Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. One of my favorite genres has always been the 1800's Christian Fiction. This book didn't disappoint. "Jack" has just lost her dad and she's taken over his Pony Express and stagecoach station, when two strangers show up needing lodging for 2 different reasons. This book had a few twists and turns but not so many that you couldn't follow along. I appreciated that the characters had a tangible Christian faith that wasn't just mentioned in passing. The author did a good job of portraying fallen people in need of Jesus and how to become a Christian.

I have been reading this series from the start and really enjoying it. This one came out a few months ago, *coughs* ok maybe more than a few. I had received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and life became a little crazy and different than I thought it would be. So I had books that I'd agreed to review and some fell through the cracks. Like this one. It wasn't purposeful, just life. So here I am trying to go through and read and enjoy these books that slipped through the cracks. I picked this one up this morning thinking that I have a couple quiet hours that I could read/skim it and write a review on some of my thoughts. Y'all, I'm here to tell you that I was completely sucked into the story. Completely! The prologue...oh my heavens! It caught me, hook, line and sinker! And yep, I was sunk.

I've always loved the idea of the Pony Express. Growing up I'd lived close by the route that the riders would follow and it intrigued me. So when I saw that this series was doing a Pony Express story you better believe I was excited. Then, like I said, it fell through the cracks. But I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading and learning more about the way the stations ran. It was a great way to enjoy and learn more about history all while having a mystery surrounding the characters and storyline.

I'm not going to give anything away by talking about the characters because I know I would. Just know that there is suspense, murder, mayhem, mystery, mistaken/hidden identities, heartaches, mistakes, friendship, forgiveness, love, and much more within these pages. I loved it! I couldn't read it fast enough.

If you haven't read any of the books in this series (I believe there are 11 out right now with a 12th one soon to be released) no worries. You can read them in order or just pick one or two to enjoy. And this would be the one I would suggest you read if you haven't read any and just want one. Especially if you're interested in the Pony Express.

Content: Clean. There are moments of peril and suspense and a couple murders but they are not graphic. No swearing and just a chaste kiss. This is a Christian Fiction novel so the characters do talk about God and church. They hold church services and pray and talk about being saved by Jesus.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

This story was written in the third person but more speicifically third person omnscient. The major conflicts are both internal and external as characters battle themselves, other characters, society and nature. The popular themes include captialism, change of power, death, empowerment, female roles, greed as downfall, lost love, quest for discovery, will to survive and working class struggles.

Jacqueline Rivers has only known the life her father has left her working at the Pony Express Station in Utah, now with his death she is lost. She is a strong character who is not afraid to take on more roles than would traditionally be hers but at the same time does have fears about her role and doing what is right for all those who rely on her. Elijiah Johnson is all about helping his boss see through his demons. That means starting to look for his lost child and former wife, with his boss ill, he is determine to help to elder man fight for something. He does not know a lot about the this new area but finds himself having a hard time commmiting to his journey once he meets Miss Rivers. This story is goes through the adventure of Elijiah Johnson meeting Miss Rivers and works along side her to discover his boss's missing child and to help Miss Rivers keep her stationhouse open and take down a counterfit opeartion. All while attempting to stay alive and complete his orginal task.

The ideas are original in the sense they attempt to take on society roles for women back in the day. The voice is strong as each character has a unqiue type of communicating to one another. The flow is organized and the sentence structure helps to enhance the overall story. Yes, I would recommend this book. This is a good recommendation for those insterested in historical reads, intersted in the mails systems back in 1860 or looking for light hearted read. This is not a good recommendation for those looking for lots of action, lusty love scenes or looking for a tale mixing modern day times and olden times.

Ms. Woodhouse has written another awesome book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. In this book, Ms. Woodhouse has entwined a wonderful story along with the Pony Express. Jacqueline Rivers ("Jack") manages an Express station that was originally managed by her father who has passed away. Marshall Rivers is the only father she has known until circumstances, and a young man named Elijah, come waltzing into her life. Jack finds herself in new territory when she becomes enamoured by this young man and he so to her. When forged Treasury notes come into play and some weird happenings, things get a little dicey at the station. Charles Vines is a sinner who has found the Lord and now he wants to find his daughter. As events come together, new bonds are formed and surprises amast. Loved this historical fiction read!

Jacqueline Rivers, better known as Jack, is the new unofficial manager of the Carson Sink Pony Express station in Utah. Unofficial, because she’s inherited the station from her father and the owners of the Express might not take be keen on having a female as a station manager. But she’s determined to keep her father’s business going. She’s a great character—intelligent and hardworking, and not afraid to stand up for herself.

Elijah Johnson visits Carson Sink on a mission for his employer—to find his long-lost daughter. He has almost no clues, not even a name, but Carson Sink is a Pony Express station which at least means he can communicate with his boss. The Express in the title is the Pony Express, which ran from Missouri to California between March 1860 and October 1861 (when the completed telegraph rendered the Pony Express obsolete).

I’ve never read any novels about the Pony Express before. It’s hard to imagine living in a tiny town with only two women, and no shop other than a blacksmith—a necessity for a Pony Express station.

I thought the novel was excellent. It’s the perfect mix of romance and suspense, set against a fascinating historical background. The writing is solid, the plot works well, and the characters are both intriguing and likeable. The Express Bride is part of The Daughters of the Mayflower, a multi-author series set in a range of different time periods. This is the first book I’ve read in the series, and it definitely worked as a standalone novel.

Recommended for fans of Christian historical fiction with a western setting.

Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

The Daughters of Mayflower is a fun series as each book goes thru a different historical period. I have read every book in the series so far and really enjoyed each one. I had never read any books about the pony express. So this was a really fascinating book for me. The Express Bride was filled with history. But it also it included romance and suspense. This book got my attention from the first page to the last. This is the 4th book I have read from Kimberly Woodhouse. And I guarantee it wont be the last. It is obvious she puts a lot of time into research. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All comments expressed are my own.

The Express Bride is written by Kimberley Woodhouse, and is part of The Daughters of the Mayflower series. It is not necessary to have read any of the previous books in this series, but I have read a few, and found them to be very enjoyable.
Summary: Jacqueline Rivers is in a precarious position. With the sudden death of her father, she has been flung into the primary role of keeping their Pony Express stop running without a hitch. She loves the job and the crew, but isn’t sure just how pleased the owners will be once they discover a woman has been left in charge. Will she be able to keep the only job and family she has ever known?
Elijah Johnson is on a delicate mission for his boss and mentor. He has been tasked with the almost impossible mission of tracking down his mentor’s missing daughter-one that neither of them have ever met, and don’t really have an idea of where she could be. Will Elijah be able to discover the clues that will lead him to the missing girl?
My Thoughts: I found this book to be fascinating. It contains such an interesting perspective of what a Pony Express station could look like-something I had never really thought about previously. I really enjoyed the plot to this book too-very different than anything I had previously read, and subsequently, very interesting.
This is a great book-especially if you like books set in the old west, with quite a bit of history thrown in-and a mystery to boot. I enjoyed this book very much, and would read it again-something I don’t often say.
I would like to thank Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

I received an ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.

The year is 1860 the country has been in conflict by some time now and the war seems imminent, Kimberley Woodhouse did a great job recreating the life of a home station. So, we have heard a Jacqueline Rivers, her father has recently died and even do she is a woman and single wants to keep work for the Pony express. And she is afraid that due to the fact she has no family, and also single, she lies so she can keep her work. And the other hand we have a man who is looking for a way to make restitution, but in order to do this he needs help and this point of the story we meet came Elijah he wants to help his boss to accomplish his goal. What I like about Kimberly Woodhouse is how well balanced they are, we have the historical details that gave life to the story, the main characters, with their flaws, guilt and struggles make them more relatable. We see how the theme of forgiveness is all around the book, the letters from Jackie's mom are important and we can see how a second chance changes a life. We even have a villain, an interesting addition that adds a bit of extra to the story. Love happens and life is restored. If you like good Christian historical fiction books, this book is a great choice.

The Express Bride, # 9 Daughters of the Mayflower by Kimberley Woodhouse, is yet another slice of life in American history and women’s roles in it. This era, lasting only a year and a half, was nevertheless a very important part of our country’s history. Woodhouse incorporates an engrossing story of a millionaire seeking a long- lost family with that of a female express station operator. The story flows smoothly, employing romance, faith, and mystery as it serves a memorable history lesson on this time long past. I especially loved the mystery thread.
Well- done, Ms. Woodhouse!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion for which I am solely responsible.

Another amazing installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower Series! This book is one of my favorites. Fascinating details about the Pony Express and some twists and turns but most of all what an amazing story of God changing lives! Enjoy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

The Express Bride
by Kimberley Woodhouse
I was Unable to read this on my nook, they program would not allow it

Elijah Johnson is worried about his partner/friend who is in declining health. Jaqueline (Jack) Rivers is mourning the loss of her father and running the stage/pony express station in the Utah Territory. When a secret is revealed a journey begins. Can he find his friend's family before its too late? Will she be the person he's looking for? Each are brought into a area mystery. Will they come together or will secrets tare them apart?

Elijah is leary of finding love and a relationship because of his past. A family who is wealthy and care more about their social standing has influenced his life. When his partner reveals a troubled past to him. Elijah goes on a journey to find the man's missing family. Jack is busy running the stage and pony express station that her father owned. Wanting to continue she writes a letter to the company using the nickname her father used for her. She feels guilty about it after sending the letter. When the stage arrives with Elijah and another man who are going to stay a few days at the station she makes them welcome. She's immediately intrigued by Elijah. Jack has occasionally thought about what it would be like to leave her home, but loves the residents of the tiny town. As Elijah gets to know Jack he suspects that she is the woman he's looking for. The other guest is with the government and on the trail of counterfeiters. He a Deputy of the Secretary of the Treasury. He asks Jack and Elijah separately to check out the local area for counterfeit bonds, but to keep it a secret and not tell anyone. Elijah witnesses a murder. Jack isn't having an luck finding any evidence. Jack helps Elijah with his investigation into his missing partner's family. As they spend time together the attraction on both sides grows. He's leary of his feelings because of his past experience. He's impressed with how Jack runs the station. Jack must take care of Elijah when he's injured and becomes sick. She realizes that she's fallen in love with him. A trip to town has Jack witnessing a murder as she goes past an abandoned building. The head of the counterfeiters thinks he's too smart to be caught and gets rid of anyone connected with him including his own nephew. The man from the Treasury comes and goes trying to capture the counterfeiters. Elijah is pretty sure that Jack is the young woman he's been looking for. Jack asks for Elijah's help to figure out the mystery her father left behind. An outing to the local lake by the whole town has Elijah saving Jack's adopted brothers life when he accidentally falls in. Elijah send a letter to his partner. Jack realizes the secret her father has been keeping from her. Elijah receives mail while he's unconscious. Jack sees a painting of her mother and figures out her real past. Elijah explains what happened in the past. The station is closed when evidence of her father's involvement in the counterfeit ring comes to light. Jack is lost without her boys around. His partner receives his letter about his suspicions and heads to the Utah Territory. A family is reunited. Elijah and Jack reveal their feelings for each other. He asks her adopted brother permission to marry Jack. Jack wants to visit her mother's family in California. The station reopens once the leader of the counterfeiters is apprehended. A wedding takes place with an interruption.

Kimberly Woodhouse continues the Daughter's of the Mayflower series with The Express Bride. She brings together a young woman who is mostly alone in the world with a young man who because of past events is leary of getting involved again. She must realize her past isn't what she thought and he must over come the past to find love. All the while keeping the secret of helping to find counterfeiters. She connects this book with last Daughter's of the Mayflower book written by her The Golden Bride.
A historical love story with a hint of danger and long last family reunited. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

This book featured Jacqueline (Jack) Rivers who is left to run a Pony Express Station in Utah Territory after her father's death. While taking care of the boys who pass through the station with the mail, she also takes on boarders. Two of these boarders arrive at the same time. One of them, Mr. Crowell, asks her to help investigate a counterfeiting scheme. The other boarder is Elijah Johnson. He hopes that Jacqueline has information in the station's log books which will help to locate his boss's missing daughter. By helping these two men, Jacqueline puts not only herself at risk but others at the station too. She will discover things about her family's history that she never even imagined to be true.

I didn't care for this book as much as the other books in the series because it was too predictable. I also had a hard time getting into the whole counterfeiting scheme plot line. The plus side of the book was that I learned how the short lived Pony Express stations worked. You can always count on putting down a Daughter of the Mayflower series book and leaving it with a few morsels of America history left inside of you to digest. Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. As always, all thoughts expressed in this review are my honest opinions of the book.

A man looking for his missing wife and daughter, chased away by his terrible choices. A young woman finding her place after her father dies. This book combines mystery, danger, history, and God's grace into a story worth staying up late to read. Jack wants to keep her business running and family together after the death of her father. She never expects to find so much more the day the stage coach drops off two finely dressed men at her stop. One man is looking for the daughter his partner and mentor lost 26 years earlier to terrible choices. The other has a dangerous mystery and enlists Jack to help him solve it. Amidst the danger and questions, love starts to grow. They have a family made up by choice and not blood, with the Pony Express riders joining the station master (Jack) in a close family group that stands the tests each day brings.
I love stories that give me glimpses into history. While enjoying this story, you also get information on the Pony Express and how it operated. The characters are believable and fitting to the time period represented in the book. The characters have both strengths and flaws that make them intriguing and believable. They all wrap together to make a book I had trouble putting down. Kimberley Woodhouse has done a fantastic job with her research of past days. The mystery adds a different level that keeps the story moving, looking for the final answer. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was received as an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc. - Barbour Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Our library is vaguely familiar with the Daughters of Mayflower series being fanatics of Christian Fiction and have read a the first few in the series. Also I was particularly peaked at the fact that Jacqueline runs a horse company and our community even if it is only partly in a novel are huge fans of horse stories. Then they sneak in romance with the introduction of Elijah that just seems to be "passing through" in a mission on his own and meets Jacqueline and she is not sure what to think of him and whether or not she can trust him with all the baggage of secrets that she is hiding. Such a addicting book that will not want to make you stop reading.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Another interesting story in the series. The Pony Express and stage coach stop makes a dramatic story. Add in that a woman runs the stop makes the story that much more intriguing. The author pulled so many topics such as forgeries and spousal abuse to keep me turning the page. Jack was certainly a dynamic central figure. The book was a story that held my interest and I liked it.

Great story by a wonderful author. Thank you Kimberly for providing great books.Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read such wonderful readers.

This was my first book in the daughters of the Mayflower series and also a first by the author but definitely I'd be reading more. I enjoyed every minute of this story and the ride it took me on. I love how the author was able to weave in history with a particularly wonderful story and not lose my attention.
Jack/Jackie was my favourite character, I love how she handled everything that came her way with grace even the hard parts like finding out about her real dad. I love the elements of forgiveness that was weaved into the whole story. God's forgiveness has been made available to all of us so we should also extend it to others too.
The side story of the treasury notes was exciting too.
It was one thrilling ride and I'd definitely be looking forward to more from the author and this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley and was in no way required to give a positive review. All the thoughts expressed are mine.

In the Express Bride, readers are exposed to the Pony Express and what life was like for those that ran stations and rode circuits. This was all fascinating and the author's note at the end added even more detail about this unique (and brief) time in U.S. History.

There were a couple of events in the storyline that seemed a bit convenient or forced for the plot. Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.

This is a fun story about a female named Jack who took over running her father’s Pony Express station when her father died. The Pony Express powers that be do not know that Jack is a female and she is reluctant to enlighten them. Meanwhile, Elijah Johnson, a traveler from back East arrives in search of a missing person. They both get pulled into an investigation by a government man trying to catch counterfeiters. It is a very involved story with interesting twists and turns. It makes for late nights reading “one more chapter.”

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.