She needs a place to hide—he needs a woman’s touchRand Stafford isn’t looking for true love. He’d ridden that trail until his fiancée left him with a shattered heart. What he needs now is a wife to help him care for his orphan nieces. Desperate, he sends an advertisement to a Baltimore newspaper and hopes for the best.Fleeing her former employer who would use her to further his unlawful acts, a … further his unlawful acts, a newspaper advertisement reads like the perfect refuge to Carly Blair. The idea of escaping the city, the intrigue, and the danger to hide herself on a cattle ranch in Kansas is her best shot for freedom.
But its sanctuary comes with a price—a husband. While marrying a man she doesn’t know or love means sacrificing her dreams, it’s better than being caught by the law.
Or is it?
more
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely story with his attention to historical detail. A new twist on the mail order bride trope kept me engaged and turning the page. I loved both Carly and Rand, their care and respect toward others, their work ethic, and their desire to do what is best for others. The villains were excellent, making for great conflict! I’m definitely looking forward to more from this new author!
I was one of those who thought that the mail-order bride story had been done to death – but! – then came “Mail-Order Refuge” and changed my mind. I loved the humor, the spunkiness, and the bit of suspense that all rolled together in this story. The author kept tossing things in the characters’ paths that kept me turning the pages and rooting for them to win. This is the author’s first published book, but I’ll be watching for her next one.
“She needs a place to hide—he needs a woman’s touch…”
Perhaps they’ll find love along the way? Mail-order bride stories are some of my favorite and I think Cindy Regnier did a fantastic job of telling Rand & Carly’s tale! She weaves a story that begins with marrying for necessity but turning into something deeper and meaningful in the end. She throws in a dash of danger to keep it exciting, three young children to endear the reader and plenty of happenings to up the pace. This isn’t your typical boring romance story but an adventure to engage your senses and warm your heart in the end. I loved each character and how they formed a makeshift family with strong bonds and plenty of love to go around. My hats off to the author for an exciting story that kept me reading to the last page, I hope she has more coming!
*I received complimentary copy from the author and wasn’t obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Mail Order Refuge – Cindy Regnier – I have a thing for mail order bride troupes, and I really enjoyed these characters. There is plenty of baggage in everyone’s past to keep you on your toes. Happy Reading!
This book is a hard four Star book. It was a well written mail order bride romance with a hint of a mystery. The historical accuracy of this book was very good. The verbiage was spot on. Be aware this is a very clean book and while I like some heat in my books this was still very good.
Squeal! I’m gushing over this one, as it has the perfect amount of humor, romantic tension, adorable children, and some unsavory past love interests. I can’t imagine how scary it would be to travel to a distant location and immediately wed someone you had never met. This book gives great insight into what it would be like to start all over because of unfortunate circumstances. Faith is woven in to complete the all around great story. The storyline flows quickly and never loses interest. I enjoyed the characters immensely and the details in ranch living were an added bonus. This is my first read by this author but I will definitely be looking for more.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.m
These two had a lot of bumps to overcome to get their happily ever after. Carly has to trust then trust in what she believed and felt for Rand. Rand has to open his idea of a perfect life to include not just needed help with his nieces and the house upkeep. Add in both their ex’s and you got a tale to tell
This was a great book that pulled me in from the beginning and wouldn’t let go. Both Carly and Rand have secrets that they are keeping from each other. Those secrets seem to keep them apart most of the story, but despite the secrets their feelings start to grow. I enjoyed the mystery of the characters past. The way the story weaved together was surprising. I recommend this book to those that love mail-order bride romance with a little adventure and a little suspense.
I enjoyed this historical romance set in the Flint Hills of Kansas. I liked Rand right off the bat when Carly tripped. And I liked the way he accepted Tommy without making a big fuss. I also enjoyed the author’s attention to historical accuracy. This heartwarming story has fun characters, sweet romance, and believable adventure and for me that makes a good book.
I loved this endearing mail-order marriage story filled with tenderness and sweet love!
I’m fascinated by the women who ventured into the unknown by becoming a mail-order brides. How were they brave enough to marry a man they hadn’t met? Mail-Order Refuge gives us insights into the circumstances that could cause a lady to accept this type of arrangement. Artist Carly Blair has found herself in a comprising situation and must find a way to provide for her younger brother. Rancher Rand Stratford needs a woman to care for his two orphaned nieces. A desperate advertisement in the newspaper is the only option available.
These great characters filled my heart with their hopes, fears, and compassion for others. A tangled mystery and villainous threats are woven into the story creating interesting conflict. Carly is a strong woman, caring for the home, the children and a man she comes to love. Rand is quite a hero….giving up his plans to care for his new family. His protectiveness is endearing. The precious children add touches of humor and real-life situations to the story. The Kansas Flint Hills setting recalls times when life was a daily challenge, but softened by simplicity and faith.
If you like historical romances, I highly recommend this special novel of mail-order love. Your heart will be warmed as you turn the pages, then you’ll smile with contentment at the sweet ending. I look forward to more books by author Cindy Regnier!
Favorite quote: “I know I’ve made some mistakes in my life and the Good Lord has forgiven me.”
*I received an e-copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m happy to offer my honest opinion.
Cindy Regnier’s Mail-order Refuge offers a fresh twist to a familiar trope. She sprinkles in equal doses of humor and suspense. I loved watching Carly and Rand fall in love and create a beautiful little family of their own. Here’s a taste of Regnier’s writing:
“The woman clutched the basket so hard she likely squeezed the black walnuts right out of Mrs. Philbrick’s cake. Not the woman. His wife. He blinked as he tried to comprehend the word. He was married. It’d take some getting used to, for sure. At least she’d finally agreed to letting him stow that blamed satchel thing in the back. She’d held onto it since she’d stepped off the train.”
I received a complimentary copy from the author and wasn’t obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.