What can I say? I am a sucker for stories that feature mail order brides. I find the entire concept rather fascinating and am amazed that this procedure actually existed as close as a century ago. Women have always exhibited their own sense of strength in dealing with some rather harsh realities of life. And none more so than those that moved to god knows where to live with a stranger. Talk about trust and faith. I am sure some of these did not work out well and there are of course stories about those ill-fated unions but I assure you Linda Broday would never conjure up a tale that is less than heartwarming and optimistic. ONCE UPON A MAIL ORDER BRIDE is a sincere look at a woman and man looking for a place to land safely and done with aplomb by Linda Broday.

ONCE UPON A MAIL ORDER BRIDE is the fourth book in the Outlaw Mail Order Bride series. I have read each one of these priceless tales of outlaws of both sexes coming together in a rough and tumble newly organized town. Every book in this series stars unforgettable characters who will, of course, be supporting cast in future installments. So for those following this series, you just may find ONCE UPON A MAIL ORDER BRIDE climbing the list of your favorite.

Adeline has spent three years locked up in solitary confinement for a crime she did not commit but one that she witnessed. She can’t escape this prison nor can she escape her memories of a blood bath that started her on this harsh journey to nowhere. Adeline started writing to Ridge while imprisoned. The mail order bride program introduced these two damaged souls and they founded a friendship through their letters. Ridge wrote letters of encouragement that there are better days ahead. Adeline soaked up those words as her means to stay sane. And now Adeline is in Hope’s Crossing ready to start a new life as Mrs. Ridge Steele.

It would be wonderful if it was that easy, but there are many roadblocks to the happy ending for Mr. and Mrs. Steele. Both have pasts that endanger their future. Both spend lots of time looking over their shoulder. When faced with the possibility of living in a large house surrounded by acres of land, Adeline should have felt a measure of calm and safety but readers will be moved to sadness when she finds a small space under the stairs to claim as her safe place. This one scene sets the immense challenge Ridge faces in his determination to give his Adeline a comfortable home with him.

ONCE UPON A MAIL ORDER BRIDE includes wondrous descriptions of the surroundings in Hope’s Crossing. Linda Broday has created a magical place carved out of a canyon surrounded by high mountains. This place was once upon a time a salvation for outlaws evading rangers and lawmen , and has now become a community for those looking to redeem themselves and become somewhat law-abiding citizens.

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