ELLA HUNTER never thought she’d be a mail-order bride. But when she sees a photo in the Marriage Gazette of the man she believes killed her brother, Ella agrees to marry the Civil War soldier turned cowboy. Prepared to confront a cold-hearted killer then return home, she finds all her expectations dashed when her intended husband appears to be a good man. Ella’s loyalties are torn between … appears to be a good man. Ella’s loyalties are torn between honoring the memories of her family and her undeniable attraction to Ty Haven.
TY HAVEN needs a wife. The ranch he runs in the wilds of Wyoming Territory could use a woman’s influence. Frankly, so could he. So when Ella arrives like a gift tied up in a cornflower-blue hair ribbon, more intelligent, practical, and, yes, beautiful, than he could have imagined, he hopes she will give him and the West a chance. Turns out, he doesn’t just need a wife. He needs Ella. But she has a secret, and it might destroy their marriage almost before it’s begun.
Can the unforgivable be forgiven? What will the cowboy ranchman do when he learns why…THE MAIL-ORDER BRIDE CARRIES A GUN?
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Ella Hunter is a mail-order bride but only because she thinks the man she is marrying is the man who killed her brother. She expects a cold-hearted killer but she finds an unexpectedly sweet man who is just trying to make a life. Ty Haven needs a wife, but doesn’t expect to fall head over heels for her. But will the past get in the way of their marriage.
This was a quick and fun read. I adored Ella. She was smart, sassy, and had hilarious curse words. She is terrified of happiness though, especially with a man. I loved how welcoming the Haven brothers were of her and how they taught her the importance of family. Ty is a protective and kind man. He fosters orphans because he knows that all they need is someone to give them a chance, like he was given. I loved this ragtag family and how they all work together to keep the ranch going.
I really want to read the rest of this series now because I just loved all the Haven brothers. They were each so unique and fun. I know I will be reading the next book because I need to know what happens with Boone because his parts in this book were heartbreaking. If you are looking for a fun historical romance this is the book for you.
I feel like I just ate a full, satisfying meal after reading this book.
It had great main characters, both with their own emotional scars but putting one foot in front of the other. The longer Ella was around Ty, the more attracted she became to him. She also began hoping that there was more to the story of her brother’s death and his saber. As she watches him with his brother/second chance boys she sees a side to him that really makes her wonder. One minute her mind is made up that she was leaving in the spring and the next, she wanted to stay.
The emotional tug of war for both of them was so well done.
The other men and boys at the ranch added so much more to the story and Seth is at least one of the boys struggling almost as much as Ella is.
I just felt like the author did a really good job building the personalities, challenges and pasts for each one of the people in the story. I also want to credit the author with grabbing my attention right away with a really great title for this book.
What was an unexpected surprise was when Boone, one of the “brothers” from the ranch shows up with more of his story included. He is a gunslinger looking to get out of the game. Things really hit the fan when one of his brothers signed him up for a mail order bride. Then things really go south after he marries Margaret Lily. But not at first, you see Margaret has a few dangerous secrets of her own. This is a really interesting story line that won’t be finished in this book. “Gunslingers Don’t Die (Brides of Sweet Creek Ranch Book 2)” continues that story. I’ve got to be honest and say that I will be following that story soon.
Overall I was really happy with how the book ended. Well, except for that
black-hearted wannabee land baron, Blackwell. Can someone please do something about him WITHOUT getting hanged for it?
Good book and nice side characters
This was an interesting book, I liked the story line. I will be looking for more of Ms Thomas’ books!
Great read. Just cant wait until this author is featured again.
Enjoyed this story.
Very different angle and enjoyable read. Great plot and lots of interest!
Great story telling of settling the West. Strong men AND women. Ty was a fine hero!
I like a happy ending
Ella Hunter never thought she would be a mail-order bride. She sees a photo in the Marriage Gazette of the man she believes killed her brother. Ella agrees to marry the Civil War soldier turned cowboy, Ty Haven. She is prepared to confront a cold-hearted killer and return home, but she finds her expectations dashed when he appears to be a good man. Ella’s loyalties swing between honoring memories of her family and her undeniable attraction to Ty. He needs a wife, and the ranch could use a woman’s influence. Ella arrives with a cornflower-blue hair ribbon and is intelligent, practical and beautiful. Ty hopes she will give him and the West a chance. Ella’s secret might destroy their marriage almost before begun.- Ella is sweet and strong. Ty is kind, loyal, and honest. I liked the characters and the story, but it drug to me. Part of it was a set up for the next book in the series.
A great story of forgiveness and second chances.
Clean read predictable but good
Old fashion clean story with a little romance.
A fun read.
Tough women and good men. Love western romances.
The Mail-order Bride Carries a Gun by Wanda Ann Thomas
July 8, 2019
5 stars
Oh My! I laughed so much from the boys antics! This had some wonderfully fun moments as well as a few desperate and sad situations! I can’t wait to read more about Ella, Ty, Maggie, Boone, Seth, Billy, and the whole family of Sweet Creek Ranch!
The story was full of interesting characters (lots of them) and the events were unusual but believable. A feel-good book centered on courage, loyalty to family members and romantic love. Suitable for young readers. Language was definitely PG. Sexual desire was there but not over-described and violence was left to the imagination of the reader, appropriate to their own age and experience. Well written, the plot unfolding through the ‘his or her’ POV of the romantic couple.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. THE CHARACTER WERE GREAT
good story, kept my interest
If I read it, it was excellent !!!!! I READ IT. JAK,jr.