Luke Chandler had been engaged before the war but his fiancé left him when his foot had to be amputated. She didn’t want to marry a cripple. He’s lived an isolated life with the exception of his brother and his wife as well as any church ladies who are brave enough to visit to try to get him to attend services and renounce his sinful ways. The last thing he expects is a southern belle’s arrival on his doorstep announcing that she’s his MAIL ORDER BRIDE.
Sarah is stunned by Luke’s appearance when she arrives at his home. Not only did he not have the courtesy to pick her up from the train station but he’s also disheveled and reeks of alcohol. He’s just as stunned that she has the audacity to claim that she’s there to marry him. She has the letters that they’ve exchanged over the past several months as proof that she’s telling the truth. Luke recognizes his brother’s handiwork in this little scheme but it’s too late to do anything about it. Luke doesn’t plan to marry Sarah. She’s determined to find employment and support herself if need be. The one night she sleeps in Luke’s guest room has effectively destroyed any chance she has of finding reputable work. Can Luke and Sarah get past their own pride and fears to make a life together?
Diana Bold’s MAIL ORDER BRIDE is a historical reader’s delight. Luke and Sarah have backgrounds which they’d rather forget but the reality is that everything they’ve been through has helped to make them into the strong individuals that they are today. I absolutely love that Sarah isn’t a timid mouse of a woman waiting for some man to rescue her. She’s not afraid of hard work or standing up for herself. Luke is braver than he realizes. He lost his foot and his fiancé but never lost the will to live, if anything he’s afraid to risk loving again. Beautiful job Ms. Bold. I look forward to reading more of your stories in the future.
