An okay collection of novellas set in the Pony Express era. I found the writing to be mediocre in some of the stories.

http://readdayandnight.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-pony-express-romance-collection.html
I loved it and would recommend it to everyone. my full review is already on my blog

The Pony Express Romance Collection is a kaleidoscope of stories, dreams, loves, heartache, finding each other, versions of the pony express but only ONE GOD....Amen. This book is a litany of differing views of the pony express, loneliness, addiction, abandonment and prejudice - that they should not have had to deal with but did - this book is so wonderful especially when you are in the mood to read for a short period of time - you have it right here for you. The one thing they have in common as well as the Pony Express is Romance - and who could not do with a little Romance? But THE most important thing is how they ALL relied on GOD - now who could not need a bunch of HIM? Get this book - I cannot tell you how happy you will be.

This is an awesome historical fiction with loads of adventure about the Pony Express time in America. Each story brings a great adventure and stands along really well. They are perfect in length and all of them together make for a great book. I’m walking away with quite an appreciation of days long ago and brave riders. I highly recommend this one!!
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

Saddle up your horse and get ready to ride with the fast flyers of the old West: the Pony Express!
A wide variety of stories created a nice set of snapshots of the many types of people who came through or worked at the Pony Express stations that stretched from Missouri to California. It was very interesting to learn about this brief moment in American history, between 1860 to 1862, that left such a lasting impression on our country.

The brave young men who risked their lives to deliver the mail in record time reminded me of fighter pilots, with some competitive and prideful, and others humble and sacrificial, just trying to do their job well. The stories encompass a variety of people who travel through or work at the different stations, or take refuge there temporarily. Everyone from orphans, widows, doctors, station masters, horse trainers, Native Americans, blacksmiths and cooks, to gamblers, outlaws and renegade soldiers. Plenty of action and adventure kept the reading fun, and the romances tender. One special delivery took place after the telegraph lines brought the mail runs to an end.

Though the stories are short, they touched on many issues that are still relevant today, like having faith in God despite difficult circumstances, dealing with loneliness, abandonment, addiction and prejudice. The unrest of the start of the Civil War added some discussion of issues that divided families and states too.
I enjoyed something in each story, and especially liked all of the horses! They were key to the success of the mail runs, and were like another set of characters. My favorite stories were the last two, with the young woman who fills in as a hostler--she's like a horse whisperer--and the last one with the two siblings on the run.
Recommend to readers who enjoy historical Christian fiction, with a little romance, in a western setting!
4.5 stars

There are nine stories in this collection of novellas, but the one by Darlene Franklin was my favorite. Actually Darlene Franklin is my hero in many ways. Her Amazon bio states that:
Bestselling author Darlene Franklin’s greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She lives in Oklahoma, near her son and his family, and continues her interests in playing the piano and singing, books, good fellowship, and reality TV in addition to writing. She is an active member of Oklahoma City Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Christian Authors Network. She has written over fifty books and more than 250 devotionals. Her historical fiction ranges from the Revolutionary War to World War II, from Texas to Vermont. You can find Darlene online at www.darlenefranklinwrites.com

Since I read the one by Darlene, I have read six more novellas and so I cannot remember the names of the characters involved, but what I liked most about Darlene's is that her protagonist had to fight his demons and wrestle with the Lord to come to the place where he was strong enough for the young lady who had stolen his heart. She described in detail the struggle he encountered in overcoming his temptation, much as Jacob wrestled with the angel of God. I appreciate her ability to put into words, the daily struggles of living the Christian life and yet give hope to one who struggles so.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a pony express outpost.

My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

The Pony Express Romance Collection: Historic Express Mail Route Delivers Nine Inspiring Romances is a fun read of nine fabulous stories. These include:
A Place to Belong by Barbara Tifft Blakey
An Unlikely Hero by Mary Davis
The Gambler’s Daughter by Darlene Franklin
Her Lonely Heart by Cynthia Hickey
My Dear Adora by Maureen Lang
Ride into My Heart by Debby Lee
Echoes of the Heart by Donna Schlachter
Abundance of the Heart by Connie Stevens
Embattled Hearts by Pegg Thomas
If I had to pick a favorite, I would say Connie Stevens's Abundance of the Heart. I have not read anything by her and hope to again in the future. Honestly, I have not read anything by most of these authors and look forward to more by them.
Recommended.
5 stars.

A lovely collection of short inspirational stories about the Pony Express. Each book was uplifting and kept me wanting to read more.

A Place to Belong by Barbara Tifft Blakely told a story of Abigail, a girl who's uncle ran a Pony Express way station, who needed to discover that she wasn't a burdened and was loved by her family and God. An Unlikely Hero by Mary Davis told of beautiful Beth Ann who was running from a debt and was rescued by her unlikely hero. She also learned of God's never ending love for her and her sister while trying to stay hidden among Pony Express riders. In The Gambler's Daughter by Darlene Franklin, Caroline went searching for her father who ran a way station, but found the love of a good man and the love of God. Her Lonely Heart by Cynthia Hickey tells a story of a lonely widow and her two young children who run their own way station. Mrs. Mathewson's care for the pony express riders that come through her station lead her to a love that is just what she needed for both her children and herself. My Dear Adora by Maureen Lang is a fun read about the brother of a Pony Express rider who tries to deliver the mail from his brother's last ride. The letter to Adora is delivered by Chip Nolan and results in adventure and true love. Ride into My Heart by Debby Lee is a sweet story about Kimimela and her friends at the Weber Station. Kimimela learns that she can be loved for who she is by everyone around her any by God. She struggles with accepting God's love after losing her dearest friend and sister, but learns that through all of our trials God is always with us. In Echoes of the Heart by Donna Schlachter, Catherine arrives at the Hollenberg Express Station posing as her recently deceased best friend. Benjamin Troudt has advertised for a wife to help in at the station, but when Catherine arrives she realizes that she is not the only one with secrets. Learning to trust each other and God is the focal point of this book. Mercy Winfield has been twice before by men who have claimed to love her in Abundance of the Heart by Connie Stevens. She is determined to never fall in love again. When she and her brothers deliver horses to a nearby way station, she ends up staying on to be the hostler to take care of four abused horses. This story is a remarkable tale of learning to trust again for both the animals and for Mercy. As Alannah and Conn Fagan run from their abusive step-father in Embattled Hearts, they take cover with the help of Stewart, a Pony Express Stationmaster. The three overcome many challenges and learn that they can trust each other and God.

Every story was enjoyable to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a clean romantic read. I love the history that is incorporated into the book. It was fun to learn about the Pony Express and how many challenges today can be faced with a little trust in God. Enjoy!