Adam Talbot has his life planned out, and that plan does not include a wife. So why does one woman occupy his mind night and day? He is being trusted to deliver a group of mail-order brides from Massachusetts all the way to the Washington Territory. Karen is one of them. She’s beautiful, smart and has two young children that should scare Adam off faster than an angry rattlesnake.
He was burned at … was burned at the alter, left standing with his heart broken and the whole world laughing when his fiancee eloped with his best friend. A woman is more trouble than he needs. But he’s the moth and she’s the flame. He knows he’s going to get burned. But allowing her to marry another is out of the question. And when a deranged woman from Karen’s past threatens the soft-hearted woman he can’t help but fall in love with–and her two precious little ones–Adam discovers that walking through fire doesn’t burn anymore, not if it gets him what he really needs…his own family.
more
If you want a wonderful mail order bride story, read this one.
I received an advance copy of this book, and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Mail Order Melody is Cynthia Woolf’s fifth book in her “Brides of Seattle” series. Although this is a series, it is not necessary to read the books in sequential order.
This is an historical romance. It takes place in the Seattle territory in 1864. There were very few women there, so many men turned to mail order brides when they were ready to settle down and have families.
The Talbot brothers own a lumber mill in the Seattle territory. When his employees become dissatisfied with their lives, the brothers bring in 100 women from New Bedford, Massachusetts. They set them up in dormitories so the men and women can meet and date each other. In this way they can fall in love with each other naturally .
Karen Martell is a young widow with two young children. She comes to Seattle to find a husband and to help the women. As a medically trained midwife, she plans to use her skills to treat illnesses, injuries and to deliver the babies of the new brides. I like that Karen is a very independent woman who can take care of herself and her two children without a man.
Adam Talbott is one of the brothers who helped bring the women over. He and Karen are instantly attracted to each other. However, Adam’s fiancée eloped with his best friend and left him at the altar. Now, he does not want to have any woman in his life.
On the other hand, Karen is very busy with her children and her work. She does not have time to date anybody.
Then, when Adam finally decides to court Karen, the suspense begins. An irrational, crazy woman from Karen’s past comes to her house to warn her that she will “have my revenge on you.”
Throughout the rest of the book, Karen and Adam must try to figure out how to catch this woman before she seriously harms Karen. However, the woman is very clever and does an excellent job of hiding until she is ready to attack
To further complicate matters, Karen has some serious doubts about Adam and his personality. Because of this, the couple must work out some issues before they can even get close to their happy ending.
I enjoyed the suspense and the realistic characters.
I just loved reading all about the Talbot men, each and everyone had a life story with a life altering moment in their lives. A shattered heart which had them not believing they could love again.
Each and everyone has gotten their soulmate with some challenges they got their much deserved happily ever after.
This was once again a fantastic read with plenty of twists and turns, emotional and intriguing the perfect end to an amazing series.
Can’t wait to read what new adventure Cynthia Woolf has in store for us.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Adam Talbot is helping deliver a group of mail order brides from Massachusetts to Washington. What he does not expect is the attraction he feels for Karen, one of the ladies. Treated badly and left standing at the alter, he is determined there is not place for a woman in his life. Karen has two small children and wants a fresh start in Seattle. There is definately an attraction between them but decide to take it slow. But when someone from her past threatens Karen, things get interesting. Loved this story full of romance and some ups and downs but in the end I just had to smile as I turned that last page!!
Adam Talbot is falling for Karen and her family but has to over come his past disappointment in love to look to brighter future just as Karen is reaching for this for her family. Settle in and read a good tale that brings a smile to your face.
Author’s copy with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
Read in one sitting couldn’t stop reading
Great serie
This is another wonderful addition to the series. It has great characters and a storyline that pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages until the end. I would definitely recommend this book and this series.
“Mail Order Melody” is book five in Cynthia’s Seattle Brides series. Karen Martell is a widow with two small children who loved her husband and she is starting over in Seattle. Adam Talbot was burned by love when his fiancé eloped with his best man and no longer believes in love. Both these people are attracted to each other from the beginning but neither is ready for marriage. They decide to get to know each other and to take their budding relationship slow until Adam’s jealous actions forces them to marry. Things get real interesting when someone from Karen’s past surfaces to cause trouble. The plot is well written, the characters well developed and Larry and Patty are adorable secondary characters. The story has drama, romance and of course a villain. There are a number of issues Adam needs to work on and the threat to Karen and her children adds drama to the storyline. It is the kind of story you can’t put down until the last line because you are hoping there is a HEA. I don’t like to give detail spoilers but I will say the epilogue was a nice surprise. The novel is an enjoyable read that I highly recommend
I received the book in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are your own.
An excellent read, as always, from Cynthia.