My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho is such an endearing book. I really enjoyed reading it. I found it to be well written and engaging.

Rebecca Rice heads to Ruby City to marry a man she has been corresponding with named Theodore. When she arrives in Ruby City, she is met at the stagecoach by a man that she believes is Theodore. They get married and then she realizes she married Theodore's cousin, Tad. Tad had been corresponding with a lady with a very similar name and thought he was marrying her. To further complicate things, Tad is a deputy and Rebecca refuses to marry a deputy because her father was a lawman and he was killed. Tad and Rebecca decide to annul their marriage so that she can marry Theodore. While they wait for the Judge to come to town for the annulment, Rebecca begins to learn about the community and about Theodore. The problem is Theodore is not what she imagined and Tad is so attentive and kind. Both Tad and Rebecca believe strongly in abiding by commitments and Rebecca did commit herself to Theodore so no matter how she might feel about Tad, she is determined to marry Theodore.

Tad is busy trying to catch a gang of stagecoach robbers. These robbers robbed Rebecca's stagecoach while she was on her way to Ruby City. They have also taken many items from members of the community. He is also trying to determine what he wants for his future. He has plans of setting down roots in Ruby City but the city is moving and Tad has to decide whether he will move with the city or follow his dream. He also can't imagine that dream without Rebecca in it. Things change when God intervenes.

All of the "My Heart Belongs" books are great reads. They are packed with romance, action and suspense.

What a cute story. It was about Rebecca a mail order bride. On her wasy to get married the coach was held up.. They stolen some of her articles. When the Gang went off the coach made it to Ruby City. Her husband to be was not there and then when she say him and married him she married the wrong man. She married his cousin instead. She thought it was funny when they said his name Tad but thought they meant Ted. A cute story about a accidentally marriage. A Gang that holds up stage coaches and the people she meets in the town. Was this a accidentally marriage?

Loved this story, a real western romance, full of colorful characters, action, adventure and tangled relationships! The plot was interesting and moved quickly, with never a dull moment.

Set right after the Civil War, Idaho Territory in 1866 was a rough place to move to, but Rebecca is desperate and thinks she has found a solution to her difficult situation. Longing for a home of her own, she risks it all and takes a stagecoach to Ruby City all the way from Missouri. Only things get rough when the stage gets robbed just outside of town. If that wasn't hard enough, she somehow ends up marrying the wrong man once she steps off the stage! Things have a way of working out, as she realizes that God may have another reason for her being there, and that His plan may be a whole lot better than she thinks.

"He setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains." Psalm 68:6 KJV
It was inspiring to see Rebecca rise to the need of the people around her, overcoming her fears and insecurities, growing in faith, hope, trust, and eventually love. She has a big heart, showing grace and compassion to the "least of these", though sometimes she seems a bit misguided. The romantic entanglement is a complicated one, but boy does it sizzle finally--totally worth the wait!
Highly recommend to readers who enjoy historical Christian romances! Fans of Mary Connealy, Margaret Brownley, Karen Witemeyer, and Erica Vetsch will probably love this one. 4.5 stars

When I began to read this novel, I was almost prepared to dismiss it as a formulaic romance. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this novel takes a few detours along the formula line. While it does have a bit of a slow start, the pace of the plot picks up quite quickly. In a comedy of mistaken identities and a rush to the altar before everything is understood, Tad and Rebecca find themselves married, when Rebecca was supposed to marry Tad's cousin, Theodore. The animosity between Tad and Theodore adds to the comedy of errors.

Suzanne Dietze has contributed to several of Barbour Publishing's novella collections and I always find her writing entertaining and worth the time to read. This novel is no different. My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho, has all kinds of adventure, angst, and growth. Some of the characters have to overcome a prejudice and find the kindness within themselves. For that reason alone, the book is worth reading.

Five stars, two thumbs up, and a marriage to the right man.

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

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City Idaho by Susanne Dietze is a great read with a lot of storylines intertwined. The story is set in 1866 in the Idaho Territory.
Rebecca Rice’s parents and brother are deceased. Her brother Johnny has gone to California to seek his fortune leaving her on her own. Alone and being mistreated in her position as a housekeeper, Rebecca decides to become a mail order bride. Rebecca has answered Theodore Fordham’s letter asking her to marry him and is traveling to Ruby City. On the way, the stage is robbed by the “Gang of Four” who have been terrorizing the area for some time. They have been elusive to law enforcement who have been searching for them for quite some time. Rebecca arrives broke and bedraggled. Mr. Fordham comes running to meet the stage and his Rebekah Rhys who has been expected for days. They agree to be married right away as the Justice of the Peace is leaving town soon. Mr. Orr has a very strong southern accent so when he says Tad Rebecca thinks he means Ted and allows the ceremony to continue. After signing the marriage certificate, she learns he is a deputy sheriff. Her father was a sheriff and died in the line of duty; she would never consider marriage to a lawman. She is angry that he never told her and he insists he did. Uh oh! Things are starting to unravel already. They realize she is supposed to be marrying Tad’s cousin, Theodore. The judge is away and won’t be back for a month so they will have to wait for an annulment. Unfortunately, the cousins are not on good terms so Rebecca’s accidental marriage just adds to the animosity. How will they work this out? Who will support Rebecca? Will the gang be caught and Rebecca’s, and others, belongings returned?
There is quite a cast of unique characters who make up the town and become like family. I found them to be realistic and was rooting for them to get their desires and deal with their hurts and disappointments. I had a hard time putting this book down but it could not be read in sitting. The story lines moved at a good pace and were intertwined seamlessly. I give this book a 5 of 5 stars and highly recommend reading it.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

5 Stars! I loved everything about this books! The comedy of the mistaken identities, the drama between the main characters, the romance, and reconciliations. Rebecca finds herself married to the wrong cousin. In the month they must wait for the judge to come to town for their annulment many things happen. The Gang of Four is causing trouble. Rebecca finds herself very busy helping at the boarding house and the mercantile. She wonders about whether or not to remain engaged to Theodore while she's technically married to Tad. She also wonders why she can't help thinking of Tad in ways she shouldn't. When all is said and done, who will Rebecca give her heart to? There are many surprises, twists, and turns in this well-written book. I look forward to reading more from author Susanne Dietze.
If you like Erica Vetsch, Mary Connealy, Melissa Jagears or Karen Witemeyer, you will like this book.

Beautiful cover! This is the first book that I have read of this author. I so enjoyed this book. It was so fun to read about this mail order marriage and how things don't always go as we have planned!

The book is a really enjoyable read. I had a hard time putting it down. I will definitely watch for books from this engaging author again. Their is excitement, romance and I think a little humor in some ways as things start off on the wrong foot.

It's a great clean Christian read, the kind of book I like to recommend to my friends. Can't wait to read more of her books!

I received an e-book copy from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given. All thoughts are my own.

This book is magnificent. I call this a (WOW!) Book because it has everything in it I love. From being a western mail order bride, mixed-up names and gangsters, this novel is well-written and has a fantastic storyline. There were many twists and turns, but it was easy to read and I never had a problem keeping up.

I've never read a book by Author Susanne Dietze but I definitely recommend reading this book. I would love to read another book by this author.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

Firstly thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

I loved this book. It was a different mail order bride story. Rebecca arrives in Ruby city after being held up on the stage. She is a little shaken as they have taken her few items she owned. She is there to marry Theodore Fordham the local shopkeeper. This is where it gets interesting. When she arrives she is greeted by Mr Fordham and they get married but doesn't realise the judge is saying Tad not Ted as she thinks its his nickname. It is only after they are married and Theodore comes in the door do they realise what has happened. They decided to have an annulment but have to wait or the judge to come to Ruby City. Tad and Theodore are cousins who dislike each other which makes things interesting.

Rebecca wants to pull her weight while waiting and works out way to do this. She also never wanted to marry a lawman because her father had been one and been killed in the line of duty. Tad is a lawman and determined to catch the gang that had robbed the stage along with many other stages and people. We the mystery of who is in the gang and will they catch them.

I really loved how Rebecca cared for people in the community and loved people others didn't love. This is another good read if you enjoy historical fiction with a twist of mystery.

Rebecca Rice has married the wrong man. She is looking forward to a quiet life becoming the mail-order bride of Theodore Fordham a shopkeeper in Ruby City. But at the wedding when the justice of the peace calls him Thaddeus and deputy, Rebecca is furious and wants the marriage annulled immediately, because she has in fact married her intended's cousin instead. But the justice of the peace cannot annul marriages, so they must wait for the judge to come to town.

Rebecca's father was a lawman, so she wants nothing to do with being married to one. But as she get's to know Tad and Theodore better, she sees how different they are, and that maybe she has married the right man after all?

Rebecca tries to make the best that she can of an awkward situation, but is very upset at first with the mix-up. She befriends Theo's shop assistant "Corny" and helps her make a dress of her own. She tries to stay true to her promise, but everyone around her seems to think that Tad is the better man for her. I really liked Rebecca, she is outgoing and kind, she enjoys caring for others.

Tad is determined to catch the gang of four terrorizing their town. Shortly after marrying Rebecca, he get's a letter calling off his relationship with the woman he has been writing to, because she has married someone else. He is a very considerate man, he gives up his home for her, so Rebecca has a place to stay, and takes the time to get to know her. He admires her compassion for others, and does little things to help her.

This is a fun-filled read, with so many wonderful side characters. I loved it especially when Rebecca's brother Johnny comes to town, he thinks that it's great that Rebecca married Tad by accident. I liked the multiple side characters and their stories, this was a great read from beginning to end, full of action, humor, and romance! Highly recommend!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Loved the concept of this book right from the beginning, a mix-up of names and a quick mail order bride marriage. Um only to discover the wrong cousin married the wrong Rebecca, to funny, talk about not knowing one another before getting married.
We are in a Ruby City, Idaho, an old West mining town, and I had a feeling by the end of the book it would no longer exist, but have no fear, the next town was only a mile away, although it took hours to get there, at least it seemed to when there was an annulment on the horizon.
We all are quick to judge, and these people are no exception, but underneath are loving hearts, and Rebecca finds some that are about to become life long friends. Who couldn’t blame Corny not liking this pretty woman coming in to marry the man she seems to have her heart set on, so she acted like a scorned woman.
We have quite an assortment of characters in this small town, and your heart will go out to some of them, wish we could continue here, there are a lot more stories.
An enjoyable read from beginning to end and fun read, and one that will fly quickly as you page turn.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

What I Loved: From start to finish this book had captivated me. I ran across Dietze before through some of the novella collections I had read in the past, and her writing stood out to me. Not only was I thrilled to get my hands on her full-length novel, but I found it to be all that I had expected from her. I found characters that I enjoyed spending time with, as well as a charming supporting cast.
I read the entire book in two days and laughed the whole way through. It was the perfect light-hearted read that just hit the spot. I only wish I had the time to start it all back over again.

Rating and Recommendation: I’m giving My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho 5 stars. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, Christian comedy, or is looking for a delightful summer read.

~I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

After corresponding with a man named Theodore, she agrees to be his mail order bride. She is looking for security and not having to worry where her next meal is coming from. On the stagecoach to meet her intended it is robbed and some of her possessions are taken. A Mr. Fordham meets her as she arrives in town and marries her within an hour of her arrival. Only after her marriage does she realize she married the wrong man. She married Thaddeus Fordham,who is the cousin of Mr Theodore Fordham. Both men with very similar names were waiting for mail order brides with very similar names so this is how the mistake was made. After the marriage took place an annulment could not take place because the circuit preacher wouldn't be back in town for some time. Does she stay married to Tad or does the annulment take place and she marries Ted? I suggest you read this gem to find out for yourself.
I have really enjoyed every book in the My Heart Belongs series that I've read and this was no exception. What a humorous writing style Susanne Dietze has, I just love it. I can't wait to read more by her!
Pub Date 01 May 2017
Thank yo to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I thought that this was a wonderful, romantic historical fiction. At one point in the book the author mentions the stone, Jasper. The outside of the stone was dingy and not so pretty, but the inside was glorious. She relates this to people. This reminds me of Scripture, man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. Another part I loved in the book was when she talked about grace. The lead lady extends medical help to a "bad" guy in need. "Because I don't think the Lord is upset that I tended a man who didn't deserve it. That's what grace is. Who would I be if I don't extend some myself?". And the last quote I'll leave you with, "What had his mother said about her squabbles with Pa?. Better to let some steam out of the kettle than get burned when things boil over.". With these quotes and many more, this author paints a great story with words. You'll want to check this one out!!
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a predicament Rebecca finds herself in when she inadvertently marries a different Mr. Fordham than the one she's been corresponding with. The stagecoach was robbed during her trip to meet her future husband and her personal possessions were stolen, leaving her with nothing more than the clothes she was wearing. Needless to say she was very happy when her intended met her at the station and they could proceed with their wedding.
She soon realizes her mistake and meets the Mr. Fordham she's been corresponding with. The Fordham cousins, Tad and Ted do not a close relationship at all adding to the comedy of the story..
I found myself laughing while reading this book. The secondary characters were just as sweet and funny as the three main characters.
Of course, there are some bad guys, too. The Gang of Four are shady characters that wreak havoc on the town and keeps everyone on edge. The author managed to infuse humor in their storyline, too.

This is one of those books that I'll definitely read again at some point and one that I highly recommend to readers of clean, Christian fiction.

I received a copy through Netgalley and have given my honest opinion.

Being someone who doesn't really read much romance or historical fiction, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I'm glad I let others' reviews sway me into giving this a try! The Christian perspective here was a bonus - far from being cloying or overbearing, it is woven into the character of the protagonist, Rebecca. Through her example of service to others, selflessness, and assuming the best intentions, she allows God to work in the hearts of the people she meets in the wonderful mining town of Ruby, City. Throw in a Gang of Four subplot, and you have a wonderful background for a love story built on a case of mistaken identities. I have memories of watching Little House on the Prairie as a girl, and this really captured the same small town cast of characters for me. The prose isn't flowery or extravagant, so you really get caught up in the dialogue and the plot - kudos to the author for letting her characters shine through this way. I felt immersed in Ruby City as I read. You will really feel a part of this town and like you know the people!

Rebecca's Plight has action right from the beginning. From a hair-raising stagecoach hold-up to a case of mistaken identity, you won't be disappointed by this entertaining, light-hearted adventure!

I really enjoyed reading Rebecca's story. This is the second book in the "My Heart Belongs" collection and a delightful addition. Susanne Dietz has taken on the topic of a Mail-order bride, and breathed new life into this story premise. I have read (and enjoyed) several stories of mail-order brides, but Rebecca's Plight stands alone with a unique twist in the story where the bride marries the wrong groom.

This story has a something for anyone. Fans of Western stories will be thrilled by the action, and those looking for a light-hearted, clean christian romance will be equally delighted. I found myself cheering for Rebecca and fully engaged in her story. I’m happy to recommend this engaging, page-turning story.

To read my full review, visit me at: www.joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com

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This mail-order bride story may take place in the Old West, but the tale of mismatched and mistaken trumps the setting. Orphaned Rebecca Rice seeks a husband to provide for her, but the error upon her arrival may keep her from her dream. Cousins Tad and Theodore have been at odds. Now this “bride” adds fuel to their conflagration. I enjoyed the old-fashioned story and the development of the various characters, including the quirky ones. Oh, and a band of outlaws plays a role too. Reading such compelling fiction can offer insights into one’s own life, so it goes beyond mere entertainment. I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Y’all, I’m still grinning like a fool and all a’swoon over this latest novel from Susanne Dietze! I adore her humor and the way she crafts characters and romantic tension.

And boy there’s a lot of delicious tension in My Heart Belongs In Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca’s Plight! For starters, mail-order bride Rebecca Rice just married Thaddeus “Tad” Fordham. The problem? She’s actually supposed to marry Tad’s estranged cousin, Theodore Fordham. And Tad was looking for his intended bride, Rebekah Rhys, when he picked up Rebecca from the stagecoach. Oops!

Delightful humor ensues, as well as some heartfelt moments and stolen glances filled with longing. Because, you see, that “you may now kiss your bride” kiss was a doozy! And Tad and Rebecca aren’t quite recovered from it yet. Between the sparks that kick up in the air whenever those two are together, the way Theodore needs a good purse whomping, and the suspense revolving around the notorious Gang of Four who keep causing trouble …. this is a completely entertaining read on every level.

Bottom Line: Kisses, humor, great characters, a sweet and suspenseful plot (in turn), a hunky deputy, and a strong heroine. My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho has it all – and does it all well. With new novella or novel that I read by Susanne Dietze, she continues to be at the top of my list for historical romance. Read this latest one and you’ll see why!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho
By Susanne Dietze

Lovers of historical romance will be delighted with this engaging, heartwarming story from Susanne Dietze. Funny and uplifting, it will keep readers turning the pages to see what happens.
In the story, Rebecca Rice journeys by stage coach to Ruby City, where she will meet her intended for the first time. They have only written letters, as she is a mail order bride. When she arrives, the man she thinks she is to marry, Theodore, is running to meet her. They head off for an immediate marriage at the courthouse. Unfortunately, after the vows are said, she realizes she has married Thadeus, the town deputy, rather than his cousin. Tad, as he prefers to be known, was also waiting on a Rebekah from the stage and Theodore is his cousin. They immediately intend to set things right through an annulment so she can marry Theodore. They must wait an entire month though. During that month, as she tries to get to know Theodore, she realizes that maybe she did marry the right cousin. But, she would never be married to a lawman. She seeks stability and comfort. Tad can’t give her that, but his cousin can. Throughout robberies, gunshot wounds, and posse hunts, she struggles with her feelings and her determination to do what is right. Will she marry Theodore? Will she move on? What is the best choice? Readers will enjoy finding love along with Rebecca in this delightful story.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion from NetGalley.

I feel like I just time traveled back to the late 1800s in the Wild West. What wonderful writing and vivid details the author gave which helped me visualize Ruby City, Idaho. The town was filled with places like a mercantile, boardinghouse , and a sheriff. The people in the town were funny at times and devious at other times. I could see the dust as horses trotted by and women hurrying to buy meager supplies to feed their families.

Rebecca Rice has traveled to Ruby City to get married. It sure wasn't an easy stagecoach ride when something happens to shake her up. I loved her spunk and trust in the Lord. After arriving at her destination, a mixup happens and she marries the wrong man. Oh I laughed so hard when this happened. It takes her a bit to figure out her mistake. I guess when you have only corresponded with your future husband you are bound to misunderstand the name being said as you say I do.

I loved how Rebecca fit in with the townspeople and although she married the wrong man, she still honored her intention to fix her mistake. There is plenty of excitement in the town with an upcoming Fourth of July celebration and did I mention an outlaw gang may visit? I loved both of the gentleman who wanted Rebecca's hand in marriage. Will Rebecca get an annulment and marry the person she came to Ruby City to marry? What happens to the man she mistakenly married? This is a very enjoyable story that made me not want it to end. I was glued to the pages as Rebecca seeks love. Grab your copy of this adventure to the late 1800s where two men wait for their future bride only to find a woman who will changes many lives.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca’s Plight is the fourth book I’ve read in the My Heart Belongs series. I’ve only read a handful of mail order bride stories, so I don’t claim to know all the ins and outs of this genre, but I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

This story is a romance and western mix, decorated with wit, adventure, and faith. Rebecca Rice is an interesting character in search of security, yet finds herself in a mix-up that gives the story so much depth. And Thaddeus and Theodore are nicely developed as well.

I love how the author describes a scene, infuses the dialogue with humor, and plots (and subplots) out the storyline. She’s a talented writer who kept my interest throughout.

This is a light-hearted story that offers themes of courage, strength, and. My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho is an inspiring, quick, and clean read.

4 Stars


Cover: Okay
Title: Like
Pages: 256
Series: My Heart Belongs In series
Publisher: Barbour Books
ISBN: 978-1683220114
First Lines: The dimming afternoon sky outside the stagecoach window was thick with flat-topped clouds, but the reverberating crack was no clap of thunder. Rebecca Rice knew a rifle shot when she heard it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing (and NetGalley) and was under no obligation to post a review.

My Heart Belongs In Ruby City, Idaho is about love and wanting to be loved, falling in love, trusting, mistaken identity, and learning where love comes from - the heart. This book is abounding in love, bustling in the brides by mail order business, chivalry in how Tad stands up for his wife, defenseless when Rebecca got robbed on the train, embarrassed when Tad and Rebecca realize they married the wrong person - Rebecca was suppose to marry Tad's cousin Theodore - Will Tad and Rebecca stay married? Will they fall in love? Will Theodore get involved? What serious and I do mean serious problems do the notorious gang of four cause our characters? This book is amazing, touching and so so good and I love it and so will you.....

This was such a good book! I really loved Tad's character. Theodore, on the other hand was very frustrating and I was glad for all the little delays that kept things going with Tad a little while longer. I was very gratified to see how Rebecca gently learned to trust over the course of the book. She realized the men's motivations for taking certain risks, especially as she herself took risks to help others. Overall this was a very gratifying book!

Thanks to my fondness of all things Idaho, this book cover immediately caught my attention! I couldn't resist this unique spin on one of my favorite romance tropes, the marriage of convenience (and a mail order bride to boot, yes!)

From the bumpy stagecoach ride to marital misstep, Rebecca Rice has a rough road to travel. Her past is littered with hardships and heartache yet she has a generous and compassionate heart. Rebecca is downtrodden yet not broken and I found myself eagerly cheering her on and sometimes coaching her along (although she didn't much listen to me)!

For the sake of protecting your reader eyes against spoilers (no one likes those pesky things!), I'll just say Deputy Thaddeus Fordham is an honorable man and I like him very much! The author filled Ruby City with all sorts of colorful characters and saturated every aspect of the story with an excellent "old west" vibe.

Although it might sound far-fetched from the blurb, this story unravels fluidly from Chapter One and has a great blend of romance, adventure, humor, and faith elements. I will definitely be on the lookout for more titles from Susanne Dietze!

I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

The premise for this story is such fun and so creative, as is the setting in Idaho in the old west. The characters are so carefully crafted that I could envision them clearly and felt I knew them. I enjoyed Rebecca’s take-charge attitude and the way she looked at her problems and solved them the best way she knew how. The delightful humor and plot twists and turns added to my enjoyment of the story. I will definitely be looking forward to more stories from Susanne Dietze.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinion are my own.

I am really enjoying this new series, My Heart Belongs. It reminds me of the Love Finds Me series from a couple of years ago.
I live in Idaho, and I have heard about Ruby City, never been. This was not only a sweet romance, it told the history of Ruby City, Idaho which I really enjoyed.

This was such a fun book to read! The mix up in the beginning was written in a humorous and believable way. I loved getting to know the characters and to see how everything would work out. I grew up in Boise, Idaho, and there aren't many books that take place in my home state so this was a real treat for me. I loved the historical aspect that the author included in this novel and I look forward to reading more.