What a charming - roller coaster of a book this has been!

This is the story of Addie and Ridge as they find, learn and understand each other and built their own perfect life after being outlaws, each in its own way.

There is a lot happening in this book and I loved how the action has been paced with the quiet times, the book is very well written and portioned. The writing flows easily, there is no dull moment and you are swept away by all the new events happening.

I also loved how the community was so strong and understanding, there was so much goodness from people who suffered greatly. Not a book I would usually read, this has a been a great surprise!

I normally don’t read western romances but the plot of this seemed so intriguing. Glad to say I was not disappointed! This is a western romance about a woman escaping a dangerous secret society run by her father who meets up with her outlaw preacher pen pal and they fall in love.
This has so much going on, I was never bored. Nor was I confused since the pacing was good. Each plot gets tied up nicely. I did not know this is the last book in a series. I went into this not having read the others and think it works fine as a standalone.
The characters were so relatable and interesting. I love that they got to know each other through letters first, it’s almost like modern day online dating haha! The romance was swoon worthy and certainly had me saying “Awwww!” in certain parts.
This western romance certainly stands out. You will not be disappointed. I will have to try some more Linda Broday!

Loved getting to visit Hope's Crossing again. Ridge and Addie took me by surprise. Their story was so engrossing and I hated having to put it down. Things are never boring in this story. If you like some action with your romance then pick up this book. This whole series is worth a read.

Ridge Steele is a former preacher who is accused of crimes he didn't commit. Forced to give up everything he's known, he now lives among his outlaw family. Now he awaits the arrival of his mail-order bride. They've exchanged letters and when he finally meets her he immediately finally the need to protect her.

When Addie learned Ridge was an ex-preacher she almost called the whole thing off. Having grown up with a religious father/preacher who used his position to control their entire small town, she's wary to trust her new husband.

Addie knows she must share parts of her painful past with her husband in order for their bond to grow.

Thanks so much to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC to review.

Once Upon A Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is a new take on an old trope. Ridge Steele is in the market for a bride. He has been writing to a woman in prison, now she is out and scheduled to arrive today. He was an outlaw with a price on his head. He had used a broker, a man and wife who had obtained brides for other men in town, very successfully. She arrived and she was beautiful but she couldn't, or wouldn't talk. Other than that she was perfect and they were married the next day. She was afraid. He had to be patient. She fell into being the perfect wife, except she slept in her hidey-hole under the steps, and she didn't talk. She was making his house in to a home. One day, Ridge and Addie were riding when they came upon a couple of bounty hunters and a young boy who had been severely beaten. Ridge shot and killed on of them but was only able to get the second in the leg. The problem was, he recognized Ridge and there was a $3,000 bounty on his head. He took off, but Ridge knew he would be back. The time had come to tell Addie why he was running from the law.

This was a terrific book with twists and turns aplenty. Their marriage began slowly but grew into the most important thing in either of their lives. If they could only stay alove long enough to enjoy it, with both of them having people chasing them. The town could only provide so much protection. There's was a growing community, full of other mail order brides and men who were running from the law, or had been. It is a charming tale of forgiveness, deceit, false religion, hate, and family. The characters were almost too good to be true, with just enough faults to make them real. The story is an original telling of a tried-and-true plot. Then I discover it is the fourth book in the series, so there are three more I can read. I recommend it!

I was invited to read a free ARC of Once Upon A Mail Order Bride by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #onceuponamailorderbride

Will a new meaning of life heal her wounded soul ...

It is my first read by the author and I hope not my last, i really love her talent at narrating this tale of two broken people creating a new family and future together.
Addie is a damaged nestling, so much she shuttled herself from the outside world, retiring in her head. But now freedom has come, she is also frustrated that her impediment.
When she agreed to wed Ridge, she knew she took a great leap in faith, and while he appears kind, she struggles to believe he has not his own agenda.
Her past has destroyed her belief in the others. She is on her guard, unable at first to let go.
So it is small victory when each passing day sees her less tense, smiling more.
Ridge has seen the hangman’s noose from the inside, and lives with this hanging over his head like a Damocles sword.
It destroyed his faith in God as he has to change to survive but the good man in him is still there with his dreams, awaiting the glimmer of hope, Addie.
She is not whom he expected, because none of their communicating letters prepared them. Yet he has decided she will be the right woman for him, and he is determined to prove it to her.
He is such a gentle soul who had to stomp his convictions to survive.

Their tale is one recovery, trusting then healing. They move step by step, each new progress is a victory on fate. Their journey is not a smooth one, it is leaving them bruised by the end but in the meanwhile they would have gained more than they lost. A new family and an everlasting love.
5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Addie and Ridge are engaging characters and I liked them for the most part, but their characterization and dialog was uneven. In places they seemed truly people of the Old West, then the dialog sounded too modern.

Descriptions of settings was very well done and I really had a sense of the place where they lived and that Outlaw town. I really enjoyed reading those descriptions and my imagination took the horseback rides along with Addie and Ridge.

The main focus of the story is the romance of course, and the subplots of the past catching up with the characters was also interesting,

Title: Once Upon a Mail Order Bride
Author: Linda Broday
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Accused of crimes he didn't commit, ex-preacher Ridge Steele is forced to give up everything he knew and make his home with outlaws. Desperate for someone to confide in, he strikes up correspondence with mail-order bride Adeline Jancy, finding in her the open heart he's been searching for. Upon her arrival, Ridge discovers Addie only communicates through the written word, but he knows a little of what trauma can do to a person and vows to stand by her side.

Addie is eager to start a new life with the kind ex-preacher and the little boy she's stolen away from her father--a zealot priest of a terrorized flock. As her small family settles into life at Hope's Crossing, she even begins to find the voice, and confidence, she'd lost so long ago.

But danger is not far behind, and her father will not be denied. While Addie desperately fights the man who destroyed her childhood, a determined Ridge races to the rescue. The star-crossed lovers will need more than prayers to survive this final challenge...and find their way back to each other again.

This is the fourth installment in the Mail Order Brides series. I haven’t read the others, but it’s a standalone, so that’s no big deal. I thought this was a solid read, a standard HEA-romance. I enjoyed the setting, and I’d probably read the other books in this series if I had time, as I enjoy linked standalones and getting glimpses of characters’ lives after I finish reading their story. Addie and Ridge are both interesting characters, and I enjoyed reading their journey as they struggle to overcome the scars of their past.

Linda Broday is a bestselling author. Once Upon a Mail Order Bride is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 11/23.)

First off this was just an okay read for me. Please be aware the synopsis is nothing like the actual story..
The description of the story leads you to believe that you are getting a story where you see the characters communicate through letters and her fleeing her father with a small boy. And marrying and raising said little boy. Which is not the case.
You don’t get to see and prior communication between them. What shocked me was her being released from prison and leaving from there to go and marry.
But as I continued to read I realized this probably would not have been such a shock or disappointment if I had read the other books in the series and been aware of what this series was kind of about.
There is no little boy not until the last few pages of this book.
So if you are wanting a story about a couple coming together to be family with a little boy and over coming obstacles than you are going to be slightly disappointed.
And my last problem with this book is it could have probably been about a 100 pages less than it was, because there was times where the story seemed to slow and drag.

Once Upon a Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is the 4th and final book in her wonderful Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. I love this series, as Broday never fails to make us fall in love the couples in this western historical romance. Refresher: The story takes place in Hope’s Crossing, which is a town run by outlaws, who have started a clean slate on their lives, with building a family and changing their lives for the better.
Ridge Steele, is an ex preacher, and because of the crime he did not commit, is one of the original outlaws who has built Hope Crossings. Ridge has been writing letters to a mail order bride, and is waiting impatiently for her arrival to marry him.

Adeline (Addie) Jancy, has recently gotten out of a three-year prison term, and with the help of Luke and his wife, they manage get her away from men who are determined to kidnap her and bring her back to her evil father; who was the one who had her imprisoned. Addie was in solitary confinement all those years, and she cannot speak due to the trauma; only using the written word to express herself.

When she meets Ridge, she finds him kind and patient, helping her take her time to learn how to speak again. They immediately get married, and start their life together. Addie despite her inability to talk, wins over all the townsfolks, especially with her cooking. In a short time, she learns more about the hardship Ridge has gone through and begins to fall hard for him, as he does with her.

They both have major issues; Ridge always on the lookout for those looking for him, even if he is innocent; and Addie running from her fanatical deranged father, who plans to kill her. Both Addie and Ridge were great together, both strong, protective and loyal, and it was such a pleasure to watch them become closer. When Ridge is in danger, with someone ready to attack him, Addie yells out a warning, bringing back her voice.
What follows is an exciting story line, with nonstop action, heart stopping dangerous situations and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them. Things do get desperate when Addie’s nightmare comes true, and Ridge do anything to find her and fight to save her, also bringing forth her mother, who was also under the father’s evil control.

Ridge and Addie were so good together, and you couldn’t help loving them, as they were the best couple yet. I loved how they had young Bodie stay with them, and he being loyal to them. It was great to see all the main characters from the previous books. Since this is the final book, I must say Broday did such a great job bringing us this outlaw town, with fantastic couples and secondary characters, as well as giving us beautiful heartwarming romances, with some dangerous elements.

Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful addition to this fabulous western historical series. Once Upon a Mail Order Bride was a perfect conclusion to this series. If you enjoy western historical romances, I suggest you read this series, and Linda Broday’s writing is superb.

This is an action packed Western novel with a slow burn, low angst romance. Pretty well everything happens to test the pioneer spirt of the main characters – from dastardly criminals to a natural disaster. But Addie and Ridge stick together and support each other through each event. There were a couple incidents where I had to not question too much – how did the matchmaker find Addie? How did Ridge’s accuser find him? Addie’s mother’s recovery was astonishingly quick – and I found the last third of the story dragged a bit, but it was an interesting read.

I was really looking forward to this book as I've read the previous ones in the series. I wanted to read Ridge's story as I've been intrigued by him from the beginning.

Unfortunately, there were a number of errors that I hope will have been corrected before official publication. These were not just grammatical errors but errors within the story line.
1) Brodie cannot read but when Addie wanted to know where Ridge was she wrote him notes...which he read and responded to. In an upcoming chapter they start teaching him how to read.
2) Melanie was with the group of ladies while items were being moved into the bank and then next thing a boy runs up to tell them that she's had her baby.
3) When Addie brought Nico home, her sisters were there. When reading the end of the book it's mentioned that the sisters arrived after Ridge was pardoned.

Other than those errors, I enjoyed the story. I would have liked more in regards to Nico and the transition to his new home. It was somewhat washed over.

Low 3 stars.

#4 in the Outlaw Mail Order Bride Series. I loved the premise of this book. Outlaws who want to go straight, build a town in their old hideout and seek a mail-order bride who has been incarcerated. The main characters both have either the law or family out to find them. Ridge Steele is an ex-preacher who has a $3,000 price on his head. The bride, Addie, has been in solitary confinement for 3 years and her family is out for blood. Together they form an unusual marriage that will or will not save them both. I did not realize this was a continuation of a series when I sat down to read this book; however, it stands alone.

3.5 stars

OMG!! Such a good book! I haven't read a historical romance in a long time and with this book I'm back on track! the story between Ridge and Addie is such so sweet and although Addie and Ridge through their life were involved in tragic events when they met each other we can see how both deserve a happy ending!!.
For me Ridge was the perfect hero because he always tried to make Addie conformable around him and the town!
The angst through the book is amazing to keep you in an edge since Addie is in a great danger as well as Ridge because of acts they were blamed for!!

TOTALLY WORTH THE READING!! And amazing end for the series

Initially I wasn't going to finish this book but something kept me reading and I'm glad I did. the beginning is slow and i found it difficult to get invested in the characters. Our characters have secrets and not only do they hide it from each other but also from the reader. I would have preferred knowing why Addie was in jail instead of wondering what she had done for people to be chasing her down.

This isn't a light fluffy mail order bride story. This has depth and showcases the darkness that can take over a person's life by the telling of lies. Both characters lives are destroyed almost ended by someone telling a lie about them. It was compelling reading and once I got passed the first third of the book I couldn't put it down.
Actual rating 3.5 stars

It is with reverence that I write a review of Linda Broday’s book 4 of the Outlaw Mail Order Bride series; Once Upon a Mail Order Bride.

The setting is Hope’s Crossing, 1882. The western town was established and protected by outlaws. In this community lives complex people who protect, defend, befriend, and help heal each other’s wounds from desperate situations life has thrown at them. Men and women with hearts as vulnerable as the struggles they face with utmost courage and determination to find happiness, love, and a family of their own. Deep friendships are forged in Hope’s Crossing. Through the four book series, wrongs are righted and honor restored.

Ridge Steele, a preacher whose reputation is ruined because of a lie, becomes an outlaw with a hefty bounty on his head. A wanted man. He suffers a swift fall from preacher to outlaw. His mail order bride becomes his silent angel. His heart toward his mail order bride is patient, kind, understanding, generous, and sincere. He longs to have a family of his own.

At twenty, Adeline Jancy, is released from solitary confinement from a dreadful prison stay after serving three years in order to escape her violent and abusive father. Trauma, abuse, and confinement cause Addie to lose her voice. She is not a dumb mute however! Her spit fire personality and strong character carries through in every dire circumstance. Her freedom carries a big secret she vows to protect.

There are unexpected twists and turns. Readers will engage immediately in this book. I would cheer Addie on in her plight to be whole again, loved, and cherished. I would yearn for Ridge to have the courage to redeem himself for a crime he did not commit. As his courage, honor, and kindness unfolds, I admire Ridge.

Addie and Ridge learn to love, trust, depend, and to fight for each other’s freedom. The road is rough, but so worth the journey. The secrets they are both hiding come to fruition. But, they are not alone in their battles. They have each other and the community of outlaws in Hope’s Crossing.

Ms. Broday weaves the characters from book one forward to book four. You actually become acquainted with the community of Hope’s Crossing from the people who live there including the children, the celebrations they enjoy, the horses they cherish, places they visit, gun fights they’ve fought and won, and their never wavering example of defending their freedom and families.

This book needs to be “breathed in.” There are many lines that caused me to pause so the words could touch my heart. Humor? Oh yes, Linda Broday knows how to write humor! This book is excellent. I highly recommend Once Upon a Mail Order Bride.

This was my first book by this author, and I found it to be a very interesting, enjoyable, and out of the ordinary read. It is a stand alone novel, but I think it would be helpful to start at the beginning of the series, which I definitely plan to do. I enjoyed the main characters and the way their relationship developed throughout the story, but the supporting characters who obviously play major roles in the earlier books, add to the story. I commend the author for her idea of establishing a town of mostly innocent outlaws, as it certainly held a bit of intrigue and allowed for many great stories. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and introduction to a new favorite author.

I want to give this book more then 5 stars. I have loved this series, town and it's people since the first book. Linda Broday, took me on another journey that I wasn't expecting. I knew the book would be good, but this book kept me engaged from page one. Expect the unexpected, finding love, adding to the mix this is a town built by outlaws, what could possibly go wrong or right?
I loved catching up with members of the town.

I enjoyed reading, Once Upon a Mail Order Bride, so much. It's so sad to see these people be condemned for something that they never had a part in, and because of this they are forced to act as Outlaws do. Ridge made a comment that stuck with me. He said "killing only adds to more killing". The fact that that's what he has been forced into is just sad. But they make the best of it in the small town of Hope's Crossing. I was sad to see the series come to an end.

I’ve anticipated this amazing book, Once Upon A Mail-Order Bride by Linda Broday for years.
When Ridge Steele was introduced into this phenomenal series, he intrigued me in more ways than one, especially his mysterious past.
Often when a book is over anticipated by a reader, once they finally get to read it, it often can be a letdown, but OH CONTRAIRE, this book delivered beyond my wildest expectations.
Our Queen of Texas Historical Romance, never lets her readers down.

Once Upon A Mail-Order Bride started off strong and never looked back.
Ridge Steele and Adeline Jancy were the perfect fit for one another.
Running from their past and trying to keep a low profile, has become their survival.
Ridge and Addie’s union was what both had been needing and longing to find, a true soulmate.
“Like plants needed sun to grow, true friendship required laughter and sharing to nurture one’s soul.”

Ridge and Addie have the most beautiful love-story and have stolen my heart.
Bodie was such an amazing young man, charming, protective, and just wanted to be loved.

Linda Broday has written the perfect book (I know, I say everyone hers is my favorite), but this truly shot to the top.
She writes with so much compassion, I’ve never read an author that can put so many feelings in her books, as she incorporates.

I highly recommend this phenomenal book to everyone, it will forever remain in your heart.

One of the most profound statements in the book truly sums up this wonderful storyline.
“Ridge had always thought that a person’s past was what determined their future, but he could see now that it didn’t have to be that way. Strong desire to change could override all else, determine a new outcome of a life. He’d dreamed of being out from under the stain of his past, and maybe now he had a real shot.”
I received this arc copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What can I say. I am a sucker for stories that feature mail order brides. I find the entire concept rather fascinating and 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 book number four in the Outlaw Mail Order Bride series. I have read each and every one of these priceless tales of outlaws of both sexes coming together in a rough and tumble newly organized town. Each one in this series stars unforgettable characters that 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.
Would be wonderful if it was that easy but of course there are many roadblocks to the happy end 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 we are 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 some 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 the rangers and lawmen has now become a community for those looking to redeem themselves and become somewhat law abiding citizens.