From business arrangements to mix-ups, secrets to damsels in distress, you are sure to find a favorite in Barbour’s newest novella collection.
I’m not sure I can actually pick a favorite, but the bookends (first and last) of this one stood out to me for very different reasons.
Megan Besing’s Perfect for the Preacher delicately deals with sensitive subject matter. The small town, in-your-business, mentality shines through with both antagonists and supporters. While The Mail Order Mistake by Kathleen Y’Barbo is a bit of a caper with a touch of humor with a naïve and innocent heroine determined to stand on her own two feet.
As I always anticipate in these collections, the stories are varied enough they don’t all read alike and I get a taste of what these authors write. Plus, these shorter novellas are the perfect dessert when I finish a lengthier book and need a bit of a reprieve before digging into the next 300-plus page tome.

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I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A great collection of novellas. I found each selection to be well written. I have always enjoyed plots that involve mail order brides. Several of the authors were new to me and I enjoyed their writing as well as the writing of authors I have read in the past. If you enjoy a good historical read I recommend this collection.

One of the things I especially like about these collections of romance stories is that the reader can pick and choose which order to read the novellas. These were sweet narratives where women take a huge chance on a man she only knows by letters. Both the ladies and the gents have dire needs for a match to take place.

Barbour Books gathers the nine best authors to write the stories to fill their book and puts them in their best light. I am glad I chose to read this collection. Five Stars, Two Thumbs, and a letter in the mail.

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

The Mail-Order BrIdes Collection is a collection of 9 Historical Stories of Marriage that Precedes Love. These stories include:
Perfect for the Preacher by Megan Besing
The Outlaw’s Inconvenient Bride by Noelle Marchand
Train Ride to Heartbreak by Donna Schlachter
Mail-Order Proxy by Sherri Shackelford
To Heal Thy Heart by Michelle Shocklee
Miss-Delivered Mail by Ann Shorey
A Fairy-Tale Bride by Liz Tolsma
The Brigand and the Bride by Jennifer Uhlarik
The Mail-Order Mistake by Kathleen Y’Barbo
I thought this collection was pretty good. My favorite of the nine stories would be Liz Tolsma’s A Fairy-Tale Bride.
I give this book 4 stars!

This collection was a ton of fun to read! Although I've read several other mail-order bride stories, there were some really unique storylines in this collection that were very interesting--outlaws who aren't really outlaws, Pinkerton detectives, marriage by proxy, and some twists and turns to keep things moving. I can't pick a favorite story because I enjoyed them all so much. These novellas are quick reads but also have a depth to them that makes them very satisfying.

I love these collections of novellas. They are perfect for busy days and holidays. Short enough to be interesting but not too long when you're busy. I especially enjoyed Kathleen Y'Barbo's contribution.

Another wonderful collection from Barbour! I really enjoyed the stories, although I loved all of them, some stand out more than others with such amazing characters and relatable women.