I haven't read a western/mailorder bride historical in a while so I grabbed this one. It starts off pretty well; I liked the mix-up at the train station so that Julia and Jake get together. It's pretty standard fare as the Boston Brahmin girl learns how to work on a ranch and the rancher settles for good sex.
The second half devolves into a soap opera as characters fly back and forth across the country. I never understood why Julia's despicable parents wanted her back. It seemed easier to just get rid of her once and for all. But drama, I guess.
Also, while I like Jake as a character for the most part, why did every time he and Julia get in bed, he can't last? I get the first time but it seemed like every time. It just seemed weird for a romance. I felt bad for Julia.
Anyway, I see the next book in the series is about Julia's sister Jolene so I'll take a pass on reading about that harridan. ( )

A nice historical romance. I expected less, to be honest. Love it when I get pleasantly surprised!

A comedy of errors creates a mix up at the train station, and two strangers end up married. Not the two strangers who thought they would be married. You see, in the days of old, people were so desperate to be married that they answered ads in the paper to get hitched. Thankfully those times have changed. Two perfectly nice people are able to find happiness together despite obstacles and odds. Awwww! You know I'm a sucker for a HEA. Don't judge me. ( )

This is the second book I have read by this great new author. I am wondering when she is going to have another book out. This author has a great talent for creating works that will take readers back in time. The first book I read by this author took me to the mid 1800’s in Ohio. After reading this book the author has taken me back to the mid 1800’s in North Dakota.
The plot and characters in this book were well written and developed. I enjoyed the story line and the challenges that the lead female Julia faced. I do wish the book was a little longer. However that does not take away from the story.
Julia wants a home of her own and a family to care for. She writes to a male in North Dakota and they decide to get married. She leaves her family in Boston with them believing she is going to visit an elderly aunt. Growing up Julia’s family is emotionally abusive to her, especially her mother. Julia is told over and over that she is not good enough, not pretty enough, she is too fat. The list is never ending. After a while of hearing this Julia starts to believe it herself. I can understand where Julia is coming from. I have gone through the same situation in my life.
Reading this book helped to remind me that people only have the power to hurt you if you give them that power. The more you do not care about what others say the less power they hold over you.
Moving to North Dakota was the best possible solution to help her overcome the problems from her family. Sometimes the best answer is to leave. It may be the hardest thing to do but it removes so much stress from a person’s life.
I enjoyed reading this book and allowing it to remind me never give someone else the power to hurt me emotionally.
Thanks for another great read Holly.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 carrots.
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review to come ( )