Undercover Bride

Undercover Bride by Margaret Brownley kept me engaged throughout the story.

Margaret "Maggie" Taylor is a Pinkerton detective sent undercover as a mail-order bride with Garrett Thomas who is believed to be a robber and murderer in the Whistle-Stop train robbery.

Maggie cannot find evidence against Garrett but does find herself falling into a happy domestic life with him and his two children. After getting to know him, she doesn't believe he is their criminal. But, her partner pushes her to continue to search.

When she finds something that could get Garrett hung, she must make a major decision that will impact an entire family. The family she has come to love.

Ms. Brownley crafted a story that keeps you turning pages because you need to know how things will unfold. The characters were well-developed and you felt their love and pain. This is a one-click must!

Undercover Bride is an entertaining read filled with humor, mystery, and surprising plot twists.

I was not grabbed straight away with the story. But once I read more about Maggie and why she was there as a mail order bride I was hooked. Maggie is an undercover agent looking in to a train robbery. Enter Garrett Thomas he is a prisoner of war who is looking for a new wife & step mother for his two children. She gets to spend time with the children & Garrett and she realises that Garrett could never had robbed that train and killed a man. She gets to meet the people of the town and she learns a lot about them and what standing that Garrett has in the town. Can she prove that he is innocent even though she can't prove it yet. Can Garrett ever forgive her for lying to him and hurting his children as they have all come to love her. Can she prove to Garrett that he loves him and that it is no longer just a job. I did not see the two person as the robber surprise. I loved that the story pulled you into their world and made you believe that people do deserve second chances

If you enjoy the old west, suspense and some romance then this book is for you!  We met Maggie Cartwright who is a Pinkerton detective and her next case is going to be an easy one to solve or is it?  I could say more but I don't want to give any of it away.  All I will say it is a MUST read!

I freely admit that I love to read Historical Fiction involving mail order brides.  Now I think I might have a definite liking for tales of Pinkerton detectives as well, especially female Pinkerton detectives.

Undercover Bride involves both.  Maggie Taylor is a Pinkerton operative, undercover as a mail order bride for a suspected "Whistle Stop Bandit," Garrett Thomas.  Maggie doesn't make the best first impression on arriving, and the hotel is somehow full, so she stays in Garrett's home despite his misgivings about her suitability.  Expecting a psychopath, instead she finds a handsome, doting father of two.

Garret is a tinker and a survivor of the Battle of Gettysburg and the horrors of Andersonville Prison, a time he prefers not to speak of.  Maggie has a past that she prefers not to speak of as well, even if it wouldn't blow her cover as an innocent farm girl from a good family.  But it goes a long way to explain her motivation to be a successful detective.

Is Garrett a train robber, why are hundred dollar bills from the robbery suddenly appearing around town, and was his wife's death an accident?  As Maggie investigates, the reader is treated to an interesting cast of characters, including Maggie's master-of-disguise partner.  Garrett's children are catalysts for some important pieces of the plot, and his hypochondriac Aunt Hetty (who reminded me of my grandmother) helps increase the stakes as she pushes the wedding planning along.

Undercover Bride succeeds both as a romance and a light mystery story.  There is enough tension and suspense to keep the readers interest.  Maggie's difficulties in keeping to her role and staying professionally unattracted to the subject of her investigation, were well done as were the dropping in of small, but important, bits of information along the way.  As the mystery is slowly unraveled, the pieces fall into place for the reader.

There is a sweetness to the scenes where Maggie teaches the children to pray, and great humor when she takes them to church.  But Maggie as the person of greater faith did not add up in my mind.  It made sense that Garrett's distaste for religion stemmed from his experiences at Andersonville, but the roots of Maggie's faith weren't evident (or I missed them) and this didn't seem to mesh with her background in my mind.  This, and Maggie somehow being able to cook wonderful meals based on just a few lessons and one cookbook, were the only things that gave me pause in my reading.

This is the second book in Margaret Brownley's Undercover Ladies series, and I enjoyed it enough that I am going to read the first book, Petticoat Detective soon.  More Pinkerton lady detectives?  Yes, please!  I just hope that I enjoy it as much.

Recommended for fans of clean historical romance and mysteries set in 1880's Arizona Territory, mischievous boys, handsome Civil War veterans, mail order brides and Pinkerton detectives.  Or if you just want to learn why everyone (according to 5 year old Elise) who eats cornbread dies.

Undercover Bride is what you would expect from Margaret Brownley. I just love her books and this one is no exception. I love Maggie and how she was a Pinkerton detective. When she and Garrett interacted with one another was pure fun. And those kids of his were a perfect addition to the story.

Highly recommended.

Five stars.

The Undercover Bride is an intriguing book about theft, deception, love, and danger. I was quickly drawn in and HAD to find out how it would end which involved some late night reading. The characters are engaging and loveable. I enjoyed reading the mystery unfold.

Once again, I have jumped into the middle of a series, but once again, it doesn't really matter. The characters stand alone and the reader does not feel that she is missing something. 

Maggie Cartwright, aka Maggie Taylor is Garrett Thomas' mail order bride, but in reality, Maggie is a Pinkerton agent out to prove that Garrett was the Whistle-Stop Bandit. Once Maggie meets Garrett, she begins to doubt that Garrett actually WAS the Bandit. Still it's her job to find the evidence to prove the charges one way or the other. In the meantime, Maggie falls in love with Garrett's two children, and then falls in love with Garrett himself. 

While Margaret Brownley did follow the accepted romance formula, she did it in a most entertaining way. Her books are always marked with humor and light-heartedness and this one is no different. 

Maggie has had to take on many roles in her job as a Pinkerton, but she's never really learned the homemaking arts--especially the essentials like cooking, so she hides her discrepancies as best as she can. She uses a cookbook but she doesn't let anyone else know about it by hiding it after she uses it. 

I have loved every one of Margaret Brownley's books that I've read. I recommend this one to anyone who likes light-hearted historical romance. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a Pinkerton Agent who'll find all your secrets. 

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

Maggie finds herself doing more than her job when she goes undercover and Arizona.  She poses as a mail-order bride so she can get closer to the suspect, but soon finds herself falling not only for his family, but him as well.  She realizes that she has to figure out what is really going on before she finds herself too involved.
     I really liked how Maggie was able to stick to what she believed in and her job, but was able too, to realize that things aren't always what they seem to be.  She was able to look beyond the obvious and follow her instincts.        I received a copy of this book free to review.

This is the 2nd book in a series and occurs after the Civil War. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Maggie Thomas is a Pinkerton Detective Agent under orders to either prove or disprove Garrett Thomas, father to Elise and Toby, is the Whistle Stop Bandit;  while appearing as a delicate, charming, unassuming, ladylike mail-order bride Garrett ordered. This is a little hard to accomplish for out spoken, opinionated, independent Maggie. Humor ensues, as Maggie chases a thief at the depot, Garrett wonders what he has gotten into, and his hypochondriac Aunt Hetty meets them at the ranch with the Reverend ready for the ceremony.  Garrett and Maggie definitely nix that idea.  Aunt Hetty railroads them into a June wedding date. All the above happens just in the first 3 chapters.  The author has a great sense of humor.  I laughed and laughed at Toby’s antics in church and the near riot it caused.  The Lord truly works in mysterious ways.
As Maggie and Garrett bond, she is conflicted, on one hand she is a Pinkerton agent, sent to trap Garrett, on the other she is coming to love Garret, and doubts his involvement.  I could feel the tension of falling in love and investigating Garrett. .  Maggie has a deep faith in God and prayer. Garrett has lost his faith after release from Andersonville Prison at the end of the Civil war.
The story plot and pace was very good, I could not wait to see what would happen next. Just when I thought I knew who was guilty, alas it was not.   As this book has Christian values I would classify it has a Christian western romance, but not preachy nor does the author sermonize. Mystery, romance, humor and Christian values. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a clean western romance.
I received this book from Net Galley/Barbour Publishing in return for my honest opinion.

Maggie is a Pinkerton Detective sent to investigate the Whistle-Stop train robbery. The main suspect is Garrett Thomas, who has recently placed an ad for a mail-order bride. Maggie answers that ad, and moves into his home, making it easier for her to search for the money. But as she get's to know Garrett and his children she begins to question her suspicions...

I loved Garrett's children, Ellie and Toby, who quickly fall in love with Maggie, and she with them. Garrett is very gentle but firm with his children, and it is his close relationship with his children that makes Maggie question her suspicions.

I also really liked Rikker, Maggie's partner, and how he is constantly there is help her, and coming up with all kinds of hilarious disguises!

I loved this book from the terrific primary and secondary characters, to their interaction and how Maggie relies on her faith throughout. Fast-paced, adventure with the perfect blend of great characters, humor, mystery, faith, adventure, this is probably my favorite book from this author, Ms. Brownley has a winner on her hands!

Overall, a fantastic read and one of my favorites of this year so far, 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."

Undercover Bride is the second book in Margaret Brownley's Undercover Ladies series. It's the first book I've read by Ms. Brownley, but won't be the last. 

Widower Garrett Thomas is looking for a bride to help him raise his two children. Maggie Cartwright is looking to arrest Garrett as the Whistle Stop train robber---a thief and murderer. Neither are looking for love.

I'm a patsy for plucky heroines living unusual lives, and I think a woman Pinkerton detective makes for an unusual life. Sent undercover to find evidence of Garrett's guilt, preferably the stolen money, Maggie poses as a mail order bride to gain his trust. It isn't long before she asks herself how a man like her "fiancé," who is raising two wonderful children, could be guilty of such a heinous crime.

Of course, a story from the author whose tag line is "Love and Laughter in the Old West" could not be complete without a quirky character or two. Garrett's Aunt Hetty takes on that role with her hypochondria.

  "Don't tell me you're planning your funeral again," Garrett said wryly, bracing himself for her usual long and tiresome list of physical complaints, or what he called her 'organ recital.'   Garrett has turned his back on God after "church people" turned their backs on him while he was a prisoner in Andersonville. Maggie embraces God, but can't forgive her father for the things he did in life. Underlying themes in the novel include unforgiveness, greed, betrayal, and bitterness. 

Most of the story is told from Maggie's point of view. I would have liked to have seen a little more romantic interaction between Garrett and Maggie prior to the climax, but the way in which the game of chess was used was brilliant. 

So if you enjoy a lighthearted, western-style mystery/romance, undergirded with deeper elements, I think Undercover Bride will suit your fancy. (In my opinion, the funniest part in the book involved the miracle in the church, but you'll have to read that for yourself!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: This book came to me free from the publisher, Shiloh Run Press, with the hope that I would mention it on this blog. There was no requirement for me to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Title: UNDERCOVER BRIDE Author: Margaret Brownley 		
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press  June 2015 ISBN 978-1628366273 Genre: Historical romantic suspense Series: Undercover Ladies book 2

Pinkerton detective Maggie Cartwright is tasked with going undercover as a mail order bride. Her “fiancé” is widower Garrett Thomas, aka the suspected Whistle-Stop Bandit. 

No sooner does Maggie arrive in Arizona Territory when she’s confronted with an early wedding date—the clock is ticking on her detective work or she may end up a criminal’s wife! 

As the day of the wedding draws near, Maggie begins to panic. The problem is that the more she gets to know Garrett and his two adorable children, the harder it is to keep up the deception. 

Can a man as kind and gentle as Garrett really be the Whistle-Stop Bandit?

I picked up UNDERCOVER BRIDE one evening when I wanted to read just a little before I went to bed. I didn’t read just a little! I was caught  up instantly in the story and couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters in the story and identifying them. I laughed about the church miracle, and everyone knows somebody like Aunt Hettie. 

Even though UNDERCOVER BRIDE is the second book in the series, it easily stands alone. Fans will want to read Petticoat Detective though, just so they don’t miss a single one of Ms. Brownley’s books. She is one of my favorite historical authors.  

Fans of Ms. Brownley will enjoy reading this story. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series later this year. Recommended to fans of historical romance or historical romantic suspense. 

5 stars. Available in ebook, hardcover, and paperback. 320 pages. 

I received this book from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good story filled with mystery and romance.  The characters were well-developed and the story moved at a brisk pace.  I did suspect one person who did it near the beginning of the book but was wrong about another.  It is a Christian Romance so do expect religion to play a part in how some of the characters react.

If you love a good Western romance, you'll want to get this one in your sights, 'cause with Margaret Brownley it's sure shootin'!      

The hot dusty Arizona Territory harbors the elusive Whistle-Stop train robbers, and Pinkerton detectives are hired to flush them out. Maggie Cartwright just wants to do her job, then head onto her next assignment, but deep down all she really wants is a family of her own. How can she stay detached when there are two sweet kids and their gentlemanly father in the mix? Is he as innocent as he seems?

   Quirky characters, witty dialogue, and plenty of action are ahead as the story heats up, including some courtroom drama, plus a sweet romance that seems doomed from the start.  Who knew that chess could be so romantic?       

   Some faith references, prayers and church scenes put this firmly in the Christian romance genre, but it's not too preachy making it appealing to anyone looking for good clean historical fiction. An enjoyable read from beginning to its satisfying end! 4.5 stars

(Thank you to NetGalley.com and the publisher for the ARC provided in exchange for my unsolicited honest review.)

Margaret Brownley always writes with a sense of humor. Even when her characters get into deep trouble, you realize it's all going to come out ok in the end. In this instance, Maggie Cartwright must go undercover as a mail order bride to Garrett Thomas whom the Pinkerton's suspect of Train robbery and possible murder. This situation creates many delightful twists and turns in this story.

 Garrett Thomas is one of the more serious protagonists that have peopled Ms. Brownley's stories but he is a brooding hero you can't help but be drawn to and sympathize with. 

Maggie, the heroine, takes some getting used to. Her job requires her to be sneaky and deceitful--not characteristics I like in my heroine; but in the end, she redeems herself as both she and the reader recognize she has lost her heart to Garrett Thomas; but can she prove his innocence after producing the evidence against him herself.

Then, there are Garrett's aunt and two children who will suffer the consequences if Garrett goes to jail, or worse hangs. The game of chess figures throughout the story and our characters must figure out if they are in a battle or a courtship or both. You must read to find out.

She's a Pinkerton agent.  She'll do anything she needs to do to get evidence.  Even pretend she's a mail order bride...

Shiloh Run Press and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It's already been published, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

Maggie is checking out Garrett Thomas.  He's a widower with two children and he's suspected of being a train robber.  She goes all prepared to find the money and get out.  But finding the money is not easy.  He keeps his bedroom locked and she hasn't found a hint of any secret in the house.  Not even the outbuildings show her much.  How is she going to prove her case?  And does she want to once she gets to know him?

Garrett's Aunt Hetty is off and running with wedding plans.  The whole town is grinning at her.  She's even trying a wedding gown and the whole time she feels like a fraud.  That all changes when she finds the money up in the children's "tree house" in the barn.  Then she has no choice but to turn him in.

She does, but she doesn't believe he's guilty.  So she keeps looking and she cons her Pinkerton partner into staying longer and helping her.  The romance is sweet but the mystery was intriguing and kept me reading.  I spent more time smiling while I read this story than I usually do when reading and I liked that.  I really liked the ending.  Try it and tell me what you think.

"Undercover Bride" by Margaret Brownley is the second book in the “Undercover Ladies” series, published by Barbour publishers.

Maggie Taylor is a Pinkerton private eye sent to find the Whistle-stop bandit by posing as a mail-order bride to Garrett Thomas, the main suspect. Throughout her career she's faced dangers of life and death, but never the danger of falling in love with the suspect.

Garrett Thomas is a Civil War veteran and widower with two young children who wants to marry a woman based off mutual respect. He doesn't know if his heart can handle loving another woman after losing Katherine, but knows the children need a mother. Can his broken heart mend enough to love Maggie even if she's not what she seems to be?

The book has an interesting setting and plot, and made for a quick read with lots of laughs. I felt that the romantic aspect of it was a little unsteady because of the identity illusions between the main characters, but the story was sweet and was a fairly light read. It didn't necessarily keep me on the edge of my seat, but I didn't get bored with it either. All in all, I'd recommend it.

Thanks to Barbour publishing for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and we're not required to be positive.

The second in her series on female Pinkerton operatives, Undercover Bride is the perfect title.  Maggie Cartright aka Taylor is an Illinois farm girl from a loving family. At least that's what she's led Thomas to believe. But you can't be honest with a crook if you're hoping to catch him red-handed. If only he wasn't such a handsome, winsome one. As she gets to know him and his happy children, and doesn't seem to find the evidence she was sent to secure, she has to wonder if there's been some mistake. But the Pinkertons are never wrong, so she must strive to guard her heart from the man who could steal it as easily as he stole $70,000 dollars from a train safe.   
	Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, until his children inadvertently help her find the evidence that will make him swing from the end of a rope, as her own father did for his crimes. When hope is all but lost, Maggie must follow her heart and the clues to to save the man she believes innocent of any theft, expect that of her heart.
	 It has a unique storyline and mystery melded with romance. I can hardly wait to see what she will come up with for the third novel in the series.
	Thank you to NetGalley (https://www.netgalley.com/) and Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book to read and honestly review.  Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

Sent to find solid proof to convict Garrett of theft and murder, Maggie finds it difficult to reconcile the information in her files with the man she gets to know. Unaware of her hidden agenda, Garrett simply wants a wife and mother for his children -- even though he never expects to love another woman again.

Humor, mystery, tenderness -- Undercover Bride has it all. While it was not a nail-biting suspense, I did not want to set it down! I enjoyed uncovering clues with Maggie as I watched her relationship with Garrett unfold.

I'm not sure I could pick a favorite character. The imaginative children, Aunt Hetty and her ailments, Rikker and his crazy disguises... They all come together to form a wonderfully entertaining tale.

There seem to be a lot of stories of healing and forgiveness lately. Perhaps because forgiveness -- and the healing it brings -- is such a needed (and often misunderstood) component in our lives. While Undercover Bride touches on these issues, it is in no way preachy.

Undercover Bride is the second in the Undercover Ladies series. The books are complete, independent stories, and thus can be read in any order. I can't wait for the next one to release!

The second of the Undercover Ladies, Pinkerton agent Maggie, is placed undercover as a mail order bride. Her job is simple: investigate the man she's agreed to marry and prove he is the notorious Whistle-Stop Bandit. But if she doesn't prove his guilt within the month, she'll end up married to the man! But then the more she investigates Garrett, the less certain she is that he is her man . . . or at least, she's less certain that he's the bandit. But if this wounded man and loving father isn't the bandit, what will happen when he finds out the truth about his bride?

When I started the book, I was certain that Garrett was innocent. All they have linking him to the crime is circumstantial evidence. Some of his habits appear suspicious, but I had great faith that they could be explained away. But as time passed, the author certainly did a good job of making me question my convictions!

Even in a lighthearted story like this one, the ramifications of lying--even undercover as a detective--are clear and painful. After hours of worrying together over a sick child, it is terribly difficult for Maggie to separate her undercover role from her feelings, and it just gets worse as time goes by. And then the betrayal that Garrett feels after preparing to wed the woman . . . The author does a good job exploring the feelings of both parties.

The supporting characters were delightful--Garrett's hypochondriac aunt, Maggie's crazily disguised partner, the precocious children. I highly enjoyed the snippets of information on the Pinkertons and undercover work that are sprinkled about the book, which Maggie employs with aplomb. Over all, it was a highly enjoyable novel, with a creative plot and delightful characters.

Thank you Barbour and NetGalley for providing an e-copy for review. I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.

Undercover Bride I have always been a fan of Pinkerton agents in novels they are exceptionally good at their work. Make the woman one of them I guaranty I'll read that book. Woman agents add a special spice to the story and somehow the right man has a way of discoving them and getting under their skin.
Maggie came into Garett's life under the pretense of a mail-order-bride to stretch out their courtship and find incriminating sack of money to put him behind bars. Only she didn't count on falling in love with him, his adorable and unique children and a very unusual aunt. Only when her mission seems to have succeeded did she realize her grave mistake. Will she-a woman- be able to singlehandedly save the innocent man?
Totaly enjoyed this book second book in the series and cant wait till the third one!!!
Disclaimer: I have recieved a free copy of this book from publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you like westerns, detective novels, romantic stories, and books that will make you laugh out loud, then you need to read Undercover Bride without further delay! 

This second book in Margaret Brownley's Undercover Ladies series is jam-packed with the perfect amount of suspense, history, humor, and of course romance. It is perfectly fine as a stand-alone; in fact, you can read the books in any order as they are really only connected by theme rather than by characters..  

Maggie's partner Rikker gave me most of my laughs - each new getup/disguise (and Maggie's reaction to them) amused me more than the ones he'd previously used. Sharp-tongued hypochondriac Aunt Hetty and inventor-in-the-making Toby (who confidently had an answer for everything) also proved to be delightfully humorous. If I wasn't grinning at their antics, I was grinning at Garrett's romantical gestures (and Maggie's reaction to them). Cue the dreamy sigh. 

But that's the thing about this book.  My dreamy sighs didn't last very long because I spent most of the book keeping pace with Maggie as she tried to decide whether or not Garrett was guilty. Just about the time Maggie & I became convinced of his innocence, Margaret Brownley would throw us another emotional curveball, and it was back to the drawing board.   Then I thought I had the co-culprit figured out… only to discover I was wrong.

Definitely a truly entertaining must-read. 

I give Undercover Bride 5 out of 5 stars and a place on my faves shelf!

This is the second in the series about women working for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency and it is every bit as good as the first one. Pinkerton is on the trail of a train robber and murderer. All the signs point to Garret Thomas, a widower with two kids. When he posts an advertisement for a wife, Pinkerton assigns Maggie Cartwright to respond. Using an assumed name and a made up family history, she corresponds with Garret and then goes to the Arizona Territory to meet and supposedly marry him. In reality, she is going to investigate him and prove he is the wanted man. The only problem is that he seems too nice to be a murderer. He is so nice, in fact, Maggie is having second thoughts.

There are some interesting issues brought up in this novel. One is how we handle an unsavory past. Maggie's father was an outlaw and was hanged when she was young. As she grew up, she told people he had died in the Civil War, not wanting people to know the truth. Might we do something similar to make our past socially acceptable?

Another issue is how our past influences our career. Maggie chose working for Pinkerton because it helped alleviate the shame of an outlaw father. She found that working undercover, lying about who she was, was actually easy because she had done it about her own past.

I really like the way Brownley writes. For example, Maggie gives a beggar some money. Elise asks why she did that. Because God wants us to help those in need, Maggie answers. Elise wants to know why God doesn't help them Himself. “Because God doesn't want to keep the fun of helping others all to Himself.” I like that! There's a good bit of humor in the book too. The church scene with mischievous Toby trying to steal the cross was a laugh out loud one.

Brownley's characters are delightful. That little Toby, wanting to go to the moon and constantly designing ways to get there. And then there is Garrett's aunt, a wonderful woman, even if she is a hypochondriac. I appreciate it when the main characters are well developed and the supporting ones are very entertaining.

I also appreciate learning about something in a novel and in this one it was about imprisonment during the Civil War. Given rice to eat but no way to cook it, Garrett learned to make a pot from his canteen. He made spoons from brass buttons and cups from wood. That led him to a career as a tinker after the war. And all that information about chess! Who would have thought it was a game of love? And the novel was based on an actual train robbery from 1871.

I really liked this novel. It had great characters, was an entertaining story, and had a pretty suspenseful end. I recommend it.

Margaret Brownley is the author of more than thirty novels and a RITA finalisty and INSPY nominee. You can find out more at www.margaret-brownley.com.

Shiloh Run Press, a division of Barbour Publishing Inc., 320 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Three things I KNOW will happen when I read a story by Margaret Brownley. 1. I know I will be thoroughly entertained by a completely unique and captivating plot. 2. I know I will learn little-known yet fascinating historical facts. 3. I know at some stage I will laugh out loud! You can expect all these things and more whilst reading this second, although completely stand-alone book, in Margaret Brownley’s ‘Undercover Ladies’ series.

Pinkerton detective Maggie Cartwright has been assigned the daunting task of going undercover as a mail-order bride to Garrett Thomas, the man suspected of being the Whistle-Stop Bandit. Her mission is to dazzle this alleged thief and murderer while searching for evidence to be used against him in a trial. But Maggie has barely arrived in Arizona Territory when the wedding is moved up, so she is desperate to discover incriminating evidence before she finds herself married to a criminal!

As Maggie gets to know Garrett as the gentle and devoted father of two endearing children, she finds herself torn when the facts begin to stack up against him. As much as she despairs of tearing this ‘unfairly handsome’ bandit away from his children, Pinkerton agents never let emotions get in the way of capturing their man. 

The tentative feelings that develop between the main characters have disaster written all over them, yet this conflict doesn’t hinder the sweet, exciting, and precarious romance in Undercover Bride. And as always, author Margaret Brownley creates a brilliant secondary cast that is quirky and likeable. Deserving a mention is the fabulous Aunty Hetty who, in her mind, could die at any time with her imaginary myriad of maladies. This tale is first and foremost a mystery, one that is unpredictable and extremely well-executed. The spiritual themes of forgiveness and seeking God add layers of inspiration, and the ‘miracle’ that wakes up the church is a stroke of genius! Highly recommended and guaranteed to keep the midnight-oil burning!

Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy. I was not required to give a positive review.

Highly entertaining.  A book I wanted to read in one sitting.

Maggie Cartwright is a Pinkerton detective and assigned to go undercover as a mail order bride.   Widower Garrett Thomas is  the suspected Whistle-Stop Bandit. Once Maggie gets to know Garrett and his two children she had trouble believing him to be the robber and murderer they thought him to be. I enjoyed how the author brought these two together and found Maggie to be a very intelligent and quick thinking detective. There was plenty of action and emotions throughout. The children and the role they played in the story  made a wonderful addition to the story. I found it a wonderful story of a mail order bride and the smart woman Pinkerton detective who could make it all work. I'd recommend this book, it had romance, faith, and mystery.  I found it a delightful book!  I would like to thank  NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for gifting me a copy for my honest opinion which I have given.

Undercover Bride is so much fun to read!  I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading, and I was dying to find out what was going to happen next.  Undercover Bride is book two in the Undercover Ladies series.  I read the first book, Petticoat Detective and loved it.  That being said you don’t have to read book one to love book two.  Undercover Bride follows Maggie, a Pinkerton detective, to the Arizona territory in 1882.  Maggie is there on a mission from her boss to uncover proof that they found the Whistle-stop Bandit.  But she didn’t count on how handsome Garret Thomas was.  

Garret Thomas has been through a lot in his life, and doesn’t want to take a chance at falling in love again.  He’s done that once, and is now a widower.  Knowing that Toby and Elise, his children, need a mother figure in their lives, he placed a mail order bride ad.  When Maggie arrives he finds her in a unexpected situation.  Maggie is prettier than he planned on, and Garrett wonders what he’s got himself into.  Can Garrett get past his hurts and take a chance at love again?  Will he find out who Maggie really is?  Will they accept God’s plan for their lives?  Or be too scared to reach for it?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction.  It had me laughing out loud and nervous at other times.  I really enjoyed getting to know Maggie and Garrett and know you will too.  I can’t wait to read the next in this series knowing how much I enjoyed the first two.  I received a copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press, a division of Barbour Publishing, and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are my own.

What a delight! Margaret Brownley writes palpable romance. The way she draws emotional word pictures twists and releases the reader at just the right intervals for a satisfying read.

But her plots are even more outstanding. Who would have dreamed that ... oh, no. You won't get me to spoil the whodunnit! Especially after the culprit went to such extremes to conceal himself.

Ms. Brownley describes her writing as "Love and Laughter in the Old West." True on both accounts. One scene left me howling. I don't even need to go into it. You'll know the scene I mean when you get there!

Suspense readers will love the intrigue here. Romance readers will love the secrets! Everyone will love the humor. Margaret Brownley has certainly become a a new favorite!

What a fun read!

Undercover Bride's unique story line about a woman Pinkerton agent, is what captured my interest at first. The great suspense, Christian romance, history, and humor though is what kept me reading page after page.

The story was told with some great characters, including Garrett, poor old Aunt Hetty, Riker, and Little Linc.  My favorite character throughout the book was Maggie, the woman Pinkerton agent. Maggie won me over with her constant faith in God and her willingness to find the truth.

Af first I would have told you that the ending was just too a bit too predictable.   Margaret Brownley proved me wrong by throwing in some twist and turns, that I would have never imagined.

Great book!

What I liked: I have read a few books about Pinkerton detectives and they are quite enjoyable and this book does not disappoint. Maggie has done her research yet she is caught off guard by Garrett. She finds herself drawn to him and his kids as well as his crazy aunt. I loved all the characters. The supporting characters such as Aunt Hetty and Maggie’s partner Rikker(and all his funny crazy disguises) made this a well-rounded and fun book to read.

What I didn’t like: Not much to complain about in this book.

     This book did a great job of mixing romance and suspense. This is the 2nd book in the series but very much stands alone and I’m to read the last book in the series when it’s released.

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Loved it! Unfortunately, I don't have the time to write a proper review but I definitely recommend the book!

I loved this book.  I read it in a day.  I loved everything about this book including the characters, the plot, the setting, and of course the cover of the book. This book was a fun read.  It is full of twists and turns an humor.  I loved Maggie and how she was a detective.    It is the second book in the series but it can be read before the first.  It inspires you that people do deserve second chances.   This is a must read book.

I really enjoyed this book. I had read the previous book, Petticoat Detective, and enjoyed it so I was looking forward to this one.It did not disappoint. With all the action in this book I kept turning pages to see what happened next until my eyes just wouldn't stay open any longer.

I love a book that keeps me guessing until the very end and this one did just that. Every time I thought I had it figured out I was wrong. Was there romance? Yes. If there was one flaw in the book that would be it. The hero in the book sent away for a mail order bride and after corresponding with her for 6 months he sends for her and immediately moves her into his house. That just seemed a little hasty to me but the story line that went with it was good.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! This is a stand alone book and not part of a series so you don't have to read Petticoat Detective first. They are both worth reading though!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Title:   Undercover Bride Series: Undercover Ladies  Author: Margaret Brownley Genre:    Christian, Romance  ISBN  9781628366273 I totally enjoyed this humorous read which I could not put down, I ended up staying up to 3 in the morning until I could not keep my eyes open anymore. I found it to be a very intriguing with Maggie being a Pinkerton detective and all the messes she gets into trying to help raise a very strong willed boy who's mind is ahead of his time can be trying. Maggie agreed to become a mail-ordered bride to catch the team who stole the money two years ago from a train all leads go back to one man her attend. What she finds is a truly wonderful family man that she finds hard to believe he would have taken the money. With two adoring children, one aunt that has moved the wedding up within weeks of the time of her arrival she must work fast to find the guilty person. 

This is one author that had me laughing out loud at all the mishaps this family gets into. The aunt is a mess that will keep you laughing as she pushes forward the date to marry these two off. She has more pains an aches than a person should have with one foot in the grave her time on earth isn't long. You are so going love her and her nosy ways. Toby is a delightful young boy who gets his self in to messes as he has plans to go to the moon that will keep you in stitches waiting to see what he comes up with next. 

Garrett is a wonderful man who just wants a wife to help take care of his family. He doesn't care if it is a marriage in name only that is until he sets eye on Maggie. It really is hard to believe this wonderful caring family man could be a killer and train robber. He has had a hard life, at one time he had big plans until war broke out. It changed his life forever as he comes home a broken man. He marries only to lose his wife one night in a storm. Two years later he is ready to move on into a marriage with no love. It is the safes things he never wants to feel that lost again. When Maggie turns up she rocks his world and shakes his life up from the moment he sets eyes on her. His life is about to change in more ways than one.

Maggie is such a go getter as she takes on man after man to bring the bad man home. She has always brought her man in as she serves justices. She and her partner make a great team as the work to find the person responsible for robbing the train. Just everything isn't falling into place as easy as it should. With this new case she must put all her acting skills to work as she finds she is falling for this crazy wonderful family. She is finding it hard to believe such a man could be a killer. Maggie is a lovely character who has a trying past that keeps pushing her to be the best detective she can be. When the time comes to bring Garrett in will she be able to or will her new found love for him and his family get in his way? 

I love the mystery and the plot as the author spins a wonderful tale and gives a very funny read that keeps you turning the page. The author gives you at times a very emotional read with characters you cannot help but love. I found it to be very well written as the author shows why she is a bestselling author as she gives you a delightful Christian read. This is the first time I have read anything by this author and it sure will not be the last. She keeps her readers very entertained as she gives you a story you won't be able to put down.

I was provided with an ARC copy of Undercover Bride through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I loved the Pinkerton Detective Agency as a setting for the heroine to be developed so well. Maggie Taylor answers a mail-order bride ad in hopes to capture the criminal who has gotten away with the crime so far. Maggie had a hard time growing up with a criminal for a father and a mother who didn't want her children for whatever reason.  Garrett Thomas feels the need to move on after his wife dies in order to help him raise his 2 children. Being a guy he figures it can work out best just 2 adults without love, so wrong.
It is well written with plenty of detail and it really lets you connect with the characters.

Great story!!

Maggie Cartwright is a detective for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. She and her partner have been sent to Furnace Creek, Arizona, to find evidence to convict Garret Thomas of the Whistle Stop Train Robbery. He fits the general description of the man seen robbing the train, killing a guard and riding off with $70,000.00 in cash.

The Pinkerton's have had Maggie pose as a mail order bride and correspond with Garret in an effort to embed her in his life and get the evidence needed to convict the man of the crime.

Unfortunately when she meets Garret who knew that she would fall in love with him. Who knew that she would be taken in by his two children and his kindness. This complicates things as she has a job to do but in doing that she is lying to a man that she is developing strong feelings for and desires to actually become his wife.

Margaret Brownley develops the characters well and develops the plot line of the story very well. She builds on the plot from one chapter to the next while all the time building the 'backstory' of the characters involved. In the midst of this she also weaves through the story the theme of forgiveness, a need for God, trust in the Almighty as well as in your fellow human.

Side plots involve Garrets time in the Andersonville Prison during the Civil War. It also involves Maggies growing up in an orphanage because of a terrible family background.

Can the two find love? Can Maggie find the robber? If it turns out to be Garret, can she bring him to justice? All good questions and woven well in a fun story.

Enjoy!

Maggie Cartwright (aka Maggie Taylor), a lady Pinkerton detective, will do anything needed to get her suspect, including answering an ad for a mail-order bride.  Garrett Thomas was suspected of robbing a train and killing the guard.   Garrett fit the description to a “T” of the train robber.  Since his wife died leaving him to raise two small children, he placed an ad in the paper for a mail-order bride and the Pinkerton agency sent Maggie undercover.  Maggie was a good detective and she was determined to prove that Garrett was the robber, find the money and get out…however she didn’t expect to fall in love with two adorable children or their dad.  The more she learned about Garrett the more she was convinced he was innocent eventhough the evidence was proving otherwise.  How can she turn a man in for a crime her gut tells her he is innocent of?   

This is one of the most entertaining books I have read in a long time.  The antics of each of the characters will keep you turning the pages as some of them will cause you to laugh and others will bring tears. The characters are truly delightful.  You will fall in love with each one for a different reason.  You will love Maggie from the first page and her partner Rikker will quickly cause laughter for his wild and crazy modes of disguise and for his love and protection of Maggie.  Garrett will steal your heart because he is a lost soul since spending time in Andersonville Prison…yet he is filled with love and compassion for those he loves especially his mischievous son, Toby and his adorable daughter, Elsie as well as his hypochondriac, Aunt Hetty.  Although there are several characters, the story line is easy to follow and each character has a specific role in making it all come together.  

What is not to love about this book?  Absolutely nothing…it has everything from romance, mystery, suspense, laughter, tears, and history, to sharing God’s love.  Although it is Christian based it is not a “preachy” type book.  I highly recommend this book especially if you like fiction Historical romance that is based on historical facts.  

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Barbour Publishing, Inc./Shiloh Run Press, through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
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Maggie is a detective for Pinkerton. She goes undercover as a mail order bride for a case already two years old. Her soon to be husband Garrett is actually suspected of being the “ Whistle Stop Bandit “. Garrett is a widower with two children - Toby, and Elise. Maggie discovers she is very attracted to Garrett as he is her. Yet could she actually be attracted to a killer? Also where is the money he got from the train robbery?  I really loved this story and plot. So fun to read had me laughing out loud and not wanting to put it down until I had read the very last page. I loved the characters especially the twists and turns Maggie and Garrett went through. I highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the scene when Garrett and Maggie first meet at the train station. With a start like that you just know you''re in for a fun ride. The underlying question of whether or not Garrett is the bad guy or not was a great part of the story. I have enjoyed reading this series and look forward to reading the third book. Thank you for a great read. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honsest review.

Undercover Bride was a fun read! I liked how the main character was a Pinkerton agent and that she was undercover as a mail-order bride! SO interesting and fun! I really enjoyed the mystery and the romance was sweet. All in all, just a great read. I recommend it and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review.*