Book 2 in the Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection—and prequel for the Front Range Brides series—Mail-Order Misfire exposes the heart of a widowed lawman when he meets the bride his nine-year-old daughter wrote for without telling him.Preacher Bern Stidham is a peacemaker—when he’s not carrying one on his hip. His little girl, Gracie, wants a helper for her preacher/sheriff papa and a … her preacher/sheriff papa and a mama for herself, so she writes their former pastor in Missouri asking for a mail-order bride.
Recently widowed dressmaker Etta Collier is a half-step ahead of the banker who carries a lustful eye for her as well as the note on her home. When her pastor receives a letter from little Gracie Stidham, he sees a solution for everyone’s problem and encourages Etta to answer Gracie’s request.
Running from one man’s lecherous pursuit into the home of another she knows nothing about, Etta Collier risks everything to ease a little girl’s loneliness and perhaps find a second chance at love.
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Such a good story by author Davalynn Spencer. You will love the characters in this story, especially young Gracie. What a sweet girl who wants to help her Papa and gain a Mama.
It seemed that Etta and Bern just can’t get their feelings and desires communicated. Either things get in the way, or they just clam up. This can be annoying but Spencer does a great job with two people who need a push. This seriously isn’t your typical mail-order bride story. The author puts so much heart and kindness into it with a bit of spice so it’s not syrupy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
What a sweet story of forgiveness and second-chances!
“… sometimes things just get tangled up in a way we didn’t intend them to.” 😉
Davalynn Spencer is a wonderful author and this story is one of her finest. This is Bern, part time sheriff/part time preacher/father/widower; Etta, a widow; and Gracie, a young girl who has suffered the loss of her own mother, story.. Gracie recognizes her father needs a wife and she needs a mother so she sets about trying to remedy the situation. The character development is excellent and this is a fun story that will keep you turning the pages. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Mail order bride – with a twist
Multiple miscommunications drew Bern and Etta together and threatened to pull them apart. While this generally drives me crazy in a story, Davalynn Spencer made it work – well – in Mail-Order Misfire.
The first miscommunication occurred when Gracie penned a letter, unbeknownst to her father, requesting the pastor in Missouri to help to find him a wife. Bern’s character came through loud and clear in the way he reacted to this news. In the kindness he showed Gracie and the arrangements he made for Etta so she would not end up stranded in a strange Western town.
Bern was a paradox. Preacher and sheriff. Tough and yet tender-hearted. Strong and yet insecure. One of my favorite types of heroes. His love for the Lord and determination to do what was right and just at all times made my heart happy.
Etta’s straightforward manner was refreshing. She spoke what she thought, most of the time. While she wouldn’t consider herself strong, especially after being put in a position where she had to flee and agree to this crazy mail-order business, she really did have a strength that went beyond what was clearly visible.
Gracie was an adorable pre-teen who knew that she knew what her papa needed. At the risk of his displeasure, she had the courage to step out and do what she felt was right. This sweet girl captured my heart with her deep love and ability to see things not evident, like Etta’s need for protection.
Looking back, I see that Davalynn Spencer is one of very few authors I have given only five star reviews. I don’t give them out easily. A story must be beyond merely good. Mail-Order Misfire has the right mix of romance, an accurate sense of taking place in the time and place it claims to be in, and spiritual lessons that are woven naturally throughout.
Lovers of historical, Christian fiction will get a bang out of Mail-Order Misfire.
Read my review of Mail Order Misfire by Davalynn Spencer at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
The main message and blessing I took away from this story, is to be thankful in everything. God has a plan to bless us, even if sometimes we work against His plan. He will prevail.
I really enjoyed this book and its message. I enjoyed the storyline that showed that…even when life seems to be at its worst, God has a plan. Very enjoyable book!
Sparks fly between widowed Etta and part-time sheriff, part-time preacher Bern, a widower. Brought together by the letter from Bern’s daughter, Gracie, who desperately misses her mom, they go from a rocky start to trying to find a second chance at love. Will Gracie’s efforts, aided by friends in their small town, help them cross the barriers they’ve both built to protect themselves, and allow them to find love again? I received a copy of this book by the author. This review is my choice and my own honest thoughts. I have been a fan of Ms. Spencer since I began reading her books.
This book was a breath of fresh air. A sweet western romance with wonderful characters, a captivating story-line and of course a little action, as well.
Bern Stidham was both preacher and sheriff, and widower with a 9 year-old daughter to raise. Unbeknownst to him, his daughter arranged a bride for him. And when the bride, Etta arrives, what is he to do with her?
It was a sweet, happy, clean and Christian read. I just loved it!
I received an ebook copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
This is a well written book that holds your attention from the first page until the last. It is full of emotions and you can’t help but fall in love with Gracie. I enjoyed every minute of this book. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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As I began to read Mail Order Misfire by Davalynn Spencer I knew it would be a good book. She always writes fun stories that hold a few surprises. This book was no different as far as those aspects go. There were a number of unpredictable moments included, as well as some funny tidbits sprinkled throughout. The characters are fall-in-love-with worthy right from the start. I felt as though I was on the journey with Bern, Etta, and Gracie. I became stronger alongside them, and fell in love as well. I appreciated the God moments in this read and felt as if I grew Spiritually with each one. Thank you, Ms. Davalynn, for being an author I can count on to write an awesome book when I need just that in my life!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.