The Brides Series by Lena Goldfinch

What’s a man to do when his father orders him a bride? Rebecca Sullivan has been “Becky” all her life, a real hoyden. Her childhood sweetheart taught her to ride bareback and shoot a rifle, but then he chose a “perfect lady” for a wife—a real Southern belle, who’s now expecting a baby. Heartbroken, Becky signs up to be a mail-order bride to a Seattle man, sight unseen. She resolves to squelch her hoydenish ways and become a “perfect lady” for her future husband... moreWhat’s a man to do when his father orders him a bride? Rebecca Sullivan has been “Becky” all her life, a real hoyden. Her childhood sweetheart taught her to ride bareback and shoot a rifle, but then he chose a “perfect lady” for a wife—a real Southern belle, who’s now expecting a baby. Heartbroken, Becky signs up to be a mail-order bride to a Seattle man, sight unseen. She resolves to squelch her hoydenish ways and become a “perfect lady” for her future husband. If logging-operation owner Isaac Jessup had wanted a bride, he’d have chosen a sturdy frontier woman, not some fragile lady from back East. Ready to explain the mistake, honorable Isaac takes one look into Rebecca’s vulnerable eyes...and knows he’ll marry her, even though this delicate waif is obviously unsuited for wild Seattle. Can an unexpected marriage ever be a match made in heaven? Book One in The Brides Series Sweet Historical Western Romance / A Mail-Order Bride Novel ***Excerpt*** The lean-to was chilly and not for the first time, Isaac considered boarding it up proper and calling it a barn. He sat on the stool and began milking the goat, all the while mentally preparing for the worship service they planned to go to later that morning. The Scriptures he’d read first thing that morning were fresh in his mind, and his prayers kept returning to the problem of Rebecca. One inner voice urged him to send her back home, but another voice spoke of commitment. He’d said vows before God to love and keep her till death do them part. Those weren’t words he was willing to dismiss lightly. “What’s her name?” His wife’s voice was suddenly in his ear, quite close. Isaac jumped. The goat bleated at him. “Sorry, girl.” He patted her side and resumed milking her with slow, careful hands. He glanced over his shoulder toward the subject of his thoughts. Rebecca stood watching him, leaning over the rail and peering in at them with curious eyes. He was surprised to see her out this early. She usually left him to his morning chores, and most times he’d get back inside the cabin and find her already up preparing breakfast. “What’s her name?” she repeated. “Name? The goat?” He looked at the goat dumbly. It was a goat. He’d never gotten much further than that. She gave them a daily supply of milk, but other than that she was generally a nuisance. She liked to butt down the stall door. And whenever she got loose, she’d eat what few vegetables he was able to grow in the summer. She also liked to nip at his shirts and underthings when he hung them out on the line—if he was lucky. Most times she’d tug the whole line down and drag it through the mud. “Yes, the goat,” Rebecca said, a pleasant-sounding smile in her voice. “Don’t tell me she hasn’t got a name?” There was something nice about hearing a woman’s voice in the morning. It reminded him a little of when he was young, and his mother had chatted with him in soft tones while they ate breakfast. As if speaking too loud would jar them too quickly out of whatever dreams they’d had the night before. Rebecca’s soft voice put him much in mind of those times. “All right. I won’t.” Isaac focused on his milking. “She doesn’t have a name?” Rebecca pressed. “How can you have an animal that doesn’t have a name?” “Never gave it much thought. She’s good for milk, but other than that she’s nothing but trouble, always munching on the laundry.” “Well, then I think your choice is clear. Either you call her Milky or you call her Trouble.” Her teasing tone brought a reluctant smile to his lips. “Well, then, if I have to choose, then I guess she’s Trouble.” The real Trouble was standing behind him, her elbow propped against the top of the rail, her chin cupped in one dainty hand. *** less

What's a wife to do when her Christmas plans fall apart? Join Becky and Isaac from The Unexpected Bride in a romantic short story complete with sleigh bells, mistletoe, and sweet holiday surprises. It's Christmas Eve, and smoke isn't just rising from the chimney--it's pouring from the stove due to yet another batch of burnt biscuits. Becky wants everything to be perfect for her family, but a ruined meal spells disaster for all her high hopes. Will the night end in despair.. moreWhat's a wife to do when her Christmas plans fall apart? Join Becky and Isaac from The Unexpected Bride in a romantic short story complete with sleigh bells, mistletoe, and sweet holiday surprises. It's Christmas Eve, and smoke isn't just rising from the chimney--it's pouring from the stove due to yet another batch of burnt biscuits. Becky wants everything to be perfect for her family, but a ruined meal spells disaster for all her high hopes. Will the night end in despair...or with a happy Christmas dream? Reconnect with your favorite characters from Book 1 of "The Brides" series and learn more about Jem (the hero of Book 2) in Sleigh Bells and Mistletoe. Includes an excerpt from Book 2, The Bartered Bride . Short Story 1.5 in The Brides Series Sweet Historical Western Romance / A Mail-Order Bride Short Story less

What’s a man to do when a "bartered bride" needs a rescue? Jem Wheeler has always been a survivor. He just wants to make a fresh start in Colorado Springs after the loss of his wife. But then he happens upon a young mute woman being sold off to the highest bidder. He wasn't looking for a mail-order bride. He wasn't looking to rescue anyone either. But desperate circumstances can drive a good man to do things he hadn't planned on doing.. moreWhat’s a man to do when a "bartered bride" needs a rescue? Jem Wheeler has always been a survivor. He just wants to make a fresh start in Colorado Springs after the loss of his wife. But then he happens upon a young mute woman being sold off to the highest bidder. He wasn't looking for a mail-order bride. He wasn't looking to rescue anyone either. But desperate circumstances can drive a good man to do things he hadn't planned on doing... When Jem steps into Annie's life, she's not expecting anyone to save her. Mute from birth, she's just using all her wits to survive. All she’s ever really wanted is a family of her own. For someone to see her. To look at her long enough to hear the things she can't say. Could this bride be just what a grieving widower needs to make a happy home? Book 2 in The Brides Series Sweet Historical Western Romance / A Mail-Order Bride Novel A full-length novel (approx. 108,000 words) Each book in The Brides series can be read as a stand-alone novel, but reading in order will provide a more complete reading experience. less

Mandy MacKenna ("Too Tall Mandy MacKenna") is secretly the voice behind "Ask Mack," an advice column for men, addressing all matters ranching-related. And she's secretly in love with "Banks," one of her most devoted correspondents. But whenever she's around him, she can barely bring herself to make eye-contact with the man. Adam Booker is a banker-turned-rancher, who's struggling to make his way after he inherits his uncle's place... moreMandy MacKenna ("Too Tall Mandy MacKenna") is secretly the voice behind "Ask Mack," an advice column for men, addressing all matters ranching-related. And she's secretly in love with "Banks," one of her most devoted correspondents. But whenever she's around him, she can barely bring herself to make eye-contact with the man. Adam Booker is a banker-turned-rancher, who's struggling to make his way after he inherits his uncle's place. If not for "Ask Mack," he would have surely floundered by now. But the ranch is only one of his problems, because the woman he has a romantic interest in - a natural beauty by the name of Mandy MacKenna, daughter of the region's wealthiest rancher - seems less than interested in him. A sweet but convoluted romance of secrets and revelations ensues... A standalone companion novel to The Brides Series. THE BRIDES SERIES The Unexpected Bride Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe The Bartered Bride Only the Heart Knows less