Drew Talbot made the long journey back East to bring eligible brides to Seattle, not to find one for himself. But despite his best intentions, he is captivated by the shy and somewhat clumsy Lucy Davison. He didn’t mean to fall in love, and he certainly had no intention of allowing a dangerous killer to tear her from his arms. But when Lucy is the only witness to a brutal murder, the killer knows … knows that eliminating Drew’s bride is his one chance at freedom.
Lucy Davison left Massachusetts to find a better life and a chance at love. The Civil War took too many men, leaving women like her pining for a husband and home of her own. A trip to Washington Territory as a mail-order bride seems the only answer. The friends she makes along the way a balm to her soul, and their escort, the handsome Drew Talbot, intensely more interesting than any man she’s ever met. Becoming his fiancée is a dream come true, until evil finds them.
Witnessing a murder is the least of Lucy’s problems. Escaping a crazed killer feels like a miracle. But the true miracle in her life is one man, Drew Talbot, and the depths of love it will take to heal them both.
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Couldn’t finish. Boring!
This book should be made into a TV movie. It is that good!
I love this author’s books. When I see here name, I know I will enjoy the book
I liked this book but it was a short story and very slow
Wonderful example of Cynthia Woolf’s storytelling talent. Her mail order novels are filled with laughter, tears, adventure, and suspense and Mail Order Mayhem has all this and more! I look forward to the next book in the series, Mail Order Mixup, and advise all fans of enthralling historical western romance, not to miss out on this one. I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are voluntary and entirely my own.
I like her books, this one is good but not a favorite.
I had a hard time finishing this book. It wasn’t a favorite. I have read other books by this author and was more impressed with the writing.
The characters were fine. The story line didn’t hold my attention.
Great “old West” story with complex characters and a plot with a few twists. A good read.
This book was a good read.
This kept me captivated the whole way through! Love learning about “the old days” and this was very informative.
“Mail Order Mayhem” by Cynthia Woolf
is an easy going, character-centered
historic romance set in the area near
Seattle, Washington state, before it was
a state. Lucy and her good friend leave
New Bedford for an adventure of a
life-time, in search of husbands. Drew
Talbot falls for Lucy almost immefiately. He and his many brothers
all are involved in the lumber industry.
The last one-third of the novel involves
a repitutious plot with a former murderous sailor who still enjoys
destroying people. However, three
different times he kidnaps Lucy, even
though she is trying to adjust to
married life and her oh-so patient
husband, Drew. All finally ends
happily.
-Jan Farrell Repath
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a wonderful addition to the series. I fell in love with the Talbots and several of the women in the first book. I am so glad to have the opportunity to read Drew’s and Lucy’s story. It was such a joy to get to their story especially since there were several scenes in the first book with them. This was such a joy to read and before I knew it, the story was over. I was so sad to see it end.
I truly hope there is more to this series for the remain brothers. I highly recommend this story to anyone. You don’t have to read the first story but I would highly suggest it as it was wonderful as well.
Drew came east to sign up 100 brides to head to Seattle and is introduced to Lucy who signs up with her friend. Really enjoyed these characters and introduction to the other brides along with the suspense to see how Lucy and Drew would cope. Good second edition to the series.
Author’s copy with thank . Opinions are entirely my own.
“Mail Order Bride Mayhem – Brides of Seattle Book 2” is the latest exciting addition in the heartwarming series by Cynthia Woolf. From the very start this book captivates with the romance and promise of a Happy Ever After. With a plot full of unexpected twists that bring mayhem and suspense, this is not your “everyday run-of-the-mill” Mail Order Bride book, which makes this series all the more enticing.
This book stands out with a 5-star rating for many reasons, predominately:
* The passion that Cynthia Woolf writes with is again easily found in this latest series. Her attention to detail of all the historical customs and settings of the time periods makes it feel like stepping back in time. Descriptive details are given from everything from methods of travelling, trade at the time, how brides where sought in rural towns, etiquette at the time to be practiced, courtship, marriage, what was fashionably worn, and so much more, made the historical setting a huge success in “Brides of Seattle” series.
* Characters are depicted realistically true, putting their heart on their sleeves in the hope to find love, showing their warts and all. It made the characters of Lucy and Drew easier to relate to, and invoke a hope in their shared outcome for happiness. One of the most endearing characteristics was shown by Lucy, who from the very first sight of meeting Drew, she became a mess, falling over things. Such a characteristic showed she was like any other woman who does strange things when around someone of interest. It was also romantic that their love developed from the love at first site, and they both knew in their hearts what they wanted.
* The basic premise of the plot of Mail Order Brides seeking partners was unexpectedly expanded in this series, where rather than a single woman applying for a bride in the mail, this was a larger scale plot, where one hundred women were sought to become wives for the men in a rural timber logging town in Seattle. This uniqueness made the story more entertaining and diverse, something that definitely wasn’t anticipated. In addition, the element of terror and suspense was added to the plot, where Lucy’s life was under threat (no spoilers!). This brought more depth to Lucy and Drew’s story and added to the strength of their marriage vows.
I recommend “Mail Order Mayhem – Brides of Seattle” series, book 2, to all readers who enjoy historical romance, with the added spice of suspense. I look forward to reading the next in the “Brides Of Seattle” series, eager to see how the brides go up against the many suitors, and who captures the attention of the next Talbot brother.
I reviewed this book voluntarily from an advanced copy.
Mail Order Mayhem
What a wonderful series by Cynthia Woolf. When an ad came out that mail order brides were needed to go west to Washington, Lucy Davidson decided to take a chance. With her best friend she began a journey with other women who had seen the same ad put in the paper by the Talbot Brothers. Drew Talbot along with his brothers own a logging company and to keep the men happy need the new brides to come to their neck of the woods in Washington. Drew, wanting to find a bride for himself, becomes attracted to Lucy and she to him on the journey. But as fate would have it, there are several incidences that get in the way. Lucy witnesses a murder and is stalked by the unhinged killer so Drew tries to keep her safe. This story is full of suspense, new beginnings and a romance that will keep you captivated until the very end. This can be read as a standalone but I intend to read all books in this series because I know they will be a continuation of this wonderful journey for the bride’s to be.
Having read the first book in this series, I was interested to see how Mail Order Mayhem would pan out. Rachel was the leader and Lucy her follower, so when Rachel decides that she is not going to sit around waiting for a husband to happen, she persuades Lucy to join her in answering an advertisement to apply to be part of the group of 100 brides going to Seattle. Lucy is normally a light-footed, graceful person, but for some reason in the presence of Drew Talbot she becomes clumsy and accident prone, much to his amusement. However, when Lucy witnesses a murder and becomes a victim, nothing will prevent Drew from going after her and doing everything in his power to protect her. In this sweet, clean romance the author aptly portrays the trauma experienced by a victim and Lucy’s reaction to her abduction is very realistic, as is Drew’s protectiveness towards her. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, and although the two overlapped to some extent, it was nevertheless a standalone with a happy ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.