The Mail-Order Brides Collection

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.

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.

Disclosure statement:
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.

I requested a NetGalley e-galley of this collection based on the title, having only previously read a few novellas by two of the nine authors, Kathleen Y'Barbo and Jennifer Uhlarik. That said, I particularly enjoy an unexpected element in my mail-order bride reads and these novellas did not disappoint.

Chance meetings, deceptions, and unexpected complications are just a few of the obstacles that the hopeful couples encounter, not to mention a few interfering, disagreeable relatives. The heroines are relatable and the heroes are adorable, even when they are getting in the way of their own happiness.

I enjoyed every little twist, turn, and wrinkle in this set of novellas. Each story was interesting, entertaining, a bit uplifting (eventually) and I would gladly read more by any of these authors. My favorites were those with outlaws, cowboys, and colonels. Which of those might actually be Pinkerton agents in disguise, along with which mail-order bride is eager to become "deputized," I leave for you to discover. If you enjoy a good historical romance, this collection will be well worth your time.

Highly recommended. I think at this point I would need to reread all of my "favorite" novella collections from Barbour to make an accurate judgment, but for now I'll just say it - I think this is one of my favorites.

This review refers to an e-galley read courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Collection of sweet stories that centre around the theme of mail ordered brides. Not an uncommon thing to happen in the past each of the couples find themselves in different situations. From marriages of convenience to cases of mistaken identity each story will captivate the readers attention. I discovered a lot of different authors that I would love to discover more about. With 9 different authors it was interesting to see how each story would turn out and none of them disappointed. There were also lessons to learn and things to reflect on. For those who love history and are interested in some uncommon love stories I highly recommend this book.

Another great collection by Barbour. Though you don't get to spend as much time with the characters as with novels, these novellas make up for it in variety. Even though each collection has a distinct common thread or theme, it amazes me how different the stories can be. My favorite thing about this collection is that in a culture of marriages being made and broken on the whims of love, this collection had a wonderful old fashioned commitment to stick it out and trust God to grow the love. Back when someones commitment made to God was treated like a commitment made to God! So refreshing :) Enjoyable reads! Though the outlaw groom and proxy wedding were two of my favorites!

I really enjoyed this collection! I love a good mail order bride story and this one was full of them!! All the authors were new to me, I love reading collection with new to me authors cause it helps me find new authors to stalk lol. I honestly don't know which of the stories would be my favorite I loved them all!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

While I won’t take time to comment on each individual story (there are NINE of them after all and novellas are so easy to spoil), there are plenty of wild west adventures to go around! I was pleased to discover many of the stories have important lessons to impart to readers in addition to the happily ever after entertainment factor. These big juicy collections from Barbour are always a great place to meet new-to-you authors and I found a few here!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I normally don't read about mail order brides but wanted to try something different. This book has several authors and each story was great. Each bride has a different situation in their life that brings them to the decision to become a mail order bride. Some were trying to escape circumstances beyond their control and some were trying to start over after losing husbands. They were all very brave to take the chance on a man most had not seen, much less met. Look forward to reading these authors again.

You've got to hand it to the authors in this romance collection. The stories in this collection were just plain FUN to read. Some actually made me laugh out loud! Some of the story lines were different and original and this added to their appeal! I love the variety that different authors add to this collection, after all more than one perspective in a situation makes for an entertaining read!
Absolutely LOVE the Barbour Collections and will continue to read them all!
Pub Date 01 Feb 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Mail-Order Brides Collection Is 9 novellus that is full of twists and turns. There is complications, achievements, entertainment and hard times. You have antagonists and protagonists. There is warmth and harshness. There is hard times and good times. It has everything that you could ever ask for. You will enjoy this book more than you have enjoyed any other that has come before it. It is so much fun and it piqued my interests from the get go and if you that is something you are looking for this then this is for you.

This book was so much fun to read! All mail order brides did not prove to be what either the bride or groom expected. It was interesting to see how each author portrayed their characters and the outcome of their marriage. This piece of history is often missed. Highly recommended!

I loved all the different novellas in this collection. I read a review that said to "skip the first two" I disagree.
I thought Perfect for the Preacher was adorable!
So many twists and turns and surprises throughout.
I highly recommend this book to those that love Mail-Order-Bride stories.

From the beautiful cover to the premise of the book, it got me hooked from the start. There are 9 historical romance short stories in this book and each one holds its own unique intrigue. I just love when I’m reading and I can tell that the author, in this case, the authors, are putting their heart into it. This is a historical romance and with it comes wild west adventures. There are hills and valleys, romance, laughing-out-loud moments, and it kept me reading. Check it out.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.