went home to his family in New York after the Civil War, to find his wife had declared him dead—so she could wed another. In shock, Reuben didn’t contest her claim and wandered south, spending years as a cattle drover on western trails until settling down to work on the Bar E Ranch. Spending time with Darcie’s toddler, Tate, makes Reuben miss his own son, Gabe. Reuben travels to New York, hoping to visit his son, and ends up bringing Gabe back to the Kansas because the boy’s step-father had just died. When Reuben proposes marriage to Darcie for their children’s sake, the couple falls in love as they learn to trust and support each other while planning for their future. But their wedding is stalled when Reuben’s former wife arrives, stating she and Reuben are still married. What’s the truth and what’s best for the children is their concern now instead of a wedding date. How can they clear the past so they can have a future together? Brides with Grit Series in order: Rania Ropes a Rancher (Rania and Jacob) Millie Marries a Marshal (Millie and Adam) Hilda Hogties a Horseman (Hilda and Noah) Cora Captures a Cowboy (Cora and Dagmar) Sarah Snares a Soldier (Sarah and Marcus) Cate Corrals a Cattleman (Cate and Isaac) Darcie Desires a Drover (Darcie and Reuben) Tina Tracks a Trail Boss (future release) Also read Lilly: Bride of Illinois, a spin-off book in the American Mail-Order Brides Series. less

A sweet historical romance set in 1873. Widowed Tina Martin and her two young children were moving from Texas to her brother’s place in Kansas, when their train wrecks near Austin. Suddenly, Tina, soon to be a mother for the third time, loses her children, and is severely injured. Leif Hamner lost his wife and son in childbirth last year when they were returning home to Texas after driving cattle up to Kansas... moreA sweet historical romance set in 1873. Widowed Tina Martin and her two young children were moving from Texas to her brother’s place in Kansas, when their train wrecks near Austin. Suddenly, Tina, soon to be a mother for the third time, loses her children, and is severely injured. Leif Hamner lost his wife and son in childbirth last year when they were returning home to Texas after driving cattle up to Kansas. He’s back alone in Texas, until finding a tiny newborn baby hidden in the back of his wagon. This sets off a chain of emotions and events as Leif hunts for the infant’s mother—the injured Tina—and nurses them back to health. Acts of fate put the two damaged souls together, healing deep wounds as they travel north to join their families in Kansas. But his family has secrets which could ruin their tender love. Can Tina and Leif weather the conflicts, or will they be torn apart? Brides with Grit Series in order: Rania Ropes a Rancher (Rania and Jacob) Millie Marries a Marshal (Millie and Adam) Hilda Hogties a Horseman (Hilda and Noah) Cora Captures a Cowboy (Cora and Dagmar) Sarah Snares a Soldier (Sarah and Marcus) Cate Corrals a Cattleman (Cate and Isaac) Darcie Desires a Drover (Darcie and Reuben) Tina Tracks a Trail Boss (Tina and Leif) Also read Lilly: Bride of Illinois, a spin-off book in the American Mail-Order Brides Series. less

A sweet historical romance set in 1873. Lorna Jantz left Boston looking for adventure, signing up as a mail-order bride for a rich Kansas rancher. But, the groom only becomes rich after taking off with her money, after their twenty-four hour marriage. Which left Lorna in a pickle, stuck in a little town with no money, no home and a growing belly... moreA sweet historical romance set in 1873. Lorna Jantz left Boston looking for adventure, signing up as a mail-order bride for a rich Kansas rancher. But, the groom only becomes rich after taking off with her money, after their twenty-four hour marriage. Which left Lorna in a pickle, stuck in a little town with no money, no home and a growing belly. Lyle Elison was one of Boston’s worst, a spoiled, rich merchant’s son, until enforced time on the family’s Kansas ranch made him see his purpose in life. After training in Boston, he’s back in Clear Creek, Kansas, as the town’s new lawyer. Backgrounds make Lorna and Lyle connect, but time spent together makes them good friends, willing to help each other face their respective problems. Lorna needs help tracking down the louse who stole her money and left her in a family way. Lyle needs to be married by his birthday to receive his inheritance from his grandfather’s Will. In between their capers, each falls in love with the other, secretly wishing they could confess their love and be together forever. But first, they have to find Lorna’s wayward husband before Lyle’s birthday. Brides with Grit Series in order: Rania Ropes a Rancher (Rania and Jacob) Millie Marries a Marshal (Millie and Adam) Hilda Hogties a Horseman (Hilda and Noah) Cora Captures a Cowboy (Cora and Dagmar) Sarah Snares a Soldier (Sarah and Marcus) Cate Corrals a Cattleman (Cate and Isaac) Darcie Desires a Drover (Darcie and Reuben) Tina Tracks a Trail Boss (Tina and Leif) Lorna Loves a Lawyer (Lorna and Lyle), plus more Brides with Grit stories to be released in the future. Also read Lilly: Bride of Illinois, a spin-off book in the American Mail-Order Brides Series. less

A sweet historical romance set in 1873. Helen Higby answers an ad for a mail-order bride, but finds out her groom is already married—and wanted by the law—after their wedding ceremony. Now stuck in Clear Creek, Kansas, with her four little girls, she needs to find a way—or a husband—to provide for her family. Ethan Paulson’s fiancée left him at the altar and he’s had a hard time accepting his loss, until a spurned woman and her children take up residence in his hotel... moreA sweet historical romance set in 1873. Helen Higby answers an ad for a mail-order bride, but finds out her groom is already married—and wanted by the law—after their wedding ceremony. Now stuck in Clear Creek, Kansas, with her four little girls, she needs to find a way—or a husband—to provide for her family. Ethan Paulson’s fiancée left him at the altar and he’s had a hard time accepting his loss, until a spurned woman and her children take up residence in his hotel. Can chaos turn into love and a happy ending? Brides with Grit Series in order: Rania Ropes a Rancher (Rania and Jacob) Millie Marries a Marshal (Millie and Adam) Hilda Hogties a Horseman (Hilda and Noah) Cora Captures a Cowboy (Cora and Dagmar) Sarah Snares a Soldier (Sarah and Marcus) Cate Corrals a Cattleman (Cate and Isaac) Darcie Desires a Drover (Darcie and Reuben) Tina Tracks a Trail Boss (Tina and Leif) Lorna Loves a Lawyer (Lorna and Lyle) Helen Heals a Hotelier (Helen and Ethan), plus more Brides with Grit stories to be released in the future. Also read Lilly: Bride of Illinois, a spin-off book in the American Mail-Order Brides Series. less

A sweet historical romance set in 1873. Faye Longoria arrived unannounced at her step-uncle’s Cross C Ranch, using cash she stole from…a, uh “customer” to buy her train ticket. All Faye brought with her, was her three-month-old baby and extra diapers. Confusion erupts because Faye looks like a twin to Sarah Brenner, who lives on the ranch... moreA sweet historical romance set in 1873. Faye Longoria arrived unannounced at her step-uncle’s Cross C Ranch, using cash she stole from…a, uh “customer” to buy her train ticket. All Faye brought with her, was her three-month-old baby and extra diapers. Confusion erupts because Faye looks like a twin to Sarah Brenner, who lives on the ranch. Turns out they are half-sisters, and the two clash with jealousy and stubbornness when Faye has to live with her sister and help take care of her sister’s newly adopted eight children, which includes triplet newborns. Rusty Tucker, the foreman of the Cross C Ranch, likes the spunk of the young woman who grew up in a brothel, and he becomes attached to Violet, her baby girl. Faye sets her sights on the foreman because she wants to move out of the ranch house and into Rusty’s cabin. Rusty wants a role in raising baby Violet, too. Will Faye’s and Rusty’s goals mesh into love and a happy family of three? Brides with Grit Series: Rania Ropes a Rancher (Rania and Jacob) Millie Marries a Marshal (Millie and Adam) Hilda Hogties a Horseman (Hilda and Noah) Cora Captures a Cowboy (Cora and Dagmar) Sarah Snares a Soldier (Sarah and Marcus) Cate Corrals a Cattleman (Cate and Isaac) Darcie Desires a Drover (Darcie and Reuben) Tina Tracks a Trail Boss (Tina and Leif) Lorna Loves a Lawyer (Lorna and Lyle) Helen Heals a Hotelier (Helen and Ethan) Faye Favors a Foreman (Faye and Rusty) less

Can past hurts be forgiven to open the path to a new future for the two, or will it block their chance of happiness together? Rancher’s daughter Amy Sanders escapes her job in a saloon by pretending to be her younger brother Amos and signs on to take care of a rail car load of bulls heading to Kansas. Once the bulls are delivered to the Bar E Ranch, she’ll find a way to survive, even if it means working as a ranch hand... moreCan past hurts be forgiven to open the path to a new future for the two, or will it block their chance of happiness together? Rancher’s daughter Amy Sanders escapes her job in a saloon by pretending to be her younger brother Amos and signs on to take care of a rail car load of bulls heading to Kansas. Once the bulls are delivered to the Bar E Ranch, she’ll find a way to survive, even if it means working as a ranch hand. Eli Fisher, the foreman at the Bar E Ranch, left his Amish community in Pennsylvania after his betrothed ran off with another man. Although he misses his family and home state, he’s adapted to the Kansas prairie and admires the wonderful couple he works for. Now settled, he longs for a woman to share his life and start their own family. Amy’s and Eli’s upbringing and pasts clash in more ways than one, but once it’s revealed that “Amos” is actually “Amy,” sparks of a different kind ignite. Can past hurts be forgiven to open the path to a new future for the two, or will it block their chance of happiness together? Amy Admires an Amish Man is a stand-alone sweet historical romance set in 1874, but you'll want to read the whole series to enjoy the stories of the Clear Creek, Kansas community. less