THE SUBSTITUTE WIFE, Book One HARRISON . . . Once his fortune in silver mining is secured, Harrison Carter finally sends back home for his fiancée. It’s been four years since he’s seen Jenny.But it’s Retta Pierce, Jenny’s sister, who arrives by stagecoach with young daughter Adeline in tow. When this lovely, soiled dove brings devastating news and a written plea from Jenny to marry and care for … from Jenny to marry and care for Retta and little Addie, what’s a good man to do?
RETTA . . .
Fulfilling her dying sister’s request, Retta travels across dangerous territory to marry a man she barely remembers. But the hard miner who meets her at the stagecoach surely isn’t the same one her sister claimed was kind and honorable, a gentleman who’ll embrace her and her daughter as if they were his own. Has she made a mistake she’ll pay for, the rest of her life?
TWO PEOPLE . . .
Thrown together in shared sorrow, Harrison and Retta struggle to forge a life in the brand-new state of late-nineteenth-century Colorado.
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This was a nice western romance to read to give me a break from a paranormal series I am rereading. I am slowly getting back into westerns. They were one of the first romance genres I read and I regret pushing them to the side for other genres.
Overall I really liked this slow building romance. I am moving on to the second book because I want to know Frank and Cats story.
Warning – Hints of abuse/assault off page.
This is a wonderful start to a series. Harrison and Retta are endearing characters with great chemistry. There are many endearing characters in this well written story. I would love to read more about them. The storyline is character driven but, it also has an intriguing storyline. There is suspense and danger along with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages until the end. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Partnering with his brother, Harrison finally has his mine operational and his home built. He’s ready for his fiancee, Jenny, to make the trek west and become his wife. Unbeknownst to him, Jenny is terminally ill and sends her sister in her place. Rhetta arrives in the Colorado town, with her young daughter, certain Harrison will send her home. To her surprise, and his, he honors Jenny’s request and marries Rhetta. While it’s not love at first sight, the two are somewhat attracted to each and learn to get along. With the hazards of Harrison’s mine and the scheming of a vile saloon owner, Rhetta and Harrison forge a path toward trust and stability, toward a marriage of love.
There is a second romance to this story involving Harrison’s brother, Frank and saloon singer, Cat, which I hope to read soon, as I found both characters as interesting. (Frank and Cat’s story: The Dance Hall Wife)
There are some explicit sexual terms and lovemaking scenes, and a scene where the villain tries to attack the heroine that may not be suitable, or likable, to everyone. All in all, I found this an enjoyable story and Rhetta and Harrison very likable.
A slow pace romance. Not many in depth feelings to let you see the relationship build. It’s cutesy and entertaining, as well as ending on a happy note. So I would recommend for a light read.
I enjoyed this Western historical novel. Will mot likely read the sequel as I enjoy serial stories and real like the main characters.
At first this story upset me for the fact there was some deceit. I really didn’t like how the story began and that the characters just married without getting to know one another, but the plot was good. It was a good story to read.
If you love Westen Romance This one’s for you. This is the first book I’ve read in the Little Creede series. Generally, Western Romance isn’t my thing, but I loved The Innocent Wife for the well-done plot, the cast of characters, and the historical accuracy, (I really love correct historical detail.) They have created a loveable, liveable world in Little Creede. Now I have to go back and read the first two. Five Stars.
I was given an ARC of the book in return for a fair review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read the next two also.
Loved the characters. Our hero really Was a hero when it came to loving a child who wasn’t his, and not questioning his wife’s virtue inbearing a child out of wedlock.
Sweet book
Sweet love story.
A twist on the mail order bride scenario. Fun read.
This is a perfect book for when you don’t have time to put much thought into your reading. The book was very predictible.
I really liked the book, liked how they worked everything out
really well written book. Life is full of surprises!
I loved how the author made the main gentleman character a very nuanced person and I loved the conflict of his story. The antagonist couldnhave been developed a bit more.
Highly recommend reading this book !
Great read
Liked it and even bought the next two books. Clean which is always appreciated. Author used a couple of phrases repeatedly that bothered me a bit. Not bad. Like he dimpled instead of just he smiled. And teased stead of worried….picky I know. But still liked the action and twists
I throughly enjoyed this book