The Wilderness Is a Great Place to Hide Jacqueline Rivers manages a Pony Express station in 1860 Utah territory after her father’s death. There are daily stresses placed on her in this unconventional role–and now a government official is asking her to sniff out counterfeiters. When Elijah Johnson passes through on the stage while on an exhausting quest to find his boss’s heir, he doesn’t want … heir, he doesn’t want to leave the beguiling station manager. In fact, he may never leave when caught in the crossfire of the territory’s criminal activities. Jackie can’t decide if Elijah is friend or foe. Can she remain strong when secrets of the past and present are finally unearthed?
Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse.
More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)
The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1836 Texas (February 2019)
The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1849 San Francisco (April 2019)
The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1860 Utah territory (July 2019)
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Ms. Woodhouse has written another awesome book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. In this book, Ms. Woodhouse has entwined a wonderful story along with the Pony Express. Jacqueline Rivers (“Jack”) manages an Express station that was originally managed by her father who has passed away. Marshall Rivers is the only father she has known until circumstances, and a young man named Elijah, come waltzing into her life. Jack finds herself in new territory when she becomes enamoured by this young man and he so to her. When forged Treasury notes come into play and some weird happenings, things get a little dicey at the station. Charles Vines is a sinner who has found the Lord and now he wants to find his daughter. As events come together, new bonds are formed and surprises amast. Loved this historical fiction read!
A man looking for his missing wife and daughter, chased away by his terrible choices. A young woman finding her place after her father dies. This book combines mystery, danger, history, and God’s grace into a story worth staying up late to read. Jack wants to keep her business running and family together after the death of her father. She never expects to find so much more the day the stage coach drops off two finely dressed men at her stop. One man is looking for the daughter his partner and mentor lost 26 years earlier to terrible choices. The other has a dangerous mystery and enlists Jack to help him solve it and find forged treasury notes. Amidst the danger and questions, love starts to grow. They have a family made up by choice and not blood, with the Pony Express riders joining the station master (Jack) in a close family group that stands the tests each day brings.
I love stories that give me glimpses into history. While enjoying this story, you also get information on the Pony Express and how it operated. The characters are believable and fitting to the time period represented in the book. The characters have both strengths and flaws that make them intriguing and believable. They all wrap together to make a book I had trouble putting down. Kimberley Woodhouse has done a fantastic job with her research of past days. The mystery adds a different level that keeps the story moving, looking for the final answer. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved this other book from Kimberley Woodhouse! I just read Golden Bride and loved it.
And I couldn’t wait but immediately go to The Express Bride for more history, love and adventures!
The Pony Express, set in 1860, even though I know it existed, I had never read a story about it so this was especially interesting in the historical side. Ms. Woodhouse is excellent at historical detail and at making you feel right at home in the era and place the story takes place.
Jacqueline “Jack or Jackie” is running a Pony Express station after her father’s death. She loves her work and “her boys” but she knows a marriage proposal will never arrive this way, but what can she do? She has her own burden and now the government official is asking her to sniff out the counterfeiters.
Then she meets Elijah, who’s in the Pony Express searching for his Boss’s Heir. Elijah is totally hooked by the pretty station manager and wants to know her more. And after discovering criminal activity, how can he leave her without protection? But Jackie seems to resist his charms, will she trust him? Especially when secrets from the past come out to the open?
This was a wonderful story as all of Ms. Woodhouse’s novels! They engage me from page one, and this one was just like that until the end. Action, Mystery, Intrigue, Sweet Romance, Deep and Compelling characters. What else do you need?
I loved Jackie and Elijah, both strong minded but kind and compassionate. The romance waas very sweet and clean.
there are references to faith, nothing too preachy, which help the characters know they have to trust God and ask for guidance in their daily decisions. It was definitely inspiring too!
I definitely recommend it! There isn’t a Daughters of the Mayflower book that I haven’t liked, even more loed (I’m a big historical fan) but Kimberly’s have been special. And this one was fantastic. A must read!
can’t wait for the rest of the books in the series! They are all awesome and from so different eras from American History.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
The Express Bride is about a woman, Jacqueline Rivers, who has taken over running a Pony Express and stage coach station in Utah territory after her father’s death around 1860. She loves her life, her work, and the “family” (the Pony Express riders she cares for) surrounding her. She soon encounters Elijah Johnson, a man who has been sent on a mission by his wealthy boss to find his long lost daughter. As Elijah searches for the truth, his discoveries threaten to change everything Jacqueline thought she knew about her life.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Express Bride. The characters are likable and relatable, and the story is captivating. I appreciated the characters’ outward expressions of faith and their acknowledgement of their dependence on God’s grace. And besides being a lovely story of restoration, redemption, and forgiveness, it was full of action, mystery, and suspense, as the characters are also trying to uncover the truth behind a forgery scandal and murders related to it. Overall, it was an exciting book that I couldn’t put down. I would certainly recommend this book, especially to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and clean romance.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Can the truth set anyone free in the wilderness of the Utah Territory?
Jacqueline Rivers is determined to continue managing her legacy; a home station for the Pony Express which doubled as a way station for the stagecoach line. She didn’t exactly lie when she wrote the express owners, but she didn’t exactly divulge her gender either, signing her missive “Jack”, explaining how her beloved father had recently passed away.
Elijah Johnson has traveled many miles on behalf of his wealthy mentor and employer, searching the wide open western expanse for clues about the whereabouts of the man’s missing daughter. After Elijah decides to remain in Carson Sink Station in order to regroup, he begins to enjoy time spent with the young station manager; Jackie Rivers is smart, savvy, a good cook, and mighty lovely on the eyes. But before they can untangle all the coincidences that suddenly rise to the surface, they are caught in the middle of some very nasty business.
” . . . but we glory in tribulation.” Patience. Then hope. And just possibly forgiveness.
What a wonderful peek into the history of the Pony Express; hard working people who took their job very seriously. Insert two lonely hearts and some unfortunate, odious behavior; it’s no wonder that author had plenty of material for this heartwarming addition to the “Daughters of the Mayflower” series.
There’s something about Woodhouse’s books that make me fall in love with storytelling all over again.
The way she researches everything to perfect detail just so it can be accurate for the readers.
The way she explores her characters and finds their deepest vulnerabilities so we can connect to them.
Mrs. Woodhouse inspires me to do the same.
She’s a dedicated author, one whom I’m proud to be reviewing for.
I adored the book from the beginning. Starting with a heart racing escape, I knew this book was bound for adventure.
My assumption was correct.
Criminals and spies and treasure hunts filled this book, but did not cloud the romance and friendships and the faith stories! Rather, they were all ingredients to a special recipe.
Learning about the Pony Express was truly a treat. I have admired the endeavor for awhile and was so excited to learn the Express Bride focused on a woman running a way station.
It was incredible to be able to read about the riders and their experiences, (though I’m sure a few were exaggerated. 😉 )
Woodhouse has a way of placing you in the scene–I love her descriptions. Both of people and scenes.
Though at times I felt some story lines could have been expounded upon more. I felt like they were rushed in a hurry to end the book and were resolved too quickly.
But overall the major storyline ran throughout the book and I didn’t have any problems with it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jackie and Elijah’s story of redemption; their willingness to find out the past, but move on with the future; and their deep ability to love.
I close this book with a sigh and a thank you to the author for this beautiful story.
I will cherish it always.
-Rebekah
I highly recommend you grab The Express Bride now!
**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**
This was a sweet historical with a bit of danger, mystery, and a dash of romance. The characters were easy to like and the story was unique and offered a glimpse into the fascinating workings of the Pony Express. An enjoyable read if you are looking for a light historical fiction novel!
Another wonderful story in the Mayflower Brides Series! In this book Jaqueline Rivers has recently lost her father and in his stead is running a Pony Express stop and boarding house. She’s great at it and loves it, but when a couple men show up at her door step everything she knows comes into question. I enjoyed the characters in this book. They’re authentic and quite likeable. The story moves along nicely. It’s easy to read and full of interesting history about the Pony Express. I especially loved the spiritual content of this book! Very well done and moving! I really enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Express Bride is the ninth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series but can be read as a stand alone novel as there is only a brief mention of the family genealogy. This in no way takes away from the story.
In 1860 in the Utah territory a young woman loses her father and gains a way station for stagecoaches as well as the Pony Express station. Jackie has grit. She can handle this along with her mostly teenage crew.
Elijah Johnson is on a mission that brings him to the middle of nowhere and the midst of sinister criminal activity. This is not what he’d bargained for as secrets begin to unfold and threaten his life.
I enjoyed the storyline and the reminder of how difficult and demanding the Pony Express was on mere youths. Kimberley Woodhouse’s themes included intrigue, adventure, abuse, romance, and forgiveness, lots of forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This book drew me in quickly. I loved reading about the Pony Express and exactly how they carried it out. I have read a little about the Pony Express but this book pointed out the details which to me were interesting.
Secrets that were kept for years coming to light and a woman running the Express but it even gets better. A sweet romance, a mystery of counterfeit money, adventures, dangers, getting shot, and “who did it?” is always a great read. I’m not going to leave out the spiritual aspect of the story. Bad guy turning good when he realizes God is what he needs. Forgiveness is a strong thread in this story which several people needed. I loved this story of Jackie and Elijah and her family. I really liked all the little guys that rode for the Pony Express. They were so loyal to “Jack”.
And oh the ending was wonderful.
If you’ve not read The Daughters of the Mayflower Series this could be a starting point. I have read some more of them but I got to go back and read a couple more. Each story stands on its own but some of the same characters are mentioned sometimes in some of the other books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publisher/Author and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Express Bride, by Kimberley Woodhouse, is the ninth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series that is written by a variety of authors. Although there is a thread of continuity in the books through a family tree, each of the books is easily read as a stand-alone story. Ms. Woodhouse has written three other books in the series, The Mayflower Bride (#1), The Patriot Bride (#4), and The Golden Bride (#8). She does a great job of bringing American history to life as she creates interesting and authentic scenes that make the reader feels like they are right there in the middle of the action. The Express Bride tells a story about the Pony Express and how it worked and some of the difficulties that were encountered by those who were involved with it. I enjoyed the family camaraderie between Jack and the Express riders. The sweet romance between Jacqueline and Elijah is engaging and delightful to watch especially as the secrets of the past are revealed and dangers and criminals turn up. The characters are vivid and lovable and their growth and maturity throughout the story is realistic. And with a strong thread of faith in God throughout, the book is also inspirational as the reader can see how God’s hand is at work in the lives of the individuals enabling them to forgive and reconcile and even find love when they aren’t looking for it. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading this latest story in the daughters of the Mayflower collection. Set in Utah during the height of the Pony Express, we are invited to a front-row seat to the running of a Pony Express stop. The story is fast-paced, with an air of mystery and a sweet, slow blooming romance.
Jacqueline (Jack) Rivers is a strong, capable young woman who knows what needs to get done and isn’t afraid to see that it is taken care of. She is a hard-worker, and more than willing to pick up the mantle of running the Pony Express stop when her father dies. She is the kind of heroine that you love to read about. The other characters fall a little short in my estimation. I would have liked to have felt more of a connection with them.
If you enjoy historical stories, with a strong female lead, a hint of mystery and a sweet tender romance, then this is just the story for you! Each of the stories in The Daughters of the Mayflower series stands alone. However, it is fun to read them and learn more about each time period in history that they take place in.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
The Express Bride is another fabulous addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower. This story involves the Pony Express. I found the books to be fun and engaging. It is not long and I had no problem having it read in just a few hours.
I give The Express Bride four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who love clean, historical fiction. I loved it and believe it should not be missed.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I have read all the books in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I love historical fiction and these books are so interesting. I don’t believe I have read anything about the Pony Express since I was in grade school. Woodhouse brought out interesting facts about the Pony Express and painted a word picture of how it operated. She did her research well. Our main female character is Jacqueline who is running the Express since her daddy died. She has always gone by the shortened version of her name, “Jack,” as they all call her. In a way she is being deceptive, but she doesn’t know what else to do as this station has always been her home. As there are no future husbands in her future, she will continue doing the only thing she knows to do. Then a man on a mission seeking to find a run away mother and child for his employer who is dying, comes to the Express station. This mystery makes a delightful read that will keep readers engrossed for hours. The novel has action, adventure, heart, romance and a beautiful story of forgiveness that faith in God brings about……..Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I learned so much from this story about the Pony Express. I loved the characters and how they worked with each other. I loved how Jacqueline was so strong and how her father became a better person. I loved the history and the story. I could not put this story down. This series just keeps getting better. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
This is the 9th book in this series, but I’ll admit this is only the 4th one I have read of the nine. This series involves books by different authors, and no offense intended to the others, but Woodhouse is a favorite author of mine, so of could I’d read hers. I’ll also admit when I first saw the title, I thought it was about a woman who got married really fast…express….
And I’ll admit my eyes watered at the ending, and a couple of other times during the book.
The book is actually about the Pony Express, something that has always intrigued me and that I enjoy reading about. From what I know of it, Woodhouse did a great job on the setting and on describing the workings of a Pony Express station.
Characters can make or break a story, and this one had plenty to like. There’s Jacqueline, running the Pony Express station, cooking, taking care of her 14 year old adopted brother, and overseeing several other teenage boys who are the riders. Elijah is the hero of the story, and is a very likable hero. Michael, the adopted brother is also a great character, and reminded me a bit of Thomas in the Heart of Alaska series.
Then there is Charles Vines, very bad guy turned good, showing God can indeed redeem and save anyone.
The Express Bride had more suspense and mystery in it than the previous books in this series, with a counterfeiting ring going on, which made me like the book even more.
No book of this kind would be complete without the romance. I avoided romance novels for years, except romantic suspense…I could stand it as long as someone was trying to kill someone…..but I actually blame (or credit?) this author with me reading romance again and liking it. In these books, you know the hero and heroine are going to end up together, but it is fun seeing how it happens….and in this book, it happens amid the goings on of the Pony Express station, a counterfeiting ring, and a search for a missing daughter.
Something I appreciate in Woodhouse’s books: she usually, maybe always, has the characters focus on some passage of Scripture and brings out some truths about it. She said in an online video about her last release with Tracie Peterson that it is usually something she has been studying herself. In this book, the passage was Daniel, and she did bring out some interesting thoughts about it through her fictional characters, one with a really cool name…….Mark…. 🙂
Prior to this book, the Patriot Bride was my favorite book in this series. The Express Bride has pushed the Patriot Bride to second place. Woodhouse will have a hard time topping this one if there is more to come from her in this series.
I did enjoy this book a lot, and especially enjoyed reading about the Pony Express. It makes me wish I hadn’t sold my Young Rider’s DVDs… a show about the Pony Express.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Once again, Barbour Books shows how right the decision to feature a series of books called Daughters of the Mayflower. The Express Bride by Kimberly Woodhouse is the ninth in the series, and is stunningly well-written.
It is 1860 in Utah Territory, the Pony Express is up and running, pun intended.
The Pony Express was rather short-lived but that seems to be the result of more and improved train routes. Following her father’s untimely death, Jacqueline Rivers runs a station in Utah Territory, despite the fact that women were not permitted to serve in that capacity, Jack does quite well and is well liked by the riders.
Signing her name Jack, her father’s nickname for her, allows her to continue in this capacity. When she learns counterfeiters are in the area, she agrees to assist with capturing the culprits, putting herself in harms way.
Elijah Johnson is on the hunt for his employer’s long lost daughter, stops at Jack’s outpost. After learning Jack is running the outpost and that counterfeiters are at hand, he delays moving on, finding himself attracted to the beautiful young woman.
Adventure and secrets abound in The Express Bride, a historical romance I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy delving in to this Daughters of the Mayflower series. Yes, these books compose a series, but each installment can be read as a standalone, so feel free to jump in at any time! This latest book, The Express Bride, is an excellent contribution to the set, taking place during the Pony Express period of American history. Featuring our heroine – owner of a Pony Express station – and hero – a man on a mission to find his boss’s long lost family – readers will be immersed in the adventure, intrigue, and twists along the way. Full of rich history, an entertaining story, a bevy of colorful characters, and a message of forgiveness, this novel will take you for a ride full of promise.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
It’s amazing how enjoyable the Daughters of the Mayflower series have been! Barbour Publishing has done such a fine job with the various writers starting with the Mayflower era, now this one, The Express Bride ending in 1861 and the series is continuing. I was excited to read this one since it happens during the short time the Pony Express was in action and I loved learning about how it was run. What an adventure it was! Talk about exciting times!
In The Express Bride, it starts out with a beautiful young woman escaping spousal abuse while clutching to her newborn baby as they race off in a carriage. I was hooked immediately. The story advances to young and lovely Jacqueline (nicknamed Jack) who runs one of the stops for the Pony Express since her father died recently and she’s taken over the job. “Jack” is around guys all the time, hence the nickname from her dad.
A handsome young man, Elijah, commissioned by his boss and dear friend, came by in one of his many stops out west, looking for the long lost wife and daughter of his employer. ” Jack” was immediately attracted to him and vice versa. Their story is very special.
There is good action in this book, as well as mystery which involve some counterfeiters and also the search from Elijah’s employer, that kept me glued.
This is a very good book and I recommend it! Good clean romance and adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
4.5 Stars
The Express Bride is book nine in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. If you’re only just hearing about the series, first, where have you been? And second, know that you can read these books in any order. They are tied together by the lineage of the women, but each book stands on its own.
Kimberley Woodhouse delves into a lesser known (and short) area of American history in this book. If you haven’t guessed by the title and description, it’s set at a Pony Express home station.
Woodhouse’s descriptions of the station and the riders coming in and out, the small family they’ve formed out in the middle of the wilderness, along with the mystery of the treasury bonds and the suspense of when she will discover the truth of her parentage made this another favorite of mine in the series.
The characters are well developed and immediately become friends to the readers. Plus, Woodhouse doesn’t shy away from saturating this book with some spiritual truths. Fascinating and educational while romantic and entertaining, The Express Bride is a book you won’t regret diving into.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.